Category: Hamilton Watches

Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton Dragon

The Hamilton Ventura is one of those watches that pretty much every watch enthusiast knows. The Ventura takes all the classic conventions of what a watch should look like and throws them straight out of the window. The most famous wearer of the Ventura was without a doubt, Elvis Presley. Back in 2015, Hamilton launched the Ventura Elvis80 collection on what was to be Elvis’s 80th birth year. Almost six years after that, the latest additions to the collection are the Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton watches. Are these two watches still the classic that Elvis wore? Let’s find out!

It’s remarkable how I managed not to review or even wear a Hamilton Ventura before. As someone that is predominantly drawn to the design of watches first, the Ventura is one of those iconic watches that stands out because of its design. But I somehow managed to never experience one from up close. But I’m getting my fair share now with two new skeletonized versions of the Ventura.
The statement the Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton watches makes has always been a staple of 1950s American design. The Ventura was introduced in 1957 and perfectly represents American design from that era. In an era where the Swiss watch brands introduced some of the most iconic watches ever released, Hamilton took a different route. Designer Richard Arbib created a statement that was all about being different. The designer made a name for himself at General Motors and the work he did for GM is reflected in the Ventura.

On top of that the Ventura was the first mechanical watch to be fueled by a battery. Hamilton invested ten years of research into the development of the H500 movement that would take away the ‘nuisance’ of having to wind your mechanical watch. Hamilton developed a battery specifically for the Ventura with the help of the National Carbon Company. It was the final missing piece of the puzzle and on 3 January 1957, the Hamilton Ventura was presented in the Savoy Plaza hotel in New York. A total of 120 journalists from all over the world witnessed the presentation of the next step in watchmaking.
In the first years after the Ventura was introduced, it turned out to be a commercial success for Hamilton. But the watch really hit the spotlights when Elvis Presley wore his white gold Ventura in 1961 in the hit movie Blue Hawaii. The King really loved the Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton watches . Not only did he own several Venturas, but he also gifted them to friends. Six decades later the legacy of the Ventura and Elvis is still one of the industry’s most famous stories. It made the Ventura into a cult classic that found renewed popularity multiple times over the decades. One of these moments is that the Ventura is the watch worn in the Men In Black movies.
But Hamilton decided to honor the Ventura’s most famous wearer with the introduction of the Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton watches collection in 2015. The collection was introduced in the year The King would have turned 80 years old. Hamilton completely redesigned the case of the Ventura for this new collection. The goal was to make sure its dimensions combined with its ergonomic case shape guarantee great comfort on the wrist. These latest additions to the collection are a pair of skeletonized Ventura models. They take the Ventura into the future rather than making it a staple of the past.
The new Skeleton models come in two variations. The first is a stainless steel version with a black PVD coating. The watch has a black open-worked dial that is lit up by a red electric pulse and comes on a black rubber strap. The second version features a stainless steel case with a rose gold PVD coating. This piece also has a black open-worked dial and comes with a rose gold electric pulse. And just like the black version, it also comes on a black rubber strap. The pulse is a nice hint to the origins of the Ventura that perfectly fits the modern aesthetics.
Both watches feature a 42,5mm x 44,6mm case that is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The dimensions might sound quite large at first. But due to the Ventura’s different shape, it cannot be compared to a conventional watch case with those dimensions. If anything, I feel the Ventura needs this size to be able to pull in a crowd that is looking for a modern and different looking watch. Especially considering its technical looks.
As you can see in the pictures there is quite a difference in presence when you see the watches together. What they definitely have in common though is their futuristic presence. The Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton watches look more at home in a sci-fi movie than in Blue Hawaii. It is proof that the Ventura is definitely not a one-trick pony when it comes to its design. And I definitely feel that this could be a direction for the Ventura that will attract a new and younger crowd.

