NWA: Hamilton Intra-matic (My First Hammy!) H38475501

Right up front, I need to tell you, this review has a punchline. But you don’t want to hear it, at least not right now. No, we need to savor the moment; let’s talk about the watch. But it’s coming, I promise you.

This is my first Hamilton; so you might wonder why I bother with this brand anyways. 'You’re been moaning about Rolex for ages now, especially in your damn videos. Why this sudden shift?' Well, let’s take a brief look at the history. It’s rather a thing, don’t you know.

Hamilton is a renowned watch brand with a rich history of horological achievements. Here are some of the major milestones in their journey:

Early Achievements

• Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892 and began producing pocket watches.

• The precision of Hamilton pocket watches helped solve the problem of timing in the early days of American railroads, earning them the title: "The Watch of Railroad Accuracy".

Transition to Wristwatches

• During World War I in 1914, Hamilton became an official supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces, equipping hundreds of soldiers with reliable timepieces. This prompted a shift in production from pocket watches to the more convenient wristwatch.

World War II and Beyond

• Between 1942-1945, during World War II, Hamilton stopped producing watches for consumers to focus on supplying the U.S. Armed Forces. They produced over one million timepieces including wristwatches and marine chronometers, even earning an Army-Navy E award for excellence in manufacturing.

• In 1957, Hamilton revolutionized the watch industry by producing the world’s first electrical battery-operated watch.

Well, all good and well, but it’s ancient history ain’t it? What about now? Anything new? Yes, as a matter of fact.

Ventura - The Watch of the King

• In 1957, Hamilton introduced the Hamilton Electric 500, which was available in a variety of non-traditional asymmetrical case styles including the Ventura. This watch was designed by Richard Arbib1 and was famously worn by Elvis Presley, who also featured it in the movie Blue Hawaii.

Pulsar - The World’s First Digital Watch

• In 1970, Hamilton introduced the Pulsar, the world’s first digital electronic watch. This marked a significant shift in watch technology and design.

Collaboration with Hollywood

• Hamilton has a long-standing relationship with Hollywood. Their watches have appeared in over 500 films, earning them the title "The Watchmaker of Filmmakers".

'Yes, but look at the first picture up there. What does that watch have to do with any of this?' Nothing, of course. It’s me flexing my horological chops for no reason whatsoever.

But really, look at that beautiful dial.

'Then what's the point? Why did you purchase this watch?' Well, the simple fact is that it's very much the perfect dress watch. And the reason is staring you in the face. Get it, face?

Yes, the sunburst dial is simply dazzling! It brings a smile to my face every time I see it it in the sunlight. During my drive today, I kept admiring the dial, the way that sparkled with each turn of the wrist, like c-beams glitter in the dark near Tannhauser Gate .. Oh wait, that's a different monologue. I did mention Hollywood and all that, right. Ahem. But really, it was beautiful as my wrist sat on the steering wheel.

And the Hamilton name proudly displayed on the watch.

The strap is surprisingly good quality. Haven't we all gotten to expect needing an instant replacement? But it's soft and firm. I'm quite happy with the supple feel of the calf leather.

'And of course, you simply had to add the coffee beans didn't you?' Ok yeah, that part was a joke. It's obligatory, right? The Adrian Barker thing? But no, I swear it serves a purpose. Because this dial color isn't "brown". No, it deserves a dashing name, something like "sunset burnt dark coffee!"

The Rolex marketing department would like to hire you. It seems prices are finally dropping and they need a boost. But hold on now .. getting back to that "perfect dress watch" thing. How so?

Well, take a look at the movement: an ETA 2892-2. Not high finishing, but certainly a looker with fantastic functionality.

And there you see, the slim case. A mere 10mm thick. With a classic 38mm case. 'And that's it then? The classic, oh I dare say classy dimension makes it an ideal dress watch?'

No, here is the final clue.

Do you see it now? 'Of course, there is no seconds hand!' Yes, that's it. The rules of a formal dress watch require that a gentleman focus on the event at hand. The appearance of a seconds hand is rather off putting to the host. It implies a certain glancing at the time, a desire for the moment to pass quickly. We'll have none of that!

And yes, the signed crown is a graceful touch. A note of refinement that no one will notice but still impress.

'Alright, enough of your games! What about that punchline you promised? Let's have it man!'

Well take a gander at this picture.

Do you honestly think that I paid this amount? No, I got it off ebay for $375 new. Haha. Take that Hamilton!

What's that? It's probably a fake?! How dare you!