Vintage inspired re-editions have been all the rage recently and Swiss watch brand Hamilton is no different. Their efforts to breathe life back into some of their most historically significant pieces has not gone unnoticed with the likes of their Digital PSR, Khaki Pilot Pioneer and Aviation Convertor collections housing some of our favourite releases from the last twelve months. For the new American Classic Intra-Matic Chronograph H, Hamilton takes inspiration from two important hand-wound chronographs from the 1960’s and stages their return with new H-51 manual wind movement.
For the history buffs, the new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watches are designed after two chronograph models from Hamilton’s history. The first is known as the 1968 Chronograph A and the second, the 1968 Chronograph B. The first showcased a reverse panda dial with a black background with white registers while the latter had a reverse configuration of white background and black registers. As you have probably already noticed, the new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watches follow suit.
This isn’t the first time however, that the Swiss watch manufacturer has used these models for inspiration. In 2017, Hamilton released a limited edition Intra-Matic Chronograph with a similar bi-compax layout and reverse panda dial. Nevertheless, this piece and other re-editions before it have always housed automatic winding movements. For the first time, Hamilton have achieved an almost perfect imitation as the modern-day Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H is powered by a hand-wound movement.
While contemporary in its construction, the H-51 manual-winding movement offers the authentic experience that lovers of vintage chronograph watches have always deserved. Although not developed entirely in-house by Hamilton, it has been modified exclusively for them based on the Valjoux 7753 calibre. The revised engine provides the new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H with a decent 60 hour power reserve, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and a total of 27 jewels. Sadly, they have decided to hide the dramatic visuals of the hand-wound chronograph movement behind a solid screw down case back, a decision we wish they had thought twice about.
The case shape and proportions of the new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watches are almost identical to the current Intra-Matic line with mirror-polished stainless steel making up the 40mm case, narrow unadorned bezel, slim lugs and oversized piston pushers. It’s height of 14.35mm is quite large for a manual-wind watch but much of this comes from the tall box sapphire crystal glass treated with anti-reflective coating, a choice that further emphasises the piece’s 1960’s character. The case is also equipped with a screw in crown and comes with a solid water resistant rating of 100 metres.
On the front end, the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H comes with two dial options, the first a classic panda dial with black counters on a white backdrop and the second a reverse panda with white counters on a black dial. While the case is similar to other Intra-Matic’s, the dial’s have welcomed a bunch of changes for a cleaner, more polished finish. This includes a matching dial and tachymeter track and the lack of a date window at 6 o’clock. In its absence, the dial maintains a relaxed feel with easy to read snailed chronograph counters and “Old Radium” coloured Superluminova on the indexes and central hour and minute hands.
There are four Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H references to choose from, two of each in the panda and reverse panda dials on a choice of a black leather strap or a mesh-style stainless steel bracelet. Both leather strap variants retail at £1,800 while the steel bracelet models come in at £1,870. You can shop the entire Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H on the Jura Watches website here or by getting in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H Watches (H38429730, H38429130, H38429710, H38429110)
- Case Size: 40mm
- Case Material: Polished stainless steel
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Closed
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: Calibre H-51 hand wound
- Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30 minute counter
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Jewels: 27
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Available in black with white sub dials or white with black sub dials with Superluminova hands and indexes
- Strap: Mesh stainless steel or black leather
- Buckle: Folding
- RRP: £1,800 (Leather), £1,870 (Metal bracelet)