If we zoom in a little more, you will see there are more differences between the two models than just their black vs. rose gold PVD coating. Both models feature the same open-worked dial construction with four black lightning bolt-like shapes that connect the upper hour markers and the lower hour markers. The mentioned electric pulse shape connects the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock markers horizontally. It’s a clever construction that also places the Hamilton logo and the Ventura logo strategically on the construction of the dial.
The rose gold model features rose gold colored hour and minute hands that are filled with Super-LumiNova and rose gold colored seconds hand. On top of that, the hour markers also have a hint of rose gold color and Super-LumiNova filled endings. The black model will feature black hour and minute hands, and a red seconds hand. As you can see the black version we received for this review had steel markers. But that will change to black for the regular production model, creating a really stealthy appearance. Through the open-worked dial, you can see the automatic Hamilton caliber H-10-S in action. Hamilton made sure that the movement has a nice Côtes de Genève decoration finish for the necessary visual impact. The movement is also used for a string of other Hamilton watches including other Ventura models. The movement is based on the ETA C07.111. It has 25 jewels, operates at 21,600vph, and features an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Both watches feature a display case back, making sure you can check out the movement in action. It’s fun to see the contrast of the triangular case and the round movement. It creates a fun view and makes you realize once more this is not your ordinary shaped watch. The backside of the H-10-s movement is decorated with perlage and has a customized, open-worked rotor. So with the facts and figures out of the way, it’s time to experience the skeletonized Ventura models on the wrist. The first thing that stands out is how comfortably the Ventura sits on your wrist. The case has a curved silhouette that truly hugs the wrist. And once you have it on your wrist, there is no denying the remarkable shape. A Ventura wears completely different than your normal shaped watch. I was impressed by how easy it is to wear despite its possibly daunting size dimensions. The triangular shape is definitely something to get used to though. Obviously because it’s a different basic shape for a watch. But because that shape is different, reading the time is also different. As fellow Fratello team member Andreas explained, it does take a short time of habituation to get comfortable with the deformed dial. But once you have worn the watch for some time, you won’t even notice the difference when simply reading the time. Wearing the watch also gives you a better idea of all the different details that make this a special watch. For instance, the curved sapphire spectacularly because follows the shape of the case. And the shape of the crown perfectly fits the design of the case. It’s both perfect in its dimensions as in its design. Or the really comfortable rubber straps that come with a pin buckle and balance the watch perfectly on your wrist.
After wearing both Skeleton models, I do have a preference for the rose gold model. And the reason is simple. Both of the watches do justice to what the Ventura is and what it can be. The stealthy black model is the more futuristic of the two and a great possible step into the future of the Hamilton Ventura. But as someone who has been to Graceland and visited Elvis Presley’s last resting place, I simply like the rose gold version a bit better.

Hamilton American Classic Boulton M

The 2023 Boulton Quartz is a watch from Hamilton’s American Classic collection. Indiana Jones can be called an American classic too. The two pair up in the fifth and final adventure movie starring the whipping archeologist, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. It’s a movie that takes place in 1969 with, for the first time, “Indy” wearing a watch. And that battery-powered watch plays a golden, vintage mechanical timepiece with such ease, it deserves an Oscar. Let’s take a closer look at this method-acting newcomer.

