To restore or not to restore, that is the question
While at the local flea market today, I can across a vintage Hamilton watch. I usually stay clear of vintage watches due the cost of servicing but this one was too lovely for me to pass up. After popping open the backing, I was able to determine that this beauty was a 1927 Tonneau plain with a 987F movement (thank goodness for the internet!). The crown however is very stiff and it won’t wind so I am pretty much left with a pretty bracelet that tells the correct time twice a day :). My question to the collective is: is it worthwhile to find a vintage watch repair specialist or should I just enjoy the watch as is? From my initial research it doesn’t appear these watches are that rare or expensive so I’d hate to put too much money into them, but it would be pretty cool to be able to wear a watch that is almost 100 years old and still tell the time. And if you are suggesting it to be repairedand have a suggestion of a good/reasonably priced watch repair person, please let me know
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That is a stunning find! I have absolutely no idea how easy it would be to source parts for a 100 year old movement, and I'm pretty sure you wouldn't see a return on your investment so if you did decide to restore it, you would have to view it as a project of love. I wish you all the best, whatever you decide! (@gasworks is one of the go to people for restoration on watchcrunch, maybe he could point you in the right direction).
WD40 on the crown?? May work
I would say it's worth it to get running. It's a nice little piece. Heavy radium lumed markers though. some people don't like to touch that stuff. I'm sure you can find someone local though.
Looks good but will it make money in 20 years? Probably not. Get a quote from a friendly watchmaker to repair or swap out the movement.
It’s a great looking watch, and I’d get it fixed cost be damned. That said, I’ve had no luck locating a repair shop near me, so I’ve no idea how to make that happen.
After a quick search on eBay there are a number of this caliber movement for sale. Many, if not all, need servicing/parts replacing.
Bit of a bodge, but remove the back. If you have any means of magnification, or the eyesight of the $6,000,000 man, see if there is any solidified lube in the jewels.
Dip a cocktail stick in some lighter fuel and clean the jewels pivot points, try the same with the crown shaft.
This is purely to see if you can get it working.
Does the balance wheel spin freely?
It’s a great looking watch, and I’d get it fixed cost be damned. That said, I’ve had no luck locating a repair shop near me, so I’ve no idea how to make that happen.
Maybe reach out to Hamilton museum in Pennsylvania. Maybe they can point you in the right direction.
I love vintage watches like that. Think about the lives that thing has seen and been a part of. Good and bad.
See, that’s a watch that now has a soul. Save it please.
I would get it repaired/serviced, and leave everything else as it is. Lovely watch though
I would say it's worth it to get running. It's a nice little piece. Heavy radium lumed markers though. some people don't like to touch that stuff. I'm sure you can find someone local though.
The radium lume was the first thing that caught my eye. I wouldn’t wear that piece for that reason alone. There’s no reason to dose yourself with additional radiation in today’s world.
A service should do it right. Sounds like your mainspring is gummed up by old oil.
I would work on refurbishing and restoring this stunning watch.
I think it is worth have a watchmaker look at it and give you an estimate. I might just need a service.
I would try and find someone to service it. But I wouldn’t want to refinish the dial. I would also ask to have the case cleaned but not polished.
There’s a chap in London I took my grandfathers watch to who got it working for something like £90. Probably worth it at that level - but finding the person locally to you is the key..
First off beautiful watch. I think it's at least worth finding out if it can be repaired, and then what the cost might be. for example if a local guy can get it running for say $200, maybe that is worth the investment to you (maybe not). But if someone wants $2,000 then maybe that is a hard stop. Good luck. Post here if you do get it running.
I think that a watch like that is worth a reasonable (~$300 or less) restoration. Think of how much money you waste per month on things like fast food, going to the movies, etc. This watch is a permanent thing that will bring you joy for years. Money spent on temporary satisfaction and/or entertainment is gone forever once you spend it, and after a few hours (however long it takes to watch the movie, or to digest the fast food) you have nothing left to show for it.
That's my two cents.