Got lucky on Ebay. Hamilton

[Phasar66]

I think I got lucky. Got this working Hamilton for $51.00 US dollars a few day ago.
it need it a lot of work but it was working. the bracelet was baldly worn out, nothing I can do.
but the case had life on it, the crystal was badly scratched so I resurface the face and polish, then
turn It inside out bevel the edges but no logo took me 2 days to refinish and a new leather band.
What you guys think?

[Kasper]

nicely done, i wonder if the original one has a shiny or matt finish?

but hey for 50 bucks..thats a nice watch. Good choice of band..colors fits perfect.

[retrowrist]

Wow, Positively beautiful! Can you please share your polishing process on the case and the crystal? Very impressed. I plan to restore a couple of old watches, and need some input.

- Patrick

[Phasar66]

Hi Patrick. I'll be happy to share my experiences.
First I didn't knew anything about refinishing before this forum.
using common sense also helps. In addition to what I had learn I made some mistakes.
So here are some tips: I had only done LED watches with the red mineral crystal.
-Try doing a Stainless S. watch first, is more forgiven
-If you are refinishing the case remove the crystal
-Work on the case until you are satisfied with the finish, look carefully
at the case because you are no touching it again until you install the crystal.
To refinish I use 1500 grit 3M wet-dry abrasive paper, then Blue Magic
Metal polish cream follow by Nu Finish Scratch Doctor. This works very good for me.
I don't use any power tools. A used old cotton T shirt works awesome for buffing.

If you want to do a satin finish, the Scoth-Brite green scour pad is the king.
practice straight uniform strokes, that's the key. (see picture, it was done with a pad like this)


The Crystal.
A flat work surface, A flat granite tile is a must.
I found this diamond pads at Harbor Freight tools, they are meant for sharpening knives
but for glass are excellent, I think the finest grit is 600 which is perfect for the initial removal of glass.
then follow with 800,1500 or 2000 grit wet sanding and finish with cerium oxide polishing.
On my Hamilton I flip the crystal inside out then bevel the edges with the diamond file after I
sand and polish the logo side of the Crystal, so now looks like new with a new face.

[retrowrist]

Wow, I am impressed. Thank you so very much for the detailed directions to refinishing. Very impressed. I love that finish on the Pulsar. It does look new.

I will try putting your suggestions to good use.

- Patrick

[azimuth_pl]

very nice Hamilton restoration, congratulations.
just a comment on the finish but it's your own preference - the horizontal lug lines on the case should be brushed for a factory finish.

[Phasar66]

About the brushed finish on the horizontal lugs, to be honest I never had another one like mine in my hands,
and it was hard to tell in the condition it was. But thinking about it will be nice if I had the original bracelet.
with the leather band I think it looks nice all polished.

[azimuth_pl]

I also prefer it polished :)