Day 'N Date 6002
1969–1971 · 10k Rolled Gold Plate / Stainless Steel · Automatic
About the Day 'N Date 6002
Made from 1969 through 1971, the Day 'N Date 6002 is part of Hamilton's Day 'N Date family, a line built around the practical appeal of having both day and date displayed on the dial. The case came in two versions: a full 10K yellow RGP case and a two-tone combination of 10K yellow RGP with stainless steel. Inside is an automatic movement running 17 jewels, keeping this squarely in the mainstream of Hamilton's late-1960s Gold Filled dress watch production.
Finding one in solid shape takes some patience. The gilt dial, combined with the Gold Filled case, gives these a cohesive warmth that reads well on the wrist, but case wear and dial condition vary considerably after more than fifty years. The two-tone variant tends to show its age differently than the full RGP version, so it's worth comparing both if you have the option.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the 6002 in 1970 at $110.00, describing it simply as a yellow RGP automatic on strap with 17 jewels. The gilt dial designation was noted in later catalog references, reinforcing the warm, cohesive look Hamilton was going for with this model.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1970
1971
What to Look For
| Dial | Check the gilt dial carefully for moisture damage, spotting, or separation near the day and date windows. Any warping or discoloration around the apertures usually points to a compromised case seal at some point in the watch's past. |
| Crystal | Look for chips or deep scratches. A fogged or crazed crystal often means moisture has been inside at some point, which matters more than the crystal itself. |
| Movement | Give the watch a bit of wrist movement and let it run. Dried lubricants are a genuine concern in any movement of this age, and even a small amount of friction from dried oil can stop the watch entirely. If it runs erratically or stops with normal wear, a service is due. |
| Case | On RGP cases, look at the lugs and high-contact areas for wear through to the base metal. The two-tone version will show wear patterns differently, particularly where the RGP and stainless meet. Neither is a dealbreaker, but it sets expectations. |
| Crown | Cycle through the crown positions to confirm the day and date both set correctly and snap into place. A sticky or stiff crown sometimes signals internal dryness or past moisture exposure. |
The Movement
The caliber inside the 6002 is an automatic with 17 jewels, meaning it winds itself through the motion of the wearer's wrist rather than requiring daily hand winding. At this age, the movement will almost certainly benefit from a fresh service, as lubricants break down over decades regardless of whether the watch has been worn.