Dateline A-275
1964–1967 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Automatic
About the Dateline A-275
Made from 1964 through 1967, the Dateline A-275 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family, a line built around automatic movements with date displays at a time when that combination was genuinely practical and desirable. The A-275 runs on the caliber 694, a 17-jewel automatic, and comes in a 14K yellow gold cushion case with a silver dial and applied gold markers. The date window sits at 3 o'clock, cleanly integrated into the dial without crowding it.
Finding one in solid shape means paying close attention to the dial first. The silver finish can show age in subtle ways, and any moisture intrusion over the decades tends to show up there before anywhere else. The 14K gold case is a genuine asset on these, and the cushion shape has held up well visually, but check the lugs carefully since swept lug profiles like this one can thin out from repeated polishing.
From the Catalog
Hamilton offered the A-275 in 1964 starting at $79.50 on a strap, with a bracelet option available for $89.50. The watch was described as weatherproof, with waterproof and dustproof protection when the seals were intact.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1964
1965
1966
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the silver dial for spotting, moisture staining, or discoloration around the date window. The applied gold markers can come loose slightly at the edges over time, so a loupe or good light will show any that have shifted. Any previous service attempts that opened the case incorrectly can sometimes disturb the dial, so check for fingerprints or smudges under the crystal. |
| Crystal | The A-275 uses a crystal-open case design, meaning the movement is accessed by removing the crystal rather than popping the case back. A scratched or chipped crystal can indicate someone tried to open the case back instead, which is a common mistake on this type. Make sure the crystal seats flat and even with no gaps around the edge. |
| Movement | The caliber 694 is an automatic and should wind from wrist motion, but dried oil on a movement this age creates enough friction to stop it or cause erratic timekeeping. Before buying, ask whether it has been recently serviced. The date mechanism involves small springs and a delicate index lever that are easy to damage during a careless service, so an erratic date change or one that does not snap cleanly is worth noting. |
| Case | This is a 14K yellow gold case, so confirm that with a hallmark inside the case back. Cushion cases can accumulate grime in the corners between the lugs and the case body. Polishing history matters here since the swept lugs on this model lose their profile quickly if a jeweler has been aggressive with a wheel. |
| Crown | The crown controls both hand-setting and date adjustment, so test both functions. It should pull out to two distinct positions without feeling loose or gritty. A worn crown or damaged threads on the tube can compromise the watch's weatherproof rating, and replacements for correct vintage crowns are not always easy to source. |
The Movement
The caliber 694 is a 17-jewel automatic, meaning it winds itself through the motion of the wrist via a rotor. It is a self-contained, reliable movement from Hamilton's American production era, designed for everyday wear without the need to hand-wind. At this age, the lubricants inside have almost certainly dried out, which creates enough friction to affect timekeeping or stop the watch entirely, so a service is worth factoring in before putting one into regular rotation.