Accumatic A-502
1963–1964 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Accumatic A-502
Made from 1963 through 1964, the Accumatic A-502 uses Hamilton's caliber 689 or 689A, a 17-jewel automatic movement, housed in a stainless steel round case measuring 11mm thick. The A-502 sits within the Accumatic family, Hamilton's line of automatic watches built around the rotor-wound 689 series movements. It was offered both on a bracelet and on a strap, with the bracelet configuration carrying a slight price premium. The white dial features embossed silver numerals at all hour positions with a sweep seconds hand.
The embossed silver numerals on this dial are a detail worth paying close attention to on any example you handle. Because the dial printing is protected only by lacquer, any attempt to clean the dial surface risks peeling that finish permanently. Finding one with the dial intact and the embossing still crisp is the real goal here. The stainless steel case holds up well over time, but check the original bracelet if it is present, as period Accumatic bracelets are increasingly hard to find in good shape.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-502 in 1963 with a stainless steel case, priced at $55.00 on strap and $59.95 on bracelet, emphasizing the stainless steel case and bracelet combination as the core of the offering.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1963
1964
What to Look For
| Dial | The white dial has embossed silver numerals and a lacquer finish. Do not attempt to clean it. Even gentle contact can separate the printing from the surface. Look for even color across the dial surface and check that none of the embossed numerals are flaking or peeling at the edges. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or chips around the edges where the crystal meets the bezel. A fogged or crazed crystal can usually be replaced, but confirm it sits flush with no separation from the bezel. |
| Movement | The watch should wind from wrist motion and run continuously without needing to be shaken or hand-wound to keep going. If it only runs when agitated, dried lubricants are the likely cause and a full service is due. After 60 years, that is expected rather than exceptional. |
| Case | The stainless steel case wears well, but look at the lugs closely. Swept lugs tend to show polishing wear first, and over-polished lugs lose their original profile. Check the caseback for deep tool marks from previous openings. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently and confirm it moves through its positions without slipping or grinding. A worn or replaced crown is common on watches this age, so check that it matches the case proportions and is not an obvious substitute. |
The Movement
The caliber 689 and its variant the 689A are 17-jewel automatic movements made for Hamilton during this period. They wind continuously from the motion of the wrist through a rotor system and keep time via a glucydur balance wheel. The 689A designation reflects a minor revision to the base caliber, and both versions share the same general service requirements and character.