Hamilton: a watch with American spirit and Swiss precision

Incredible precision, Hollywood design and Swiss quality make Hamilton one of the most highly respected watch brands on the market today. From its fascinating military, aviation and railway heritage, the brand has grown over 132 years to become associated with the biggest blockbusters and Hollywood aficionados.

As proud stockists of these iconic timepieces, we bring you the highlights of Hamilton's history as well as its current offerings from BENY Jewellers and Watches.

Hamilton's history is as fascinating as it is glamorous. Its journey began in Lancaster, America, back in 1892, at the time of the first railroads. And it was this world - which changed the history of the United States forever - that foreshadowed the birth of the successful timepieces that soon earned the title 'the watch with railroad precision'.

The watch as a symbol of precision that changed American railroading

In the early days of American railroads, there was no common method of timekeeping, and accidents were common. Hamilton was the answer to this problem, and from the beginning it focused on producing high-quality and incredibly accurate pocket watches. These watches literally became a necessity of life for railway staff who had to coordinate timetables to the minute.

The standardisation of time that saved lives

Hamilton is a brand that has made an indelible mark on American transportation history. Their precision pocket watches helped standardize timekeeping across different U.S. time zones. For railroad companies, Hamilton watches were an absolute necessity. When the U.S. government introduced a law in 1912 that required accurate timekeeping on the railroads, it was Hamilton watches that became the standard for the entire industry.

Reliability that led to military deployment

The watches were even so reliable that the company became an official supplier to the American armed forces during World War I. This collaboration with the military continued during World War II, when demand was so high that Hamilton temporarily stopped supplying its products to the general public.

The aerial watch that conquered the skies

The association with the US Army took the Hamilton name to the skies. Literally. In 1918, the watch became part of the first regular American airmail service between Washington and New York, and 8 years later, Admiral Richard E. Byrd, the first aviator to reach the North Pole, used it on a flight.

Over time, Hamilton timepieces became the official timepieces of the four major American commercial airlines, and the connection to this world is still reflected in their design today.

Hamilton Ventura: Pioneer of watchmaking innovation

Hamilton has introduced several watch models in its long history, and has helped to shape the history of watchmaking. One of these was undoubtedly the Ventura - the first watch powered by an electric battery - which the company launched in 1957. Twelve years later, Hamilton played a major role in the production of the first automatic chronograph, followed by the introduction of the very first LED digital wristwatch in 1970.

Men's luxury watches that shine in the spotlight

Since 1932, Hamilton watches have 'starred' in more than 500 television shows and major motion pictures, including blockbusters such as Pearl Harbour, Men in Black, The Avengers, Interstellar, Independence Day, The Martian and, most recently, DUNA.

The Ventura model also appeared on the wrist of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, who wore it in his musical comedy Blue Hawaii.

and what made Hamilton's creations catch the attention of the world's leading prop and costume designers? Not only historical accuracy, but the company's distinctive designs and passion for designing original prop watches commissioned by directors and producers have secured the brand a place in the Hollywood spotlight.

The continuing legacy of Hamilton watches

Hamilton maintains a delicate balance between its historical heritage and modern sensibilities, enabling it to offer a diverse range of watches to suit different lifestyles and tastes. Whether it's the enduring appeal of classic elegant watches or the rugged glamour of aviation and diving models, the brand offers something for everyone. This American icon with legendary precision and a wealth of technological developments can also be found at Beny Jewelers and Watches.

And don't miss the news inspired by a prop from the great film Dune, now in cinemas, which Hamilton helped produce: