The Hamilton Watch Company was established in 1892, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Although it originates in the United States, the brand today is sold under the Swatch Group which is a Swiss-owned company located in Bienne. When the company was first formed, it became notable for its luxury wristwatches and pocket watches, but ceased American manufacturing by the 1960s. Today, it has become a conglomerate which is highly diversified.

Hamilton Watch Styles

The earliest Hamilton watches featured a proprietary Dust Proof feature that uses a miniature window made of acrylic to conceal the opening near the plate for movement. This brand was also known for their jeweled pocket watches, which were sold primarily in eighteen and sixteen size. At the turn of the century railroads and locomotives played an important role in the American expansion west, so the Hamilton watches emphasized railroad accuracy, and were popular among train conductors.

Its first wristwatch was released in 1917, and unlike its earlier pocket watches, which catered to train operators, the wristwatches were marketed towards soldiers who were fighting in World War I. As such they contained a distinct movement that was originally planned for pendent watches targeted towards females. It wasn’t unusual for Hamilton watches to be manufactured in solid gold and some, although rarer, were produced with silver.

In the U.S. Hamilton reached its zenith of popularity during the Second World War. At this point the company ceased manufacture of consumer watches in favor of producing timepieces for troops who were being deployed. It is estimated that over 1 million watches were shipped overseas to support the war effort, and in particular the watches were prized for their marine chronometers which were popular with the Navy. The Model 21 used a power reserve which lasted two days and featured the chain fuse drive, while the model 22 was preferred by the army.

Wearing Your Hamilton

The earliest Hamilton timepieces were extremely fashionable pocket watches which were best reserved for formal occasions. These watches tended to be worn by investors, attorneys, government officials and businessmen. In essence it was a gentlemen’s watch which was designed for the upper class. A traditional Hamilton watch is perfect for a business meeting or a dinner at a very nice restaurant. It is not one of the most well-known luxury brands and those who wear it will show their sophistication and knowledge of history.

The watches introduced during the 1940s and 1950s are more geared towards wearers that engage in outdoors activities, such as sports or hunting. Hamilton didn’t release its first electric watch until 1957 which is notable as being the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It used a casing which is asymmetrical and the Ventura, a model that was also released in 1957, caught the attention of Elvis Presley who wore it in the movie “Blue Hawaii.” Today, Hamilton watches are transitional in style and the Hamilton Pulsar was the world’s very first digital watch.