Accumatic A-606
1968–1970 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate · Automatic
About the Accumatic A-606
The Accumatic A-606 appeared in 1968, and based on available catalog records, it was made only in that multiple years. Part of Hamilton's Accumatic family of automatic watches, it runs on the caliber 689A and comes in a 10K yellow RGP round case with a clean silver dial and applied steel black markers. The Accumatic line was Hamilton's core automatic offering through the 1960s, and the A-606 represents a straightforward, dressy expression of that range.
Finding a clean example means paying close attention to the dial. The silver finish and applied markers can look sharp even decades on, but any sign of moisture intrusion tends to show up quickly on a dial like this. A known black and gold dial variant exists, which adds some collector interest to what is otherwise a relatively understated model.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1968 catalog listed the A-606 at $89.50, describing it as a weatherproof automatic with a dressy, clean presentation suited to everyday wear.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
1971
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the silver dial finish for spotting, bubbling, or moisture damage along the edges and around the center. The applied steel black markers should sit flat and show no separation or shifting. If there is a black and gold variant in front of you, confirm it looks original rather than refinished, since redials are common and significantly affect value. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing on the crystal. A hazy or heavily scratched crystal can obscure dial condition until it is replaced, so factor that into your assessment of what you are actually buying. |
| Movement | After 55-plus years, dried lubricants are a genuine concern. Even a small amount of friction buildup from old oil can be enough to stop the caliber 689A entirely or cause erratic timekeeping. The watch should run continuously from wrist motion. If it runs for a while and then stops, or requires repeated shaking to keep going, it needs a service. |
| Case | The 10K yellow RGP case should be inspected for wear-through on the high points, where the gold plating thins first. Swept lugs can show brassing at the tips. Light surface wear is expected; bare metal showing through the plating is harder to reverse and worth factoring into your offer. |
| Crown | Pull the crown gently to confirm it moves smoothly into the setting position and that the hands respond without slipping. A worn crown or a stripped stem can be a nuisance to source, so it is worth checking before purchase. |
The Movement
The caliber 689A is a 17-jewel automatic movement built by Hamilton's Swiss operation. It winds from wrist motion through a rotor system, which means the watch should keep itself running through normal daily wear without any need for hand-winding. The 689A is a competent, robust movement in the context of its era, though like all automatics of this age it benefits considerably from fresh lubrication and a proper service.