The first line of pocket watches released in 1912 by Hamilton Watches was awarded “The Watch of Railroad accuracy.” In 1914, Hamilton watches became the official supplier of time pieces to the United States Armed Forces. In 1928, the launch of the Yankee and Piping Rock watches encompassed American style. In 1942, Hamilton ceased production for consumer watches and focused on manufacturing highly technical watches for the United States Armed Forces during World War II. Hamilton designed marine chronometers that were the first to be produced.
The marine chronometers served a vital function, providing the United States Navy an alternative way of determining the positions of ships. The traditional radio signals that were used could be intercepted by opposing forces, but enemies could not intercept positions marked by marine chronometers. Throughout World War II, there were 10,902 marine chronometers that were produced for the military. The marine chronometer met strict standards and provided soldiers with an accurate and reliable timepiece. Hamilton was awarded with a United States Army “E” Award in 1943 in appreciation of the excellent products that were designed for the military during World War II.
During 1951, the marine chronometer made an appearance in a movie called The Frogmen. The movie was based on a true story about United States naval divers during World War II. In 1957, the Ventura was introduced, which was the first electric watch on the planet. The Ventura encompassed up-to-date technology in an innovative design. Elvis Presley wore his Ventura during the film production of Blue Hawaii in 1961. In 1966 the famous film director, Stanley Kubrick, contacted Hamilton to produce an original timepiece for his futuristic film. Hamilton stepped up to the challenge and produced the perfect watch for Kubrick’s film, 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Hamilton manufactured its first LED digital watch, which was the first one of its kind in 1970. The Pulsar was manufactured from 1972 through 1977, and it was worn by James Bond in the film Live and Let Die.
In the 1980s, Hamilton reintroduced some of their classic models from the 1920s through the 1960s. Some of these models included the Ventura, Wilshire, Ardmore, and Boulton. This reintroduction of classic watches sparked a trend throughout the watch industry, and there were many manufacturers to follow Hamilton’s idea of reintroducing classic watches.
In the 1990s, Hamilton continued to provide watches for numerous films in Hollywood. These films include blockbuster hits, such as Men in Black, Fight Club, Independence Day, You’ve Got Mail, Lethal Weapon 4, and many more.
The Hamilton headquarters relocated to Biel, Switzerland in 2003. The production of Hamilton watches was also relocated from the United States to Biel during this time.
The Hamilton Edge 540 was released in 2005. The watch manufacturer teamed with famous aerobatic pilot, Nicalos Ivanoff who was named Hamilton’s official ambassador for watches.
In 2011, Hamilton created an innovative pilot watch called the Khaki Flight Timer. This watch was designed in collaboration with Air Zermatt, which was a well-known transport and rescue helicopter corporation. The Khaki Flight Timer integrated a pilot’s logbook that is able to record details for up to twenty flights. This also marked the official partnership between Hamilton and Air Zermatt. There are a variety of pilots who wear Hamilton watches in places such as, Canada, Korea, Spain, Russia, and South Africa demonstrating that Hamilton is a favorite among aviators to this day.