Thinline 5004
1968–1969 · Stainless Steel · Manual Wind
About the Thinline 5004
The Thinline 5004 appeared in 1968 as part of Hamilton's Thinline family, a line built around slim profiles and clean, modern aesthetics that defined a lot of Hamilton's late-1960s output. The case is stainless steel, round, and paired with a white dial carrying raised gold numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9, raised gold markers filling the remaining positions, and a subseconds hand. Power comes from the caliber 639, a 17-jewel manual wind movement. The 5004 was Made from 1968 through 1969, a single catalog year.
Raised gold numerals and markers on a white dial are detail-sensitive, so condition matters more than it might on a simpler printed dial. Look closely at the markers under good light before buying, since even minor losses or separation from the dial surface are difficult to reverse without a full dial restoration.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the 5004 in 1968 at $49.95 on strap, with a bracelet configuration available at $55. The catalog entry was minimal, just the case material, configuration options, and price, which was typical for Hamilton's more accessible Thinline offerings that year.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | The raised gold numerals and markers are the first thing to scrutinize. Look for any that have shifted, pulling away at an edge, or gone missing entirely. On a white dial, even small gaps in the applied elements are hard to ignore once you see them. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips around the edges. A hazy crystal can usually be polished, but cracks mean a replacement, and correct-profile crystals for late-1960s Hamilton cases can take some hunting. |
| Movement | The caliber 639 has very little clearance between its overlapping parts, which makes a full service genuinely demanding. Ask whether the watch has been serviced recently. Dried oil in a movement this age creates enough friction to affect timekeeping long before the watch stops entirely. |
| Case | Stainless steel wears well, but check the lugs for thinning from past polishing. Swept lugs lose their shape quickly when polished carelessly. A lightly worn original surface is worth more than a heavily buffed one. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently through its positions and feel for resistance or slipping. A worn or replaced crown is a minor fix, but an original correct crown is worth confirming, especially on a single-year model. |
The Movement
The caliber 639 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement that Hamilton used through several of its dress and Thinline models in the 1960s. It winds from the crown, has no automatic rotor, and keeps a slim profile that suits the Thinline case well. It is a capable movement when properly serviced, though its tight construction means a careful watchmaker matters.