WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
March 30, 2015
Hamilton | This Year's Biggest Trend: A Succession of Reasonably Priced Retro-Classic Models!
Hamilton|Hamilton
This Year's Biggest Trend: A Flood of Reasonably Priced Retro-Classic Models!
A Flood of Reasonably Priced Models!
A nostalgic feel, yet with the solid construction only a new model can offer. This is the charm of Hamilton's new releases from the Swatch Group's mid-tier brand. If the style suits your taste, there's no more affordable brand.
Reporting and text by Yasuhito Shibuya
Models Inheriting Tradition from the 1930s to the 70s
Hamilton's new releases for 2011, themed "Modern Times," embody the watch industry's major trend, "Retro Classic," like no other. From ladies' models in the 1930s style to the legendary chronographs of the early 1970s,chronographthere are a total of seven models. All are priced at a "surprisingly affordable" level considering their quality, greatly stimulating the desire to purchase.
It's truly difficult to choose which to recommend. The lineup is diverse, featuring military-style pilot watches, simple models with flexible bracelets from the 1960s, and legendary chronographs that have made history.
The Best Value: Chronograph Models
Among the seven new models, the chronographs, of which there are four variations, are particularly recommended this time. All feature a retro style, but their eras and tastes vary. If I had to pick just one, it would be the "Jazzmaster Spirit of Liberty," inspired by the design of a masterpiece marine chronometer (pocket watch) from the 1940s, with its clean, two-subdial layout.
The model name comes from Andrew Hamilton, a lawyer who fought for freedom of speech during the colonial era, the very person from whom the brand derives its name. Two subdials are arranged vertically, and his famous quote, "For life without liberty is no life at all," is engraved on the simple, classic, and refined dial.
Furthermore, it is equipped with the "H21" movement, developed by Hamilton based on the ETA Caliber 7750, which boasts the longest history and proven track record among modern mechanical chronograph movements.
If you are looking for a reasonably priced mechanical chronograph that possesses the calm and dignity befitting an adult, this is undoubtedly one of this year's best models.
Jazzmaster Spirit of Liberty
Inspired by a legendary 1940s marine chronometer, reimagined as a chronograph!
Among this season's new chronographs, this model boasts the most refined, calm, and classic "vertical two-subdial" face. It is available in three dial colors: silver, gray, and black. The beautiful finishing of the case and the subtle variations in hand color for each dial color demonstrate a commitment to detail that is a significant part of its appeal.
Automatic winding, 42mm diameter stainless steel case, black calfskin strap, 10 ATM water resistance, world limited to 1892 pieces, 159,800 yen (estimated price). Scheduled for release in July.
Swatch Group Japan Hamilton Division
Tel. 03-6254-7371
www.hamiltonwatch.jp
