Dateline S-275
1965–1967 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold · Manual Wind
About the Dateline S-275
Made from 1965 through 1967, the Dateline S-275 is part of Hamilton's Dateline family, which centered on date-display dress watches aimed at the practical-minded buyer who didn't want to sacrifice elegance for function. This particular model runs on the caliber 674, a 17-jewel manual wind movement, and is cased in 14K yellow gold with a circular case profile and straight lugs. The silver dial carries applied gold markers and a date window, giving it a clean, spare look that was very much in step with mid-1960s American dress watch tastes.
Finding a Dateline S-275 in honest shape means paying close attention to that date window aperture, which can show discoloration or flaking around the edges on dials that have seen moisture over the years. The applied gold markers are worth a close look under magnification, as any that have separated or shifted will affect both appearance and value. With only a two-year run and a 14K gold case, the survivors that come to market tend to be either well-kept examples from careful owners or watches that have seen overzealous polishing, so original case sharpness matters.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Dateline S-275 as a 14K white and yellow gold model, with pricing at $175 in 1966. The 1965 catalog described it with a white dial, gold markers, and date window, positioning it as a refined dress option for the buyer who wanted date functionality without visual clutter.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1965
1966
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely around the date window for any cracking, peeling, or moisture staining. Check each applied gold marker to confirm it sits flat and hasn't shifted. The silver finish should be even, without blotchiness or refinishing. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal is intact and seated properly over the date window. Chips or crazing at the edges are common on crystals this age and can let moisture reach the dial. |
| Movement | The caliber 674 is a manual wind, so wind it fully and listen for smooth, even ticking without hesitation. Dried lubricants on a movement this age create enough friction to stop it or cause erratic timekeeping, so a service history or willingness to service is worth factoring into any purchase. |
| Case | This is a 14K yellow gold case, so check for over-polishing that has softened the lug edges or erased any original finishing. Light wear is expected, but heavy polishing is hard to reverse and affects long-term collector value. |
| Crown | Test the crown through both positions, winding and date-setting. A crown that slips, feels loose, or won't engage cleanly can indicate a worn stem or damaged keyless works, which requires a full disassembly to address properly. |
The Movement
The caliber 674 is a 17-jewel manual wind movement produced by Hamilton during the mid-1960s. It requires hand-winding, typically once a day, and is a straightforward, reliable caliber with a good track record when properly serviced. The date mechanism adds a layer of complexity relative to time-only movements, and the small parts involved in the calendar function demand careful handling during any service.