Dateline A-680
1968–1969 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate · Automatic
About the Dateline A-680
Made from 1968 through 1969, the Dateline A-680 pairs Hamilton's caliber 694A automatic movement with an oval 10K yellow Rolled Gold Plate case. Part of Hamilton's Dateline family, which centered on automatic movements with date display, the A-680 represents the more accessible end of that lineup, offered in RGP alongside gold counterparts. The oval case shape and hidden lugs give it a quietly sculptural quality that reads as more distinctive than its price point might suggest.
Oval cases from this period can show wear unevenly, so it pays to look closely at the case edges and lug areas where plating tends to thin first. The silver dial with embossed gold markers holds up reasonably well when kept from moisture, but any signs of spotting or separation around the markers usually point to past humidity exposure. Finding one in clean, honest shape takes some patience.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's 1968 catalog listed the Dateline A-680 at $89.50 on strap and $99.50 on bracelet, positioning it as an entry point into the automatic date-display lineup. The advertising leaned on the practical appeal of the Dateline line rather than the case material, letting the date function carry the value story.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1968
What to Look For
| Dial | Look for spotting, discoloration, or moisture damage on the silver dial surface. Check the embossed gold markers closely under a loupe; separation or corrosion at their edges can indicate past water exposure and may worsen over time. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal fits the oval case opening properly with no gaps or separation at the edges. Replacement crystals for unusual oval shapes can be difficult to source, so a cracked or ill-fitting crystal is worth factoring into the purchase. |
| Movement | The 694A is an automatic and should wind from wrist motion. If the watch stops frequently or runs poorly even after wearing, dried lubricants are the most likely cause. A full service is the only real fix, and the spring-loaded parts in the date mechanism are easy to lose during disassembly, so service should go to someone familiar with this caliber. |
| Case | Examine the case edges and high points for plating wear. On a 10K RGP case, the gold layer is thin and the oval shape creates contact points that wear faster than a standard round case. Brassing at the lugs or case back edge is common and worth noting. |
| Crown | Test the crown through all positions: winding, date set, and time set. A crown that slips, feels loose, or won't pull to the correct position may indicate a worn stem or stripped setting mechanism. Also confirm the crown seal is intact, since this watch was originally rated waterproof but vintage seals should not be trusted without fresh gaskets. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is a 17-jewel automatic movement built around a bidirectional winding rotor, meaning it winds itself from normal wrist movement in either direction. It includes a date complication driven by the going train, with a quickset-style mechanism for advancing the date independently of the time. It's a reliable workhorse movement from this period, though like any watch now decades old, the lubricants will have dried out and a service brings the most noticeable improvement in both accuracy and long-term reliability.