Micro Rotor Goodness - Restoration of a Hamilton cal. 666 in a 1960 Thin-o-Matic T-501 Vintage Watch
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 10 ноя 2020
- In this video, I service and restore a vintage Hamilton Thin-o-Matic T-501 from 1960. The movement is a Swiss made automatic Hamilton caliber 666 with 17 jewels. This movement is based on the Buren caliber 1000, the first micro rotor movement ever patented. Join me and experience the highs and lows that go along with servicing a vintage watch, check out what a detached mainspring bridle looks like, and find out what my new favorite watch component name is. Seriously.
My review of the completed watch: • Vintage Watch Review -...
To see more vintage wrist watches, please visit my website at www.wolfevintagewatches.com
Instagram @WolfeVintageWatches
🛠️ Tools and Gear 🎥
Links below may be affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I make a small commission if you purchase products using these links. These are all products I personally use and recommend with complete confidence. 🐺
👉 Case Opening 👈
Watch Case Opening Ball - amzn.to/32oTPfZ
Bergeon Rubber Ball - amzn.to/36cuO8Q
Watch Back Case Opener Set - amzn.to/3k8ofck
Vastar Adjustable Watch Case Back Opener - amzn.to/32omBNG
Zeiger Watch Case Back Wrench - amzn.to/38mxUdh
👉 Screwdrivers 👈
Bergeon 9 Ergonomic Screwdrivers with Spare Blades - amzn.to/358H1w7
Screwdriver Kit by W&S for Watches - amzn.to/3kasgNA
👉 Tweezers 👈
Dumont, Anti-Magnetic, Style 3c - amzn.to/36hDmev
Dumont, Anti-Magnetic, Style 3 - amzn.to/367ZWWU
Dumont, Anti-Magnetic, Style 5 - amzn.to/38lBx2Z
Brass Tweezers Set 3 Pieces - amzn.to/2GCUhiX
Precision Tweezer set - amzn.to/3ldfjnp
👉 Magnification 👈
Bausch & Lomb Watchmaker Loupe, 5x - amzn.to/2IibvCB
Bausch & Lomb Watchmaker Loupe, 10x - amzn.to/36icP0C
Wire Loupe Holder - amzn.to/3p8p9cM
👉 Case Cushions and Movement Holders 👈
Bergeon Gel Watch Case Cushion - amzn.to/2JMQvVz
Watch Case Cushion Pad - amzn.to/2Ib0lzI
Watch Movement Holder Set - amzn.to/3p8ixek
👉 Lights 👈
Neatfi LED Task Lamp with Clamp - amzn.to/38lRkPj
Fositan FL-3060 Flexible LED Light Panel - amzn.to/2U1LPwW
👉 Oilers and Oil Cups👈
Bergeon Set Of 3 Automatic Precision Oilers - amzn.to/3n7yLlV
Bergeon Hand High Precision Oiler - amzn.to/3p6mJv2
Bergeon Set of 4 Oilers Plastic - amzn.to/38mqNkX
Oil Cup Stand With 4 Containers - amzn.to/32mVL8N
👉 Lubricants 👈
Moebius Synthetic Oil #9010 - amzn.to/32oiWjc
Moebius Synthetic Oil #9020 - amzn.to/38sEmzv
Moebius Synthetic Grease #9415 - amzn.to/3eED05r
Moebius Synthetic Grease #9501 - amzn.to/2JMnZU2
Moebius Microgliss D-5 Watch Oil - amzn.to/358fF98
Moebius 8200 Mainspring Barrel Watch Oil - amzn.to/3p6LCa3
Novostar Barrel Grease - shop.clockmaker.com.au/home/2...
Kluber Chronogrease - www.esslinger.com/kluber-chro...
Horotec Lubricator Pad - www.esslinger.com/horotec-lub...
👉 Cleaning Supplies 👈
One Dip Hairspring Cleaner - www.esslinger.com/watch-clean...
Zenith Hi-Tech Watch Cleaner - www.esslinger.com/zenith-hi-t...
Zenith Hi-Solv Watch Rinse - www.esslinger.com/zenith-hi-s...
