Hamilton Wristwatches

Hamilton US 66 Power Reserve Wristwatch

One of the World’s Largest Watchmakers – Hamilton

Hamilton Watch Co., established in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, had developed into one of the biggest watch manufacturers in the world shortly after its founding. Around the turn of the century, every second railway employee in the United States wore a watch by Hamilton in his vest pocket so that he could not only register the trains’ punctuality, but also oversee and coordinate them.

Hamilton Wristwatches – A Continuous Stream of Innovation

Hamilton secured its good reputation with a continuous stream of new customers, including expedition travelers, ocean-crossers, mail carrier pilots, and other daring adventurers. And, of course, the military. There were even times when Hamilton had to halt production of civilian timepieces, as the demand from the military was so great. Hamilton’s Lancaster factory produced an estimated one million watches during World War II. The triangular Ventura remains unforgettable; in 1957 it was one of the first wristwatches outfitted with an electronic movement that not only banked on progressive technology, but also progressive design. Hamilton contracted designer Richard Arbib, who was at that point known for futuristic airplanes, and even vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances. According to reliable sources, Hamilton paid him the proud sum of $1,500 for thirty-six watch designs per month from 1955 onward. Most of these designs landed in the archives, but the Ventura model achieved a breakthrough and has gone down in history as a legendary watch design.

The Hamilton Ventura

The original Ventura was outfitted with Hamilton Caliber 500, the first serial wristwatch movement to feature a contact-controlled oscillating coil balance, winning the race for the first electronic wristwatch against German competitor Epperlein, with whom Hamilton had done joint research for a time. The Hamilton Ventura was presented with great pomp on January 3, 1957, stealing the show from the simultaneously introduced, but conservatively designed, Van Horn model. No wonder for what was considered modem technology back then also demanded a modem appearance. On the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of this spectacular watch in 2007, the brand, which now belongs to Switzerland’s Swatch Group, issued two special edition models paying homage to the legend, which sold out in the blink of an eye. This year the American-founded brand is introducing a number of interesting new models— sporty models bet will not only allow other cultures to get to know this particular spirit of America, out which are also outfitted with an excellent price- performance ratio.

The US 66 Power Reserve sees Hamilton celebrating the anniversary of the legendary highway Route 66, which was completed seventy years ago. The limited edition model was designed to remind its wearer of the varied form of the road with both its oval shape and straight and round lines. The X-Copter, on the other hand, is aimed at helicopter pilots, who can utilize its many additional functions during flight, such as the calculator for maximum takeoff weight. The Below Zero model goes in a completely different direction, far below sea level. Auto 2826, this line of three new diver’s watches’ leading model, was made to withstand water pressure of even 1,000 meters. The Valjoux-controlled chronograph Code Breaker breaks out of the normal ideal of a sports watch with case dimensions measuring 48.5 x 46 x 18 mm. Thanks to the light case material titanium, this Hamilton won’t become a wrist breaker, though.

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Hamilton U.S. 66 Power Reserve

Hamilton U.S. 66 – A Great Automotive Wristwatch

There are a lot of automotive wristwatches out there. In fact, we had a really tough time picking only our ten favorites back in December ’06. But once in a while, a new one comes along that makes us stop and take notice. This is one such timepiece.

U.S. 66 Power Reserve – A Striking Unique Design

The Hamilton U.S. 66 Power Reserve has a striking and unusual design clearly aimed at automotive enthusiasts. Take the case, which almost seems to be shaped like a speedway. The dial looks like a tachometer (if not so overtly as the special Alfa Romeo watch we showed you previously) with a center that looks like a mesh grille giving a peek at the ETA caliber 2897 automatic movement inside. Meanwhile, the strap reminds us of a grooved racing tire, with carbon fiber running down the center. Connoisseurs will also notice unique touches like the five-minute markers instead of the conventional hours and both the crown and the date window placed at 12 o’clock instead of at 3.

Hamilton US 66 Small Second Wristwatch

U.S. 66 Power Reserve – Named After the Famous Desert Highway

Although Hamilton was founded – and is still known – as an American watchmaker, its products are actually made in Switzerland. The U.S. 66 Power Reserve is ostensibly named for the famous desert highway as well, and features a power reserve window and sapphire crystal front and back. Only 2008 pieces will be made at an undisclosed price, and we want one. Bad.

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