Thinline 2004
1964 · 14k Solid White Gold, 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 2004
Made only in 1964, the Thinline 2004 is part of Hamilton's Thinline family, a line built around slim-profile manual wind movements suited to dressier, lower-profile cases. This model came in both 14K white and 14K yellow gold, in a cushion-shaped case with a square silver dial and painted black markers. The caliber 687, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, powers it. Hamilton marketed the watch on its ultra-thin construction, shock resistance, anti-magnetic properties, and unbreakable mainspring.
Gold case condition is the first thing to evaluate here, since 14K gold wears differently than Gold Filled or steel, and the cushion case shape means the lugs and case edges have often seen some polishing over the decades. The dial, described in the original catalog as having applied gold markers, deserves close inspection for separation, adhesion loss, or spotting around those markers, which is common on watches that have seen any moisture. Finding one in honest, unpolished condition with a clean dial is the real challenge.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1964 catalog listed the Thinline 2004 in 14K white or yellow gold at $160, promoting its ultra-thin case design alongside shock resistance, anti-magnetic protection, and an unbreakable mainspring.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully around the hour markers for any separation, adhesion issues, or corrosion spotting. The silver dial can show moisture damage as faint staining or haziness, and that kind of damage is irreversible. Confirm the dial reads clean and even under good light. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing. A replacement crystal is straightforward, but confirm the profile fits flush to the case before buying if condition matters to you. |
| Movement | Ask when the caliber 687 was last serviced. Oil in a movement this age dries out, and even a small amount of friction from dried lubricants can be enough to stop it running reliably. A watch that runs now may still benefit from a full service. |
| Case | Examine the case for signs of heavy polishing, which rounds the edges and removes the crispness of the original cushion profile. Since this is solid gold, some wear is expected, but aggressive polishing is a bigger concern than on plated cases. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without slipping or grinding. Also confirm the case back opens cleanly, as gold case backs can be tight or slightly deformed from past openings. |
The Movement
The caliber 687 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used in several of its thinner dress watch references from this period. It winds and sets conventionally, with no automatic winding components to complicate things. It is a straightforward movement to service when parts are available, but like any movement pushing 60 years old, it almost certainly needs fresh oil and a clean to run the way it should.