After a protracted bit of research, I’ve located and interviewed a shop to do restoration work on my Hamilton Pulsar P-2 (the “Astronaut” model #2900, similar to what Roger Moore first wore as James Bond in the movie Live and Let Die).

This piece was a diamond in the rough, and I knew that when I bought it, for a great price. Most significantly, the crystal has to be replaced: As this image shows, it’s not just chipped, but actually quite gouged with a scratch that won’t give up to polishing. The previous owner did his own spiff-up job on the case, so I’m seeing about having that restored to its OEM finish as well.

Batteries are no longer manufactured to meet the specifications of the Pulsar P-2, but two 1.5-volt, No. 357 batteris can be substituted, provided that they are first inserted into O-ring spacers to hold them solidly in place in the compartment. I bought mine from the Old Pulsar website, and they worked just fine. But I’ve never gotten the sort of illumination I’d expected, so I’m having the module reworked as well; I’d be tempted just to jumper the light sensor providing for its dimming feature if I were doing the work myself.

So— my watch goes out this week. Check back here for progress updates and to see how it turns out (“before” pictures are included above). If all goes well, I’m looking forward to Posting a recommended supplier!