Dateline A-586
1968–1970 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Dateline A-586
Made from 1968 through 1970, the Dateline A-586 is a stainless steel automatic from Hamilton's Dateline family, a line built around the practical appeal of date display at 3 o'clock. The caliber 64A powers it, a 21-jewel automatic with sweep seconds, giving this clean, round-cased watch a solid mechanical foundation. The silver dial uses applied silver markers and no Arabic numerals, keeping the look spare and modern for the late 1960s.
Applied silver markers on a silver dial can be subtle to read in certain light, which is part of the appeal for some collectors and a mild frustration for others. Condition on the dial is worth scrutinizing closely, as the applied markers can loosen or show residue from old adhesive or cleaning attempts. The stainless steel case tends to hold up well, but examples in honest, unpolished condition are preferable to ones that have been buffed smooth.
From the Catalog
Hamilton marketed the 1968 Dateline line with straightforward utility in mind, describing the watch as shock-resistant, anti-magnetic, and weatherproof. The A-586 retailed at $89.50, positioning it as an accessible entry into Hamilton's automatic date lineup. Note that while the original marketing used the term waterproof, no vintage watch with aging seals should be treated as water-resistant today.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the applied silver markers. They should sit flush and even, with no separation at the edges, discoloration underneath, or signs of having been disturbed. Silver dials can show moisture damage as faint spotting or haze, especially near the date window. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing. Replacement crystals for round cases this size are generally available, but confirm the fit is correct before assuming a replacement was done properly. |
| Movement | The 64A is an automatic and should wind from wrist motion. On any movement this age, oil dries out over decades and that dried oil creates enough friction to stop the watch or cause erratic timekeeping. A service is the only real fix. The watch should also be running before you buy. |
| Case | Look for honest wear rather than heavy polishing. Crisp case lines are a good sign. Case backs on vintage Hamiltons can be stubborn to open, and an inexpertly forced back will show it. |
| Crown | The 64A uses a two-piece stem by design, meaning the crown is intended to separate from the stem under enough force. That also means a crown can come loose or go missing. Make sure the crown is original, intact, and that it winds and sets smoothly without slipping. |
The Movement
The caliber 64A is a 21-jewel automatic movement produced during Hamilton's Swiss-era transition. It winds via a rotor from wrist motion and drives a sweep seconds hand, with the date function displaying through the window at 3. It's a dependable workhorse caliber, not exotic, but well-made and serviceable by any competent watchmaker familiar with Swiss automatics of the period.