The New Fire-Breathing Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton Dragon Watch
Saturday - 20 January 2024
Raised, golden-trimmed scales and menacing eyes represent this new “Year Of The Dragon” watch by Hamilton. Meet the new Ventura Dragon watch.
Asymmetrical watches were never really a success – until the Hamilton Ventura came along. It wasn’t just an asymmetrical watch, though. It was the first battery-powered watch made available to the public! It took more than a decade’s worth of research to produce. It has a distinctive futuristic look thanks to Richard Arbib who designed the work based on his experience in working for General Motors and Century Boats. This technological breakthrough came in the form of an 18ct yellow gold case with a black or silver dial, released in 1957.
Ever since then, the Ventura design has grown in popularity and was made available in different case materials and dial designs. It was sported on the wrist of Will Smith and Rod Sterling. Most of all, however, the Ventura’s reputation was propelled by no other than Elvis Presley. Catapulting the watch to fame, it was worn on the star’s wrist during the filming of “Blue Hawaii” in 1961. In 2015, Hamilton went on to release a special anniversary Ventura to celebrate the King’s 80th birthday. Using this same watch design, Hamilton has now released a watch with a bold skeletonised dragon on its dial in celebration of the Chinese Year of the Dragon.
Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton “Year Of The Dragon” Watch
The new Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton “Year Of The Dragon” Watch certainly exploits the unusual shape of the watch to great effect. It perfectly captures the “atomic age” mood with its triangular case shape popularised by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. Although the watch now sports the majestic dragon’s head carved into the dial, it still adheres to the familiar format of the Ventura.
Bearing dimensions of 42.5mm x 44.6mm, the new Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton Dragon watch sits at a height on the wrist of 12.3mm. The watch is available in a rose gold PVD-coated stainless steel option or a stealthy black PVD-coated version. The watch features a thicker triangular wedge underneath the left side of the case, whereas the sapphire crystal glass drops dramatically on the right side of the design, just as the iconic Ventura watch has always done.
Experts at Hamilton also choose a mix of brushed and polished finishes in the design of this new Ventura watch. The dragon’s head, which features as a focal point in the entire design, is positioned at a 90-degree angle. Its cutaways are created against a black matte dial. At 9 o’clock, you can admire the nostrils and mouth of the dragon. Its menacing scales flare out across the display filling the dial with flame-like decorative waves.
In the black version of the Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton Dragon watch, the creature’s eyes are depicted in a bright red hue to match the central seconds hand. In the rose gold-coloured version, they’re represented in a piercing green colour. The differences between the two give each model its own identity, making it an easier job to choose between the two once you consider your case material preferences too.
To enhance a more luxurious version of this dragon-inspired Ventura Elvis80 watch, the cutout patterns on the dial of the rose gold PVD version are accentuated in a matching golden hue. The watch goes without hour markers but in the night, the time becomes incredibly easy to reference thanks to the central hour and minute hands, which have been treated with Super-LumiNova material.
In the black PVD version, the cutout sections are executed in a matching black colour but are upraised for more depth and detail. If you look closely at either of these models, the cutaway sections reveal an underneath platform where elements of the movement can be admired. Here lies the H-10 based on the ETA 2824 movement. The automatic engine beats at a frequency of 3Hz and produces an improved power reserve supply of 80 hours. It also features a Nivachron hairspring that protects the movement from magnetic damage. The partially openworked rotor of the movement also reveals the brand’s logo as a nice finishing touch.
Adding a touch more fun to the unique design of the new Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 “Year Of The Dragon” watch is the textured rubber strap. Its surface has been embossed with an overlapping scales decorative effect, which adds plenty more character to the dragon-inspired wristwatch.
If the new Hamilton Ventura watch appeals to you, you can check it out in more detail here. Alternatively, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk
Technical Specifications of the new Hamilton Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton Dragon Watch
Case: 42.5mm x 44.6mm – 12.3mm height – stainless steel with rose gold PVD coating / stainless steel with black PVD coating – sapphire crystal glass front with anti-reflective treatment – exhibition caseback – 50-meter water resistant
Dial; Matte black – cut-out dragon’s head positioned at 90 degrees – red dragon eyes and central second hand on black version / green dragon eyes on rose gold PVD version – Super-LumiNova-coated hour and minute hands – golden framed cutouts in rose gold PVD version
Movement: H-10 – based on the ETA 2824- automatic – 21,600 vph – power reserve of 80 hours – circular graining decoration – Hamilton logo-adorned rotor – Nivachron hairspring
Strap: Black – rubber – embossed – dragon scale decoration – pin buckle fastening
Price: £1885
