Thinline 2011
1965–1966 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 2011
Made from 1965 through 1966, the Thinline 2011 is part of Hamilton's Thinline family, which pushed toward slimmer case profiles during the mid-1960s as dress watch tastes shifted toward subtlety. The case is 14K yellow gold, round in shape, and houses Hamilton's caliber 687, a 17-jewel manual wind movement chosen specifically for its low profile. The dial is white with applied gold stick markers and no Arabic numerals, giving it a clean, uncluttered face well suited to the slim case aesthetic. Hamilton offered it two ways: on a strap for $140 or on a bracelet for $160.
Applied gold markers on white dials can develop adhesion issues over decades, so look closely at each index before buying. The 14K gold case is durable but not immune to dents or resizing attempts at the lugs, and with straight lugs this slender, any damage there tends to show. Finding one with the original bracelet intact is genuinely uncommon.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1965 catalog positioned the Thinline 2011 under its ultra-thin case design lineup, highlighting the 17-jewel movement, shock resistance, anti-magnetic construction, unbreakable mainspring, and waterproof dustproof capability with seals intact. It retailed at $140 on a strap and $160 with a bracelet.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1965
What to Look For
| Dial | Inspect each applied gold stick marker carefully. Look for separated or missing indices, adhesive residue where a marker may have shifted, and any discoloration or spotting in the white dial surface. These are not easily corrected without a dial restoration. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips. A hazy or heavily scratched crystal affects legibility on a clean-dialed watch like this, but replacement crystals for round dress watches are generally available. |
| Movement | Oil in the caliber 687 dries out over time, and dried lubricants create enough friction to stop the movement or cause erratic timekeeping. Ask whether the movement has been serviced recently, and factor in service cost if it has not. |
| Case | The 14K yellow gold case should show honest wear consistent with its age. Be cautious of sharp dents near the lugs or any evidence that the case has been heavily polished, which can round off crisp edges and reduce the case's character. |
| Crown | The crown on a manual wind watch takes daily handling. Check that it screws or seats properly, winds smoothly without slipping, and that the stem is intact. A worn or replaced crown on a gold case can be a minor but visible mismatch. |
The Movement
The caliber 687 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used in several of its dress and Thinline models during the 1960s. Its slim architecture made it a practical fit for thin-case designs without sacrificing reliability. It winds from the crown, keeps a conventional gear train, and is a straightforward movement for a competent watchmaker to service.