Hamilton - History, Models and Owners' Reviews

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The Hamilton brand is an icon in the world of watchmaking which brilliantly combines American know-how and the finesse of Swiss watchmaking tradition. Founded in 1892 by Webster Clay Ball in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the brand Hamilton quickly acquired a reputation for quality, precision and reliability, notably thanks to its pocket watches used by railway workers to avoid accidents on American railways.

History of the Hamilton brand

However, it was truly from the 1950s that the brand began to make its mark on the history of modern watchmaking. In 1957, Hamilton revolutionized the world of watchmaking by introducing the world's first electric watch, the Hamilton Electric 500. This watch, although imperfect, paved the way for a new era of electric and quartz watches, in which will engulf LIP with the LIP Electronic, Bulova with the Bulova Accutron and of course Seiko with the Seiko Quartz.

The 1960s marked another pivotal moment for Hamilton. The brand entered the world of cinema by equipping Elvis Presley with a Hamilton Ventura in the film “Loving You” in particular. Hamilton thus extended its influence to the entertainment industry, becoming the watch of choice for many movie characters.

In 1974, Hamilton was in serious financial difficulties and was bought by the Swiss holding company SSIH, the ancestor with ASUAG of the current Swatch Group. This acquisition marks the beginning of a new era for Hamilton, which now combines bold American design with Swiss watchmaking excellence.

These key dates in Hamilton's history reveal a resolutely avant-garde brand, always seeking innovation and precision. Hamilton has been able to adapt to technological and cultural developments, while preserving its unique identity.

What are the iconic models of the Hamilton brand?

Hamilton's rich heritage is reflected in the diversity of its collections, which meet the needs of watch enthusiasts from all walks of life. Among the brand's flagship models, we find:

Hamilton Ventura

The Hamilton Ventura is probably the brand's most iconic model. With its bold shield-shaped case designed by American designer Richard Arbib (also behind the Hamilton Pacer and Hamilton Meteor models in particular), its water resistance up to 50 meters, its comfortable leather strap, its movement precise quartz, its elegant silver dial and its date complication, the Ventura is a symbol of innovation and aesthetics. It was this watch that Elvis Presley wore for the first time in 1961 in the film “Blue Hawaii”, which contributed to his legendary aura.

Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman

The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman is a robust and reliable dive watch. Featuring a 42mm titanium case, impressive water resistance up to 100 ATM, durable rubber strap, H-10 automatic movement with 80 hour power reserve, a black dial with luminous indexes and a date complication, this watch is designed to withstand the most extreme conditions. It takes its name from the 1951 film "The Frogmen", in which US Navy divers were equipped with Hamilton watches. An additional illustration of the close ties maintained by Hamilton with the film industry and in particular the Hollywood studios.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Viewmatic is a classic and refined watch. It features a 40mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 5 ATM, stylish leather strap, Swiss automatic movement, silver dial with applied indexes and date complication. Its particularity lies in its transparent background which allows you to admire the movement. 

Hamilton Khaki Field

The Hamilton Khaki Field is the symbol of the brand's military past. Equipped with a 38mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 5 ATM, sturdy canvas strap, H-10 automatic movement with 80 hour power reserve, matte black dial with luminous indexes and a date complication, this watch is a tribute to the soldiers' watches used during World War II. We cannot think of the Hamilton Khaki Field without thinking of the Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto which became, thanks to the film Interstellar, one of the most sought-after Hamiltons.

Hamilton Khaki Navy

The Hamilton Khaki Navy is a collection dedicated to the sea and diving. One of its flagship representatives, the Khaki Navy Scuba, features a 40 mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM, a steel bracelet, an automatic movement, a blue dial evoking the depths of the ocean with luminous indexes, and a date complication.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation is designed for aviation enthusiasts. The model Hamilton Khaki Aviation Day-Date, for example, features a sturdy 44mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM, brown leather strap, H-30 automatic movement with 80 hour power reserve, a black dial with a lateral drift calculation scale, and date and day complications.

Hamilton PSR

The Hamilton PSR is a modern reinterpretation of the first digital LED watch, the Pulsar P2 from 1970, popularized for being the watch of James Bond and Roger Moore in Live and Let Die in 1974. The PSR features a 40.8 x 34.7 mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 10 ATM, a steel bracelet, a unique hybrid quartz movement with an OLED display and LCD technology, and a dial that lights up at the press of a button.

Hamilton American Classic

Finally, the American Classic is a collection that pays homage to Hamilton's American history. The Intra-Matic Auto model, for example, offers a 40 mm stainless steel case, water resistance up to 5 ATM, a brown leather strap, an H-10 automatic movement, a silver dial in a style Vintage with stick indexes and a date complication.

These watches embody the spirit of Hamilton: a combination of functionality, design, history and innovation in a price range between € 700 and € 2,500 for a mechanical model.

