Day 'N Date ST-5502
1972–1973 · Stainless
About the Day 'N Date ST-5502
The Day 'N Date ST-5502 was made in 1972, appearing in just that single catalog year before the line moved on. Part of Hamilton's Day 'N Date family, it pairs the company's quick-change day and date complication with a stainless steel round case and a charcoal dial with applied indices. The hidden lug design gives the case a cleaner, more integrated look than the exposed lug styles common in the period.
Charcoal dials from the early 1970s can be unforgiving of age, so condition matters here. Fading at the edges, spotting near the date window, or silvering around the applied indices are all worth scrutinizing before buying. Finding one with an honest, even charcoal surface and crisp day and date function intact is genuinely satisfying.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the ST-5502 in 1972 at $89.95 with a strap or $100.00 on a bracelet, describing it as a stainless steel quick-change model with a charcoal dial. The bracelet premium was modest, suggesting Hamilton positioned the bracelet version as an accessible upgrade rather than a separate tier.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
What to Look For
| Dial | Examine the charcoal surface carefully under good light. Look for uneven fading, any silvering around the applied indices, or discoloration near the day and date windows. Charcoal dials of this era show their age in those spots first. |
| Crystal | Check for deep scratches or a hazy, crazed surface. A replacement crystal is an easy fix, but confirm the profile fits the case correctly and sits flush without pulling away at the edges. |
| Movement | Ask about service history. In an automatic that has been sitting, dried oil creates enough friction to bring the movement to a stop, and a watch that runs inconsistently or stops when set dial-side down is telling you it needs attention. |
| Case | The hidden lug design can trap moisture and debris at the lug junctions over decades. Inspect those areas for any signs of corrosion or pitting, and check that the case back seats properly since these can be tricky to open and are sometimes marred by previous attempts. |
| Crown | Run through all crown positions and confirm both the day and date advance cleanly and snap over fully. A crown that slips or a day wheel that hangs partway through the change is a sign the movement needs service. |
The Movement
Hamilton's Day 'N Date models from this period used a quick-change complication that allowed both the day and date to be set independently, a practical feature that set them apart from simpler date-only designs. The movement advances both displays through the night, with the quick-change mechanism allowing correction without running the hands around the dial. If the caliber data becomes available, specific jewel count and finishing details can be added here.