Highlights of this year’s new Hamilton watches include the interesting Pulsomatic that runs on an self-winding movement, but displays the time on a digital display. The retro-futuristic piece is inspired from the world’s first digital watch that was manufactured by Hamilton in 1970. This combination of classic watch making and modern high-tech style reflects Hamilton’s innovation and their pioneer status.

The Pulsomatic

Three new mechanical models for women reflect Hamilton’s desire to reach out to what the company refers to as an under-served market. The strategists at the Swiss manufacturer believe that women lack options for well priced, mechanical watches. If the market is as strong as they think, Hamilton will be amongst the leading manufactures of mid-size mechanical watches at the entry luxury price level.

Particularly striking amongst these new ladies’ models is the Railroad Automatic, which runs on the self-winding 2824 calibre by E.T.A and starts at only C$950. It also showcases a new system of straps that incorporates easy-to-use pushers that allow the owner of the watch to interchange bracelets quickly and without tools. The 38mm size is not oversize, but far from the tiny timepieces that women had a decade or so back.

The rest of the Railroad series is also noteworthy. The largest model in the series is the chronograph, who’s stainless steel case spans 46mm. It is equipped with a Valgranges A07-211, a fantastic movement that is greatly less common than the 7750, albeit still manufactured under the control of E.T.A.

RailRoad Chronograph

One category that is never forgotten by Hamilton watches is the aviation-style watches and this year there are several new additions. Amongst the first releases of 2010, and already available for purchase is the 46mm, automatic, Khaki King Pilot. It captures the traditional “Big Pilot” look very nicely but is offered at amazing value, starting at C$995. Watchpaper readers already know the next one. If you haven’t read HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing it is worth taking a look at, and it is featured in a video presentation embedded below.

Fans of good ol’, classic, vintage elegance will not be disappointed. A few minor retouches have been done to the very popular Jazzmaster Slim to create the new Slim 43 Petite Seconds. As the name suggests these changes include the addition of a small subsidiary dial for the seconds. In order to compensate for the added thickness of the small seconds, the back of the case has been “closed.” While no longer see-through, the case back is engraved with the company’s vintage logo.

I had a real good time visiting Hamilton headquarters. I thank Vivian and Martine who helped me organize it and showed all the amazing new Hamilton watches.

Marco is a webmaster and blogger for MattBaily.ca and an enthusiast of Hamilton watches.

If you do not see a video embedded here, visit the original post on watchpaper.com.

For all the videos produced from the Hamilton visit go to: http://www.mattbaily.ca/blog/tag/hamilton_visit_2010/

HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing

Aviation shows its true metal

Biel, January 2010 – The Khaki X-Landing takes the emotions on a nostalgic journey back to the first all-metal aircraft of the 1920s, and the rationale on a trip co-piloted by a feature for measuring the top of descent (TOD). The Khaki X-Landing provides pilots with precision and style in a sophisticated GMT chronograph, with design touches reflecting the materials and structures of the early metal planes. This duo of limited edition watches passionately tells the story of an aviation tradition in the language of today.

HAMILTON Khaki X-Landing Morphing

Timely start of descent

The TOD marks the transition from the cruise phase of a flight to the descent phase. Pilot wearers simply mark the aircraft’s cruising altitude in feet at the 9 o’clock position, using the crown located at 10 o’clock. Integrating a standard descent angle of 3°, the Khaki X-Landing then reveals the number of nautical miles before the final destination that marks the start of the optimal descent in a small, dedicated window. The language of aviation continues on the bezel’s surface where 24 different time zones are printed. On one model these are represented by place names, on the others by terms from the military or name time zones, appealingly taking in hotel, tango and whiskey.

Aviation style

True to form, the brand with a long and proven aviation history, demonstrates an astute eye for detail in all of the Khaki X-Landing pieces. One model has a distinctive dark grey PVD case that complements the predominantly black and white color scheme and contrasts with a red GMT hand. Sections of its dial resemble the corrugated metal panels of the aircraft that took to the skies in the 1920s and 1930s. True class is certified visually by an elegant integrated black leather strap reminding of traditional sporty perforated gloves with holes of different sizes. The other version, with an impressive round-the-world tour logged around the bezel, has a brushed stainless steel case and choice of metal or integrated brown leather attachment. Subtle touches of red add dynamism, standing out against the dial’s background with a woven metal effect that catches the light as the sky makes sure it has the final word.

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 350 films. The brand also boasts a strong aeronautical heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.
www.hamiltonwatch.com – www.facebook.com/hamiltonwatch- www.twitter.com/hamiltonwatch

Source: www.swisstime.ch

Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

“The conservation of biodiversity is the most important problem of our time.“
Harrison Ford

Hamilton unveils the Khaki Conservation, created in collaboration with Harrison Ford, to support Conservation International.

Harrison Ford’s love of action is not limited to daring stunts. It also embraces his commitment to finding innovative solutions to combat the threats posed to the global environment. For more than 17 years the actor has been on the board of directors of Conservation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting life on earth and to demonstrating that human societies will thrive when in balance with nature.

