Accumatic A-655
1972 · 14k Gold Electroplate / Stainless Steel
About the Accumatic A-655
Made in 1972, the Accumatic A-655 is a round automatic from Hamilton's long-running Accumatic family, powered by the caliber 689A. The case is 14k Gold Electroplate with a stainless steel back, giving it a dressy presence without the weight or cost of solid gold. The Accumatic line was Hamilton's core automatic offering through the late 1960s and into the 1970s, and the A-655 fits comfortably within that tradition. Hooded lugs give the case a bit of visual character that keeps it from feeling generic.
Gold Electroplate from this era varies considerably in how it has held up. Some examples have worn through at the lugs and case edges, while others still show a decent layer of finish. The applied indices on the dial are worth examining closely, since any moisture intrusion over the decades can cause separation or discoloration underneath, and that is not something that can be easily corrected. Finding one with a clean, unrestored dial is the goal.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-655 as a 14k gold electroplate model with a stainless steel back, positioning it as an accessible dressy automatic at a price point that made the gold aesthetic available without the premium of solid gold construction.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
What to Look For
| Dial | Look at the applied indices under good light. Check for any separation, shifting, or adhesive hazing around the bases. Dial printing can be fragile on watches from this era, and any attempt to clean the surface risks losing it permanently. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing. A replacement crystal is straightforward, but it should be factored into the overall condition assessment. |
| Movement | Ask when the caliber 689A was last serviced. Dried oil creates enough friction to stop the watch even when it appears to wind and set normally. A watch running today may not keep running tomorrow if it has been sitting for years. |
| Case | Inspect the lugs and case edges for wear-through on the gold electroplate. The integrated lugs are a natural contact point and often show the most erosion. Stainless steel back should be clean and unmarked by improper opening attempts. |
| Crown | Check that the crown screws in smoothly and that the watch sets and winds without slipping. A worn crown or stem can be replaced, but it adds to service cost. |
The Movement
The caliber 689A is a 17-jewel automatic movement that winds via a bidirectional rotor, meaning it captures energy from wrist motion in both directions rather than just one. It is a reliable and well-understood movement that Hamilton used across a wide range of Accumatic models during this period. Servicing is straightforward for an experienced watchmaker, though reassembly requires careful alignment of the gear train to get everything running cleanly.