Dateline A-587
1969–1970 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Dateline A-587
The Dateline A-587 was made in 1969 and 1970, placing it in Hamilton's Accumatic-era lineup of date-equipped automatics sold under the Dateline family name. It runs on the caliber 64A, a 21-jewel automatic movement, and comes in a 34mm stainless steel case. The Dateline family was Hamilton's answer to growing consumer demand for date complications in an affordable, reliable automatic package, and the A-587 fits that brief squarely. Its closest relative in the lineup is the Palisade.
Dials on the A-587 show up with a radial finish, which catches light differently depending on the angle and can look either crisp or worn depending on how the watch was stored. Condition varies considerably on these, so dial inspection matters more than it might on a plainer surface. Finding one with the finish intact and the printing clean is a good sign the watch lived an easy life.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1971
What to Look For
| Dial | The radial finish on these dials is prone to showing wear, moisture damage, or subtle fading at the edges. Look for consistent sheen across the surface and check that the printed indices and any text are sharp, not ghosted or rubbed. |
| Crystal | Check for cracks, deep scratches, or a hazy patch in the center that suggests someone polished the crystal rather than replaced it. A fresh crystal is an inexpensive fix, but a cracked one left in place can let dust and moisture into the case. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The caliber 64A is an automatic, and lubricants in movements this age dry out and thicken over time, creating friction that can stop the watch or cause it to run erratically. A watch that winds and runs does not necessarily mean it has been serviced. |
| Case | Stainless steel holds up well, but check the lugs for thinning from repeated polishing and look at the case back for signs of forced opening. The case backs on these can be stubborn, and an improperly opened back will show tool marks or distortion around the edge. |
| Crown | The two-piece stem design used on these Hamiltons means the crown can separate from the stem if pulled too firmly. Make sure the crown threads in smoothly, seats completely, and does not wobble or feel loose in the winding position. |
The Movement
The caliber 64A is a 21-jewel automatic made during Hamilton's transition period, when the brand was increasingly relying on Swiss-manufactured movements. It winds via a rotor with each turn of the wrist and includes a date complication driven off the main gear train. The 21-jewel count reflects Hamilton's commitment to reducing friction at key points in the movement, and the caliber has a generally solid reputation for reliability when properly serviced.