Ventura XXL Automatic
In recent years, legendary US watch brand Hamilton, now owned by the Swiss-based Swatch Group, has been able to keep its unique “Americanness” while still introducing relevant and interesting new watches. This year at BaselWorld is no different, as Hamilton unveils some striking new products, while at the same time mining its rich history for reinterpretations of its classic watches.
Seaview
This year, Hamilton introduces the brand new Seaview collection, including the Seaview Automatic (46 mm), the Seaview Auto Chrono (44 mm) and the Seaview GMT (42 mm). All models feature a gunmetal coloured turning outer bezel and are water resistant to 100 meters.
Hamilton ODC-X02
Khaki
In its successful Khaki Line, Hamilton is introducing the Khaki Base Jump and the Khaki X-Mach. The Khaki Base Jump Auto Chrono is inspired by base jumping and one unique feature of the watch is that the chronograph is activated by the bezel. The Base Jump is also available in a straight automatic version (both watches are in a impressive 50mm case).
The Khaki X-Mach takes Hamilton aviation watches to new heights with its ability to measure the Mach number of an aircraft, the speed it is moving through the air divided by the speed of sound under the same atmospheric conditions. Pilots simply set the pressure altitude (PA) and calibrated air speed (CAS) measured by the instrument in the cockpit by turning the right crown of the watch to reveal the Mach number in ISA (International Standard Atmosphere) on the bezel. This transforms the timepiece into a portable Machmeter. Aviation-inspired style elements include wing-shaped metal and carbon-fibre surrounds to protect the crowns, as well as nostalgic flying-jacket style stitching and studs on the bracelet.
Mining Movie Tradition
One of Hamilton’s most famous watches, the Ventura, is an iconic piece. In movies from Elvis’ Blue Hawaii to Men in Black, it is now being introduced in a limited edition version – the Ventura XXL Graceland Automatic, to celebrate Elvis Presley's 75th anniversary. It is larger and equipped with an automatic movement.
In addition, Hamilton is introducing a timepiece inspired by the watch it originally made for Stanley Kubrick’s 1966 movie, 2001: A Space Odyssey. In fact, Hamilton has been trying to make this watch for many years and finally the ODC-X02 is ready. In a futuristic shaped case, appropriately modelled on the cross-section of an aircraft’s wing, this timepiece showcases three separate time zones.
‘What colour is time?’
The theme for Hamilton this BaselWorld is ‘What colour is time?’ Hamilton will present products with cases in a spectrum of finishes, from gunmetal PVD to chocolate brown achieved by sophisticated layering technology. Dials in different shades of silver, black, brown and white act as the canvases for colourful timekeeping touches, including rose-gold indices, bright orange numbers and dynamic red ‘splashes’ to mark special hours or to highlight the tips of hands.
Source: Europa Star April-May 2009 Magazine Issue
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