Dateline A-692
1972–1974 · 14k Gold Electroplate / Stainless Steel
About the Dateline A-692
Made from 1972 through 1974, the Dateline A-692 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family, a line built around the quick-change date complication Hamilton called Q/C II. The A-692 runs on the caliber 694A and comes in a round case with a 14k Gold Electroplate finish over a stainless steel back. The green dial was the defining feature of this particular variant, giving it a distinctive look within the Dateline lineup. Hamilton offered it two ways: on a strap for $100 or on a bracelet for $115.
Green dials from this era can fade or develop uneven color over time, so condition here matters more than it might on a simpler white or silver dial. The applied indices are worth examining closely for any separation or replating, since Gold Electroplate cases sometimes show wear at the lugs and edges that can signal heavier use. Finding one with the original bracelet intact is increasingly uncommon and adds meaningfully to the overall package.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-692 with a green dial on a gold electroplated case with stainless steel back, featuring the Q/C II quick-change date function, priced at $100 on strap and $115 on bracelet in 1972.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
1974
1975
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the green dial carefully for fading, discoloration, or moisture damage. Green dials from the early 1970s can shift in tone unevenly over decades. Look at the applied indices for any signs of separation or tarnishing at the edges. |
| Crystal | Inspect for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. Replacement crystals for this case shape are not always easy to source, so a damaged crystal is worth factoring into your decision. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. The 694A is an automatic with a date complication, and dried lubricants in a movement this age create enough friction to degrade timekeeping or stop it entirely. The spring-loaded parts in the date mechanism are small and easy to lose during service, so a properly documented recent service is a real plus. |
| Case | Gold electroplate wears through at high-friction points, especially the lugs and caseback edges. Look at those areas under good light. Some wear is expected, but heavy exposure of the steel beneath changes the look considerably. |
| Crown | Test the crown through all positions. On a date-complication watch, the crown needs to move cleanly between winding, time-setting, and date-setting positions. A sticky or loose crown can indicate wear or a seal issue. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is an automatic movement, meaning it winds itself through the motion of the wrist via a rotor. It includes Hamilton's quick-change date complication, which allows the date to be set independently without running the hands through twelve hours. Like most Swiss automatics of this period, it was built to be serviced periodically, and a well-maintained 694A is a reliable and solid performer.