Got a HP-01 and got no need for it!

[idefix23]

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum and joined it because i've got a HP-01 from my grandfather.
Heres a picture of it, it needs cleaning and some polishing i guess:



What do you think about the condition?

It was laying around in its brown box for at least 20 years so it wont turn on at the moment, i guess the batteries are all emtpy.
Of course the first thing i want to do now is to replace the batteries to see if the watch is still working.
After that i'm planning to sell it, as i dont need such a vintage watch and not using watches at all ;)
So if it fires up after replacing the batteries, whats the value of it?
And if it stays dead, how much can i charge for it?

Here comes a problem:
Sadly the watch is missing the special opener tool which came with it...
So, is there another way to open these watches without leaving any marks on it?
On several sites i read that it is not recommended to use a common watchmaker tool, as the risk of slipping is very high...
Is there anybody that can help me with this?

[bucko170]

Welcome to the forum and congratulation you have inherited a highly desirable 1977 calculator watch.

The best source of information to be found on the web is here http://www.crazywatches.pl/hewlett-pack ... lator-1977

In working condition the watch will be worth in the region of £750, non-working I would still expect it to fetched around £375 (the box and paper work adds to the value).

A normal watchmakers tool can be used to remove the case back - if you are very careful! If you are not comfortable trying I would suggest taking it to a jewellers shop.

The condition looks quite good, it does have some wear on the front but the logo is still intact which is always a bonus.

[idefix23]

Thanks for your answer bucko.
I'll take your advice and will bring the watch to a jewelry tomorrow.
I'm really looking forward to it and god i hope the watch will work again.

Took a couple of more pictures of it and i actually starting to like the looks of this watch
What can i use to get the plastics of the "keyboard" looking all shiny again?

[richard_uk]

Another tip for back removal.. roll some sticky tape up into a ball, sticky side out, push this against the back and twist. This method won't work every time but it works often in my experience, and no risk of damage from slipping.

[bucko170]

.........What can i use to get the plastics of the "keyboard" looking all shiny again?

One or two of the other forum members specialise in watch refurbishment and that question would be best left for them to answer, hopefully they will jump in shortly and offer advise, with it being a plastic construction I do wonder if some of the plastic car polish products such as 'back to black' would help to get it back looking it's best.

The scratches on the band could also be brushed out.

The biggest threat to the working condition of the watch is going to be from leaking batteries, the leaked acid can cause carnage on the inside of the watch, were the batteries removed for storage?

[idefix23]

I do wonder if some of the plastic car polish products such as 'back to black' would help to get it back looking it's best.

Yeah i was wondering this too as i have loads of this stuff

The biggest threat to the working condition of the watch is going to be from leaking batteries, the leaked acid can cause carnage on the inside of the watch, were the batteries removed for storage?

I have absolutely no idea.
My granddad died a couple of years ago and my grandmom is a terminal case.
Found the brown box laying under a couple of piano-sheets on their old piano....
So sadly theres almost no history to recover for me.
I've found a service-invoice from 1981 by HP but even in that theres no information, its basically just saying "Customer Service" 180DM (these are about 100€ today).

[SASM]

Just in case you want somebody to open the watch with the right tools and without damaging it, you may send it to Dortmund. I have the right electronic equipment to do some testing and moreover I won´t charge for it.

Hanno.

[idefix23]

Just in case you want somebody to open the watch with the right tools and without damaging it, you may send it to Dortmund. I have the right electronic equipment to do some testing and moreover I won´t charge for it.

Hanno.

Thanks for your offer - Danke für das Angebot.
Just been to the jewelry and they said they cant assure me not scratching the back of the watch, so i took the watch and left ;)
(Die haben im allgemeinen auch eher unkompetent auf mich gewirkt, werde da definitv nicht mehr hingehen...).
If i cant find a good jewelry around here i'll take your offer....maybe i'll try that sticky-tape trick tonight, but i dont think this will open a watch sitting in a box for 20 years...

[bucko170]

You might be interested in this auction http://www.ebay.com/itm/251211114435;js ... 26_rdc%3D1 It would at least give you an idea of the current value obviously yours has the benefit of having the box etc.

[idefix23]

Just a little update:

Been lucky and was able to open the watch with a sticky taped tennis-ball xD
Also the batteries were removed back in the days, so no leaked stuff at all.

Heres the result after inserting some new batteries:



Yeeha, got a fully working HP-01 now
Its up for sale now.
Anyone who's interested just send me a pm or leave a reply in this thread.

Bye