Post by Ben on Mar 28, 2008 19:39:22 GMT -6
Today, after a few months, I received my grandfather’s 1940 Hamilton “Yorktowne” back from being restored. Where was it, you ask? Well, the restoration was done by our very own Al (aka avalon) and I’m really, really pleased.
First. The sentimental part. This watch belonged to my grandfather (on my father’s side). I never really knew him. He died in 1966 when I was a little more than 3 years old. I remember seeing the watch a couple of times when I was a kid, but for the most part it resided in a dresser drawer, where it stayed for almost 40 years. I found it a couple of years ago, after my grandmother died, while cleaning out her place. My father said I was welcome to have it.
Anyway, it sat on display in my place until I saw a couple of Al’s posts on other restorations he’d done. I sent him a PM asking if he’d be interested in restoring my Hamilton Yorktowne. He said he’d take a look at it. So...off it went to Canada.
Some particulars. The Hamilton Yorktowne is a rectangular cased (20 x 35 mm), 10k gold-filled watch sporting a Hamilton Calibre 980, 17 jewel, manual wind movement dating from 1940-1941. It also has a flex-band. I’m not certain if this is OEM, but it’s the band my grandfather had on it. If it was good enough for him, it’s good enough for me.
I know that Al will post here with more photos and particulars of the actual work that he did. I know he has plenty to add because he sent me a 61 page MS Word document detailing the project! Pretty thorough, huh?
We discussed trying to have the face restored and the crystal replaced. We decided against it for monetary reasons - and the fact that finding the parts would be a crap shoot anyway. I’m glad we let it go. The flaws acquired over 68 years add to the character and I like the originality it keeps. It’s amazing how much digital photography can capture in images, but when you are wearing the watch you hardly notice the flaws on both the face and crystal.
But does it end here. Oh, no, it doesn’t. Inside the box, along with the watch, was a cool Hamilton ball cap and pen. Neato! I wasn’t expecting this, and I find that Johnny (aka atomic; aka blingy-man) was responsible for this pleasant surprise. Thanks, Johnny. I really appreciate it. Oh...and and there was another bonus! A couple of RUSH albums on CD. I’m listening to “Snakes and Arrows” as I type.
Now I want to thank Al publicly. And if this embarrasses him, well, who cares. I am grateful to him for the restoration he did for me. I can now proudly wear my grandfather’s watch. I’m not only grateful for the mechanical work that he did, but also for the respect and care that he showed both to me and the watch throughout the project. He could have easily said he didn’t want to attempt it (and I’m sure there were times during the project that he wished he had
). Al knew and respected the fact that even though he wasn’t working on a valuable watch, he was working on a priceless watch. Thank you.
Finally, I want to say how much I enjoy hanging around this place. I’ve exchanged watches with Chip; Johnny’s given me a cool hat and pen; and Al restored a family heirloom. Hell, Johnny and Al don’t even live in the same country. Not bad. Not bad at all. Thanks folks.
-Ben
First. The sentimental part. This watch belonged to my grandfather (on my father’s side). I never really knew him. He died in 1966 when I was a little more than 3 years old. I remember seeing the watch a couple of times when I was a kid, but for the most part it resided in a dresser drawer, where it stayed for almost 40 years. I found it a couple of years ago, after my grandmother died, while cleaning out her place. My father said I was welcome to have it.
Anyway, it sat on display in my place until I saw a couple of Al’s posts on other restorations he’d done. I sent him a PM asking if he’d be interested in restoring my Hamilton Yorktowne. He said he’d take a look at it. So...off it went to Canada.
Some particulars. The Hamilton Yorktowne is a rectangular cased (20 x 35 mm), 10k gold-filled watch sporting a Hamilton Calibre 980, 17 jewel, manual wind movement dating from 1940-1941. It also has a flex-band. I’m not certain if this is OEM, but it’s the band my grandfather had on it. If it was good enough for him, it’s good enough for me.
I know that Al will post here with more photos and particulars of the actual work that he did. I know he has plenty to add because he sent me a 61 page MS Word document detailing the project! Pretty thorough, huh?
We discussed trying to have the face restored and the crystal replaced. We decided against it for monetary reasons - and the fact that finding the parts would be a crap shoot anyway. I’m glad we let it go. The flaws acquired over 68 years add to the character and I like the originality it keeps. It’s amazing how much digital photography can capture in images, but when you are wearing the watch you hardly notice the flaws on both the face and crystal.
But does it end here. Oh, no, it doesn’t. Inside the box, along with the watch, was a cool Hamilton ball cap and pen. Neato! I wasn’t expecting this, and I find that Johnny (aka atomic; aka blingy-man) was responsible for this pleasant surprise. Thanks, Johnny. I really appreciate it. Oh...and and there was another bonus! A couple of RUSH albums on CD. I’m listening to “Snakes and Arrows” as I type.
Now I want to thank Al publicly. And if this embarrasses him, well, who cares. I am grateful to him for the restoration he did for me. I can now proudly wear my grandfather’s watch. I’m not only grateful for the mechanical work that he did, but also for the respect and care that he showed both to me and the watch throughout the project. He could have easily said he didn’t want to attempt it (and I’m sure there were times during the project that he wished he had
). Al knew and respected the fact that even though he wasn’t working on a valuable watch, he was working on a priceless watch. Thank you.Finally, I want to say how much I enjoy hanging around this place. I’ve exchanged watches with Chip; Johnny’s given me a cool hat and pen; and Al restored a family heirloom. Hell, Johnny and Al don’t even live in the same country. Not bad. Not bad at all. Thanks folks.
-Ben
Glad you're happy with Al's work. I was at Al's place last weekend and just missed seeing your watch, but I have reviewed the Word Doc, and yeah, pretty darned thorough. 
Congrats, Ben!!! 
