M 59-2
1963–1964 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the M 59-2
Made only in 1964, the M 59-2 is part of Hamilton's M Series, a line of moderately priced dress watches that offered clean, accessible styling without stripping away quality. The round 10k Rolled Gold Plate case with stainless steel back pairs with a silver dial featuring applied markers and a 12 numeral, giving it a restrained, legible look. Power comes from the caliber 686, a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across several of its mid-range models during this period. A subseconds hand at 6 o'clock rounds out the layout.
The radial finish on the dial is one of the more distinctive details on this model, and it's also one of the harder things to replicate if the dial has been refinished. Finding one with a clean, untouched original dial is the real prize here. The yellow numerals and markers can show wear around the edges, so it's worth looking closely before assuming the dial is in better shape than it appears.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the M 59-2 at $59.95 in 1964, describing the case as 10k yellow rolled gold plate with a stainless steel back. The dial was offered in silver with applied markers and a 12 numeral, and the watch carried shock resistant designation.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | The radial finish and applied markers are the first things to examine closely. Look for signs of refinishing, which can flatten the texture and dull the finish in a way that's hard to describe but easy to spot once you've seen a few. The yellow numerals and markers can show edge wear, chipping, or loss, so check them under good light. |
| Crystal | The crystal on a watch of this age will often show scratches or haze. A replacement acrylic is usually an easy fix, but confirm it's the right profile for the case before assuming any flat crystal will do. |
| Movement | The caliber 686 is a manual wind, and dried oil in a movement this old creates enough friction to stop it entirely. If the watch runs sluggishly or stops after a few hours, it likely needs a service rather than just a fresh wind. |
| Case | Rolled gold plate will show wear at the high points, particularly on the lugs. Check the lug tips and case edges for brass showing through. The stainless steel back should be in better shape, but look for corrosion around the threads or evidence that the back has been forced open with the wrong tool. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly without slipping and that it sets the hands without resistance. A worn crown or damaged stem threads can make an otherwise solid watch frustrating to use. |
The Movement
The caliber 686 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's domestic production era. It's a straightforward, well-built caliber, though watchmakers who have worked on it know that reassembly requires patience, particularly when aligning the train bridge. Properly serviced, it keeps good time and runs reliably.