Accumatic A-500
1962–1965 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Accumatic A-500
Made from 1962 through 1965, the Accumatic A-500 is a stainless steel automatic from Hamilton's Accumatic family, running on either the caliber 679 or caliber 689 depending on production year. The Accumatic line was Hamilton's core automatic offering through the early 1960s, and the A-500 represents a clean, round-case expression of that lineup. Its white dial carries embossed silver numerals at 6 and 12 with embossed silver markers at the remaining positions, giving the dial a subtle three-dimensional quality. A sweep seconds hand completes the layout.
Embossed dials like this one hold up better than printed dials over time, but the white finish can still yellow or show aging at the edges, particularly under the crystal where moisture has gotten in. The related A-501 shares close DNA with this model, so if you're comparing examples, small differences in case finishing or bracelet fittings are worth noting. Finding one with an original bracelet intact is genuinely uncommon at this point.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the A-500 in stainless steel with both bracelet and strap options, priced at $65.00 on bracelet and $59.95 on strap in 1962. A yellow gold case version was also available the following year, listed at $115.00.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the white dial carefully for yellowing, discoloration near the edges, or moisture damage under the crystal. The embossed silver numerals and markers are more durable than printed details, but the white dial surface itself can show its age. Do not attempt to clean the dial, as the lacquer finish is easily damaged and any cleaning risks permanent loss. |
| Crystal | Look for deep scratches or chips in the crystal. A hazy or heavily scratched crystal can make the dial hard to read and is usually the first thing to address after servicing. |
| Movement | The watch should wind from wrist motion and run continuously without needing to be shaken or hand-wound to keep going. If it stops when left on the wrist, dried lubricants are a likely culprit after 60-plus years. A full service is the right fix. |
| Case | Inspect the lugs for wear and thinning, which is common on stainless steel cases of this era that have been polished repeatedly. The case back can be tricky to open without the right tool, so watch for evidence of prying damage around the back edge. |
| Crown | Try the crown in each position. It should pull out to the time-setting position smoothly and without wobble. A loose or sticky crown can point to a worn or damaged stem, and on single-piece cases like this one, stem removal carries some risk, so it's worth confirming before purchase. |
The Movement
The A-500 runs on either the Hamilton caliber 679 or caliber 689, both 17-jewel automatic movements. These are self-winding movements that build and maintain their power reserve from normal wrist motion through a rotor mechanism. Both calibers are reliable performers when properly serviced, though the small parts involved in reassembly require patience and precision to get right.