Auto Date Quentin
1975–1977 · Gold Electroplate / Stainless Steel Back
About the Auto Date Quentin
Made from 1975 through 1977, the Auto Date Quentin is part of Hamilton's Auto Date family, a line built around the practicality of an automatic movement with a day-date complication. The case is Gold Electroplate over a stainless steel back, and inside sits the caliber 837, a 17-jewel automatic. The silver dial carries applied markers and a day-date window, a combination that gave it a clean, legible character typical of mid-1970s Hamilton design.
Finding a Quentin in good shape means paying close attention to the Gold Electroplate finish, which wears through at high points over time, particularly on the lugs and case edges. The day-date window is worth checking carefully, both for the alignment of the display and for any signs of the plastic window fogging or cracking with age. Applied markers can show edge separation on dials that have seen moisture, so a close look under good light before buying is always worth the effort.
From the Catalog
Hamilton described the Quentin in 1975 as micron plated with a stainless steel back, offered in a gilt yellow-gold tone at $185.00, positioning it as an accessible but polished option in the Auto Date lineup.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1978
What to Look For
| Dial | Look at the applied markers under a loupe or good light. Separated or shifted markers are a sign of past moisture exposure and affect both aesthetics and value. Check the day-date window for fogging, cracking, or off-center display. |
| Crystal | Expect a plastic crystal with light surface scratches on most examples at this age. Deep gouges or a hazy crystal can often be replaced affordably, but confirm before buying if originality matters to you. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. On a movement this age, dried oil creates enough friction to stop the watch even with a full wind. A watch that runs intermittently or stops overnight almost certainly needs a service. |
| Case | Inspect the gold electroplate closely at the lugs and case edges, where wear typically shows first. Worn-through plating is normal on heavily used examples but should be reflected in the price. The stainless steel back should be free of deep dents or tool marks from improper opening. |
| Crown | Cycle through the crown positions to confirm the day and date set smoothly and independently. Stiffness or slipping in the setting positions can point to a movement that needs attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 837 is a 17-jewel automatic with a day-date complication, built during Hamilton's Swiss production era. It winds via a rotor with normal wear and tear of daily use, and the day-date mechanism adds a layer of complexity that rewards proper lubrication and regular servicing. Like most automatics of this period, it will run well for years when serviced and will degrade quickly when oil dries up.