Dateline A-676
1965–1967 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate · Automatic
About the Dateline A-676
Made from 1965 through 1967, the Dateline A-676 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family of calendar watches, using the automatic caliber 694 with a sweep seconds hand and a date window at the dial. The case is 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate in a round shape, and the silver dial carries applied gold markers without numerals. The Dateline line brought calendar functionality to mid-range automatic watches, and the A-676 was the bracelet-forward option at its price point, originally retailing at $89.50 on bracelet.
Applied gold markers on a silver dial age gracefully on these, but look closely for any separation or missing indices before buying, since replacements that match properly are hard to source. The date complication adds a service complexity that simpler automatics don't have, so condition of the movement matters more than it might seem on first glance. The A-275 and A-475 are closely related models worth comparing if you're researching the Dateline calendar variants.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-676 simply as a calendar watch in 10K RGP, priced at $89.50 on bracelet and $79.50 on strap in 1965, positioning it as a practical, date-equipped automatic at an accessible price point.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1965
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Check each applied gold marker carefully. Any that are separating from the dial, crooked, or missing will be difficult to replace with period-correct parts. Also inspect around the date window cutout for any hairline cracks in the dial. |
| Crystal | Note that this case opens through the crystal side, not the case back. Any scratch marks or pry damage around the case edge or bezel are a sign someone attempted entry from the wrong side. |
| Movement | The caliber 694 is an automatic and should wind from wrist movement, but decades of dried lubricants create enough friction to stall the rotor or the gear train entirely. A watch that runs intermittently or not at all likely just needs a full service. |
| Case | 10K RGP cases show wear at the high points over time. Check the lugs and case sides for brass showing through the gold layer. Moderate wear is expected and acceptable; worn-through patches on the lugs are harder to overlook. |
| Crown | The crown should click cleanly into both the winding and date-setting positions. A crown that feels loose, slips, or pulls away from the case may have a worn stem or damaged threads. |
The Movement
The caliber 694 is a 17-jewel automatic movement that winds from the motion of the wrist through a rotating rotor. It features a sweep seconds hand and drives the date complication through a date wheel, index lever, and a small spring arrangement that requires careful attention during service. It is a solid and reliable movement, though the date mechanism adds a few fidgety parts to any service job.