Hamilton has been future-oriented throughout its 116-year existence and obviously feels that it is time to help protect the planet. Therefore, it has made a financial commitment to Conservation International to support this organization’s valuable work around the world.

Making a difference
The Khaki Conservation timepieces have GMT functionality, with the second time zone selection covering a range of focus locations for Conservation International projects, from Colombia to Indonesia. Harrison Ford was actively involved in the design of the watche and his signature of stylish adventure is clearly evident. The classical black dial bears bold numbers with inner and outer counter rings adding a touch of edgy dynamism. And just as the success of every heroic stunt depends on meticulous attention to detail, the watch comes with crafted finishing touches such as fine cut-out hands and date windows, or studded and stitched leather strap.

Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

Every second counts
The preservation of planet earth is extremely time-critical. The highprecision Swiss Automatic GMT movement in the Khaki Conservation watch, visible through the see-through case back, mirrors this fact. Decorating this ’window’ is the engraved signature of Harrison Ford together with the Conservation International logo. Special packaging in corrugated cardboard also supports the message of preserving resources by utilizing recycled materials.

Harrison Ford vividly sums up the urgency of environmental protection in his own words – “Our health relies entirely on the vitality of our fellow species on Earth. When we protect the places where the processes of life can flourish, we strengthen not only the future of medicine, agriculture and industry, but also the essential condition for peace and prosperity.”

Conservation International Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth’s richest regions of plant and animal diversity and demonstrate that human societies can live harmoniously with nature. Founded in 1987, CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents to help people find economic alternatives without harming their natural environments. For more information about CI, visit www.conservation.org.

Technical Specifications

Khaki Conservation
Size 42 mm
Material Stainless steel
Dial Colour Black
Attachments Beige nubuck leather
Movement Automatic 2893
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 200 m
GMT Time Zones COLOMBIA – MEXICO – SURINAME – BRAZIL – SOUTH AFRICA – MADAGASCAR – CHINA – PHILIPPINES – INDONESIA

Harrison Ford with his Hamilton Khaki Conservation watch © Hamilton

What made Hamilton the choice for this project?
As is often the case in life – a series of coincidences! Some time ago I came across a Hamilton watch that I really enjoyed wearing. Then, since Hamilton has a strong presence in Hollywood with its watches being chosen to feature in lots of major movies, I came into contact with some of the Hamilton guys, including their designer. We then got talking about my work as Vice Chair of Conservation International. Our conclusion was that it would be great to create a watch inspired by the charity’s activity in nature conservation, to benefit the charity. That is how I got to the Hamilton drawing board to give birth to the Khaki Conservation watch!

How did you come up with the design for the watch?
Hamilton gave me a lot of freedom for the design of the watch! First of all, it was important for me that the resulting watch should reflect the global scale of the vital work of Conservation International. To satisfy that need I came up with the idea of using the GMT functionality, with its second time zone selection, to draw attention to a range of focus locations for Conservation International projects, from Brazil to Indonesia. Also, the preservation of our planet is an extremely time-critical issue that should always be at the forefront of our minds – that’s why each watch has the Conservation International logo, together with my signature, engraved on it – as constant reminders of the urgency of our work. Finally, the choice of materials that expresses the colors and richness of Nature was key – right down to the watch’s special packaging in recyclable corrugated cardboard!

The Hamilton Khaki Conservation © Hamilton

Are you happy with the way it turned out? Why?
Since I had such freedom in designing the watch I have no excuses – I love it of course! I really like the way the mixture of precision timekeeping, while the vintage design touches reflect the message of Conservation International concerning the fragility of time.

Why is this cause the one for you? Why do you feel it’s important?
Our health relies entirely on the vitality of our fellow species on Earth. When we protect the places where the processes of life can flourish, we strengthen not only the future of medicine, agriculture and industry, but also the essential condition for peace and prosperity. This summarizes the mission of the Conservation International organization and I can’t think of anything more relevant – to me or any other human being!

Khaki BASE Jump Automatic

An adrenalin kick for the wrist

Hamilton literally looked up to the skies for design inspiration for the new Khaki BASE Jump watches. These robust timepieces may not have a ripcord, but their appearance visually recreates the adrenalin-filled spirit of BASE jumping (jumping with an unopened parachute from a Building, Antenna, Span or the Earth). There is an automatic version containing a 2824 ETA-movement, as well as a sophisticated automatic chronograph with a 7750 movement. With their bold 50 mm cases and rugged color scheme, the Khaki BASE Jump timepieces give wearers wings when it comes to style.

High-flying functionality

A unique feature of the Khaki BASE Jump Auto Chrono is the chronograph functionality activated via the turning bezel. The Khaki BASE Jump Automatic version also integrates a turning bezel, in this case for an original bi-directional countdown. Both watches use a typeface of the sort commonly found on ‘classified information’ files, ensuring that the looks signal dynamic operation possibilities. The robust character is highlighted by a protected crown, positioned on the left-hand side of the watch for easy use in extreme situations, and an easy-grip finish on the bezel’s outer edge.

