Discovering the Limited Edition BLUE HAMILTON CHRONO-MATIC 50 AUTO CHRONO
Hamilton has excited watch enthusiasts once again with the reimagined Chrono-Matic 50, now adorned in a vibrant blue that channels the adventurous spirit of the 1970s.
Hamilton’s roots trace deep into American history, especially known for its iconic field watches that served the US Army and numerous appearances on the silver screen.
Yet, a significant chapter of its legacy blossomed in Switzerland, where the brand was instrumental in the fiercely competitive race to create the world’s first automatic chronograph movement, referred to as the Calibre 11, or Chronomatic.
The latest iteration of the Chrono-Matic 50, inspired by the complex Chrono-Matic GMT Count-Down from decades past, showcases that heritage in a fresh new look.
The Legacy of Hamilton’s Automatic Chronograph
The pivotal moment for Hamilton came in 1966 when it acquired the Swiss company Buren, leading to the closure of its American production facilities.
This new chapter allowed Hamilton to collaborate on Project 99, an ambitious effort that aimed to develop an automatic chronograph movement in conjunction with renowned names like Heuer, Breitling, and movement expert Dubois-Depraz.
Though Zenith made history first with its El Primero caliber in January 1969, Hamilton and its allies quickly followed with the launch of the Chrono-Matic/Calibre 11 that March.
One of the standout features of the original Chrono-Matic was its unconventional design, particularly the pushers which were uniquely positioned on the left side of the case, opposite the crown.
The evolution of this design continued into the 1970s with the Chrono-Matic GMT Count-Down, blending chronograph functions with GMT capabilities.
While the modern Chrono-Matic 50 does not include the GMT feature, it retains the countdown function, keeping the nostalgic spirit alive and echoing the bold aesthetics of 1970s sports watches, much like its dark-hued predecessor from 2019.
Technical Specifications
This new model boasts a striking helmet-shaped stainless steel case, exuding a robust presence with its generous dimensions that hark back to its forebear.
With a diameter of 48.5mm, a length of 51.1mm, and a thickness of 16.05mm, its design not only enhances visual interest but also safeguards the pushers and crown from damage.
Moreover, it achieves an impressive water-resistance of 100 meters thanks to its closed case back.
The case features a radial brushed finish, punctuated by recessed spaces that house the vibrant orange pushers adjacent to the crown on the right, with a black pusher on the left side for added functionality.
The case layout mirrors the original structure with five crowns, although now the upgraded H-31 chronograph movement shifts the crown and pushers to the right for optimized usability.
The left-side black pusher serves as a quick date corrector, while another crown is specifically designated for the countdown feature.
- Case: Helmet-shaped stainless steel, 48.5mm diameter, 51.1mm length, and 16.05mm thickness; features a radial brushed finish and is water-resistant up to 100 meters; crowns and pushers are positioned on the right, with a left-side pusher for quick date adjustment and a countdown timer crown at 8 o’clock; includes a box-shaped sapphire crystal.
- Dial: Polished reverse blue and white panda style; white sub-dials for small seconds and elapsed time with orange hands; tachymeter scale borders the edge; countdown timer features blue and white with orange numerals; date window located at 6 o’clock; applied indices with Super-LumiNova on hour and minute hands; striking central seconds hand in orange.
- Movement: Automatic caliber H-31, based on the Valjoux 7753; integrated chronograph; 30mm dimensions; 27 jewels; operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour; provides a power reserve of 60 hours; functions include hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, countdown timer, and date.
- Strap: Blue calfskin rally-style with perforations and contrasting orange lining; secured with a pin buckle.
- Reference Number: H51606640
- Edition Limit: 150 pieces.
- Retail Price: CHF 2,495, EUR 2,620, USD 2,545.
To complete the sporty appearance, the Chrono-Matic 50 is fitted with a blue calfskin rally-style strap, featuring perforations that reveal a vibrant orange lining inside.
This exclusive timepiece is limited to just 150 units, with a retail price of CHF 2,495, EUR 2,620, and USD 2,545.
For more details, visit HamiltonWatch.com.
Source: Monochrome-watches.com