Mophorn Time 2L Ultrasonic Cleaner - amzn.to/3k7njVO
Pyrex Low Form 1000mL Beaker - amzn.to/32qTkC5
Mini Steel Ultrasonic Cleaning Basket - amzn.to/3lcftLL
Ultrasonic Cleaner Baskets Mini Set 2 PCS - amzn.to/2U2buWa
Small Task Basket, 3-1/2 Inches - amzn.to/3k9TVOC
👉 Crystal Tools 👈
Watch Press Set - amzn.to/3k6Caj7
Bergeon Watch Crystal Lift - www.esslinger.com/bergeon-426...
Acrylic Crystal Cement - amzn.to/38nEH6c
Riverruns UV Clear Glue Three Formula - amzn.to/3eEkRoz
UV Nail Lamp Dryer - amzn.to/2I6hCul
Polywatch Plastic Crystal Glass Polish - amzn.to/38zUsaD
Meguiar's PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish - amzn.to/2JCzzRp
👉 Polishing Supplies 👈
Dremel 8220 - amzn.to/3paZDDq
Dremel Keyless Chuck - amzn.to/3p9KGSk
Dedeco Sunburst 3/32 Inch Shank Arbor - amzn.to/32oJMra
Dedeco Sunburst 1/8 Inch Shank Arbor - amzn.to/3eKlblO
Dedeco Sunburst Polishing Tool Set - amzn.to/2U7OSDP
Carving Expert 100pcs Wool Felt Polishing Accessories Set - amzn.to/3eOyphv
PHYHOO Polishing Cotton Buffing Wheel Set for Rotary Drill - amzn.to/359nvQc
Simichrome Metal Polish - amzn.to/32rvGpc
Midas Touch Metal Polishing Cream - amzn.to/36enc5Q
👉 Additional Tools and Equipment 👈
Watch Hand Pressers - amzn.to/38odel8
Hexagonal Mini Steel Anvil - amzn.to/3685JvC 
Хобби
I can finally comment on this video. I must have watched this video 100 times!!! I just completed my first, hobby restoration of what seems to be a 1960 Hamilton T-502 Thin-o-matic with the 663 micro rotor movement rather than the 666. I'm not sure what the differences were, but this video was SOOOOOO helpful! I realized about half way through, like you said, that the micro-rotor movements are probably not the best one to start on, but oh well. My watch was missing the micro-rotor but I was able to source a replacement and also restore its actual automatic wind capabilities. This step by step video, down to every screw, and every drop of oil, not only gave me a ton of confidence to keep pushing ahead, but saved me tons of time and from who knows how much trial and error. Thanks so much for this video. My future ebay searches for project watches might very well ALL begin with... what videos do you have to guide me through it? :) Wonderful job showcasing what you do so well. And also, thanks for being entertaining as well. You made it easy to watch this as many times as I did.
I love it! So great to hear you tackled a tricky little movement right out of the gate. Everything else will be a breeze by comparison. I really appreciate the kind words; I'm so please that I was able to help get you started on your path.
Clever movement. Good restoration
Awesome, this guy's a surgeon.
Another excellent video! I especially appreciated the transparency where you had to undo the accidental damage to the spring. This happens to all of us in the trenches - it’s inspiring to know that it also happens to the experts from time to time. Otherwise, this is a must-see video if you want to service one of these Hamilton movements.
Nice .Thank you. All the best.
Just one sad thing. This channel is SO UNDERRATED especially your humor. 20:39 I can’t even 😂😂😂 I love it 💕. And really really informative too since you name the parts you remove. Thank you sir
Wait, DID you ask my wife? She'll totally back me up.....
I appreciate the kind words, they mean a lot to me.
Question for you: Is the wig-wag pinion your new favorite watch part name of all time?
In my collecting days I couldn't find this watch for nothing. What a watch.
My watch has all the even #’S on it, looks just the same. Haven’t open it up yet, to clean it. It’s my very day’er for now. Keeps great time, in a week it loses a minute. Again I haven’t services it yet. Should be a good one
Great video man! i love this old vintage watches that looks in great condition! this is one of my favorite channels! greetings from México !
Thanks for watching!
