Thinline 2016
1966–1967 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 2016
Made from 1966 through 1967, the Thinline 2016 is part of Hamilton's Thinline family, a series built around the idea that a dress watch should disappear on the wrist rather than announce itself. The case is 14K yellow gold with a round silver dial carrying applied gold numerals and applied gold stick markers at the quarter positions. Power comes from the caliber 687, a 17-jewel manual wind movement well suited to the slim profile Hamilton was chasing with this line.
The silver dial on surviving examples holds up reasonably well, but applied gold indices are worth scrutinizing closely. Individual markers can loosen or go slightly askew over decades, and a dial with even one out-of-place marker is harder to restore cleanly than it might seem. The 14K yellow gold case gives this one a warmth that pairs naturally with the applied gold furniture on the dial, and the swept lugs keep the whole package from feeling stiff or formal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the Thinline 2016 in 1966 as part of its ultra-thin case lineup, emphasizing the 17-jewel movement, shock resistance, anti-magnetic properties, and an unbreakable mainspring, with waterproof and dustproof protection when seals were intact. It carried an original retail price of $120.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1966
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look at each applied gold numeral and marker individually under good light. Any that have shifted, separated at a corner, or sit at a slight angle are telling you the dial has been disturbed or is aging unevenly. The silver finish should be clean and even, without patchy oxidation or evidence of refinishing. |
| Crystal | Check the crystal for deep scratches or chips around the edges where it meets the bezel. A hazy or heavily scratched crystal can be replaced, but confirm the bezel shows no damage from a previous crystal swap done carelessly. |
| Movement | Ask when the caliber 687 was last serviced. Oil in a movement this age dries out completely, and dried lubricants create enough friction to stop the watch or wear the pivots prematurely. A recently serviced example is worth the premium over one that just happens to be running. |
| Case | 14K yellow gold cases from this era can show polishing wear on the lugs and edges if someone has been overly aggressive with a buffing wheel over the years. Look for sharp lug edges and crisp case lines, which suggest the case has been left alone or polished with care. |
| Crown | Check that the crown winds smoothly and sets the hands without resistance or slipping. A crown that feels gritty or catches during winding can point to a worn stem or a movement that needs attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 687 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across several dress and Thinline models during the 1960s. It is a straightforward, reliable hand-winder with no exotic complications, which makes it a practical choice for a slim case design where space is limited. Servicing it requires attention during reassembly, particularly around the click spring, which can dislodge during cleaning if a watchmaker is not careful.