By Jovan Krstevski
Hamilton is known for rugged pilot’s watches, but that’s about to change with the Hamilton’s Intra-Matic that was first introduced in 2012 and inspired by all things vintage. It features a classic two-hand and date dress watch with a cool and sporty design. The design is clearly inspired by the pared-down elegance and utility of watches produced in the 1960’s. The change though is in the price and of course the addition of trendy ‘smoked’ dials in a wider and warmer choice of colors.
Hamilton has a decisive role in America’s aviation history in both military and commercial aspects. So far, the pilot watches have been the brand’s centerpiece. Also worth noting that 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of this ‘once American brand (now Swiss’) and celebrated with the release of watches like Khaki Pilot model (aviation-themed watches) in Baselworld. Of course a pilot watch is rugged and large so maybe in an effort to entice more fans, dress watches would not be a bad idea at all that’s why we have the asymmetrical 1957 Ventura which is the world’s first battery-powered watch immortalized by Elvis Presley on the silver screen.
Moreover, Hamilton’s line-up of new dress watches is covered by the customizable Jazzmaster Thinline and the Intra-Matic line of watches housed in the American Classic collection. The Intra-Matic thrives on simplicity, easy-to-wear with a vintage appeal. I also like the case dimension choices of 38 and 42 mm.
The Intra-Matic comes in 38mm and 42mm cases in stainless steel or with either a rose gold or yellow gold PVD finish. The thin bezel and expansive, curved dial, also give both case dimensions a larger look. Nonetheless, the dial presented in smoked (gradient) dials in grey, Havana brown and a warming Bourbon whiskey color are the cool new things about the watches.
The names of the colors evoke a certain mood but it’s more advertising stuff. The sunburst smoked dials appear lighter in the centre and gradually get darker as the color saturates at the edges. This gives the watch an illusive depth and unique attitude. I also like the long baton indices which is vintage and they match the simple, stick-style hands and the frame of the date window positioned at 6 o’clock. The vintage Hamilton logo is replicated just below 12 o’clock.
Powering the Intra-Matic is the trusted and reliable ETA 2892 automatic movement with a specific Hamilton rotor behind the sapphire crystal caseback. Beating at 4Hz, it features 42 hours of power reserve and is water-resistant to 50 meters.
Finally, the Intra-Matic wears on a comfortable leather strap that matches the dial of all three Intra-Matic newcomers in black, dark brown or tan. A stainless steel bracelet goes with the stainless steel model with a grey dial. The 38mm steel on leather are priced at CHF 825 while the 42mm steel with gold PVD on leather sell for CHF 1,025. Visit Hamilton here.
