Servicing the Hamilton Thin-o-matic wristwatch with the Caliber 73 automatic movement (based on the ETA 2520) revealed a watch in desperate need of attention. All of the lubricants had dried and solidified over time, which is not uncommon for vintage automatic watches from the mid-20th century. Initial work involved carefully cleaning the movement by hand, using peg wood to polish each jewel and remove hardened residue from critical contact points. This meticulous process was followed by a full chemical cleaning of all components and a thorough inspection to ensure the integrity of the gear train and automatic winding system. Once reassembled and freshly lubricated, the Caliber 73 ran smoothly, restoring this classic Hamilton to good running condition.
The Hamilton Thin-o-matic line was introduced in the early 1960s, representing the brand’s pursuit of elegance and modern engineering. Known for its slim profile and reliable Swiss-made automatic movements, the Thin-o-matic often housed calibers based on ETA designs, such as the ETA 2520 used in Caliber 73. These watches were marketed as refined, everyday timepieces that combined Hamilton’s American design sensibility with Swiss precision. With their minimalist dials, thin cases, and automatic winding mechanisms, vintage Thin-o-matic models remain popular among collectors searching for vintage Hamilton watches.
If you would like to initiate the repair of your vintage timepiece, be sure to visit getting started. For additional information on watches we work on please visit these pages: Vintage Rolex repair, Vintage Breitling repair, Vintage Omega repair, and Vintage Heuer repair.
