Dateline A-282
1971 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold
About the Dateline A-282
Made only in 1971, the Dateline A-282 is a 14k solid yellow gold round-cased automatic with a date complication, powered by Hamilton's caliber 694A. The Dateline family was Hamilton's date-display line within its Accumatic automatic series, and the A-282 represents the higher-end expression of that range with a solid gold case rather than Gold Filled or stainless. Applied indices on the dial give it a clean, dressy character consistent with where Hamilton positioned this model.
Solid 14k gold cases from this era tend to wear well, but check the lugs carefully on any example you handle. The swept lug design concentrates wear at the tips, and a half-century of daily use can leave them noticeably thinned. Finding one with the case still holding its proportions and the dial free of moisture damage is a small victory.
From the Catalog
Hamilton positioned the Dateline line as a practical dress option for the man who wanted date functionality without sacrificing refinement. The A-282 in solid gold sat at the upper end of that offering.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1971
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the applied indices. Check that all of them are sitting flat and flush, as loose or detaching indices are common on watches this age and can rattle around inside the crystal if they come free entirely. Also inspect the dial surface for any spotting or discoloration that would indicate past moisture intrusion. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal is intact and properly seated. Replacement crystals for round dress watches are generally available, but fit matters, and an ill-fitting crystal can pop loose or allow dust to enter. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 694A is an automatic with a date complication, and dried lubricants in a movement this age can create enough friction to stop it or cause erratic timekeeping. Spring-loaded parts in the date mechanism are also easy to lose during a service, so ask whether the work was done by someone with experience on vintage Hamilton automatics. |
| Case | This is a solid 14k gold case, which is worth confirming with a hallmark check inside the case back. Examine the lug tips for thinning from wear or over-polishing. Case backs on watches from this period can be stubborn to open, and a pried or damaged back lip is a sign someone forced it. |
| Crown | Work the crown through all its positions. It should pull out to the date-set and time-set positions with distinct detents and push back in smoothly. A crown that feels loose or slips positions can indicate a worn stem or worn setting mechanism, both of which are serviceable but worth knowing about upfront. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is a Swiss-made automatic with a date complication, running with a rotor that winds the mainspring through normal wrist motion. It is a solid, service-friendly movement when properly maintained, but like any movement of this age it needs fresh lubrication to run correctly. Date complications add a few more moving parts to the picture, which makes a full service that much more important.