HAMILTON | Hamilton: A Watch Bridging Classic and Modern

HAMILTON
Pre-Baselworld Scoop: Our Top Picks

A Bridge Between Classic and Modern

Hamilton, a venerable brand celebrating its 120th anniversary. Born in 1892, at the dawn of the American railway era, the brand has evolved alongside the history of the United States as it grew into a global power. This anniversary year naturally sees the release of several commemorative models. Masterpieces like the US Navy's marine chronometer from the 1940s and the slim "Intra-Matic" watch from the 1960s are being revived with exceptional craftsmanship. A stunning lineup of timepieces that masterfully fuse classic and modern aesthetics.──Ahead of Baselworld, which begins in March, we got an early look at some of the most anticipated models.

Photographs by JAMANDFIX
Text by KASE Tomoshige (OPENERS)

Models Commemorating the 120th Anniversary Arrive in Succession

"2012 marks a significant milestone for Hamilton as we celebrate our 120th anniversary. We have numerous models we are proud to introduce. This season, we've particularly focused on chronographs and classic designs. We've brought a few models we wanted to show you before Basel..."

So spoke Alexandre Ganach, Hamilton's Product Manager. He visited Japan ahead of Baselworld, which commences in Switzerland on March 8th, to present notable models in advance.

Alexandre Ganach brought models from the Baselworld lineup that he particularly wanted the Japanese audience to see.

Hamilton is a prestigious brand renowned for creating numerous iconic timepieces, including the "Ventura," favored by Elvis Presley, and the "Khaki" series, a collection of celebrated military watches. With its 120th anniversary, expectations for new releases are exceptionally high.

We will now introduce the models we've selected from those shown to us. These are being unveiled before their official announcement at Baselworld. We invite you to take a close look.

"Intra-Matic 42mm"
A Slim Watch That Defined the 1960s

This is a revival model that faithfully reproduces the details of the 1960s, featuring a slim case, curved hands, and domed crystal. Similar to the "Sinomatic," whose revival last year garnered significant attention, its greatest appeal lies in its design that blends classic elegance with a modern sensibility. The slim case, under 7mm thick, is complemented by unique bar indices and the vintage logo from its original release, offering a glimpse into the aesthetic sensibilities of the era. Even in today's market, where elegant dress watches are highly sought after, this timepiece exudes a timeless charm that remains undiminished. Features automatic movement, stainless steel case and bracelet, 42mm case diameter. Estimated price: ¥94,500 (scheduled for release in July 2012).

"Pan Europ"
The Popular Two-Register Chronograph is Now a Permanent Model!

The "Pan Europ," a limited edition model from 2011 that saw overwhelming pre-orders in Japan following its unveiling at Baselworld last year, has finally become a permanent fixture in the collection. Inspired by archives from the 1970s, it is available in two dial colors: silver (pictured) and black, both finished with contemporary, sporty color schemes. It is powered by the new "H31" movement, jointly developed by Hamilton and ETA, offering an extended power reserve of up to 60 hours for enhanced stability. The distinctive two-register chronograph paired with a gently rounded square case creates a design irresistible to fans of 70s aesthetics. Features automatic movement, stainless steel case, 45mm case diameter, black calfskin strap. Estimated price: ¥170,100 (scheduled for release in May 2012).

"Jazzmaster Day Date"
An Enlarged Day Display Enhances the Classic Feel

The "Jazzmaster" series arguably best embodies Hamilton's "American Classic" ethos. Within this collection, which features a range of models from simple two-handers to chronographs, the "Jazzmaster Day Date" stands out for its stoic yet refined design. The white dial, accented with sharp gold wedge-shaped indices, and the prominent day display positioned at the top of the dial, exude a distinctively classic charm. In addition to the pictured model, variations with stainless steel bracelets in black and silver dial finishes, and black calfskin straps in black and silver dial finishes are planned. Features automatic movement, stainless steel case, 40mm case diameter, brown calfskin strap. Estimated price: ¥77,700 (scheduled for release in April 2012).

HAMILTON Khaki Navy Pioneer Limited Edition

"Khaki Navy Pioneer Limited Edition"
A Revival of the US Navy's Marine Chronometer

The "Marine Chronometer," developed in the 1940s at the request of the U.S. Navy, demonstrated the exceptional accuracy of Hamilton timepieces and paved the way for the brand's subsequent production of numerous military watches. This legendary model is now resurrected to commemorate the brand's 120th anniversary. Presented as a desk clock within a wooden box, the case can be detached and worn as a wristwatch with the included leather strap. The highly legible Roman numeral indices and blued steel hands embody a beauty born from the pursuit of practicality. This limited edition, inspired by Hamilton's founding year, will be released in a worldwide run of just 1,892 pieces. Features manual winding, stainless steel case, 46.5mm case diameter, brown calfskin strap, comes with a special wooden box. Estimated price: ¥275,100 (scheduled for release in December 2012).

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