An Electric Watch: Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton

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.