Day 'N Date 5001
1969–1970 · Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Day 'N Date 5001
Produced from 1969 through 1970, the Day 'N Date 5001 is part of Hamilton's Day 'N Date family, a line built around the practical appeal of having both the day and date displayed on the dial. The watch runs on an automatic movement in a stainless steel case, and was offered on a strap. It was water-resistant as original equipment, a feature Hamilton made a point of noting in period catalog listings. The two-year run makes examples relatively uncommon today.
Stainless steel cases from this era tend to hold up reasonably well, but case backs on watches like this can be stubborn to open, and a back that has been forced in the past may show damage at the lip or threading. The day and date mechanism adds complexity, so it's worth confirming both functions advance cleanly and snap into position without hesitation. Any hesitation or partial advance usually points to a movement that needs service.
From the Catalog
Hamilton's own catalog description for the 5001 was straightforward: stainless steel case, 17-jewel automatic caliber, strap configuration, water-resistant, priced at $100.00 in 1970. That price placed it as an accessible but honest daily-wear watch, not a budget piece and not a luxury offering.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1970
1971
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the day and date windows for even alignment and clean printing on the discs beneath. Look for moisture damage or fading around those cutouts, which are common entry points for humidity over decades of wear. |
| Crystal | Confirm the crystal sits flush with no gaps at the edge. A loose or separated crystal on a watch that was originally water-resistant often means the gasket is gone, and moisture may have already reached the dial. |
| Movement | This is an automatic, and dried lubricants are a genuine concern in any movement of this age. Give the watch a wind by wearing it or gently moving it and watch whether it runs consistently. Erratic rate or a movement that stops after a few hours usually means the oils have dried and service is overdue. |
| Case | Look at the lugs for wear and check that the case back shows no signs of being pried. Stainless steel case backs on this generation of Hamilton can be difficult to open cleanly, and improper prior attempts often leave marks or a slightly warped seat. |
| Crown | Cycle through all crown positions to confirm the time, day, and date each advance correctly. A crown that feels sloppy or skips positions may indicate a worn stem or a setting mechanism that needs attention. |
The Movement
The 5001 runs on a 17-jewel automatic caliber, meaning the rotor winds the mainspring through normal wrist movement without any manual winding required. The day and date complication is built into the movement, with separate discs for each function that advance at midnight. Seventeen jewels is a solid count for a mid-range automatic of this period, and Hamilton's automatics from this era are generally well-regarded for durability when properly maintained.