Accumatic A-508
1968–1969 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Accumatic A-508
Made from 1968 through 1969 and 1969, the Accumatic A-508 is a round stainless steel automatic from Hamilton's Accumatic family, running on the caliber 689A with 17 jewels and a sweep seconds hand. The Accumatic line was Hamilton's core automatic offering through the 1960s, and the A-508 slotted into that range as a clean, straightforward dress watch available in both black and white dial configurations. The 1968 catalog listed the black dial version at $65 on bracelet, with the strap version at $59.95.
Finding an A-508 means paying close attention to which dial you actually have in front of you. The catalog primary was a black dial with silver markers, but a white dial variant also exists, and the two are meaningfully different from a collector standpoint. Condition on the embossed markers tends to hold up reasonably well compared to printed dials, but the case and crystal deserve a close look since these were modestly priced watches that often saw daily use without much care.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1968 catalog described the A-508 as a stainless steel case with an alternate black dial, priced at $65 on bracelet and $59.95 on strap, positioning it as an accessible automatic in the mid-range of the Accumatic lineup.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Confirm whether the dial is white or black, since both variants exist and they are not interchangeable in value or originality terms. Look for oxidation or spotting on white dials, and on black dials check for fading near the center where moisture tends to get trapped. The embossed silver markers should retain their dimensional quality; if they look flat or smeared, the dial has likely been refinished. |
| Crystal | These left the factory with acrylic crystals. Check for deep scratches or crazing, which are common after decades of wear. A good acrylic can be polished, but a heavily scratched one should be replaced. Make sure the crystal sits flush with no separation at the edge. |
| Movement | The 689A is an automatic, and dried lubricants are a real concern after more than 50 years. If the watch only runs when shaken rather than maintaining motion from wrist wear alone, the movement almost certainly needs a full service. Listen for any irregular ticking, which can indicate a worn or damaged escapement. |
| Case | Stainless steel cases from this era survive well, but check the lug tips for thinning from over-polishing, which is common on watches that passed through jewelers over the years. The caseback can be tricky to open on these, so look for evidence of prior damage like slipping tool marks around the edge. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently to confirm it moves between positions smoothly and without wobbling. A loose or wobbly crown often means a worn stem or damaged keyless works. Also note that vintage watches like this are not suitable for water exposure even if the case was originally designed with some water resistance in mind. |
The Movement
The caliber 689A is a 17-jewel automatic movement that winds from wrist motion through a rotor, with no need for manual winding during regular wear. It drives a sweep seconds hand, which gives the dial a cleaner, more refined look than a small subseconds register would. The 689A is a reliable workhorse from this period, though like any movement pushing 55 or more years old, it performs best when it has been properly cleaned and lubricated.