Brand History
The Hamilton brand’s history starts in 1892 America, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They started with pocket watches for railroads, so the main focus was on portability and accuracy. In fact, the very first timepiece to wear the Hamilton brand was an 18-size 17-jewel pocket watch (designed in 1893).
They launched their first series of pocket watches in 1912 (the “Watch of Railroad Accuracy”) which positioned the brand’s products as being of high-quality and accurate.
The production shifted from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1914, when Hamilton became one of the official suppliers to the US Armed Forces. The first Hamilton wrist watch was designed in 1917 and was made for men entering World War I.
Hamilton also produced watches for aviators (starting 1918) and later the brand became famous in Hollywood. They also produced the world’s first electrical battery-operated watch (the first Ventura design, in 1957).
Hamilton continued to be one of the main watch brands in the US even after it was purchased by the Swatch Group and moved production in Biel, Switzerland (by 2003). Today, the Hamilton brand has a powerful reputation and continues to produce amazing timekeepers!
Best Men's Hamilton Watches
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1. Hamilton – Men’s H64455533 Khaki King Series Watch
This timepiece is not just gorgeous and eye-catching; it also comes with a series of impressive features! First, the design has a strong classic vibe due to the leather band and large stainless steel case with an analog dial. In addition, the mechanism is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire dial window, and the back is transparent, offering a peek inside.
Like most Hamilton automatic watches for men, this model is Swiss-made and has a self-winding mechanism. Also, the analog round, black dial features day/date display, a 24-hour timer, and sword-shape hands. Moreover, the hour markers and hands are lumed, so they are visible in low light conditions.
Specifications
Pros
- Classy design with large stainless steel case
- Analog dial with Day & Date feature
- Water-resistant for up to 50m
- Self-winding, Swiss-made mechanism
- Lumed hour markers and hands for low-light conditions
Cons
- Some slight accuracy issues
- The date is a bit difficult to read
2. Men’s Hamilton – Khaki Field Titanium Watch
The titanium case with black coating, the black nylon strap, and the scratch-resistant sapphire lens are the main features that showcase the ruggedness and toughness of this watch. In fact, the entire Khaki Field series is designed to portray the essence of the original Hamilton military watch, which was produced in the 1940s.
The Titanium watch is lightweight but durable, and the all-black face, strap, and case create an elegant and impressive look. Also, the watch features luminous hands and 12h markers, so you can read it even in low-light conditions. Moreover, it is water-resistant (up to 100m), incredibly comfortable, and the dial is executed with amazing attention to details.
Lastly, the watch is equipped with an accurate self-winding system, with an 80h power reserve (which is impressive) and features day and date functionality at the 3 o’clock position. Also, the back is transparent so you can see the rotor and part of the mechanism in action.
Specifications
Pros
- Beautifully crafted all-black design
- High attention to details for the dial, which is easy to read
- Lightweight, comfortable, and durable
- 12h & 24h formats
- Day & Date function
Cons
- The Titanium written on the side is a bit tacky
- It comes with the 3Hz sweep (instead of the 4Hz)
3. Hamilton – Aviation Black Dial Men's Watch
Large and in charge – this timepiece exudes manliness from a first glance!
The slick simple design is perfectly complemented by the leather strap (which is a bit rugged and stiff at first) and the large, sapphire crystal lens. The stainless steel case encases the round, black, analog dial and offers a peek at the mechanism through the skeleton back (an amazing view!).
The face is large (42mm) and you can see the white hour markers clearly. The Aviation model features a combination of Arabic numerals (for 12, 3, 6, and 9) and bars (for the others). You’ll also find an outer ring that marks the seconds (measured by the sweeping second hand). The mechanism is powered by an automatic Swiss self-winding movement with three luminous hands.
Overall, the design is simple and straightforward but the finishing touches make it look more expensive than it actually is. So, if you want a timepiece that will attract praises and admirative looks, this may be a fantastic choice!