Great rundown
Warning: the Hairspring and Balance are extremely delicate, mostly You remove the balance first than replace it last BUT would Highly Recommend Removing balance Last on the tear down and First at the beginning of the build, Remove Balance Jewels whenever You remove or install balance. If You Pick Up the Balance with the Balance Bridge without supporting the balance That is Enough to Stretch the Hairspring!!!. there are No Replacements on the internet for obvious reasons Other wise GREAT VIDEO!!!! Thanks
Love this! Micro rotors are so cool! Great work
Yes, yes they are! But I'll be honest, some of the later Buren/Hamilton micro rotor calibers are a huge pain to work on. Mostly the stop click and getting everything lined up in the automatic device.
@@WolfeVintageWatches I am new to watch tinkering, but so far only have experience with manual wind three hand movements and a few Seiko automatics. I love watching these more complex services but they intimidate the crap out of me :P
Amazing! Too many small parts to remember to reinstall. Awesome work!
Thanks! Yeah, this is a fiddly movement for sure. Taking a bunch of pictures along the way makes it a little easier…that and lots of cursing.
I always look forward to your videos and yes once again I have been schooled on this movement!
Wonderful, thank you very much!
The best thing about the watch hobby, and horology in general, is that there is an infinite amount of things to learn.
The worst thing about the watch hobby, and horology in general, is that there is an infinite amount of things to learn.
That is the gospel truth!!
Man, this one was great!.
Glad you think so!
lovely video!
Thank you!!
Hi sir Wolfe, great content and a wonderful video . And u know what I have just bought a Vintage Buren Watch with exactly the same micro rotor movement . They are so beautiful to look at . I appreciate your wonderful content and Hardwork . Have subscribed.stay blessed .
Nice watch.
Great Channel here! I got recommended this by chance as I was working on the Cal 620. Haha the video saved me a lot of time. Fun thing though right as you said be careful with the mainspring I thought my thumb was over it as I tried to give the arbor a nudge out. I was very wrong and it sprung itself haha but I ended up on a hour long hunt for the arbor and now all is well. Anyways consider me subbed!
Yeah, those mainsprings hold a surprising amount of power, don't they?!
When you said "foreshadowing" and I thought for sure it was that the detached bridal didn't go back in lol. I looked @7:50 but couldn't see it.
I just discovered this channel, and this is by far my favorite restoration video that you've done! As a fellow hobbyist watch repairer and Dad joke enthusiast, I feel like these are the videos I would make, if I were making watch videos. "Yes. No. Yes... no. Yes! Whew." Liked and subscribed.
Wow, thank you. That means a great deal to me.
You SHOULD make watch videos. The world needs more Dad Joke telling watch repair videos. Where else will people be able to get their dose of groan-worthy vintage watch humor?
yes same with me, this video is quite enjoyable to me as only a watch enthusias. your voice help me to keep turn on to this long video. good Job!!!
Nice video, I picked a 666 from a thrift shop in beautiful condition, unfortunately it has a broken yoke spring and setting lever spring and I’m having difficulty locating those parts, but still a cool movement.
Thanks for your videos!!
Great restoration and I think the filming was first class, really interested in the camera gear, thank you. /Josef
Thank you! I use a Lumix G85 with the 12-60mm kit lens
Great stuff Wolfe! No patented reverse tweeze? Lol I recently got a Hamilton 987 on the bench and immediately thought of you and your channel. Keep up the great work.
"There it is, the wig wag pinion, n I'm not making the name up by the way" I don't think twice and promptly subscribe
It’s up to us to spread the wig wag pinion love henceforth. Let us unite behind the most gloriously named watch part of all time!!
This is one of the most awesome movements ever.
I agree! What blows my mind is that it was patented by Buren in 1954. This is mid-1950's technology and it freaking awesome!
Hi sir , I would like to share with happiness that I own a buren watch with the same movement @@WolfeVintageWatches
Hello everyone 😊
Thank you for all you do.
My question is
1- where can I get illustration (like the 1 you showing the name) for Hamilton and other watches I have
2- where can I order a springs (in the USA, Ca. if possible) and a screw that I lost.
If any one can answer, please help🙏🏻
Very good 👍 Sir your channel
Thank you, I appreciate that!
I've always wondered why watchmakers hide such beautiful movements. I know there are a few watches that have clear backs and some that probably can be upgraded to have them. It's like the only person who can see the beauty of the movement is the one who services it.
