Dateline A-678
1966–1969 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Dateline A-678
Made from 1966 through 1969, the Dateline A-678 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family, a line built around the then-novel convenience of an automatic movement with a date display. This model runs on the caliber 694A, a 17-jewel automatic, and comes in a cushion-shaped case of 10K yellow RGP with a stainless steel back. The white dial carries applied gold numerals at 6, 9, and 12 with applied gold markers filling the remaining positions, and a sweep seconds hand that keeps the face lively without needing a separate subseconds register.
Cushion cases from this era can show wear at the lugs and case edges, so it pays to look closely at how much of the gold fill remains on the high points. The hidden lug design gives the A-678 a cleaner profile than many of its contemporaries, but it also means strap changes are less straightforward than they look, so check that the current strap or bracelet is seated correctly.
From the Catalog
Hamilton offered the A-678 in 1966 at $79.50 on a strap or $89.50 on a bracelet, positioning it as an accessible automatic date watch in the Dateline lineup.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1966
What to Look For
| Dial | Applied gold elements can separate or shift over decades. Look at the numerals and markers under good light for any that are crooked, pulling away at an edge, or missing entirely. The white dial surface should be checked for hairlines, staining, or refinishing, which would reduce the value significantly. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal is intact and fits flush with no gaps around the bezel. Replacement crystals for cushion-case watches can be tricky to source correctly, and an ill-fitting crystal is a sign something may have been swapped without care. |
| Movement | The 694A is an automatic, so it should keep itself wound through wrist movement. If the watch stops despite regular wearing, dried lubricants are the most likely cause. Any movement this age should be considered due for a full service regardless of whether it appears to be running. |
| Case | The 10K yellow RGP case shows wear at contact points first, particularly the lugs and case edges. Check those areas for brass showing through the gold fill. Also look for deep scratches or signs of aggressive polishing that would round off the original lines. |
| Crown | The crown should pull out to the date-setting and time-setting positions with distinct detents and push back in smoothly. A crown that spins freely, feels loose, or won't seat properly can indicate a worn or damaged stem, which is a straightforward repair but worth factoring in. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is a 17-jewel automatic movement, meaning it winds itself through the natural motion of the wrist via a rotor. It also drives the date complication, advancing the date display at midnight. At this age, the movement's lubricants will have dried out even if the watch appears to run fine, and a service interval of every five to eight years is the standard for keeping everything running as it should.