Auto Date Condor
1973–1974 · Stainless
About the Auto Date Condor
Made from 1973 through 1974, the Auto Date Condor is a stainless steel round-cased automatic from Hamilton's Auto Date family, which brought date and day-date complications to mid-range buyers during the early 1970s. The case runs 35mm wide and 12mm thick, a proportions that reads as a solidly sized everyday watch for the era. The Condor's swept lugs give the round case a bit of character beyond a plain barrel shape.
Finding a clean Condor means paying close attention to the dial and case finish. The applied indices are small and can show aging around their edges or footings if moisture ever worked its way in, and the stainless case on these is often over-polished by previous owners trying to freshen things up. A Condor that has been left alone will show honest wear, but the lines of the case and lugs will still be crisp.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Auto Date Condor in stainless steel with the Q/C II designation at $110.00, positioning it as a water-resistant automatic for everyday use.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
1974
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully around the base of the applied indices for any signs of separation, discoloration, or moisture damage. These small details are easy to miss in photos but tell you a lot about how the watch was stored and whether water ever got inside. |
| Crystal | The Condor uses an acrylic crystal, which scratches easily but can usually be polished or replaced without drama. A deeply scratched or craized crystal is a minor issue, but check that it seats properly with no gaps at the bezel edge. |
| Movement | Have the watch serviced before relying on it. Dried oil creates enough friction to stop a vintage automatic even when the watch winds and sets normally, so a watch that appears to run can still be overdue for a full service. |
| Case | Check the case back for signs it has been opened with the wrong tools. Slipped case back openers leave marks around the edge, and a case back that no longer seats properly can compromise the watch's water resistance. The original rating no longer applies to a vintage watch, so this is more about keeping dust and humidity out. |
| Crown | The crown should be signed and should operate smoothly through all positions without slipping or grinding. A sticky or loose crown often means the stem or setting mechanism needs attention. |