The big question for many a quartz watch is: how do I come across as a mechanical timepiece? By just displaying the hours and minutes hands, it forgoes the ticking central seconds hand that immediately reveals the insides of the watch — please, can we leave the rare deadbeat seconds out of this? But what do you do as a Hamilton American Classic Boulton M when the watch you’re “playing” has a very distinct small seconds sub-dial? You can’t just skip that feature. It would completely alter the look, and with that, credibility would go flying out the window. A good thing about small seconds is that they’re small (duh!) and, therefore, less conspicuous than central seconds. And that’s how the Hamilton Boulton Quartz manages to pull off a great performance on the silver screen. But how does it act in real life?
After close examination and some time on the wrist, I concluded that the €775 Hamilton American Classic Boulton M (H13431553) acts as a serious alternative for a range of square and rectangular watches that star in the upper price echelons. The Boulton first stepped onto the scene in 1941 in a slightly smaller case with a hand-wound movement inside. The new Boulton Quartz is a tiny bit more modern in size. Its case measures 27 × 31.6mm (excluding the lugs), 7.8mm thick, and 41.5mm from lug tip to tip. It’s a steel case that looks like it’s made of yellow gold because of the colored PVD. The shape of the case is rectangular, but the edges are softened, giving the Boulton a svelte vintage look. It’s just like Harrison Ford playing Indy, don’t you think?
Inside the case beats something you might not want to know about, but it is the ETA quartz caliber 980.163. There’s nothing to write about apart from it being a 15-jewel movement. There’s nothing to see either as the movement hides behind a closed case back. Would the watch have been cooler if it had housed a solar-powered quartz movement? From an aesthetic perspective, no, but from a technological and evolutionary perspective, yes. The time has come for Swatch Group and ETA to start developing next-generation quartz movements that use the power of light — Hamilton Boulton Quartz and the Power of Light kind of sounds like an Indiana Jones type of flick.
There are a couple of Boulton Small Second Quartz watches in the Hamilton collection already, but the Indiana Jones watch is different. The standard models have Roman numerals, for instance, and that gives them a much more formal look. The classic Roman numerals seem to clash with the rounded edges of the Boulton, whereas the Arabic numerals on Indy’s watch appear very much congruent with the shape of the case. Also, the warm golden color of the case with the raised numerals and hands in the same shade on a silvery white dial creates a warm and comforting retro feeling. I wouldn’t go so far as to call this timepiece a sports watch, but the shapes, colors, and style of numerals do give it an informal look. Let me put it this way: the regular Boulton Small Second Quartz looks like it belongs in an office, and the special movie version needs to be out and about. How do you write about “wrist feel” when you can’t even usually tell that the watch is on your wrist? The size, shape, and weight of the watch make it an easy-to-wear timepiece that will sit well on almost any wrist. And yes, you will forget you even put the Hamilton American Classic Boulton M Boulton on if not for the watch’s handsome looks. You don’t have to wear it with khaki and a floppy hat to look good. Furthermore, you’re not wearing a prop. The Boulton Quartz that Indy dons in the movie wears like a proper watch. And it’s one that will match almost any outfit. As I found out while wearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, a rectangular, classically styled watch both adapts to and uplifts what you’re wearing. That even goes for a jeans-and-sneakers-based outfit. Yes, the strap measures an elegant 18mm wide between the lugs, and because of the faux-alligator print, it looks a tad traditional. Indeed, a tad too traditional, obvious, and too stiff for my liking. But by quickly and easily changing the strap with the quick-release pins, you can style the Boulton exactly to your taste without any serious effort. Why not go for a strap that matches your favorite belt, shoes, or whip perfectly? But whatever you do, don’t pick a strap with contrasting stitching. I really don’t want to act like the style police or anything, but I just see too many straps with contrasting stitching. These creations overshadow the look of a subtle, classic, and sophisticated watch. There’s a time and a place for everything, and that includes straps with contrasting stitching. End of stitching rant. Buying a vintage watch from the 1940s is not for everyone. It takes commitment and serious amounts of time to gain enough knowledge to spot something good. And after managing to find something you like in the right condition and for the right price, you need to do it right by wearing it with great care. As I said, vintage is not for everyone. But if you want vintage looks while insisting on modern build quality and the carefree wear that comes with it, something retro can be a very interesting alternative. The Hamilton Boulton Quartz, with its golden glow, attractive price, and classic looks, could be the perfect watch for someone who loves the style of the 1940s. The style minus the hassle that comes with finding and wearing Hamilton American Classic Boulton M an 80-year-old timepiece, that is. The method-acting Boulton Quartz will have you steal the scene in the theater that is your life — did I overact a bit here? The Hamilton Boulton Quartz could also very well be the starting point. It could be the very beginning of a great watch adventure into the wonderful world of real vintage timepieces. Just like you’ll want to become a globetrotting, daredevilish archeologist after watching Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, you’ll want to explore the world of watches even further after strapping on Indy’s Hamilton Boulton Quartz. Well done, Hamilton.

Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition

With its long and illustrious history that stretches back over 130 years, it’s hard to choose just one line that represents Hamilton. From the railroad watches that helped build the American West to ever-futuristic watches like the Ventura that graced the wrists of both Elvis and the Men in Black, there are plenty of icons to choose from, but it’s hard to argue against the Khaki line of field watches. Hamilton is now announcing the newest addition to the Khaki line: the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition, an all-terrain adventure watch available in two sizes and three colorways and ready for any adventure.
The Khaki line can trace its roots back to the trenches of World War I. After securing a contract with the U.S. military in 1914, Hamilton shifted its focus from pocket watches to wristwatches, producing field watches like the appropriately named Officer’s Trench Watch. Over a century later, the classic design cues of the military field watch remain — large, legible numbers, along with luminous hands and indices. Used by countless thousands of soldiers over the decades, Hamilton issued field watches to soldiers during both the Vietnam and Korean wars, the watches often returning home to be used as rugged and reliable companions.
Over the years, the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition line has become synonymous with field watches. And the brand has plenty to choose from. With more than 60 options to choose from in the Khaki family, there’s a field watch for every style and wrist size. The Khaki Field Expedition retains all the hallmarks of the Khaki line, including large, Arabic markers and a distinct vintage military aesthetic. With the Field Expedition, Hamilton adds a functional and trail-ready compass bezel for analog navigation. This is a Khaki built for the outdoors, for nights beside the campfire and endless singletrack along mountain paths. With the Field Expedition, Hamilton gives you the choice of either a 37mm or 41mm stainless steel case. Both provide 100m of water resistance, screw-down crowns, and a slim case height of 10.45 or 11.5mm, respectively. The case is fully brushed — perfect for an adventure-ready watch — with the standout feature being its new compass bezel.
If you’ve never used a compass bezel before, it’s surprisingly easy to do. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, your first step is to keep the dial level and point the hour hand in the direction of the sun. Next, set the South marker to the mid-point between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock marker. Now you’ll have a rough indication of direction (swap south and north you’re in the southern hemisphere). While you should certainly have a proper compass or GPS while out deep in the field, two is one, and one is none, as the saying goes, so it’s always best to be prepared. In addition to the two case sizes, the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition is available in three dial colors: black, white, and blue. Each colorway features oversized Arabic numerals and no date, keeping the dial clean and symmetrical. Super-LumiNova on the hour markers and hands provides both nighttime legibility and a touch of warmth and vintage charm. The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition is powered by the H-10 a Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition utomatic movement that features 80 hours of power reserve and a Nivachron balance spring. The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition is available on your choice of brown or green leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet with a folding clasp. However, with the 20mm lug width, it’s quick and easy to customize the Field Expedition to your tastes.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton Automatic

