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Hamilton is an iconic American watch brand founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in manufacturing pocket watches—the Broadway Limited—which are particularly prized by American railroad employees for their precision. This series of watches contributed to improved rail safety by synchronizing train schedules, earning it the “railroad timekeeping accuracy” seal of excellence.
In 1935, Hamilton reached a turning point by becoming the official supplier to the U.S. Army, creating rugged watches tailored to military needs. The company supplied more than 110,000 watches equipped with the 987A movement to U.S. forces and their allies during World War II. A Hamilton aviation watch also played a role in the first air mail service in U.S. history, connecting Washington, D.C., to New York. This event marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership between Hamilton instrument watches and the aviation community, as pilots around the world continue to wear Hamilton watches today.
Over the decades, several iconic models have emerged, such as the Hamilton Ventura, famous for its bold design and worn by Elvis Presley. Hamilton watches have also been recognized for their durability during NASA space missions, further solidifying their reputation and reliability. Despite its initial success in the United States, Hamilton moved its production to Switzerland in the 1970s following the acquisition of A. Huguenin Fils SA in Le Locle. The brand then benefited from the protected “Swiss Made” designation and worked closely with Büren Watch Co. At that time, the company launched its revolutionary LED-display watch, the “Pulsar,” which had a limited battery life. In 1974, Büren and Hamilton were integrated into the SSIH watch group, led by Omega and Tissot. Today, the Hamilton watch brand carries on its legacy by offering models with designs inspired by aeronautics, while incorporating the latest watchmaking technologies.
What are Hamilton’s must-have watches?
Hamilton is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The brand offers several iconic watch models that stand out for their design and performance. Must-have models include the Hamilton Ventura, launched in 1957. Considered the world’s first electric watch, the Ventura is famous for its asymmetrical triangular case, nicknamed the “boomerang” case. It was worn by Elvis Presley in the movie *Blue Hawaii*, which cemented its iconic status among watch enthusiasts. This iconic watch is also equipped with Hamilton’s automatic movement, the H-10 caliber. This caliber offers an impressive 80-hour power reserve and features an enhanced bidirectional winding system thanks to its rotor.
The Hamilton Khaki Field watch is also one of the brand’s iconic models. This collection pays homage to military watches, offering rugged and highly legible timepieces that meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. Combining vintage style with modern technology, the watch is inspired by the MIL-W-46374 specification, manufactured for the U.S. Air Force in the 1960s and 1970s. The dial features a minimalist design, with only simple 12- and 24-hour military hour markers, as well as luminous, syringe-shaped hands. It is also equipped with the H-50 caliber, offering an 80-hour power reserve.
Iconic models also include the Hamilton Jazzmaster. This collection consists of dress watches distinguished by their semi-exposed dials. It includes the Open Heart Auto Silver model, whose open dial is divided into two main sections, located between 12 and 4 o’clock and between 7 and 8 o’clock. It showcases the workings of the H-10 caliber, an automatic movement offering an 80-hour power reserve.
High-end watch straps for your Hamilton watch
Known for its precision and durability, Hamilton has been equipping numerous explorers, aviators, and celebrities with its high-end watches since its founding. Whether it’s a dress watch or a sports watch, Hamilton offers a wide range of models to suit every style. Pairing a Hamilton watch with a Cie Bracelet Montre strap is a sophisticated and unique choice. Browse our extensive selection and choose the perfect men’s or women’s strap to enhance the design of your watch case.
For a classic and elegant look, a Hamilton watch strap made of calfskin is the ideal choice. This material gives the watch an elegant and timeless look. The fine, even grain of the calfskin gives it a luxurious appearance. Additionally, this leather is naturally supple and conforms perfectly to the shape of the wrist, offering unparalleled comfort. Furthermore, there is a wide variety of finishes and colors available for leather straps made from calfskin, allowing you to customize your Hamilton watch to suit your style and preferences.
Watch straps made of fine and exotic leather are designed for watch enthusiasts seeking a luxurious accessory. Let yourself be captivated by the texture and natural charm of an alligator leather watch strap. With scales of various shapes and sizes, each strap features a distinctive pattern, making every piece one-of-a-kind.
Watch straps made of lizard and ostrich leather are also an ideal choice to dress up your watch. Order your Hamilton watch strap online on our website or come try it on at our store, located on Rue du Dragon, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris.