How much does a Hamilton watch cost?

Hamilton offers several dozen new references whose prices vary between $375 for a Hamilton Khaki-Field Quartz and $12,000 for a Hamliton Ventura Quartz in 18k gold. Most Hamilton are sold between $500 and $1,000. Prices can also fluctuate depending on the distributor, and promotions sometimes allow you to benefit from a more competitive price. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Hamilton.

Hamilton: The most American of Swiss brands

Hamilton positions itself in the watchmaking landscape as a brand that combines the best of two worlds: American pragmatism and innovation, and Swiss precision and quality. Its watches are recognized for their robustness, precision and unique design, making Hamilton a brand of choice for watch enthusiasts looking for a quality product at an accessible price.

Hamilton's story is that of a brand that has innovated and reinvented itself, while remaining true to its roots. Whether in the field of cinema, aviation or diving, Hamilton has always been able to meet the needs of its customers with reliable, functional and aesthetic watches.

Hamilton is a brand rich in history and innovation, which has carved out a place of choice in the world of watchmaking. The brand is part of the Ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands. To find out more about Hamilton watches, do not hesitate to consult the brand's official website. And to make the right choice among the models of this brand, The Dialicious owners’ reviews are a valuable source of information. They will allow you to understand the real experience of users and form your own opinion on these exceptional watches.

(Updated December 2023)

Owner reviews summary on Hamilton

4.3

45 Reviews

4.2

Emotion

4.2

Design

4.2

Accuracy

4.4

Comfort

4.3

Robustness

4.4

Value for money

Secondary

Significance in a collection

Main

Rarely

Frequency to be worn

Often

Pleasure

Main motivation for buying

Investment

See Less Adjectives

Hamilton profile is based on 45 owner reviews

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All Hamilton models

Frequently Asked Questions about Hamilton

Owners' reviews for Hamilton are an excellent source of information to identify the Hamilton watch that suits you. The top 3 Hamilton models praised by 45 authentic brand owners are as follows: No.1 Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chrono, No.2 Hamilton Khaki Field Murph, No.3 Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba. Check the list of the best Hamilton models ranked based on brand owners' reviews.
There are as many ways to love your Hamilton as there are models Hamilton. Each person appreciates their Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chrono or Hamilton Khaki Field Murph according to their own criteria and how they appreciate a beautiful watch. Some will love their Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba because they find it Endearing or Adventurous, while others may find it Elegant. Discover how owners love their Hamilton with the help of 45 authentic brand customer reviews.
The top 3 Hamilton models that customers have specifically purchased for investment are as follows: No.1 Hamilton Jazzmaster Chrono, No.2 Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba, No.3 Hamilton Ventura Open Heart. However, investing in a Hamilton watch, like in other areas, is not an exact science, and it is important to be cautious before choosing one for investment. Feel free to consult multiple sources of information, including auction results, to track the value of Hamilton models.
Buying a Hamilton or another watch brand is a complex exercise that depends on many criteria. 45 authentic customers owning a Hamilton bought it, particularly because they were looking for a Endearing, Adventurous or Elegant watch. Check Hamilton customer reviews to refine your preferences and find the Hamilton that suits you.
All tastes and colors are in nature, and everyone will appreciate a Hamilton watch according to their own aesthetic criteria. Hamilton offers many models particularly appreciated by owners for their design. The 3 most beautiful Hamilton watches according to 45 authentic brand customers are as follows: No.1 Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chrono, No.2 Hamilton Khaki Field Murph, No.3 Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba. Check the ranking of the most beautiful Hamilton based on brand customer reviews.
For 45 authentic Hamilton owners who shared their reviews, the top 3 Hamilton models are: No.1 Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chrono with an average rating of 4.6/5, No.2 Hamilton Khaki Field Murph with an average rating of 4.6/5, No.3 Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba with an average rating of 4.5/5. As other models are also appreciated by owners, check the ranking of the best Hamilton to know the complete list of the best models of the brand.
Design, comfort, precision, or robustness... many criteria come into play before buying a Hamilton. If precision is your number one criterion, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba is the first choice of the brand's owners. If it's design, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chrono may be more suitable for you. In any case, check the reviews of authentic Hamilton owners to help you make your choice.
Hamilton, offering watches for more than 132 years, provides numerous opportunities to explore vintage models. The main ways to buy a Vintage Hamilton are as follows: specialized online selling sites such as Chrono24 or Watchfinder; stores specializing in Vintage watches, Hamilton and/or other brands; and finally, auctions. In any case, pay attention to the reputation of the seller and/or intermediary. If possible, examine the Hamilton in person or request the most detailed photos possible. You can also prefer a Hamilton with a certificate of authenticity issued by Watchcertificate, for example.

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