Hamilton

About Hamilton

Hamilton watches blend its American heritage with modern Swiss precision manufacturing to create timepieces that feel both iconic and modern. Known for their cinematic collaborations and military-inspired designs, Hamilton offers watches that deliver reliability, style, and exceptional value. From the rugged Khaki Field to the stylish Jazzmaster and the bold Ventura, each collection is crafted with high-quality materials and Swiss movements. Whether you’re dressing for adventure, work, or everyday wear, Hamilton watches are designed to be both stylish and reliable. Hamilton timepieces offer timeless design, trusted craftsmanship, and a watch that can be proudly worn for years.

Hamilton History

Hamilton Watch Company was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Hamilton Watches was formed after the companies Adams & Perry Watch Manufacturing, Lancaster Watch Company Ltd., Lancaster Watch Company, and The Keystone Watch Company—each using the same manufacturing facilities—were consolidated. Keystone Standard Watch Company was started by Abram Bitner as part of this consolidation. Hamilton is named after Andrew Hamilton, a Scottish lawyer who founded the town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and owned the property where the original factory was built.

Hamilton’s beginnings coincided with a period when accurate timekeeping was essential to America’s expanding railroad system. The brand quickly earned the nickname “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy” by producing highly precise pocket watches that helped reduce train accidents and set new standards for reliability. In the early 20th century, Hamilton expanded beyond railroads, supplying watches to the U.S. military during World War I and later becoming a major contributor to aviation timekeeping.

Hamilton’s commitment to innovation led to the creation of the world’s first electric watch in 1957—the Ventura. Its futuristic design became an instant icon and was famously worn by Elvis Presley. During World War II, Hamilton ceased consumer production entirely to focus on military manufacturing. As the watch industry evolved, Hamilton transitioned from American manufacturing to Swiss production while maintaining its American design heritage. This shift was solidified when Hamilton became part of the Swatch Group.

Today, Hamilton blends classic design with military and aviation influences, modern Swiss manufacturing, and a strong presence in Hollywood, having appeared in hundreds of films and television shows. The brand continues to honor its heritage while producing reliable and stylish timepieces.

Hamilton Collections

Hamilton offers a wide range of Swiss made watches that combine American heritage with modern engineering. Collections include military-inspired Khaki Field and Khaki Aviation models, aquatic-ready Khaki Navy watches, elegant Jazzmaster dress watches, heritage-driven American Classic pieces, and the iconic Ventura. Hamilton produces automatic, mechanical, and quartz watches suitable for everyday wear, adventure, and special occasions.

Khaki Field

Rugged and adventure-ready, the Khaki Field family includes military-inspired watches ideal for everyday wear and outdoor activities. Models such as the Khaki Field Mechanical and Khaki Field Auto 38mm are popular with enthusiasts and casual buyers alike.

Khaki Aviation

Khaki Aviation caters to pilots and frequent travelers with bold designs, easy-to-read dials, chronograph functions, rotating bezels, and multiple time zone features.

Khaki Navy

Khaki Navy focuses on marine performance with dive-ready capabilities. Models like the Khaki Navy Frogman Auto offer high water resistance and rotating bezels suitable for professional and recreational diving.

Jazzmaster

Jazzmaster watches emphasize elegance and contemporary sophistication, featuring open-heart designs, chronographs, and time-only models suitable for casual and formal wear.

Ventura

The Ventura line showcases Hamilton’s boldest designs, from classic triangular cases to modern interpretations such as the Ventura Edge Skeleton.

American Classic

The American Classic collection blends vintage charm with modern quality, including dress and racing-inspired models like the Intra-Matic Chronograph.

How Much Do Hamilton Watches Cost?

Hamilton is positioned as an entry-level Swiss luxury watch brand with a wide price range. Prices start at approximately $445 for quartz Khaki Field models and extend up to $11,995 for solid gold limited editions. Most models are priced between $500 and $3,000.

Best Selling Hamilton Watches

Khaki Field Murph 38mm

Created for the film Interstellar, the Murph 38mm is a fan-favorite with a dial design taken directly from the movie.

Intra-Matic Auto Chrono 40mm

A retro-inspired automatic chronograph with a compact case and approachable price point.

Jazzmaster Viewmatic Auto 40mm

A versatile dress watch with a classic mid-century design, date function, and lumed hands.

Khaki Navy Scuba Auto 40mm

A capable and affordable Swiss dive watch with 300 meters of water resistance.

Hamilton Movements

As part of the Swatch Group, Hamilton uses Swiss movements from ETA, including automatic, manual, and quartz calibers. Many movements are customized exclusively for Hamilton, offering long power reserves and reliable performance.

Hamilton Watch Colors

Hamilton offers a wide range of dial colors, including black, silver, white, blue, green, yellow, red, and pink. Case finishes include stainless steel, gold-plated, and black PVD.

Hamilton Watch Materials

Most Hamilton watches use stainless steel cases with sapphire crystals. Some heritage models use mineral crystals, while select models feature bronze or titanium cases. Strap options include leather, nylon, textile, rubber, and metal bracelets.

Hamilton Watch Types

Hamilton produces dress watches, sports watches, chronographs, dive watches, aviation watches, digital watches, and avant-garde designs in a wide range of sizes.

Hamilton Partnerships & Brand Ambassadors

Hamilton focuses heavily on partnerships within the film industry and has collaborated on watches for movies such as Interstellar, Men in Black, Indiana Jones, and Avengers. The brand also partners with the Air Zermatt mountain rescue team.

Buying Hamilton Watches

Hamilton watches are available through authorized retailers and the brand’s official website. Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized Hamilton retailer, offering online and in-store purchasing options.

Caring for Your Hamilton Watch

Exquisite Timepieces can assist with servicing and maintenance either in-house or through Hamilton’s authorized service channels.

Hamilton FAQ

Where are Hamilton watches made?

Hamilton watches are made in Bienne, Switzerland.

Who is the founder of Hamilton?

Hamilton was named after Andrew Hamilton and formed through the consolidation of several Lancaster-based watch companies in 1892.

Is Hamilton a luxury watch brand?

Hamilton is considered an entry-level Swiss luxury watch brand.

Who makes Hamilton watches?

Hamilton is part of the Swatch Group and assembles its watches in Switzerland using Swiss movements.

Find your new Hamilton watch with Exquisite Timepieces

Exquisite Timepieces is an authorized Hamilton retailer offering full manufacturer warranties, free insured shipping, and expert assistance online or in-store.