Exactly! That's partially why I started making videos; so people could see what's lurking behind the dial of vintage watches.
The other reason was to create an excuse to buy an expensive camera I wouldn't ordinarily need.
So far, so good.
@@WolfeVintageWatches Thanks for your dedication to sharing with all of us.
I am thinkink to get into watch making myself, love your work man. Looking for some tools on the internet, reading literature about watchmaking, trying to learn as much as I can before I do something practical on a watch,and this watch blew my mind, its too complicated for me as a begginer😀. My inspiration was my Omikron 21 rubis watch( Unitas 6325)
That I found on my grandfathers attic, left for dead, when I opened it, it looked like new, and that blew my mind. After that I was getting more and more impresed by the mechanisam of a watch, and I knew that I need to fix my Omikron, the problem is that the hair spring is totally destroyed😓, and I can't imagine how hard it must be to change it.
Another problem is that i am 15, and I don't know if my parents will let me buy the tools and some scrap watches and spare watch parts. I hope they won't mind😀.What do you think, am I too young to start fiddeling with watches?
P.S- Sorry for my bad english
Another P.S- you just got a new subscriber😉
Too young to start fiddling with watches? Absolutely not! The younger you get started, the more years you have to learn, grow, and enjoy working on watches. I wish I would have discovered my love watches when I was 15, which was all the way back in the last century!
I think to get started, you'll first need to put your grandfather's watch away and don't even think about touching it until you've successfully serviced several non-family heirlooms. Then, you really only need the bare minimum in terms of tools for the fiddling phase. When I started, I think I had 5 pieces of equipment: I used a cheap set of screw drivers, a hiking head lamp because I didn't have a proper bench lamp, a REALLY cheap set of tweezers, a movement holder, and a 5x loupe. I used a watchbox to lift work up off the table so my back wouldn't hurt and I tore down and put back together dozens of watches. As I learned more, I upgraded and expanded my tools.
Pick up a few movements on eBay, preferably running so you will at least know if you've reassembled the watch correctly, have your favorite Watch Repair RUclips videos queued up, and get after it. You'll likely be breaking and losing parts all over the place at first. Then you'll get better, and better, and better. Before you know it, you'll have your Grandfather's watch back into perfect running order.
Good luck Sasa!
@@WolfeVintageWatches thank you Sir🙏, keep up the good work, cant wait the next watch repair video😎 Stay safe😷👌
Wonderful - thank you for the excellent restoration. I must say your humor is a damn sight more dry than the excessive lubrication under the barrel there!
Thanks Dave! Yes, my humor is like the Sahara Desert compared to what was waiting in the barrel...
great video, beautiful watch! I am a beginner and am working on a 666 movement from hamilton. Can you tell me the which lubricants you used for the different components. I cannot find a lubrication diagram for the movement and have never oiled a movement with micro motor. Thanks !
May I ask where do you get your data sheets on these watches? Thanks for the videos. Great rebuilds.
Thank you very much!
I can usually find what I need here: www.cousinsuk.com/document/, especially for the Swiss made movements. It helps to know the ébauche manufacturer and their caliber number if you're looking for the specific datasheet. If it's not stamped under the balance, I can usually cross to it on this site: www.ranfft.de/cgi-bin/bidfun-db.cgi?10&ranfft&&2uswk
For the American made Hamilton calibers, I don't know if there was/is just one source. I've really only been able to find PDF here and there on the forums (of course I can't find the link to them now)....
Depending on what you're trying to do, here is a link to Dan Keefe's blog where he has a vintage Hamilton Parts Manual posted if you're looking for factory part numbers: www.hamiltonchronicles.com/p/this-vintage-hamilton-parts-catalog-is.html
@@WolfeVintageWatches WOW thanks for the info..
Hello.
I have a beautiful Hamilton wrist watch Masterpiece thin o matic solid 10k gold watch that wont wing but the insides look really good.
I think its something simple but definitely cant figure it out myself nor find videos how.
Do u fix watchs like mine?
Thanks.
I sure do. Shoot me an email at josh@wolfevintagewatches.com with a couple of pictures and I’ll be more than happy to provide a quote.
My Hamilton Masterpiece thin o matic case does not come apart like that tho?
Also the crown is stuck smh.
