Hamilton Releases the Intra-Matic Chronograph H Watch
Thursday - 18 March 2021
A design inspired by Hamilton’s original hand-wound 1968 Chronograph A watch, powered by a new and unfaltering Calibre H-51.
The new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch is a timepiece that not only celebrates the golden age of sports watches with its retro-inspired reverse panda dial but stretches deeper into the history of the brand’s chronograph manufacture, digging out a hand-wound timepiece that is as relevant in the modern world today as it was back in a bygone era. The 40mm timepiece is powered by a reliable new hand-winding movement and features a robust 40mm stainless steel case fitted to a classic black leather band.
Back in 2017, Hamilton released the limited edition Intra-Matic 68 Chronograph – a vintage-styled timepiece with retro pushers, a bicompax reverse panda dial and a white tachymeter scale. The automatic chronograph was later remodelled into a smaller size named the Intra-Matic Automatic Chronograph. Now the brand unveils the hand-wound Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H – a timepiece that, like many of its siblings, is inspired by the brand’s earlier automatic chronographs powered by the Calibre 11. The new Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch, however, points to a time slightly before this, paying tribute to the Chronograph A and Chronograph B models released by Hamilton in 1968. Before being equipped with an automatic movement, the originals were in fact, powered by hand-wound mechanisms such as the reliable Valjoux 7730, which featured throughout the manufacturer’s catalogue during this time. Taking influential cues directly from the bicompax panda and reverse panda dials of these chronograph watches - the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H is closer to the 1968 Chronograph A watch than any other Hamilton watch has been before.
The case
Instead of merely taking the self-winding movement out of the recent Intra-Matic Automatic Chronograph and replacing it with a hand-wound movement, Hamilton has made other modifications to the design of the Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch, enabling it to recall the original design even more closely. It still, however, features the oversized crown and prominent pushers, as well as the sharp, angular lugs. With true 1960s spirit running throughout the DNA of the watch, the new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch is manufactured from a two-part 100-meter water-resistant case, with a bezel that blends seamlessly with the middle section of the case. A slightly thinner caseband enhances a retro feel on the wrist and a new domed sapphire crystal glass has now replaced the former flat crystal. The caseback of Hamilton’s new hand-wound Intra-Matic watch is sealed, tucking the movement away from view.
The dial
The Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch is available in a choice of two colours. An off-white dial with black-filled chronograph sub-counters, or the reverse effect – a black dial with off-white-filled scales. Differing to the recent Intra-Matic Automatic Chronograph – the tachymeter scale of this new hand-wound version is now executed in the same colour as its respective dial. Faceted hour markers are accompanied by nickelled hands filled with a discreet line of cream-coloured luminous material for enhanced vintage charm. The date window has also been removed from the 6 o’clock location. The sub-counters, placed at 3 and 9 o’clock offers 30-minute and running seconds respectively, while the tachymeter scale enables measurements like speed based on distance or distanced based on travel time.
The movement
The Hamilton Calibre H-51 is a new movement developed by the Swatch Group. Its base, however, remains well-known since the Valjoux 7753 with an automatic winding plate has been utilized throughout the watch industry. The Swatch Group has updated the movement to create the H-51 calibre, equipping it with a kinetic chain and mainspring, enabling it to provides a useful 60-hour power reserve whilst off the wrist.
The new Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch is completed on either a stylish black calfskin strap with a traditional pin buckle crafted from stainless steel or a steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp, which understandably gives the timepieces an enhanced retro-inspired look. To place an order today you can view the collection here or contact our sales team on 01335 453453
Technical specifications of the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H watch
- Case: Stainless steel / width: 40mm / height: 14.35mm / 100-meter water resistant / anti-reflective domed sapphire crystal glass / closed caseback / pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock
- Dial: Black with off-white sub-counters or off-white with black sub-counters / Super-LumiNova-coated nickeled hands and faceted indexes / chronograph hand in black or white lacquer / tachymeter scale / chronograph 30-minutes at 3 o’clock / small seconds at 9 o’clock
- Movement: Calibre H-51 / hand-wound / manufactured by Swatch Group / 28,800 v.p.h / 60-hour power reserve / based on the Valjoux 7753 / hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph 30-minutes
- Strap: Black calfskin leather with steel pin buckle or steel mesh bracelet with folding clasp
- Price: Starting from £1,800
- References; H38429110 white dial & mesh bracelet / H38429130 black dial & mesh bracelet / H38429730 black dial & leather strap / H38429710 white dial & leather strap
