Dateline A-690
1972–1977 · 14k Gold EP
About the Dateline A-690
Made from 1972 through 1977, the Dateline A-690 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family of automatic date watches, and it runs on the caliber 694A. The case is round and finished in 14k Gold Electroplate over stainless steel backs, with a brown dial and applied indices. It was priced at $110 in 1972, which put it in the accessible middle of Hamilton's automatic lineup for the era.
Brown dials from this period can age in interesting ways, so condition varies more than it does on white or silver examples. The applied indices are worth a close look, as any separation or tarnishing around them tells you a lot about how the watch was stored and handled over the decades. The hidden lug design gives the case a clean, integrated look that holds up well even when the plating shows some wear.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-690 as a 14k gold electroplate automatic with a stainless steel back, brown dial, and quick-change date, priced at $110 in the 1972 catalog. The QC II designation refers to Hamilton's quick-change date setting, which allowed the date to be advanced directly from the crown without running the movement forward through the hours.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
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1977
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the brown dial carefully for fading, spotting, or moisture damage near the edges. Confirm the applied indices are flat against the dial with no separation or corrosion at their bases. |
| Crystal | Inspect for deep scratches or crazing. Replacement crystals for this case profile can be tricky to source, so factor condition into your assessment. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The 694A is an automatic with a date complication, and movements this age that haven't been recently serviced are often running on dried lubricants. That friction adds up and can stop the watch or cause irregular timekeeping. |
| Case | Examine the gold electroplate on the case flanks and lugs. Plating this thin wears through at contact points over time. The hidden lug design protects the lug tips somewhat, but check the case band and crown area closely. |
| Crown | Work the crown through all positions. It should feel positive at each setting. A loose or sticky crown can point to a worn stem or corroded threads, and on a water-resistant model the crown seal matters for keeping moisture out. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is a Swiss-made automatic with a date complication and runs at 19,800 beats per hour. It carries 17 jewels and winds via a bidirectional rotor, meaning normal wrist movement keeps it running without any manual winding under typical use. The date mechanism relies on a handful of small spring-loaded components that require careful handling during service.