Auto Date Eagle
1973–1977 · 827 / 14k Gold Electroplate
About the Auto Date Eagle
Running from 1973 through 1977, the Auto Date Eagle is part of Hamilton's Auto Date family, a line built around automatic movements with quick-change date displays. The case is round and finished in 14k Gold Electroplate, and inside sits one of three related calibers: the 826, 827, or 14, all 17-jewel automatics. The silver dial carries applied indices, and the hooded lugs give the Eagle a quietly distinctive profile that separates it from the more conventional round cases of the same era.
Gold Electroplate cases from this period need a close look at the high-contact points: lugs, crown edges, and caseback lip are where the finish wears first and fastest. The silver dial can develop an attractive patina, but check for spotting near the edges where moisture gets in over time. The hooded lug design is a nice detail that tends to appeal to collectors who want something with a little more visual character than a plain round case.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Eagle in its catalog as a 14k gold electroplate model with the Quick-Change II date system, priced at $119.95. That put it at a mid-range price point within the Auto Date lineup, positioned as an accessible dress watch rather than an entry-level piece.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the silver dial for spotting, moisture damage, or print loss around the date window. Applied indices should be sitting flat and fully attached, with no separation from the dial surface or missing pieces. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing on the crystal, which can distort the dial underneath. A fogged crystal sometimes signals past moisture intrusion, which is more important to investigate than the crystal itself. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 826 has a small U-shaped spring that presses on the index lever, and it has a habit of springing free during service and disappearing. If the watch is running rough or the date change feels weak, that spring is worth checking. Dried oil can also create enough friction to stop an automatic even when it appears to be winding. |
| Case | Examine the lugs, caseback lip, and crown edges closely. These are the first places gold electroplate wears through to the base metal. Light wear is expected on a watch from this era, but significant wear-through affects both the look and the long-term durability of the case. |
| Crown | The crown should seat firmly and feel smooth through all positions. A sticky or gritty crown sometimes points to dried lubricant in the winding mechanism, or a gasket that has hardened over time. Also worth noting: even though this watch was originally rated water resistant, vintage gaskets are not reliable, and the watch should be kept away from water. |
The Movement
The caliber 826 and its close relatives the 827 and caliber 14 are 17-jewel automatic movements with Hamilton's quick-change date mechanism, which lets you advance the date by rapidly cycling the crown back and forth rather than waiting for it to change overnight. These are dependable movements in good service condition, but the quick-change date system involves a small U-shaped spring that is easy to dislodge and hard to find once it goes. A properly serviced example keeps solid time.