Hamilton “skin diver” super compressor 600 + new Proper Incoming pics

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southtexas

·Nov 26, 2019

Hey guys, I don’t visit this sub-forum too much but I’ve found a really cool watch that you might enjoy to see and maybe point me in the right direction on service.



I have a super-cool incoming—a Hamilton aqua date 600 super-compressor. It looks to be all original, down to the hash mark crowns and tropic brand strap.

On the caseback, is that little triangle engraved next to the model number usual, or was it added by the owner or a watchmaker at some point?

I’m assuming it will need a service and new crystal (unless crystal can be polished). Is there a Hamilton specialist you can recommend to service this? Here are some pics. Thanks in advance.





[/QUOTE]

 

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Dr.Sascha

·Nov 27, 2019

Lovely watch--the calendar on the strap is especially cool. Here's a helpful article about SCs, including a reference dial for your Hamilton (no triangle on the caseback there, so likely added later on yours).

https://wornandwound.com/guide-super-compressors/

One note, the crystals for these are apparently _very_ rare, so I wouldn't hold out hope of finding a replacement. Also, be wary of using the bezel crown too much. My watch guy confirmed what's said in the article, which is that the stem and star gear that drive it are simply not available any more, so that if it breaks, you're SOL.

 

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southtexas

·Nov 27, 2019

Thank you for that article. Very enlightening. I saw another article that gave me 2 generic options for crystals after the guy did a trial-and-error. I looked at ebay, couldn’t find them 😲

Is there anyone US-based who is versed at working on these?

 

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X350 XJR

·Nov 27, 2019·Vintage Omega Aficionado

From a servicing standpoint there is noting special about these, the Hamilton 694A (ETA 2472) movement is petty basic so any competent watchmaker can service them. Unless that's a crack at 5 o'clock the crystal should be salvageable, I recused worse.

 

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n-theory

·Nov 28, 2019

Cool find. I've owned a few of these and I think they're a great, classic design. Also looks even better on the original bracelet if you can find one.

 

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southtexas

·Nov 28, 2019

n-theory

Cool find. I've owned a few of these and I think they're a great, classic design. Also looks even better on the original bracelet if you can find one.

thanks I’m looking for an original steel bracelet, unfortunately I’m not sure which is original. It seems I see this pair most frequently on the Internet?

 

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n-theory

·Nov 28, 2019

southtexas

thanks I’m looking for an original steel bracelet, unfortunately I’m not sure which is original. It seems I see this pair most frequently on the Internet?

Yes. That's the correct bracelet. Here's my old one.

 

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n-theory

·Nov 28, 2019

n-theory

Yes. That's the correct bracelet. Here's my old one.

 

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southtexas

·Nov 28, 2019

Thank you. Is there a name or phrase for that bracelet style? And was yours from JB Champion?

 

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Tristanp

·Nov 28, 2019

Beast of a watch, love it.

 

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Buck2466

·Nov 28, 2019

n-theory

That looks like a Movado logo on the inside of the case back.

 

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Buck2466

·Nov 28, 2019

I see now that is a different watch and 18k.

 

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n-theory

·Nov 28, 2019

Buck2466

That looks like a Movado logo on the inside of the case back.

Sorry posted from phone and fat fingers clicked too many. Gold movado unintentional.

 

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n-theory

·Nov 28, 2019

southtexas

Thank you. Is there a name or phrase for that bracelet style? And was yours from JB Champion?

Can't remember if it's a champion. Sorry

 

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n-theory

·Nov 28, 2019

southtexas

Thank you. Is there a name or phrase for that bracelet style? And was yours from JB Champion?

Just confirmed. It is JB Champion.

 

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southtexas

·Nov 29, 2019

Ok guys it just arrived in the mail so I thought I’d show you some proper incoming pics. My impressions- overall excellent condition.

The bezel functions as designed, watch winds and runs. Date shifts over at 12:15ish. A little Polywatch went a long way with the crystal, but it could use a true buff. Crowns are original hash marked.

Case looks unpolished and sharp, with customary funk in the creases. Caseback fonts look excellent and crisp. You’ll notice 2 small triangles (on case between crowns and on Caseback). Obviously someone needed markers to line up. I don’t have a correct diameter Caseback wrench for this so that’ll wait for another day.

The dial is in excellent condition, with the tritium markers showing some degradation and oxidation. The hands have some oxidation but their tritium survived better than the dial. All glow with equal brightness and fall off at equal rate when hit with black light.

The original Tropic 18mm bracelet is disgustingly original and has 1969 calendar clipped to it. Bracelet has been cut down to size.

Overall a very honest and original watch that has dodged the bullets of modification over the years. I figure it to be late 60’s.

Edited: Nov 29, 2019

 

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Radiumpassion

·Nov 30, 2019

Lovely piece! @southtexas

The EPSA compressor cases often feature a date stamp on the inside of
the caseback, making it possible to do a pretty accurate dating of the watch.

 

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hmmmcamu

·Feb 19, 2020

1966
Hamilton AQUA-DATE
Skin Diver
Super Compressor 600ft.
21 jewel automatic
Hamilton calibre 64A Ref: 64040-3

 

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wasyl

·Apr 4, 2020

I'm interested in replacement crystals? GS, Stella? Sternkreuz? If yes what size and symbol should it be?
Thanks in advance,
Wasyl