If the Hamilton Watch Company ever went through it's "awkward teenage years", it would have to be in the mid 1950's. That would make them late bloomers though, since men's wrist watches began 30 years prior. Designs in the 1950s got pretty funky though. If Hamilton ever made an "ugly" watch it was probably in the 1950s.
The 1953 Dixon wouldn't win an ugly watch competition but it does illustrate some of the unique attributes that watches started to exhibit... lots of angle, contours, and aggressive features - kind of like a dog with a spiked collar.
The 1953 Dixon is the second model to share that name. The earlier Dixon was produced in 1935. Other than the name, there are few similarities between the two model. The 1953 Dixon was produced for three years.
The watch was cased in 10K gold filled. The dial is sterling silver and features solid 18K markers and numerals. Tucked behind the dial is Hamilton's' 8/0 sized 747 movement. I guess it's possible that a 1955 version might have a 730 movement - which replaced the 747 in 1955.
One interesting trivia item with the Dixon is in 1955 the dial changed. Can you spot the difference? The dial markers are squares and not elongated diamonds.
My project watch would appear to be a 1955 model, based on the dial. It's a bit beat up and is missing the second hand but looks like it should clean up well. The crystal is plastic - a good clue that it's not original. It's also a "cylinder" and domed from top to bottom, while the catalog shows the crystal is flat.
The case back is engraved with a presentation from "Mom and Dad" from April 1955 - another good sign that this is a 1955 example.
With the bezel removed, you can get a clearer look at the dial. I can tell from the finish that this is an older refinished dial. I can also tell by the little notch on the side of the dial by the 3 marker.
The movement is a 747 caliber. One thing that is interesting is the balance doesn't have straight arms. Instead, they are curved. This was an attempt at shock protection. When the 730 movement was introduced, the big improves was actual shock protection for the balance staff.
The inside of the case back makes identifying the model easy - the name is right there in the back.
With the dial out of the way, check out how dirty the movement is! You can hardly see the pivot on the 4th wheel for the second hand, it's obscured by dust.
While all the parts are in the ultrasonic being cleaned, I'll prep a new glass crystal for installation.
Somehow during the cleaning process the outside layer of the crown lifted off. This is due to the wear on the knurling. Fortunately it's still attached so I'll secure it with a little glue. Eventually it may need to be replaced but it should last for a while.
Okay - everything is nice and sparkly and ready to be reassembled.
With the watch wound up and the balance reinstalled the now-running watch is put on the timer. A quick adjustment should be able speed it up a little.
There... 15 seconds fast per day is a good place to leave it for now.
The finished watch looks great with a new crystal. A replacement second hand is a nice improvement too. It's now ready for some more wrist time.
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