Auto Saratoga
1973–1976 · 817 / 818 / 14k Gold Electroplate / Stainless Steel Back
About the Auto Saratoga
Made from 1973 through 1976, the Auto Saratoga is a round-cased automatic from Hamilton's later American-era lineup, built on a 17-jewel movement. The case is 14K Gold Electroplate with a stainless steel back, and the 1974 catalog lists a silver dial version at $100. Several calibers are associated with this model across its run, including the 815, 817, 818, 14, and 721, reflecting the component variation common in Hamilton's production during this period. The Auto Saratoga shares its name with a long line of Hamilton Saratoga models, though this particular version represents the automatic chapter of that lineage.
Gold Electroplate cases from this era vary quite a bit in terms of how well the finish has held up, and the Auto Saratoga is no exception. Finding one with plating intact on the lugs and case flanks is the real challenge, since those surfaces take the most wear. The hooded lug design is a nice period detail, and a clean example with an unmarked silver dial is a satisfying find.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Auto Saratoga at $100 in 1974, describing it simply by its 14K gold electroplate case with stainless steel back. That price point placed it comfortably in the mid-range of Hamilton's automatic lineup for the period.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the silver dial for spotting, discoloration around the edges, or any signs of moisture intrusion. The applied indices should sit flat and even with no separation or corrosion at their bases. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing. A fogged or hazy crystal often means moisture got inside at some point, which warrants a closer look at the dial and movement. |
| Movement | On a watch this age, dried lubricants create enough friction to stop the movement or cause it to run erratically. Ask whether it has been serviced recently, and factor in service cost if it hasn't. |
| Case | Gold electroplate thins with wear, especially on the lugs and high spots of the case. Examine those areas closely for brass showing through. Once the plating is worn through, there's no practical way to restore it to original spec. |
| Crown | Make sure the crown screws or presses in smoothly and that the watch winds without slipping. A sticky or gritty crown action usually points to a movement that needs attention. |
The Movement
The Auto Saratoga runs on a 17-jewel automatic movement, with the caliber varying across the production run. These are self-winding movements, meaning normal wear on the wrist keeps the mainspring wound through a rotor that spins with wrist motion. At this age, the lubricants inside will almost certainly need refreshing regardless of how the watch appears to run.