View Full Version : 6497 based Hamilton pocketwatches?
schuang
September 16th, 2009, 14:10
Hello all,
I was able to purchase a Unitas 6497 movement which was marked by Hamilton as Grade 870.
As far as i am aware, Hamilton began using swiss movements in their watches towards the 50s and i am assuming that my movement came from a pocket watch around that time.
I have since been actively trying to build up a pocket watch using this movement, hopefully into something that is as close as possible to the original hamilton pocket watch.
Been sourcing out the original parts (dial, case, hands.. etc) thats supposedly used to build around this movement on ebay but havent had much luck.
Even searching online for pictures of Hamilton pocketwatches featuring the 6497 Grade 870 has proven to be futile.
Does anyone have any pictures of 6497 based Hamilton pocket watches to share?
Thanks!
Erik_H
September 16th, 2009, 14:29
I am aware of Hamilton pocketwatch grade 670, 669 (by Cortebert I think) and 971 (by Buren), but not 870. Can you post a picture?
It is probably Swiss Hamilton from the 1980'ies when they marketed replicas of the old American railroad watches, but with 6497 movements.
schuang
September 16th, 2009, 15:42
Hello Erik, here you go.
These pictures are from ebay.
Erik_H
September 16th, 2009, 16:06
I have not seen that version before, the 1980'ies Swiss Hamilton presentation pocketwathes I have seen had more elaborate decoration. Hopefully someone else can help.
schuang
September 16th, 2009, 18:32
Interestingly, a fellow member built a custom using this exact 870 movement.
http://forums.watchuseek.com/showthread.php?t=298539
Chrome
September 17th, 2009, 04:07
Did Hamilton ever assemble the 6497 stateside? I recall seeing a USA marked movement not long ago that I would swear was a 6497. May not have been, I'm far from knowledgeable on the subject.
Later,
Chrome...
Erik_H
September 17th, 2009, 04:32
Did Hamilton ever assemble the 6497 stateside? I recall seeing a USA marked movement not long ago that I would swear was a 6497. May not have been, I'm far from knowledgeable on the subject.
Later,
Chrome...
Hamilton stopped manufacturing in USA about 1970. Any 6497 movement would have been used by the later Swiss Hamilton company.
Chrome
September 17th, 2009, 04:52
Hamilton stopped manufacturing in USA about 1970. Any 6497 movement would have been used by the later Swiss Hamilton company.
Okay, must have just looked like one to my untrained eye.
Later,
Chrome...
schuang
September 18th, 2009, 12:08
Ok, so no one has any more info on this movement?
epicuro150
October 9th, 2009, 13:14
yessss
the dial for eta unitas 6487 is equal for hamilton 870 lepine
second in 6 H
RON in PA
October 10th, 2009, 10:19
The ETA Unitas 6497/98 pocket watch movements are popular today for use in wristwatches as the current fashion has moved to large wristwatches. It is possible to obtain cases, dials and hands appropriate for these movements, but they all seem to be strictly wristwatch parts. I have never seen pocket watch cases sized to these movements for sale. There are still some inexpensive Unitas based pocket watches out there, but they are getting harder to find and the prices continue to climb. My suggestion, build a nice wristwatch for yourself and enjoy the movement that way.
If you want a "real" Hamilton get a genuine, made in Lancaster, PA pocket watch. The 17 jewel size 12 and size 10 Hamiltons don't cost a fortune and the same can be said for size 18 and size 16 Hamiltons that are not railroad grade.