Day 'N Date 5000
1969–1970 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Day 'N Date 5000
The Day 'N Date 5000 was produced from 1969 through 1970, part of Hamilton's Day 'N Date family of automatics that offered both day and date displays at a time when that complication was still a genuine selling point. The movement inside is Hamilton's caliber 826, a 17-jewel automatic, housed in a stainless steel case. The silver dial pairs with what appears to be applied indices based on surviving examples.
Silver dials on watches from this era are prone to aging in ways that range from attractive to distracting, so condition really matters here. Honest patina on a silver dial can look great, but uneven oxidation or previous polishing attempts are common finds. The stainless case, if left unpolished, should show its original finishing and is worth scrutinizing closely along the lugs.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the Day 'N Date 5000 in stainless steel at $119.95, described simply as a stainless steel Q/C model, which was the period shorthand for quick-change day and date functionality.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1971
1972
1973
What to Look For
| Dial | Look carefully at the silver dial for spotting, foxing, or uneven aging. Check that the day and date windows are clean and that any indices are secure and sitting flat, with no separation at the edges. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or crazing. A heavily scratched crystal can usually be replaced, but confirm the correct size is still available before assuming it's a simple fix. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. Dried oil in a caliber 826 creates enough friction to stop it cold, and a movement that has been sitting unworn for years should be assumed to need a full service. Also worth knowing: the caliber 826 has a U-shaped spring that presses on the index lever, and it has a habit of flinging off during service and disappearing entirely. A watchmaker who knows this movement will check for it. |
| Case | Stainless steel cases from this period are frequently over-polished, which rounds the lug edges and removes the original finishing. Look at the lugs under good light to see whether the case retains its factory lines. |
| Crown | Cycle through the crown positions and confirm the day and date both advance cleanly. A sticky or sluggish complication is often a sign the movement needs attention. Also note that even though this watch was originally rated water resistant, vintage gaskets should not be trusted for any water exposure. |
The Movement
The caliber 826 is a 17-jewel automatic that Hamilton used across several of its day-date models in this period. It winds via a rotor with bidirectional winding and advances both the day and date displays, which adds mechanical complexity compared to a date-only movement. It's a capable caliber, but like any automatic from this era, it rewards regular servicing to stay running well.