Vintage Hamilton repair advice needed

kmacrae001 · 2026-01-18T09:53:19-0600

I am looking for recommendations for someone to work on a vintage Hamilton. I found this watch cleaning out my father-in-laws house and it looks like it received a bad face replacement at point in its history.

I would like to bring it "back to life”?

Any thoughts on what model this might be, or a good repair shop would be greatly appreciated.

ErichKeane · 2026-01-18T09:58:20-0600

Thats definitely a pretty mediocre redial, there is no saving the dial. Either you keep it as is, or you'll have to find a similar one somewhere.

Are there no numbers on the case back? You might have to open it to help get model numbers.

As far as a service, I doubt it is anything particularly challenging, so your 'normal' watchmaker is going to do a fine job at it. IF you don't have one, and want one local, you'll have to tell us where you are so you can get suggestions (OR search the forum!). Else, there are plenty of threads suggesting watchmakers.

kmacrae001 · 2026-01-18T10:20:46-0600

I am in Saint Paul MN, but don't be limited by location if you know a good Hamilton shop elsewhere. I agree with your assessment of the dial and I'm think a new dial is in order. The only question is how much to spend, or consider this one a lost cause.

Larry S · 2026-01-18T10:56:24-0600

There must be watchmakers up there that could get it running for a few hundred. It all depends on case quality, movement quality and model. If this is solid gold and the movement is in good shape there might be a case for dial restoration. You really need to ask yourself if your intend to wear it.

Waltesefalcon · 2026-01-18T16:12:24-0600

The back on this should be a press on and the model name will be on the inside. Hamiltons are very well made watches and easy to work on. Any decent watchmaker will be able to service this one.

Vintage Hamilton repair advice needed

kmacrae001

ErichKeane

kmacrae001

Larry S

Waltesefalcon

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