Hamilton is no stranger to openworked watches, spreading the style across several collections with models like the Ventura Skeleton Limited Edition, Khaki Field Skeleton Auto and Jazzmaster Viewmatic Automatic Skeleton. The Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton simplifies the name and is the brand’s latest with a multi-level dial forming the iconic “spiky H” logo over a decorated Swiss automatic. Although there are many standouts in its portfolio, this one seems to be the most purpose-built and well-thought skeletonized design yet. It’s classy, refined and very eye-catching, and is one of the best overall offers in its price range. It even earned a spot in our Buying Guide of 8 Skeleton Watches. Let’s take a closer look.
Hamilton has an illustrious history and was well-known as an American brand with deep military roots before becoming a Swiss subsidiary of Swatch Group. Named after Andrew Hamilton, the original owner of the first Lancaster, Pennsylvania factory, the brand’s American reign spanned between 1892 and 1969 and left a lasting impression that’s still relevant today. The Khaki Field Mechanical line is among its most popular with designs going back to mid-century military watches. Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton is anything but a one-trick pony, however, with a host of edgy designs and a huge presence in cinema. Those two elements collide in the Ventura collection, an unorthodox line made famous by Elvis Presley in 1961’s Blue Hawaii. The futuristic, triangular design returned in the Men in Black films and has been a brand icon for over 60 years. The aforementioned Ventura Skeleton Limited Edition even landed on the wrist of Iron Man himself as Robert Downey Jr. wore it in 2017’s Spider-Man: Homecoming. After 86 years in over 500 films and its own annual Behind the Camera Awards in Los Angeles, Hamilton created the Jazzmaster Regulator Cinema as a tribute.
Skeleton watches are a dime a dozen these days with just about every major brand producing them. They can be a tough nut to crack, however, with legibility issues (hands often blend in with background mechanics) and aesthetic challenges. Anyone can remove a dial and show the movement underneath, but uniquely blending dial and mechanical elements with balance and refinement is quite a task. If you drive a Bentley to the coast for weekend excursions on your yacht, heavyweights like Breguet, Piaget and Roger Dubuis have you more than covered. For the rest of us, Hamilton has designed a stunning openworked piece that’s the culmination of its vast experience with skeletonization, all for a price that competes more with the latest iPhone, not your car.
The stainless steel case of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton is a contemporary 40mm in diameter with polished sides and a thin polished bezel. Viewed directly from the front, the mid-section of the case is just a hair wider than the bezel and the lugs create an additional step where they meet the case sides. These are all subtle design elements but demonstrate high attention to detail. The lugs are the only brushed parts of the case and create a cool two-tone effect from the side, although the bottom of the lugs is polished.
The sapphire exhibition caseback displays the remainder of the decorated automatic. A sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial and is especially adept at minimizing reflections (even with a partially black dial underneath). The signed crown is what I consider to be the perfect size for a 40mm piece. Slightly oversized and easy to manipulate, and just a great match aesthetically. It doesn’t screw-down and the case is water-resistant to 50 metres.
Although certainly a skeletonized piece, there are still some interesting dial elements in the Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton that provide an edgy vibe. Comprised of two matte black layers (with a white dial variant), the outer level consists of a perimeter seconds track with applied, lume-filled indices every hour. A horizontal section forms the central H portion of the brand’s “spiky H” logo, while a lower level forms the two vertical crosses. These crosses connect to a second ring just inside the seconds track with Arabic numerals every five minutes (useful to track seconds as well).
It all combines into a cool depiction of Hamilton’s logo with plenty of negative space to allow the openworked movement to shine. The sword-style hour and minute hands are nickeled with Super-LumiNova inserts, and the narrow seconds hand has a nice arrowhead counterweight. The balance wheel is clearly visible at 12 o’clock with a partial tease of the escapement, while the barrel and exposed mainspring provide a surrogate power reserve indicator at 5 o’clock. The mainplate is decorated with Côtes de Genève with just a hint of perlage at 10 o’clock. The melding of these movement and dial elements is sophisticated and edgy, and a real aesthetic winner.

