Hamilton Watches - The Lowdown

Intro

Buying a good watch needn’t always mean that you have to raid your savings. Some brands offer great quality at a good price – Hamilton is one of them.

Hamilton is a mid-range Swiss-made watchmaker offering excellent quality and design compared to others on the market in the same price bracket.

Its timepieces are well known in the aviation industry as they offer superb accuracy. They’re also a go-to for those working on the railways and in various service industries. They’ve even been spotted in a few Hollywood movies.

Find some of the best deals online for Hamilton Watches

So, are they Swiss?

The company started making Hamilton watches in 1892 in the US and is now part of the Swiss Swatch Group. Most Hamilton watches contain the Swiss speciality Valjoux or ETA movements. Though the watches are marked “Swiss Made” the Hamilton Watch Company takes pride in its American roots, and you’ll notice American design elements in their designs.

Hamilton watches have been named in the top ten best Swiss offerings next to names like Rolex, TAG and Omega.

Low-Priced

At the lower end of their collection, you’ll find timepieces for around $400. They’re water-resistant to 50m and have quartz movement.

They come with a stainless steel case and either sapphire glass or another scratch-resistant material face.

Mid-Range

Hamilton’s mid-range watches comes in at around $400 – $1000. Either manual or automatic, they commonly feature sapphire glass and have a higher ATM rating than their more cost-effective siblings.

High-Roller

The most expensive watch in the high-end collection costs just over $6k. As you’d expect, they have an excellent ATM rating – up to an amazing 1000m. They all use sapphire glass and have top of the line tech such as tachymeters.

Are Hamilton watches classified as luxury?

Given what you’ve just read, you might be surprised to find that, no, they’re not. Hamilton watches are not luxury or premium.

Why?

The majority cost under $500. This is the level at which a watch is classified as luxury. But, considering what you get for that price, you’re getting a bargain.

This brand is wildly popular with watch collectors. Most people agree that Hamiltons are underrated. You can find a unique style to suit your taste in their vast collection.

Here’s are some of the best.

Khaki Navy Scuba Auto

$567 / £699

Specially created for divers, snorkelers, marine enthusiasts, beach-goers and surfers, this watch has a 40mm case and H10 movement. It’s made from sapphire crystal and offers incredible readability.

There is an aviation-specific version, the X-Wind Day Date Auto ($841 / £799). It offers H30 movement inside a 45mm case. Again, made from sapphire crystal with exceptional reliability, making it a popular choice with pilots.

American Classic Spirit of Liberty Auto

$687 / £865

This is a stunning offering. It’s just exquisite. It’s bursting with American style and underneath the hood has that Swiss H10 movement in a 42mm case. Made of sapphire crystal.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Chronograph

$995 / £990

This is the newest in the Jazzmaster line with a sporty vibe. It has a quartz movement, sapphire crystal face and a 42mm stainless steel case. Ideal for fans of the more traditional-looking timepiece.

Jazzmaster Power Reserve Auto

$871 / £975

This is where tradition meets innovation. An H30 movement, waterproof to 50m in a 42mm case. This particular timepiece needs a whole review of its own to do it any justice.

Are Hamilton watches worth the price?

The simple answer is yes. Hamilton watches aren’t technically a luxury watch but with their Swiss mechanics you won’t find something similar for the price.

If you’re unsure, you can trust the countless thousands of others who rate Hamilton watches highly for their accuracy, durability and precision. They justifiably hold their place in the top ten Swiss watch brands list.