I have always admired the Hamilton 917 movement, its one of the prettiest movements around, its also solid well made and dependable, probably because of its history as a US railroad watch
The first time I saw a Hamilton used as a project watch was when I saw a beautifully engraved 917 built by Tourby Watches.... I decided I had to have one of these movements ....but... in a Pam. The obvious choice would have been a Fiddy due to the ample size. However, I wanted one in a Pam 45mm, that’s when the fun and games began as its not as easy as I first thought.
The Build: Hamilton 917’s don’t drop into 45mm Pam, in short just about nothing fits. The first job was to totally strip the watch, every cog, spring and screw was removed, I even unravelled the main spring. Whilst the watch was in bits, I ground the chassis down to fit the Pam. Next was to adapt the stem to fit a Pam crown. First problem is that the threads are different sizes. I cut the stem to the precise size (it has to be very accurate) then I filed the threads down to just the right amount inserted into the Pam crown and soldered in place as one sold piece, it’s now solid as a rock.
Dial and Super Lume: I ordered a dial “without†the words Panerai and super lumed it with the worlds brightest lume (according to the manufacturers).
Hands: None of the Hands fitted so I fabricated a new set, I am not happy with them and plan to build another set as soon as I have the right parts.
Crown Guard: I used the hot glue method for the crown guard pin then filed the pin down to leave a flush fit, this was the easiest part of the build and refreshing to do.
Housing and Cystal: I used a sapphire crystal and removed all the AR, I prefer it without AR and hate the blue tint (dead fake giveaway). I may have it AR’ed but for now I am happy with it. I removed all the AR by hand (you don’t need a Dremel if you haven't got one). To remove AR I used a Brillo Pad which is wire wool with a cleaning agent used to clean pans and ovens. Wire wool is a great glass cleaner, it doesn’t scratch glass as most people assume, steel or wire wool is nowhere near as hard as glass...
The Rebuild: Reassembled the movement and gave it a full service, it runs a treat and keeps excellent time. After this the rebuild was easy, all the hands are very firmly fitted and not as weak as the Pam hands we are used to. The movement dropped into the case nicely so all that was left was to fit the strap that I bought off CharlieUK , which is what made me start the project in the first place.
Hope you enjoy/ed my explanation and the images below, I am satisfied with the result so far, its a little extra special as its my first build, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from building the watch you wear. I would encourage others to follow suit... It’s not as hard as it may appear, and a great way to learn but I appreciate the 917 may not be everyone’s way to gain an apprenticeship of sorts ....
The first time I saw a Hamilton used as a project watch was when I saw a beautifully engraved 917 built by Tourby Watches.... I decided I had to have one of these movements ....but... in a Pam. The obvious choice would have been a Fiddy due to the ample size. However, I wanted one in a Pam 45mm, that’s when the fun and games began as its not as easy as I first thought.
The Build: Hamilton 917’s don’t drop into 45mm Pam, in short just about nothing fits. The first job was to totally strip the watch, every cog, spring and screw was removed, I even unravelled the main spring. Whilst the watch was in bits, I ground the chassis down to fit the Pam. Next was to adapt the stem to fit a Pam crown. First problem is that the threads are different sizes. I cut the stem to the precise size (it has to be very accurate) then I filed the threads down to just the right amount inserted into the Pam crown and soldered in place as one sold piece, it’s now solid as a rock.
Dial and Super Lume: I ordered a dial “without†the words Panerai and super lumed it with the worlds brightest lume (according to the manufacturers).
Hands: None of the Hands fitted so I fabricated a new set, I am not happy with them and plan to build another set as soon as I have the right parts.
Crown Guard: I used the hot glue method for the crown guard pin then filed the pin down to leave a flush fit, this was the easiest part of the build and refreshing to do.
Housing and Cystal: I used a sapphire crystal and removed all the AR, I prefer it without AR and hate the blue tint (dead fake giveaway). I may have it AR’ed but for now I am happy with it. I removed all the AR by hand (you don’t need a Dremel if you haven't got one). To remove AR I used a Brillo Pad which is wire wool with a cleaning agent used to clean pans and ovens. Wire wool is a great glass cleaner, it doesn’t scratch glass as most people assume, steel or wire wool is nowhere near as hard as glass...
The Rebuild: Reassembled the movement and gave it a full service, it runs a treat and keeps excellent time. After this the rebuild was easy, all the hands are very firmly fitted and not as weak as the Pam hands we are used to. The movement dropped into the case nicely so all that was left was to fit the strap that I bought off CharlieUK , which is what made me start the project in the first place.
Hope you enjoy/ed my explanation and the images below, I am satisfied with the result so far, its a little extra special as its my first build, there is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from building the watch you wear. I would encourage others to follow suit... It’s not as hard as it may appear, and a great way to learn but I appreciate the 917 may not be everyone’s way to gain an apprenticeship of sorts ....