Specifications
Pros
- Beautiful, simple, and rugged design
- Gorgeous finishing touches that make it look luxurious
- Swiss automatic and self-winding movement
- Date complication in the 3 o’clock position
- Large face that’s easy to read
Cons
- The strap is a bit stiff at first
- The tick is quite loud (you can hear it from a few inches away)
4. Hamilton – Jazzmaster Chronograph Men's Watch
This is the kind of watch that will take the spotlight at an important formal event. Its timeless design is perfectly highlighted by the amount of detail that went into creating this gorgeous timepiece.
First, you have the hand-crafted leather strap with crocodile print that has some additional padding on each side, for increased comfort and durability. Next, we have the skeleton back case, shined to perfection, that offers a glimpse inside the automatic movement of the mechanism.
The movement is a Hamilton Calibre H-21, based on the ETA 7750, containing 25 Jewels. It supports 28800 vibrations per hour and has a power reserve of about 60 hours. Given that this is more of a luxury watch, that is mostly for special events, the power reserve is rather limited
On the face, the Jazzmaster charms the eye with a nicely textured pearly dial that features four complications (seconds for the watch, minutes and hours for the chronograph, and date window in the 4 o’clock position). This is a watch with chronograph features, which is why there are two side buttons framing the crown.
To keep it sleek and stylish, the gold-toned hour markers are represented using sticks and only the three subdials feature Arabic numerals. The hands and hour markers are marked with luminous paint, but the illumination is minimal.
Specifications
Pros
- Looks more expensive than it is
- Both the case and band have exquisite details
- Powerful automatic movement
- It has chronograph features
- Skeleton back case
Cons
- The power reserve is a bit limited if you don’t wear it daily
- The luminous paint is not very bright
Best Women's Hamilton Watches
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1. Hamilton – Ventura Black Dial Women's Watch
The Ventura is one of the longest-lasting series of the Hamilton watch brand (it’s been on the market since the late 1950s). Its unusual shape is a testimonial of the age when it was first designed. Everyone’s mind was busy with space travel and science fiction, so Hamilton created a unique looking watch that is still very popular today.
The early versions of the Ventura model make you think about the tip of a rocket or an aircraft, but the Elvis80 looks more like the face of a droid (especially when paired with a silver-toned bracelet). Still, the name of this model comes from the fact that Elvis wore a similar one in a movie. This started a long history of the Ventura watches being the face of SF in Hollywood – they appear in all Men in Black movies.
This quartz three-hand model is a modern version, with a date complication (at 3 o’clock), black dial, and luminous silver-tone hands and index hour markers. The movement is an ETA Caliber F06.111 quartz and the watch features a push/pull crown. Lastly, the hands and markers are painted with luminous paint for improved visibility.
Specifications
Pros
- Unique shape & design
- Great conversation starter
- Admired and valued by many watch collectors
- Reliable movement
- Solid build
Cons
- Not the most affordable watch
2. Hamilton – Railroad Pearl Dial Women's Watch
While it’s not the kind of watch that grabs everyone’s attention at first glance, it has several clever details that show it is a high-quality design.
The first detail that stands out is represented by the perfect color coordination between the case and the stainless steel link bracelet. They look and feel so similar as if they were made from the same piece of metal.
Another detail is represented by the small ring of diamonds that guards the center for the three-hand movement. These serve as tips for the silver-toned hour markers and sparkle when exposed to light.
The white mother of pearl dial is beautifully highlighted by the black minute markers on the outer rim and the blue ring surrounding the diamonds. Also, the Calibre F03.101 quartz movement features three hands – two silver-toned ones and a beautiful blue second hand.
Everything is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens and controlled via the pull/push crown. Overall, this Hamilton ladies watch is beautiful and elegant, truly fit for a classy lady.
Specifications
Pros
- Elegant design with incredible details
- Diamond-tipped hour markers
- Beautiful stainless steel bracelet
- Easy click fastening clasp
- Reliable quartz movement
Cons
- The face is a bit difficult to see in direct sunlight
3. Hamilton – Jazzmaster Maestro Silver
Just like all the other high-end Hamilton watches, the Jazzmaster Maestro is a work of art in terms of details and craftsmanship.