Hamilton Lady Hamilton Necklace

The Lady Hamilton Necklace is a stunning fusion of a watch and a piece of jewelry, showcasing the exquisite art deco aesthetic with its sleek lines and contrasting colors. Drawing inspiration from the original 1950’s Lady Hamilton Vintage, which was influenced by the art deco era, this necklace embodies timeless charm infused with bold avant-garde flair.

The art deco design movement, which emerged in the post-World War I era, celebrated the decorative aspect of art and brought a sense of ambitious optimism and exuberance to various fields including architecture, interior design, jewelry, and watchmaking. Hamilton watches of the 1930s reflected the linear harmony that defined the art deco period, serving as a muse for the Lady Hamilton Necklace and other horological creations.
Featuring a 15mm x 19mm rectangular case adorned with intricate antique-style decor, the watch pendant of the Lady Hamilton Necklace is the epitome of art deco style. Its sunray or mother-of-pearl dial adds to its sophistication, and it can be worn as part of a necklace or as a timepiece paired with a delicate chain bracelet. The Lady Hamilton Necklace offers three captivating versions to suit your style and personal preference: stainless steel, yellow gold, or rose gold PVD.

Enhancing its art deco appeal, each Lady Hamilton Necklace comes with an adjustable chain and a fringed tassel pendant in forest green, midnight blue, or red burgundy, showcasing the distinctive elements and color palette of the era. The set elements are beautifully packaged in special packaging inspired by the iconic geometric patterns of the art deco period.
Crafted with fine craftsmanship and boasting a striking appearance, the Lady Hamilton Necklace pays homage to Hamilton’s art deco heritage in a modernized way. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail in a fringed dress or strolling down Beachfront Avenue, wearing the Lady Hamilton around your neck or wrist adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your ensemble.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic 41

Although the brand’s field and pilot’s watch offerings generally receive more attention from enthusiasts, Hamilton has a robust dive watch legacy dating all the way back to original Hamilton Frogman built for the U.S. Navy in 1943. The Frogman nameplate has been reserved for the marque’s boldest and most capable dive watch offerings ever since, and for 2022 Hamilton returns to the Hamiton Khaki Navy Frogman series with an imposing, purposeful new look. The newly refreshed Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic series blends aggressive modern styling with impressive finishing and robust performance, creating a genuine contender in the hotly contested professional dive watch segment.
At 46mm-wide and 13.58mm-thick, there’s no denying that the stainless steel case of the new Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic should carry a hefty, muscular presence on the wrist. Although the sizing is aggressive, the actual case design is clean and angular, with a handful of unique visual hallmarks. The lugs are classic diver fare in images, with tapering angular profiles and strong, flat brushed planar surfaces. The gear-toothed unidirectional bezel is another diver staple given a beefier twist, with a matte insert in either black or bare metal topped by a raised, brightly polished dive scale. Where the Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic begins to build a distinctive identity, however, is through its case sides. The 9 o’clock side of the case features a squared-off projection topped with an engraved Hamilton emblem to counterbalance the low-profile crown guards in images, along with a smooth continuous polished chamfer from lug tip to lug tip. In addition to the traditional crown guards, however, the Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic’s chunky 3 o’clock crown is protected by a bold, stylized loop-style outer crown guard. This gives the design a touch of heavy-duty Ploprof-style industrial solidity in images, and should effectively prevent the crown from being accidentally knocked out of position while underwater. The optional black PVD coating gives these clean, squared-off lines an added dose of sinister aggression in images, replacing the brushed finishing with simple matte surfaces and giving the design a stark monochrome look. Hamilton finishes this case design with an etched solid caseback, featuring a stylized scuba mask motif. This heavy, purposeful design language isn’t just for show, as Hamilton rates the Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic for a deep sea-ready 300 meters of water resistance.
Like the case, the dial of the new Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic delivers a more muscular take on the classic dive watch formula in images. This no-date layout is remarkably simple at first glance, with a textured matte black dial surface topped by simple applied rectangular indices and blocky stencil-style applied Arabic numerals at 12 o’clock. Hamilton forges a stronger character for this layout through its handset, with a blunted arrow-style hours hand coupled to a similarly blunted dauphine minutes hand edged in blazing signal orange. A matching signal orange tip for the central seconds hand keeps the layout cohesive in images, while also drawing the eye towards the most crucial timekeeping elements at a glance during a dive. As with the case, the black PVD model gives this layout a more dramatic, tactical feel with low-contrast black lume and dial hardware in polished black.
Hamilton powers the Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic with the ETA-based H-10 automatic movement. As Hamilton’s variant of parent company Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 line, the H-10 is a ruggedly modern powerplant with an excellent 80 hour power reserve at a 21,600 bph beat rate. An advanced Nivachron balance spring helps the H-10 to offer a solid level of magnetic and temperature resistance as well. Hamilton fits most variants of the Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic with accordion-style rubber dive straps in either black or khaki tan. For the bare metal bezel model, however, the brand instead opts for its take on the classic three-link oyster style bracelet in stainless steel.
With a fresh and aggressive new look, sharp finishing, and solid capability, the new Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic line gives the brand’s long-running diver line an exciting new lease on life. The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic series is available now through authorized dealers.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Lady Auto

