Vintage Hamilton... A dangerous buy?
Hey everyone! Being inspired by the latest Indian Jones movie I started looking at vintage 40's and 50s Hamiltons. I found an Etsy seller who focuses primarily on refinishing Hamiltons of that era. Some of these designs are just so freaking cool. To have an original Hamilton made in the USA from that era I just think would be incredible, especially for the money. I am leaving a link below to one I am looking at. I don't necessarily want this exact model, but there are tons of cool ones hamilton had put out from that era.
Does anyone know the risks of buying a vintage watch like this? I know there are a lot of risks but I am curious if anyone has actual experience.
14 comments
Sort by
Justin Ray
Entrepreneur and watch collector ⏱️
Fort Collins, colorado
Member since
Last active: 3 months ago
16.76 cm
Well, education and research are a start. We have some folks here like @Davemcc who have forgotten more about Hamilton than I know.
Risks? Sure. Rewards? Most assuredly.
Hamilton, in its American form, was one of the most consequential watch companies in the world. Here is my Roland from 1947. I just had a new crystal put on it.
Hamilton holds its value compared to other American companies, but don't overpay.
Beautiful watches, both of you! 💯I also found my Hamilton Square B from 1929 on Etsy. There’s no risk as long as you buy a watch that’s been fully serviced and restored. Mine runs great for a 90 year old watch.
Also bought this new customized bund strap on Etsy.
The model in the Etsy link above has a strangely refinished dial. It appears that they covered the original dial in a butler finish but taped off the sub-seconds dial, which retains its original finish.
My guess would be that they could not recreate the sub-seconds track so they tried to keep it and painted the rest of the dial.
The dial refinishing market seems to be in flux since International Dial closed it’s doors. I’d suggest passing on something like this and trying to find original dials in very good condition or properly restored dials.
The Hamilton market doesn’t seem to punish sellers of well refinished dials the same way the vintage Rolex, Omega, Patek, IWC, etc. market looks down on refinishes. But I’m not sure there’s a good way to get a dial properly refinished right now.
While the case on my Square B is all original, which is very hard to find in a fully engraved version because most have corner/edge wear, it has a refinished dial, new lume applied and a new crystal.
Beautiful watches, both of you! 💯I also found my Hamilton Square B from 1929 on Etsy. There’s no risk as long as you buy a watch that’s been fully serviced and restored. Mine runs great for a 90 year old watch.
Also bought this new customized bund strap on Etsy.
Yeah I think that’s great! Who cares if it’s fully restored, it’s still the same watch and movement
The model in the Etsy link above has a strangely refinished dial. It appears that they covered the original dial in a butler finish but taped off the sub-seconds dial, which retains its original finish.
My guess would be that they could not recreate the sub-seconds track so they tried to keep it and painted the rest of the dial.
The dial refinishing market seems to be in flux since International Dial closed it’s doors. I’d suggest passing on something like this and trying to find original dials in very good condition or properly restored dials.
The Hamilton market doesn’t seem to punish sellers of well refinished dials the same way the vintage Rolex, Omega, Patek, IWC, etc. market looks down on refinishes. But I’m not sure there’s a good way to get a dial properly refinished right now.
Wow I am really glad you pointed that out, that’s something I never would have noticed. I don’t mind at all if it’s refinished or restored so long as it’s done right and the same original movement, if if it’s been refurbished.
While the case on my Square B is all original, which is very hard to find in a fully engraved version because most have corner/edge wear, it has a refinished dial, new lume applied and a new crystal.
And the movement, is that original/restored at least? I don’t mind a dial re finish… to me that’s the same is re painting a classic car. Does dial refinish mean an entirely different dial?
And the movement, is that original/restored at least? I don’t mind a dial re finish… to me that’s the same is re painting a classic car. Does dial refinish mean an entirely different dial?
No, original dial just cleaned up a bit. The movement is all original as well, simply been cleaned and fully serviced. For a true watchmaker, these old movements are very easy to work on, for the most part. In my opinion you only want to buy an old watch from a watchmaker that’s taken the time to take everything apart and completely serviced the watch.
Because with vintage you never know exactly what you’re getting!
Yes exactly, so it’s just a little more risky that’s all :)
Hey Justin, I bought this from eBay off a watchmaker who refurbished it for me. Happy to pass on details. I have had it about 3 years now and it is amazing 😻
#hamilton #vintage
Wow amazing watch! Does that watch maker do hamilton’s like this often?