Day 'N Date 6004
1971 · 10K yellow electroplated/SS · Automatic
About the Day 'N Date 6004
Made only in 1971, the Day 'N Date 6004 is part of Hamilton's Day 'N Date family, a line built around a quick-change day and date complication displayed through a dual-window dial. The 6004 wears a 10K yellow electroplated case with a stainless steel back and was offered in silver and gold dial variants. Being an automatic, it winds itself through normal wrist movement, making it a practical daily wearer by the standards of early 1970s Hamilton production. The Day 'N Date family shares design DNA across several reference numbers that year, each distinguished primarily by case material and dial configuration.
Silver and gold dials on a single-year reference like this one are the kind of thing that makes condition matter considerably. Finding one with a clean, unrestored dial is the priority, as the gold tone versions in particular can show age unevenly. The electroplated case adds another layer of scrutiny since plating wears at the lugs and crown edges first, and what lies underneath is stainless steel, so the question is always how much original plating remains.
From the Catalog
A closely related variant, the Day 'N Date 5004, appeared in Hamilton's 1972 catalog with a black dial and stainless steel case, priced at $110.00 on bracelet. The 6004 shares the same family and complication but differs in case material and dial configuration.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1971
What to Look For
| Dial | Look closely at the day and date windows. The printing around them can fade or crack with age, and the window edges sometimes show discoloration if moisture ever got in. On the gold dial variant, check for uneven aging or spotting across the surface. |
| Crystal | Expect an acrylic crystal on a watch from 1971. Check for crazing, deep scratches, or cloudiness at the edges. A good acrylic can be polished, but heavy crazing means replacement. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. Dried oil is a real concern in an automatic that has been sitting unworn, and enough friction buildup can stop the movement entirely. Confirm it winds, sets, and runs before buying. |
| Case | Inspect the lugs and crown edges carefully. Electroplated cases wear through at the high points first, and once the plating is gone it does not come back cleanly. Decide what level of wear you are comfortable with before committing. |
| Crown | Work through all crown positions. The day and date should advance cleanly with no grinding or slipping. A sticky or sluggish crown can indicate a worn stem or a movement that needs attention. |
The Movement
The 6004 runs on an automatic movement with a quick-change day and date function, meaning the day and date can be advanced independently by rotating the crown without running through a full cycle. This kind of complication involves lightweight, precisely fitted parts that benefit from regular servicing. If the watch has been sitting for years, assume the lubricants have dried and a service is due.