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart 36mm perfectly balances comtemporary sophistication with refined craftmanship. A precise cut-out design reveals our Swiss-made automatic movement in action as it keeps time through all of life’s beautiful moments. A variety of dial and strap combinations made from high quality materials offer a range of options for the modern woman.
Walking the thin line between dress and sport is a delicate balance, one made even more impressive when incorporating bold cutouts that reveal the movement beneath and a striking gradient dial. Luckily, Hamilton has more than a little experience in balancing design elements, having learned a thing or two during its storied 130-year history. Hamilton’s new releases, the Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto and Open Heart Lady Auto are dressy yet versatile takes on an open heart dial design, executed in a range of striking colorways and available in both 40mm and 36mm cases, perfect for both men and women.
Hamilton is no stranger to skeletonized watches, and you can find them across the brand’s range, including the angular Ventura watches made famous by The King, Elvis Presley. The Jazzmaster line is a natural fit for these new models, which provide a novel take on an open heart dial with carefully placed and intricately cut openings on the dial that showcase the mechanical elements beating beneath.
Whether you choose the larger 40mm case of the Open Heart Auto or the more modestly sized 36mm case of the Open Heart Lady Auto, each is beautifully finished with a mix of high-polish surfaces on the bezel and sides of the case, set off against finely brushed lugs. The lugs themselves are striking, as they extend up the sides of the stainless steel case, adding visual interest and a structural element. The result is that the case appears familiar at first glance, but a closer look reveals the high degree of craft and attention to detail that is the hallmark of Hamilton’s Jazzmaster line.
Needless to say, the dial is the true star of the show in the new Jazzmaster Open Heart collection. In its 40mm guise, the Open Heart Auto is available in midnight blue, deep green, or silver-white. Both the blue and green dials are executed with a gradient that evokes the smoky ambiance of a fumé dial, dark on the outside and brightening towards the center. The deep hues of green and blue are set off by a nickeled handset with SuperLumi-Nova on the hours and seconds hand. The silver-white model may not utilize a gradient dial, but it’s no less striking, with blue-flamed hands and markers that pop against the light background.
Interrupting those gorgeous hues on the dial are exquisitely executed cutouts on the revealing Hamilton’s H-10 movement beating beneath. The cutouts themselves are certainly worth a closer look, as each has a high-polish bevel transitioning sharply to a brushed inside edge. The cutouts are a perfect frame to draw the eye to the nicely decorated H-10 movement, allowing you to appreciate the mechanical marvel that makes timekeeping possible.
In creating the new Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto, Hamilton hasn’t forgotten about those with smaller wrists, or those who simply appreciate a smaller watch. At 36mm, the Open Heart Lady Auto offers additional colorways that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. Available in black, ice blue, dark blue, or mother of pearl, these sophisticated dial options provide a striking compliment to the 40mm styles, substituting a gradient dial for a deep sunburst in the black and blue models. While the black dial has a strong, bold aesthetic that would work exceptionally well in a formal environment, the ice blue and mother of pearl provide a softer, more casual look.
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart Auto 36mm shares the same unique cutout design on the dial as the 40mm, allowing you to get a good look at Hamilton’s H-10 caliber. An automatic movement, the H-10 has several important improvements over comparable Swiss calibers, including an 80-hour power reserve and NivachronTM hairspring. And, if the view of the movement from the dial side isn’t quite enough, Hamilton finishes the piece with a display caseback, allowing you to view the H-10 in its entirety.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph 42mm

