Quick Watch Question

Jrboulder · 12-01-2011, 11:19 PM

Knowledgeable Pelicans,

I have a Hamilton Khaki Field Auto with an ETA 2824-2 movement that I bought new in 2008. The case has never been opened and I wear it almost every day. I know you are supposed to get a mechanical movement serviced every 2-5 years. Seeing as I'm coming on 4 years is it a good time to have this done? I want this watch to last a long long time and I know it can (I have a 992B that my great-grandfather bought new when he became a roadmaster on the Northern Pacific).

Obligatory pic stolen from the Internet:

Thanks,
Jackson

sc_rufctr · 12-01-2011, 11:51 PM

If it's keeping good time I wouldn't touch it.

Better to leave it unopened and cherry for as long as possible IMO.

Jrboulder · 12-02-2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

If it's keeping good time I wouldn't touch it.

Better to leave it unopened and cherry for as long as possible IMO.

Thanks for the reply!

I think that is probably the best course of action for now. Probably in a few more years I might get it done. It loses a constant 5 seconds a day every day so I think I'm going to try and get it timed because it sure is precise, just not that accurate.

I bought an eighties mechanical Hamilton on eBay and it definitely had never been serviced. A little part broke in it and I put a new movement into it considering the neglect it had seen plus the uncertain cost of repair. I don't want to do that with this watch.

mjohnson · mjohnson's Garage

I'd drive it 'till it breaks, or until its 10th birthday. That's a robust commodity movement. Lots of replacement parts, or in the worst case, replacement movements out there. Save your $200 until later.

I've got a 4 year old Khaki chronograph. It stopped for some reason and I had to pay for a service ($250). Gonna' go 10 years or until it breaks again... (it _better_ not break again).

Remember that these aren't quartz electronic thingies. A minute a day isn't that bad, in fact it might not be that much worse than "chronometer" standards.

Mechanical watches are fun though, ya gotta admit!

Jrboulder · 12-02-2011, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjohnson

Mechanical watches are fun though, ya gotta admit!

I hear that!

stevess · 12-03-2011, 05:12 AM

i do watch repair.... leave it alone. worst is to have some hack get in there and screw it up.

oldschoollear · 05:33 AM

This a well timed thread beacuse I've been drooling over watches lately. Thats's a sweet Hamilton! Santa has gotten at least one hint about one of these. ( THread Jack Complete, you may continue)

gassy · 12-03-2011, 05:48 AM

Double jack -- I have a Lum-Tec and I love it.

oldschoollear · 12-03-2011, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gassy

Double jack -- I have a Lum-Tec and I love it.

Combat? I like some of the M chronos too.

Chocaholic · 12-03-2011, 06:48 AM

Yes, very timely. I just bought an Omega Seamaster Chronograph from the original owner who never had it serviced. It was purchased new in early 2005, so going on seven years. It runs, operates and looks like new. I suspect it wasn't worn daily (as one of 3 watches, will only see part time duty here too). I love this watch.

I called a reputable repair shop just yesterday to inquire about cleaning/lube, etc. I was quoted $475 assuming nothing needs repair. I think I'll also take the advice here and enjoy it until it "needs" service. My old Rolex was sent in at the 10 year mark with daily use. Came back looking like new (polish), but never appeared to "need" service. Lesson learned.

pwd72s · 08:10 AM

Mine...if/when it quits I'll just go back to my old seiko quartz...I like the old style stuff that just gives the day of the week, the date, and the time. Chronos are just too "cluttered" for my taste. If I'm where I want a stop watch, I just use a stop watch. (file photo) FWIW, Hamilton has used this basic face design for a long time...I know it was used during WWII.

HHI944 · 12-03-2011, 08:29 AM

That's a really nice looking watch paul, simple, to the point and still classy. If it ever craps out on ya, let me know and I'll take it off your hands...

pwd72s · 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHI944

That's a really nice looking watch paul, simple, to the point and still classy. If it ever craps out on ya, let me know and I'll take it off your hands...

Not that big a deal...mine's the cheapy $200 quartz version...the leather band hung up & tore off the buckle some years back, so I went to a local jeweler, bought a stainless band. The face & features are like the pic tho. One thing I always look for in a watch is the stem knob protection feature. I tend to tear the stem out if the watch doesn't have that. Yeah, I'm tough on watches...That's why I'd never buy a really $pendy one like a rolex...

HHI944 · 12-03-2011, 08:43 AM

Hmmm, I might just have to snag one of those at that price.

Surprisingly, my Rolex holds up very well and it's not even one of the more rugged versions. It's a 1942 Oyster Essex....actually pretty rare with the Rolex branding, most were branded Tudor. I've worn it while working on the Rover quite a bit, worn it shooting, worn it working and it's GTG.

pwd72s · 12-03-2011, 09:01 AM

Forget where I bought it...one of the many internet vendors. 1942 Rolex sounds cool...for "dressy" I have an old 40's Lord Hamilton, but seldome go "dressy", so seldom wear it.

One fad today I don't understand is the HUGE wrist watch...often bigger than the pocket watches of my time.

HHI944 · 12-03-2011, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Forget where I bought it...one of the many internet vendors. 1942 Rolex sounds cool...for "dressy" I have an old 40's Lord Hamilton, but seldome go "dressy", so seldom wear it.

One fad today I don't understand is the HUGE wrist watch...often bigger than the pocket watches of my time.

I don't get the massive watch thing either, my Rolex is very small. I keep it on an OD canvas band for day to day and on a stingray leather band when I need to dress it up. I'll have to post a pic, it's very plain and all but true watch nuts pay no attention. Those few who recognize it for what it is always want to chat about it.

HHI944 · 12-03-2011, 09:19 AM

Y'know, personally, I prefer a cloth or leather band to metal. Metal bands just don't feel right on my wrist for some reason...

pwd72s · 12-03-2011, 09:45 AM

I agree with you on the comfort of cloth or leather, it's just that I destroy them...forget to take the watch off when changing oil...or something! Always getting them filthy. Stainless steel cleans right up.

BTW, I just surfed "princeton watches", where I bought my Hamilton back in '06, I think...It was part of a "Khaki King" collection. According to this site, The "Khaki King" line has been discontinued.

Jrboulder · 12-03-2011, 09:49 AM

Nice watch, Paul. I've got a brown leather band that I've tried to be easy on although it's showing it's wear already.

pwd72s · 12-03-2011, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrboulder

Nice watch, Paul. I've got a brown leather band that I've tried to be easy on although it's showing it's wear already.

I like the looks of the brown band on yours...my leather band was styled like it, but black. Alas, it didn't live long.