Hamilton | The Spiritual Symbol of Men Seeking Freedom and Adventure! A Pantheon of Legendary Watches

Hamilton

A Spiritual Symbol for Men Who Sought Freedom and Adventure

Hamilton: A Pantheon of Legendary Watches Reborn

Ahead of Baselworld, opening in Switzerland on March 24, 2011, Hamilton unveiled its latest creations. Inspired by Chaplin's masterpiece 'Modern Times,' the brand injects a fresh spirit, rooted in its American origins.

By Keiko HonmaPhotos by Tomo Kadoi

Polished and Revived for Modern Times!

Hamilton's origins lie in America, founded in 1892. The brand experienced firsthand the transformative era when railways replaced horse-drawn carriages, and vehicles, ships, and even aircraft fulfilled humanity's dream of flight. The fervent spirit of pioneers, driven by an unceasing desire for freedom and a longing for undiscovered lands, is imbued in every detail of these timepieces.

The new models, specially unveiled ahead of this spring's Baselworld, draw inspiration from Hamilton's celebrated masterpieces. For instance, the marine chronometers used by the U.S. Navy and navigation watches for Air Force pilots were official commissions that recognized Hamilton's exceptional precision. These have now been revived with contemporary sophistication.

With a retro-masculine design that harks back to its roots, these watches offer the flexibility to complement various styles. The essence of American classicism, igniting a spirit of adventure, can be truly savored with a Hamilton timepiece.

Jazzmaster Thinline
A Faithful Recreation of a Retro-Futuristic Masterpiece

This year, Hamilton aims for a retro-modern world that transcends mere nostalgia. Among the standout models is the 'Jazzmaster Thinline,' a revival of a popular design from its original release in the 1960s. Thinline (Thin-O-Matic) is a name signifying an ultra-thin (Thin) automatic (Automatic) watch. The expandable 'Flex-o-Matic' bracelet that fits snugly to the wrist, the vintage brand logo, the champagne gold dial, and the slender silhouette all exude a mature elegance.

Automatic, 38mm stainless steel case, 5 ATM water resistance, ¥99,750 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in March.

Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Chrono
The Functional Beauty of GMT, Once Favored by Masters of the Sky, Returns

Hamilton has a history of producing over a million military watches, including those for the Navy, having been commissioned by the Air Force to create precise timepieces for pilots. This latest model is a homage to the navigation watches that pilots relied on for their lives in the 1940s and 50s. Its distinctive features include a GMT function with displays for 24 international airport codes and a second time zone. 'Skymaster' signifies 'master of the sky,' and its deeply evocative finish, imbued with a sense of vintage charm, seems to convey a longing for the heavens.

Automatic, 42mm stainless steel case, 30 ATM water resistance, GMT display, silver dial, dark brown alligator-embossed calfskin strap, ¥115,500 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in July.

Jazzmaster Spirit of Liberty
The Romance of the Sea Reimagined as a Dress Watch

The fact that Hamilton produced marine chronometers for the U.S. Navy underscores the absolute trust placed in the brand. This new model features a classic design reminiscent of the military marine chronometers of the 1940s, and the dial is inscribed with the words of Andrew Hamilton: 'Without liberty, life is miserable.' Andrew Hamilton is the person for whom the brand is named. This new timepiece embodies the American spirit that cherishes freedom.

Automatic, 42mm stainless steel case, 10 ATM water resistance, silver dial,
black calfskin strap, ¥159,600 (estimated price). Limited to 1892 pieces worldwide. Scheduled for release in April.

Khaki Pioneer Auto Chrono
Embrace Meticulously Vintage Finishes with Sophistication

Imagine a 1940s pilot's watch, discovered as a pristine deadstock item after 70 years... The 'Khaki Pioneer' seems to bring this very fantasy to life. Features like the distinctive cobra hands, coin-edge bezel, and easy-to-operate round crown faithfully reproduce the original 1940s model. Meanwhile, the dial is finished in a beige hue, evoking the patina of age, and a supple calfskin strap adds to the vintage feel. This is a pilot's watch that allows you to feel as though you're wearing a high-quality vintage piece, with attention paid to every detail.

Automatic, 42mm stainless steel case, 10 ATM water resistance, brown calfskin strap, ¥168,000 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in May.

Hamilton / Swatch Group Japan
Tel. 03-6254-7371
http://www.hamiltonwatch.jp/