Elvis Presley’s watch, the first electric one and the star of “Men in Black”; now with skeletonized dial.
Hamilton Ventura is a unique model with its design and innovation. The triangle shape of the watch which is designed by Richard Arbib who is known for General Motor designs, was unique for its period. In 1950s, when Swiss brand Rolex (was promoting/introducing) Explorer and Submariner today’s classics, Omega, Breitling and Italian Panerai were doing the same thing with Speedmaster, Navitimer which is their pilot watch and Luminor, respectively. For its time, Hamilton was considered a display of American style. According to the sources, in 1957, Hamilton has announced the first electric watch with a triangular shape to more than 100 journalists at the Savoy Plaza Hotel. Studies had contiuned almost for 10 years for the electrical system that is H500, which was said to be “more practical than a mechanical watch”
Ventura became a fortunate model afterwards. When its yellow gold version was seen on Elvis Presley’s wrist in the movie “Blue Hawaii” in 1961, it quickly became one of the iconic watches. Ventura has featured in more than 500 movies, including “Men in Black” which is an American movie series.
2015 was an important yea) for Ventura; because “King” Elvis Presley who is identified with Ventura ( It is said that Presley did not only wear the Ventura, he also has given it to his friends as a gift), was turning 80 in 2015, if he had lived. Hamilton crowned this year with the Elvis 80 collection and has expanded the collection with new models in afteryears.
The two new versions of Ventura have a few differences from previous models: First of all, new version is a skeletonized watch and used stronger materials, the dial has an interesting line of electric waves which refers to first electric watch. However, watch is not electric, it is automatic: ETA machine C07.111 (H-10-S) with 25 jewels and 21.600 frequency per hour are used as well as 80 hours of power reserve. Round mechanism embroidered with Côtes de Genève and ringed rotor can be seen on the back.
This skeletonized series has two versions: First, the stainless steel model with black PVD; electric waves coloured red on dial. It is really impressive! The second version is stainless steel case with rose gold PVD coating and rose gold electric waves. Rose gold version that comes in as 45.5 x 44.6 mm, the hour and minute hands are equipped with Super – LumiNova.
Hamilton’s successful logo looks magnificent, especially in the black version: Its logo comes from the initial letter of the brand, and when viewed from the other side, a plane is seen in accordance for a brand intertwined with aviation.