😍😍😍🎆
I have what I think to be a 60's Era tudor 30 mm, it runs but not accurately...sometimes stopping... would you be interested in looking at it?
For something like a Tudor, I'd suggest finding somebody that services watches as their full time job. As much as I would LOVE to get my hands on your Tudor, I think going to a full time pro rather than a part-time dude in his basement watch shop will be the better bet.
Hopefully your Tudor will just need a straight ahead service and will be back to a factory fresh state in no time.
just want to know about micro rotor.
does it have a better or worse impact to a movement performance, if we compare to traditional and other rotor?
and why is the reason? thx for your answer. 🙏🏼
Good question. There's really no impact on the performance of the movement since they're engineered to account for the smaller mainspring necessary in a micro rotor movement.
Since micro rotors are smaller than typical rotors, they are a little less efficient. So it takes a little more movement of your arm to spin a micro rotor relative to a typical rotor.
@@WolfeVintageWatches owhh that's very logic, thanks for helpfull answer. have a great success ahead. 👍🏼
Wow, what an incredible movement! Too bad this movement isn't used anymore. Is it used in a larger model watch by chance? Like a 37 or 38mm? Awesome work by the way. I'm bummed that the dorchester was sold.
Great question. I don't think it's used in larger vintage watches, but I'll have to do more research to confirm 100%. From what I do know, the Buren caliber 1000 family of movements were only produced through the early 1960's. Obviously the fashion at that time was for smaller, sub-35mm, watches. Frankly, I'd be surprised if they were used in larger watches.
If you want to go to the oposite end of the scale, both era and price, you can pick yourself up a Piaget: www.piaget.com/movement/1200p-ultra-thin-automatic-movement. You know what they say about having to ask how much something costs....
Lol, in that case, I'm sure I can't afford it. But I'll look & dream! Thanks a lot for the info. I love the smaller watch look but for my 8 1\2 inch wrist, 37 or 38mm is where I draw the line. We've actually discussed this before. Lol. I just can't where a hubcap or frying pan on my wrist. 42mm is as large as I like to go. Bi male exceptions rarely, like my 43mm seiko skx009. Anyway, thanks & keep up the AWESOME videos! I truly enjoy the crap outta them!
Amazing how you can put all those tiny parts together and make it work!!!
I have a 1955 Hamilton automatic 10k gold watch that is not running, I got it from eBay, I was wondering if you would be willing to work on it. Could make for a good restoration video and I will pay you to fix it. Let me know if you are interested.
Thank you and keep up the good work!
Henry.
Shoot me an email at josh@wolfevintagewatches.com and we'll see about getting your watch up and running again.
How can I remove 6 or 7 decent size scratches off the caseback of this exact watch?
The short answer is a buffing wheel (or a Dremel) and polishing compound. That said, I'm probably not the right guy to give you good advice. My preference is to not polish a watch beyond shinning it up and maybe taking out micro-scratches so I haven't pickup the skill of removing deep scratches.
Wolfe Vintage Watches they’re not that deep but they have a shiny glare it’s on a really nice vtg Hamilton Buren movement w the micro rotor. I’ve come across a nice collection of vintage watches a lot of Bulova,Waltham,Wittnauer etc.. 25.4 lbs of nice vintage watches most run and a lot keep really good time. Thinking of selling them soon was gonna fix em up a little…another 12 lbs of just random watches.
I'd hate to bust you but the Incabloc spring isn't brass; it's steel. Take a magnet to it if you don't believe me...
Otherwise, excellent vid
Ah ha! That makes sense now that I think about it. Brass would be far to malleable for a spring. I always appreciate a good respectful busting; I now know more than I did before. Thank you, and thanks for watching!
#154 thumbs uP
Thanks Steve!
every watch should have a Wig-wag pinion.
I couldn't agree more!
A surprisingly fine movement inside a fairly mediocre case.
America once had a great watch industry.......😑
Great video.
Subscribed.
I bought the Seiko Coutura from Macys but the nasty crooks didn't send the instruction book, never buy from Macys.
Please clean up the hands and renew the lume.
I'm not a huge fan of reluming hands, to be honest. I actually prefer old, beat up, non-working vintage lume.
That said, in the interest of expanding my skills and broadening my horizons, I'll order a lume kit and give it a shot with future watches.