Thinline 2042
1968–1969 · 14k Solid White Gold / 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 2042
The Thinline 2042 was produced from 1968 through 1969, placing it squarely in Hamilton's push toward sleek, dress-oriented pieces that could compete with the slimmest watches coming out of Switzerland at the time. It belongs to the Thinline family, which gets its own dedicated guide, but the 2042 is notable for being offered in both 14K yellow and 14K white gold, a relatively uncommon dual-metal option within the line. The cushion-shaped case and matching cushion dial give it a softer geometry than the more common rectangular Thinline cases, and the clean silver dial with applied gold stick markers and no numerals keeps the whole presentation minimal and refined. Power comes from the caliber 680, a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used across a number of dress pieces during this era.
Finding one in solid shape means checking that cushion case carefully, as the soft curves on these cases can show wear at the lugs and edges more visibly than sharper-cornered designs. The white gold version tends to surface less often than the yellow, and both deserve a close look at the applied markers, since any that have detached or shifted will affect the dial's clean appearance significantly. The mesh bracelet shown in original catalog photography is rarely found with surviving examples today, so most will come on a replacement strap.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Thinline 2042 in 1968 in 14K white and yellow gold, priced at $200, and catalog photography showed it fitted with a mesh bracelet that complemented the clean, minimal dial.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the applied gold stick markers under good light. Any that are separating, tilted, or missing will be difficult and expensive to address correctly. The silver dial surface should be even and free of spotting or foxing, which tends to develop at the edges first on dials this age. |
| Crystal | The cushion shape means a standard replacement crystal may not fit without custom fitting. Check for chips at the edges and deep scratches across the center, and factor in the cost of sourcing a correct-profile crystal if replacement is needed. |
| Movement | Ask about service history for the caliber 680. Dried oil in a movement this age creates enough friction to stop the watch entirely, and a piece that seems to run may still be running rough. A freshly serviced example is meaningfully more reliable than one that winds and ticks with unknown history. |
| Case | Both the yellow and white 14K gold versions are soft metals that show polishing history. Look at the lugs and case edges for over-polishing, which can round out the original cushion profile. A lightly worn example with original surfaces intact is preferable to one that has been buffed repeatedly. |
| Crown | Check that the crown threads in smoothly and winds with consistent resistance. A crown that slips, feels loose, or shows signs of replacement should prompt a closer look at the stem and setting mechanism inside. |
The Movement
The caliber 680 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton produced during the late 1960s for use in dress-oriented pieces where case depth was a priority. It is wound by hand through the crown and keeps time through a traditional lever escapement. The movement is compact and reliable when properly serviced, though like any movement of this age it needs fresh lubrication to run as intended.