The Hamilton Watch Company is a Swiss wristwatch maker situated in Bienne, Switzerland. Many buyers, however, still associate the watch brand with the United States. However, they are not entirely incorrect; the Hamilton Watch Company may be traced back to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The company’s early products were not wristwatches; instead, they were pocket watches. After World War II, when the market changed to wristwatches, Hamilton had no choice but to follow suit. Since then, movie makers and even major characters have turned to Hamilton for inspiration.
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The Ventura gained notoriety mostly as a result of its appearance on Elvis Presley’s wrist in the movie Blue Hawaii. Men In Black 3, Interstellar, and A Good Day To Die Hard, to name a few, all featured Hamilton timepieces. HAMILTON timepiece whether you wear your watch every day or only on special occasions, demands continual attention.
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Hamilton Watches Used in the Aviation Industry
Hamilton Khaki Aviation collection, one of the company’s pride watches. Hamilton aviator watches are known for their accuracy and dependability. Whether you’re looking for an automatic watch, a GMT watch, or a pilot’s chronograph, these collections of precise timepieces for professional pilots have the perfect watch for you.
In 1918, the company made its first attempt into aircraft. It also marked the start of the company’s illustrious history of serving the aviation sector. The first American airmail service between Washington DC and New York was accompanied by a Hamilton aeronautical watch. In 1926, the first aviator to reach the North Pole wearing a Hamilton watch. Admiral Richard E. Byrd set an aviation record when he circled the North Pole for 13 minutes before returning to his base. A precision Hamilton watch was also essential in assisting pilots on their first journey from California to Hawaii the following year, in 1927.
Hamilton Watches Long History
Hamilton was formed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the United States, in 1892. In Lancaster, the Hamilton Watch Company was housed on a 13-acre site. Following its establishment, the business also acquired Aurora Watch Company’s machinery. The company’s earliest products were pocket watches, with a focus on quality and precision. The railroads were the company’s main customers. Because of the brand’s commitment to precision, railroads bought all of the company’s products. In 1893, the first watch bearing the brand was an 18-size 17-jewel pocket watch. Only two size movements were made in the first fifteen years of the watch company — the 18-size and the smaller 16-size. The company introduced their first pocket watch line, the Broadway Limited, in 1912. The “Watch of Railroad Accuracy” was the name given to it. As the company became known for creating precise railroad watches, the tagline became a success.
The brand became an official supplier to the US Armed Forces in 1914, and the company furthered its reputation for making high-quality timepieces by providing field watches to the troops. This also signifies the company’s transition from pocket watches to wristwatches. In 1917, the company released its first wristwatch; it included the 0-sized 17-jewel 983 movements, which were initially created for women’s pendant watches, and was specifically meant to appeal to men entering World War I.
The brand relocated its headquarters and manufacturing facilities to Biel, Switzerland, in 2003. The brand was able to add the ultimate quality mark “Swiss made” to each watch produced in its new location as a result of the move. H-21 and H-31, the brand’s bespoke automatic calibers, were introduced in 2011. The H-10, H-30, and H-40 followed three years later, each with an expanded power reserve of up to 80 hours.
Recent Stories of the iconic company
The company commemorated the 60th anniversary of the legendary Ventura watch in 2017. It was the world’s first electric watch when it was introduced in 1957. When it originally came out, it drew a legion of followers, including Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll.
This iconic brand became the Official Timekeeper of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship the following year, in 2017. The competition featured 14 of the world’s best aerobatic pilots. They’re all striving for the coveted title of world champion. The pilots have to complete the race stages in eight different countries to achieve such a distinction. By the year 2018, the brand had triumphantly completed a century of sky-timing. Since 1918, professional pilots have preferred Hamilton, mostly due to the brand’s dedication to precision and innovation, as well as a passion for adventure.
Hamilton watch aficionados, collectors, and owners have generally positive things to say about the brand on numerous forums. The Hamilton Khaki is still regarded as one of the greatest field watches in its price range, and the Hamilton Khaki King was included in our list of the top pilot watches under $500. Many consumers are unsure where to begin because the company offers so many various styles and types of watches. And many trendy watchmakers use low-cost Japanese quartz movements and inferior parts, Hamilton watches are frequently sold in the same price range as Hamilton watches, according to several watch experts. The Hamilton Khaki watches will always be your reliable aviator’s instruments!
Last Words
When compared to other watches in the same price range, these watches have a long history and are highly appreciated. Hamilton is noted for his designs, which are reminiscent of the fashions of the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. While Hamilton is not considered a luxury or premium brand, it consistently receives favorable feedback from watch enthusiasts, and many consider it an underestimated brand given the watches’ price range. The company is now underpinned by Swiss ETA automatic movements, thanks to its affiliation with the Swatch Group.
The brand has a large selection of timepieces. You may choose a Hamilton watch that fits your budget starting at roughly $300 and going all the way up to $6,000 or more. Many of their mid-range watches have been shortlisted across a variety of categories and styles: from field watches to pilot watches to dress watches, the brand has watches that many watch enthusiasts would love to have. Vintage Hamilton watches are also available for purchase online if you are more of an old soul.
