Thinline 4500
1963–1964 · Stainless · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 4500
Made from 1963 through 1964, the Thinline 4500 runs on Hamilton's caliber 687, a 17-jewel manual wind movement housed in a stainless steel case with a 10K white Gold Filled bezel and faceted crystal. The Thinline family was Hamilton's answer to the growing demand for slim dress watches in the early 1960s, and the 4500 fits that brief cleanly, keeping things minimal and proportioned for a dressed-up wrist. The hidden lug construction reinforces that sleek profile, tucking the attachment points out of sight for a cleaner silhouette.
Silver dials on watches this age can show spotting or patina near the edges, especially around the subseconds register at 6 o'clock where moisture tends to creep in first. The faceted crystal is a period-correct detail worth preserving if intact, since modern replacements rarely capture the same light-play. The Gold Filled bezel is worth a close look too, as wear-through on high-contact areas is common after six decades.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Thinline 4500 at $79.50 in 1963, bracelet included, pitching the Thinline series on its "super-slim streamlined profile" and the peace of mind of Weatherproof engineering protecting the 17-jewel movement against the elements.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look for spotting, separation, or discoloration around the subseconds register at 6 o'clock. The silver-tone Arabic numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 are raised, so check for any that have shifted or show signs of adhesion failure. Painted black stick markers elsewhere should be crisp with no flaking. |
| Crystal | The faceted crystal is part of what gives this watch its period character. Check for chips along the facet edges, which are harder to spot than a flat scratch but affect both looks and water ingress risk. |
| Movement | The caliber 687's click spring is prone to dislodging during cleaning. Ask whether the watch has been serviced and, if so, whether winding feels smooth and positive with no slipping under tension. |
| Case | The hidden lug design is a nice feature but the case back on these can be tricky to open, which sometimes leads to marring around the back edge. Check for tool marks or evidence of a ham-fisted opener. |
| Crown | Hamilton marketed these as Weatherproof, but any seals from 1963 are long past reliable. Treat this as not water resistant and check the crown for smooth winding action with no wobble or roughness. |
The Movement
The caliber 687 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement from Hamilton's American production era. It winds and sets conventionally, with a straightforward layout that a competent watchmaker will recognize immediately. Oil in a movement this age has almost certainly dried out, which creates enough friction to affect both rate and long-term wear on the pivot surfaces, so a service is worth factoring in if the watch hasn't been through one recently.