Elevated precision

Just like the sport that inspired the watch’s name, the Khaki BASE Jump timepieces have precision at the top of their checklist. An eye for design detail complements the quality of the Swiss movements. The dimensions of the case commensurate to the parachute are contrasted provocatively and stylishly with a ‘Clous de Paris’ pattern. The chronograph model comes with a choice of a titanium case with a black finish, or a stainless steel case coated in black or brown with matched dials. All versions have rubber straps to match the dial and underline the edgy, sporty statement. The non-chronograph interpretation has identical color combinations and a stainless steel case. In all of its declinations, the Hamilton Khaki BASE Jump promises to become as iconic as Icarus – hopefully bringing their wearer more luck in high-flying activities.

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 350 films. The brand also boasts a strong aeronautical heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.

Technical Specifications

Khaki BASE Jump Auto chrono
Size 50 mm
Material Titanium / PVD black or bronze
Dial Color Black / bronze
Attachments Black rubber / brown leather
Movement Automatic 7750
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 100 m
Price Ca 1495 Euro, 1945 US$, 2250 CHF
Launch September 2009

Khaki BASE Jump Automatic
Size 50 mm
Material Stainless steel / PVD black / PVD bronze
Dial Color Black / bronze
Attachments Black rubber / brown leather
Movement Automatic 2824
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 100 m
Price Ca 895 € , 1195 US$ , 1345 CHF
Launch September 2009

BASE jumping is an activity using a parachute to jump from fixed objects, with the parachute remaining unopened at the start of the jump. BASE stands for the four recognized categories of fixed objects from which BASE jumpers can jump – Building, Antenna, Span (a section between two intermediate support and earthen objects such as a bridge) and the Earth.

Providing a further link with Hamilton, the acronym “BASE” was coined by film-maker Carl Boenish. He was the real catalyst behind modern BASE jumping and in 1978 filmed the first BASE jumps (from El Capitan in Yosemite National Park).

Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim Automatic - pink gold plated

Hamilton  presents a refreshing new dimension in precision timekeeping

With their slender cases, the Jazzmaster Slim Automatic watches bring new dimensions of elegance and comfort to classical design. A fine Swiss automatic movement takes its place underneath a black or silver dial, enclosed by a choice of 40 mm or 43 mm housing in polished stainless steel. The large 40 and 43 mm diameter contrasts the slenderness of the polished stainless steel case. The variation with a ‘Milanese’ metal bracelet underlines the Hamilton commitment to uniting modernity with craftsmanship.

About Hamilton

Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in over 300 films. The brand also boasts a strong aeronautical heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world with 160 production sites in Switzerland.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim Automatic

www.hamiltonwatch.com

Price:
43mm – Ca 625 €, 795 USD, 950 CHF
40mm – Ca 525 €, 695 USD, 795 CHF

Hamilton Venture XXL Automatic

Hamilton is celebrating cultural icon, Elvis Presley, with two special models of the iconic Ventura watch, to mark what would have been the ‘King’s’ 75th birthday in 2010. The distinctive, shieldshaped timepiece, worn by Elvis in the 1961 movie, ‘Blue Hawaii’, comes in two new interpretations – a replica of the original 1950‘s model and a XXL version. The Ventura Elvis Anniversary Collection promises to contribute a new chapter to two legends.

Ventura Elvis Anniversary Collection

The Ventura Quartz is a faithful tribute to the original 1957 model, which made watch-making history as the world’s first electrical, battery powered watch. Design detail of the case of the new model mirrors that of its 1950s ancestors and today comes in either silver-colored stainless steel or a yellow gold PVD finish. A black dial also reminds of the 1950s Ventura timepieces, complete with digit markings all culminating in an embossed rounded point like the surrounds of the iconic wall-clocks of the era. These nostalgic looks enclose a modern Swiss quartz movement to ensure precision timekeeping for the 21st century.

The choice of attachment for the Ventura Quartz, with the possibility of a metallic flex bracelet or a bi-color leather strap in gold paired with silver or black, has its own story to tell. The watch originally purchased by Elvis would have had a leather strap and archive material reveals that, at his
special wish, the jeweller exchanged this for a metal bracelet to satisfy his celebrity customer.

Hamilton Ventura XXL Automatic

Ventura XXL Elvis Anniversary Collection

Having started its life as a pioneer, the Hamilton Ventura continues to make a bold statement over half a century later in the form of a limited XXL edition. This special timepiece integrates touches of the unexpected to give its classic inspiration a futuristic and rocky feel. The familiar shield shape
of the gunmetal colored case gets a distinctively contemporary look through smoothed surfaces and XXL dimensions. The angular crown is integrated into the case with its pointed tip signalling 3 o’clock. The white or black dial has racy looks with a background effect resembling that of a high-tech sound box. A touch of fiery red stretches from 12 o’clock to 3 o’clock and daringly reappears on the tip of the seconds hand. Celebrating modernity, the case elegantly flows into a stylish, smooth black rubber strap. The limited edition which will only be produced during 2010 will contribute to make the King‘s legend alive.

Technical Specifications

Material Stainless steel PVD black
Dial Color black
Attachments Black rubber
Movement Automatic 2824-2
Crystal Sapphire
Water resistance 50 m
Price Ca 945 Euro, 1195 USD, 1345 CHF
Launch September 2009