For those who want a Swiss-made watch from one of the big, household name brands, some of the most compelling options within the industry can often come from the various companies that are part of Swatch Group. This is especially true for those that are positioned near the more attainable end of the price spectrum. Although Hamilton is hardly alone in this category, it frequently serves as a prime example of how you can often get a solid timepiece from a well-known and established brand for what can ultimately still be considered a relatively reasonable sum of money. The Jazzmaster is one of the cornerstone offerings in Hamilton’s modern catalog, and it’s often the go-to option for those who are looking for a classic and refined wristwatch with an inherently contemporary overall appearance. Joining the collection for 2023 is the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer lineup, which is a new family of models that adds a slightly sporty twist to the typically rather refined and elevated Jazzmaster series.
At the time of launch, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer lineup consists of a 42mm chronograph, along with time-only models in both 38mm and 34mm cases. With that in mind, each variation is offered in multiple different colorways and configurations, and while all of the models feature cases that are crafted from stainless steel, both the chronograph and 38mm time-only version are also offered with black bezels and a rose gold PVD finish. Additionally, regardless of their differences, all of the different Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer watches feature sapphire crystals above their dials, screw-down winding crowns at the 3 o’clock location, and 100 meters of water resistance.
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph 42mm is likely the model that will be the most interest to many collectors, and it offers what could almost be considered Daytona-adjacent vibes if it were not for the oblong shape of its pushers and its slightly more elevated approach to a traditional three-register chronograph dial. The 42mm case comes in at 15.22mm-thick with 22mm-wide lugs and the option of either a steel or black tachymeter bezel fitted to the top of the case, along with the option of either a black, blue, or white dial. Additionally, depending on the selected colorway, the lugs can either be fitted with a three-link stainless steel bracelet or a perforated leather strap that is fitted with a matching stainless steel folding clasp.
Meanwhile, the time-only Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic watches have cases that measure 11.47mm thick with 20mm lugs for the 38mm-wide model, and 11.18mm-thick with 18mm lugs for the 34mm-wide version. While the 38mm Jazzmaster Performer Automatic is available with the same dial colors as the chronograph version, the smaller 34mm model swaps out the white option for light blue and mother-of-pearl dials. Additionally, rather than having fixed tachymeter bezels like the 42mm chronograph models, all of the various time-only Jazzmaster Performer watches are fitted with bezels that feature Arabic numeral minute markers engraved upon them for an inherently sporty overall appearance.
Similar to the chronograph models, the time-only versions of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic are available with either three-link stainless steel bracelets or perforated leather straps. The 38mm version is offered with the same options as the chronograph (a bracelet or perforated leather straps in black and blue), while the 34mm model swaps out the option of a black leather strap and instead offers a beige satin strap for the mother of pearl dial model. For the most part, the color of the strap is dictated by the dial of the watch, although it is the black dial versions that typically receive the bracelet (along with the light blue 34mm model), while the white dial versions of the chronograph and 38mm time-only watch are fitted with black leather straps to match their bezels.
Powering the new Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph 42mm is the brand’s H-31 automatic movement, while both the 38mm and 34mm version of the time-only model receive the H-10. The Hamilton H-31 is essentially the brand’s upgraded version of the ETA/Valjoux 7753, while the Hamilton H-10 is the equivalent that is based on the ubiquitous ETA 2824. Both movements feature Nivachron balance springs and increased power reserves, with the Hamilton H-31 running at a frequency of 28,800vph (4 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 60 hours, while the Hamilton H-10 runs at 21,600vph (3 Hz) with an 80-hour power reserve. At their core, these movements are both highly familiar designs, although since Swatch Group also owns ETA, Hamilton gets to benefit from upgraded versions of these popular and proven self-winding movements.
While the new Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer series is noticeably more sporty than a lot of the other options that exist within the greater Jazzmaster lineup, it is still quite a bit more refined and elevated compared to some of the highly utilitarian designs that can be found among the brand’s field watches and pilot’s models. Additionally, since Hamilton is positioned as one of the more affordable brands among the greater Swatch Group roster

Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic 38mm

Founded in 1892, Hamilton has carved a space for itself in the upper echelons of watchmaking with its unique balance of authenticity and innovation. It’s also a brand that has carved its name in American history by synchronizing the first railroads and keeping time for aviation pioneers and US soldiers. Oh, and remember Matthew McConaughey’s Interstellar watch? That was Hamilton, too.

