Zach Brass
Hamilton’s internal chronograph has roots dating back to the late 60s, inspired by the brand’s first automatic chronograph, Chrono-Matic, in 1969. The fictional future that appears in the 2022 film “The Matrix Ressurements” – Spoiler Alert – Morpheus. It is a classic panda that looks straight from the 60s. It’s hard to wonder if this might have been a better fit for this new stealth PVD trio of the intra-mate chronograph debuting today. Certainly, this low-stake preamble was a way to set the stage for the true novelty of this trio.
Of course, the classic 60s panda style looked great on Morpheus’ wrists in the film. However, it is important to note that the current collection was inspired by a very vintage, particularly from the 60s. Here we see a 40mm stainless steel case with black PVD treatment, marking a new area of ​​range that incorporates a stealth modern vibe that discards classic panda formats.
case
On the wrist, Hamilton’s Matic Chrono can feel bigger than a 40mm watch due to the large dial with a thin bezel. However, with a 49.2mm lug-to-lag measurement, few wrists face problems at appropriate points. At 14.45mm thick, it’s not the thinnest chronograph watch, but it certainly isn’t intense when compared to other Swiss chronographs, which somehow managed to get well under US$3,000. Remember it the same way. The case is 100 meters water resistant with screw down crown. And, the last little interesting case element is the option to quickly modify the date via the pusher at the 10′ position of the case.
Dial
Three new configurations include a black dial that contrasts the panda-style contrasting counter. Instead, two counters, the second running at 9′ and the 30 minutes of 3′ running at 3′ will also be rendered in black. The central medallion on the dial has a matte, subtle grainy texture. However, the two counters are adorned with concentric textures, which ultimately make it easier to identify the tone-on-tone chronograph counters. And speaking of readability, the square pips adjacent to the central time and minutes’ hands and time index are filled with Super Luminova for visibility in the dark.
I’m sorry to see many brands playing at a higher price and are lazy and equipped with a dial like this with your stock standard black and white date disc. Therefore, the main props to Hamilton have made an effort to use a white black date disc that blends in much better with the dial and maintains the stealthy nature of the watch. Framed at 6′, the dial feels very balanced and symmetrical between the two counters and the date display.
However, the watch is not completely black. The three compositions distinguish themselves through pops of colors that are added to the hand and tachymetre scale in the middle chronograph seconds. Well… in reality, there are only two that actually add pop of colours. The first construct keeps things simple and chooses to have white contrasted with the black color scheme. However, the second and third options offer either yellow or orange for a more active glimpse of the colour.
strap
The aforementioned colour accents are extended to the leather straps visible under the perforations. The orange and yellow variations peer into matching colors through the perforations, while the white references make things more monotonous and keep them completely black. Each watch and strap is secured to the wrist via a case matching pin buckle, and each also comes equipped with a quick release tab, making it easy to make the most of the design’s 20mm lug width.
Movement
The Hamilton drives are Hamilton’s robust and reliable H-31 movement. The most nerds recognize that this caliber is rooted in the ETA/Valjoux 7750 architecture, but in Hamilton’s specifications and modifications it boasts a 12-hour power reserve with 60 hours of full-style wrist endurance. It’s not an end of the world, but I realized that I can feel the “rotor wobble” sensation 7750-based movement on my wrist watch. Again, it does not break the contract. But you just know that you get a little wrist massage every day.
verdict
Hamilton today may not be related to high complications or decoration of the seal level caliber in Geneva, but the brand has become a very strong fan favorite due to the quality and specifications that can be offered at a very valuable price, and therefore, even looking at the spectrum of places and knowledge that everyone stands on their budgets, they can still appreciate the brand. Whether it precedes the more classic ’60s seasoned Matte state, or the new Stellstrio introduced today, I’m sure it’s one of the most powerful Swiss automatic chronograph products within Matic that can be found between 2,000 and 3,000 USD.
Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono Pricing and Availability
These three new Hamilton Internal Matic Auto Chrono watches are available for purchase now. Price: 2,295 US$
Brand Hamilton Model Intra-Matic Auto Chrono Reference H38446731 (Yellow)
H38446730 (white)
H38446732 (Orange) Case Dimensions 40mm(d) x 14.45mm
