Thor II
1963–1964 · 10k Yellow Gold Filled · Manual Wind
About the Thor II
Made from 1963 through 1964, the Thor II uses Hamilton's caliber 686, a 17-jewel manual wind movement housed in an asymmetrical 10K yellow Gold Filled case that gives the watch its distinctly mid-century character. The dial matches the asymmetrical case shape and pairs a silver finish with embossed gold numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 alongside textured gold markers. A subseconds register sits at the expected position, completing a dial layout that feels considered rather than busy. The Thor II is part of Hamilton's broader asymmetrical case family from this period, a group worth its own exploration in the dedicated family guide.
Finding a clean Thor II means paying close attention to those textured gold markers, since surface details like that are almost impossible to replicate faithfully if a dial has been touched up or refinished. The embossed numeral construction adds another layer of complexity to any restoration attempt, so originality here matters more than it might on a simpler printed dial. Hamilton offered the Thor II with either a multicolor expansion bracelet or a tapered rust lizard strap, and whichever version you find, the bracelet or strap condition will usually tell you something about how the watch was stored and cared for.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1963 catalog listed the Thor II at $59.95 on a tapered rust lizard strap, with the multicolor expansion bracelet version priced at $99.95. The listing highlighted the 10K yellow rolled gold plate case and the choice between those two bracelet options as the watch's key selling points.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the textured gold markers and embossed numerals under good light. Any sign of repainting or touch-up around them is a red flag, since the texture and relief of these details cannot be faithfully restored once lost. The silver dial finish should be consistent across the surface with no blotchy or uneven areas. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing in the crystal, which on a watch this age will almost certainly be the original acrylic. A fogged or heavily scratched crystal can obscure dial condition, so remove or replace it before making a final judgment on the dial. |
| Movement | The caliber 686 is a capable movement, but oil in a movement this age has almost certainly dried out completely. Dried lubricant creates enough friction to affect rate accuracy or stop the watch entirely, so assume a service is needed unless one has been done recently and can be documented. Also worth knowing: reassembly of the 686 requires careful alignment of all four wheels and the train bridge simultaneously, which makes it a movement that rewards a watchmaker who has done it before. |
| Case | Check the lug tips for brass showing through. The case back can be tricky to open without the right tool, so if it looks like it has been pried, inspect the case back seat carefully for damage. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown screws in and seats properly, and that the watch winds and sets smoothly. A crown that slips or feels gritty is often the first sign that a service is overdue. Also confirm the crown is correct for the model, since a replaced crown is common on watches this age and an ill-fitting one affects both function and appearance. |
The Movement
The caliber 686 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement made by Hamilton in the United States. It winds from the crown, runs a subseconds hand from a dedicated register, and is built to a standard that made it a reliable choice across a range of Hamilton dress watches during this period. Like any manual wind movement of this age, it benefits from periodic servicing to keep the lubricants fresh and the parts moving as they should.