The stainless steel silver-tone case has both polished and brushed elements and the exhibition case back is protected by scratch-resistant sapphire crystal (similar to the one used for the lens).
The sunray silver dial features rose-gold toned hands and Arabic numeral hour markers which are easy to read. There is a complication for tracking seconds (a subdial at the 6 o’clock position) and a date window (at the 3 o’clock position). The hour and minute hands are stroked with luminous paint for improved visibility in low light.
Still, even though this is a two-hands movement, the watch still has markings for seconds on the outer rim. The heart of this beautiful watch is an automatic self-winding movement, controlled via the pull/push crown (which is easy to grab and operate).
Lastly, the leather strap with crocodile print and stitches is comfortable and fits most wrist sizes.
Specifications
Pros
- Luxurious design with exquisite details
- Swiss-made automatic, self-winding movement
- An easy to read and large face
- Push/pull crown
- Exhibition back case
Cons
- A bit on the pricey side
- The luminous hands are not of much help
Hamilton Watch Buying Guide
Hamilton Watch Quality and Technology
Given the long history of the brand and the fact that their products were always first when it came to technological innovation, it’s difficult to pinpoint to a specific type of movement or even build for their watches.
In modern times, Hamilton watches come with a wide range of movements, from Swiss ETA automatic to Quartz. After all, this is the brand that created the first battery powered watch (in 1957)! Still, ever since the brand joined hands with the Swatch Group, all their movements are Swiss-powered.
This means that Hamilton watches are built using high-quality materials and are designed to keep accurate time tracking.
Where Are Hamilton Watches Made?
Hamilton started off as an American company, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania (where they owned a factory). As they grew, their manufacturing process diversified, and after merging with the Swatch Group, the manufacturing was moved out of the US and into Switzerland.
The Swatch Group also owns a series of high-end watch brands such as Omega, Blancpain, or Longines. Compared to these, Hamilton is considered a low-end brand, which is strongly debated by its fans.
Still, this means that not all the components that go into making a Hamilton watch are produced in Switzerland. In fact, it is clearly stated that some of the pieces come from factories in the Far East (countries like Thailand or China). The reason for using these factories stands in their capacity of using automated lines of production, thus producing faster and at a better price.
However, the movements are Swiss-made and are truly designed for accuracy and durability. As such, while the finishing parts may not be as exquisite as with an Omega watch, a Hamilton automatic or quartz is still well-designed and of impressive quality.
What Makes them Stand Out?
Their amazing diversity and quality are two of the reasons Hamilton watches stand out in the crowd of watch brands easily available on the market. In addition, the fact that they are powered by Swiss ETA automatic movements or Swiss Quartz movements while still managing to keep an affordable price for regular folks is also appealing.
Their long history and interest in innovation provide customers with a wide array of designs. As such, you can choose modern remakes of vintage Hamilton watches (like the Ventura line or the Aviation Series) or designs that showed up in big-budget movies.
Overall, Hamilton watches walk that thin line between well-designed watches that look luxurious without being completely unapproachable by the regular working man or woman.
Hamilton Watches Warranty, Return and Exchange Policy
Hamilton International Ltd. provides a two-year limited warranty for any of their watches, as long as it was purchased from their stores (online or offline) or from authorized dealers. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects that were already existing at the time of delivery. They will not cover any damages that happened due to improper handling of the watch.
If the defect is covered by the warranty, the repairs will be free of charge. If repairs aren’t possible, the product will be replaced according to possibilities. However, in order to benefit the warranty, the buyer must have a dated warranty certificate that was fully and correctly completed and stamped by an official Hamilton dealer.
When it comes to returns, buyers can return undamaged and unworn products within 14 days of delivery. Buyers can ask for a full refund or an exchange, as it is specified by the contacted representative. Hamilton usually covers the shipping fee, but only if you use their accepted delivery company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hamilton watches are of good quality and some models can even be compared with timepieces from premium brands. Whether we’re talking about Hamilton automatic watches or a Hamilton quartz watch, fans of the brand love to collect the most exquisite pieces, which speaks heaps about their quality.
