Dateline A-582
1966–1967 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Dateline A-582
Made in 1966 and 1967, the Dateline A-582 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family, a line of date-display automatics that brought practical functionality to mid-century dress wear. It runs on the Swiss-made caliber 694A automatic, housed in a stainless steel cushion case measuring 34mm in length and 12mm thick. The swept lugs give the case a fluid, era-appropriate profile that wears comfortably on the wrist.
Dial condition is the first thing worth scrutinizing on these. The A-582 is known to appear with a few distinct dial configurations, including a textured linen-like surface with faceted markers that carry a black stripe, which adds visual depth that the catalog description alone doesn't convey. Finding one with an honest, unrestored dial and intact markers is the real challenge, and when it comes together, this is a genuinely appealing mid-sixties automatic.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-582 in its 1966 catalog with a silver and white dial, stick markers, and a date window, pricing it at $89.50. The watch was also rated weatherproof and shock-resistant, which were meaningful selling points for an everyday automatic at that price point.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1966
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the raised gold markers closely. Faceted markers like those found on some A-582 dials can show edge wear or loss of their black stripe accent over time. Also inspect around the date window for flaking or moisture damage, which tends to show up there first. |
| Crystal | The A-582 uses an acrylic crystal. Minor scratches can be polished out, but a cracked or deeply scratched crystal will need replacement. If the crystal on the example you're looking at has been replaced, confirm it fits flush with no gaps around the bezel edge. |
| Movement | The 694A is an automatic, so it should wind from wrist motion. On any movement this age, oil dries out over decades, and dried lubricant creates enough friction to stop the watch even if everything else is intact. A service is the only way to know what you have. |
| Case | The cushion case is a one-piece design with a case back that can be tricky to open without the right tool. Look for gouges or slipping marks around the case back edge from previous improper opening attempts. The case itself is stainless steel, so light surface marks are common but heavy polishing that rounds the lugs is worth noting. |
| Crown | Pull the crown to the date-set and time-set positions and confirm both engage cleanly. A crown that spins without engaging, or that feels loose in any position, points to a worn stem or setting lever that will need attention. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is a Swiss-made Hamilton automatic with 17 jewels. It winds from wrist motion through a bidirectional rotor and includes a date complication driven off the movement. It's a solid, serviceable caliber, though the date mechanism contains small spring-loaded parts that require care during service.