Thinline 5001
1962–1963 · Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 5001
Made from 1962 through 1963, the Thinline 5001 is part of Hamilton's Thinline family, a line built around slim profiles and clean, modern design. The 5001 pairs a stainless steel round case with a two-tone dial offering alternating grey and white sectors, accented by raised gold numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12, textured silver markers at the remaining positions, and a subseconds register. Power comes from the caliber 687, a 17-jewel manual wind movement well suited to the understated elegance Hamilton was chasing with this line.
The alternating grey and white dial is the defining feature here, and its condition tells the whole story on any example you encounter. These two-tone dials can show uneven aging between sectors, so look closely at how the finish transitions across the face. The 5001 was offered on both bracelet and strap, so original bracelets, when present, add to the appeal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton offered the Thinline 5001 in 1962 with a stainless steel case and what they called an alternate grey dial, priced at $65.00 on strap and $69.50 on bracelet.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1962
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine both the grey and white dial sectors carefully. Uneven fading or silvering between the alternating zones is common with age. Check the raised gold numerals for chips or losses, and look at the textured silver markers under good light for any flaking or oxidation. |
| Crystal | These left the factory with acrylic crystals. Check for deep scratches or crazing, which can usually be polished out or replaced, but make sure the crystal is sitting flush with no separation at the edge. |
| Movement | The caliber 687's click spring is prone to dislodging during cleaning. Ask whether the watch has been serviced recently, and if so, whether it was inspected and confirmed running well after service. |
| Case | The round stainless steel case holds up well, but check the lugs for thinning from polishing and inspect the caseback for tool marks from prior openings. Swept lugs like these can lose their shape quickly under a wheel. |
| Crown | Work the crown through winding and setting. Any slipping, roughness, or resistance can point to a worn stem or corroded crown tube. Replacement crowns exist but correct originals are always preferable. |
The Movement
The caliber 687 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement produced by Hamilton during the early 1960s. It winds from the crown, keeps time through a traditional lever escapement, and is compact enough to fit the slimmer cases Hamilton favored at the time. At this age, dried lubricants are the most common issue, and a full service is the right starting point for any example that hasn't been looked at recently.