But no brand can survive purely off of its history. Hamilton remains at the forefront of luxury watches by maintaining momentum with pieces like the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer. Actually, the Hamilton Jazzmaster collection is a central pin of the label already, but one that’s topped off by its sportier offshoot, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer.
Designed with the sophisticated individual in mind, the new Jazzmaster Performer line comes in sizes ranging from 34mm to 42mm, making it a highlight for men and women. Each of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer 42mm’s four distinctive looks expresses dynamism and action. This goes for the 38mm’s three versions and the 34mm’s four, too. It’s these values that lie at the core of everything Hamilton does, but particularly this design.

Perhaps most striking about the modern Jazzmaster Performer is the way that it balances cutting-edge technical performance and urban charisma. Housed in a sleek stainless steel or rose gold-colored PVD case with a fixed tachymeter bezel, the Performers stand out thanks to their sporty finish.

Beyond the cutting-edge visuals, there’s a world of detail powering the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer. The 42mm Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph is powered by the H-31 automatic chronograph movement with 60 hours power reserve and a balance spring made from non-magnetic compensating alloy Nivachron. As for the 38mm and 34mm versions, an H-10 automatic movement works in tandem with a Nivachron spring so that the Jazzmaster Performer blends timekeeping precision and highly functional design.
Overall, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer is the ideal daily driver. Its wear-everywhere style is balanced by a performance-driven mindset. It’s made for anybody who favors function and style in one package. It’s resilient enough for an adventurous weekend and a sophisticated suit-and-tie occasion alike.

hamilton jazzmaster lady quartz

Hamilton is a former American brand now owned by the Swiss watch conglomerate Swatch Group.

The brand offers appealing watches for all kinds of tastes, from field watches to chronograph watches. Furthermore, the prices are pretty affordable for a Swiss manufacturer.

In this Hamilton watches review, we shed light on the timepieces and uncover if they’re worth your effort. Also, we’ll analyze the brand as a whole through its rich history, quality levels, and reputation.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what Hamilton and its watches are. As already said, Hamilton hasn’t been in the hands of the Swiss the whole time when initially it was established in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The success was quick to follow at the turn of the century when Hamilton watches became known for their durability and accuracy.

As a result, the brand was contracted to provide railwaymen with precise pocket watches. Not long after, a Hamilton watch became synonymous with railroad scheduling and eventually received the title: The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.

During World War I, the influx of wristwatches took off when soldiers needed handy timekeeping options. Hamilton didn’t lag behind when it provided the Armed Forces with reliable watches. In fact, it was during the war in 1917 when the brand’s first wristwatch was introduced. When WWI brought Hamilton to the wristwatch era, then WWII determined its position as the powerhouse of US watchmaking. Over one million watches were produced, with the most recognized being the chronometers for marines.

The post-war era added another facet to this brand when several Hamilton watches featured in major Hollywood movies. The Frogmen in 1951 and Blue Hawaii in 1961 were the cornerstone movies that ensured Hamilton was high up in the pecking order whenever a wristwatch was required for the screen.

Up until today, Hamilton has featured in more than 500 Hollywood films, with the latest blockbusters being Interstellar, The Martian, and Tenet.

Although Hamilton made a name for itself with Hollywood features and even introduced the world’s first digital watch in 1970, the financial conditions weren’t so rosy. Eventually, Hamilton was acquired by SSIH in 1974, which was the predecessor of Swatch Group. Despite Hamilton was owned by the Swiss, it didn’t start equipping its watches with Swiss ETA calibers not until the 1980s. And it took another two decades when Hamilton moved everything, including the headquarters, to Switzerland. Due to the fact that the brand is a subsidiary of Swatch Group, Hamilton watches are made in Switzerland and, as a result, carry Swiss-made tags. In other words, the movements have been assembled and inspected in Switzerland, and at least 60% of manufacturing costs are domestic.

Since a Swiss watch must be produced at least 60% domestically, it leaves the rest of 40% free of regulations.

Simply put, you can expect up to 40% of watch parts to be of foreign origins, such as China and various South-East Asian countries that offer lower production costs.

These regulations are set by the Swiss government and apply to every manufacturer, including Rolex, Omega, and other luxury brands. Now that the background of Hamilton watches replica is clear, let’s delve into the most interesting timepieces this Swiss brand has to offer.

I have picked watches from different collections so that the overview would be as complete as possible.

As follows, you’ll find Replica Hamilton watches from all the seven collections it currently offers – Khaki Field, Khaki Aviation, Khaki Navy, Ventura, Jazzmaster, American Classic, and Broadway.