Hamilton is criminally underrated in the watch world which is baffling due to how often they’ve appeared in popular media. Hamilton watches have appeared in over 500 movies from Will Smith in Men in Black to Elvis in Blue Hawaii and yet, the typical “movie watch” people talk about is Omega and James Bond. This might be due to Omega specifically promoting those aspects of their watches, or maybe James Bond is just that big a franchise. Maybe it’s Hamilton’s no-nonsense approach to watchmaking that perhaps doesn’t spark the public’s enthusiasm the same? Yet this approach should be respected and it’s on full display with the updated Jazzmaster Performer collection.
There are three different models: a 42mm chronograph, and two time-only automatic models in 34mm or 38mm. These are classic, sporty, and no nonsense. You could describe this collection as sensible, with a subtle grace to them that doesn’t scream for attention.
Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono
Let’s look at the chronograph first. A round case with elongated lugs and an oversized crown with oblong pushers, it’s all you want and it looks very cool without trying too hard. It features a classic 3-6-9 layout with a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock which seems like the only questionable part of the dial, it just seems off. It is a little thick at 15.2mm, but given that it has a chronograph, this is fairly normal.
Inside you have the Calibre H-31 based on a Valjoux 7753 architecture, a precise and tested design. Hamilton have made some changes to the movement including a reworked kinematic chain and balance spring made using a non-magnetic compensating allow, Nivachron. This means that it has a strong power reserve of 60 hours. Looking at the movement through the exhibition caseback, it follows the same philosophy as the dial and case – simple, no nonsense, and clean.
Credit: Monochrome Watches
There are three dial options: steel on steel with a blue dial and strap, black on black with a black strap or bracelet, and a rose gold PVD case with a white dial, black bezel, and black leather strap. Each of them looks stunning with the highlight being the gold variant that looks so classy, though you can’t go wrong with the black dial version either.
The best part is that these won’t break the bank with prices ranging from $3,500 to $3,725 AUD.
At a Glance
Reference: H33626710, H36616640, H36606130
Diameter: 42mm
Thickness: 15.2mm
Case: Stainless-steel/Rose gold PVD
Power Reserve: 60 hours
Water Resistance: 100m
Strap: Stainless-steel bracelet/leather strap
Buckle: Butterfly
Movement: Calibre H-31 automatic
38mm & 34mm Time-Only
Now the 38mm and 34mm time-only versions are very similar with the key difference (other than the size) being the feminine accents on the 34mm versions. That’s not to say that they are exclusive to women, they just might look strange on a larger wrist, however if you’re feeling experimental that could be a look you could go for (buck the big watch/little wrist trend, be brave!).
Both sizes are powered by the H-10 automatic calibre, Hamilton’s own version of the Powermatic 80, which is itself an upgraded version of the ETA 2824. It’s a workhorse, providing great reliability and an 80-hour power reserve. The spring has also been upgraded using Nivachron.
These are far less sporty and far more classic in feel.
The 38mm variants feature the same colourways as the chronograph while the 34mm has the black and blue variants it has an additional mother-of-pearl dial variant and a lighter gunmetal blue dial.
The steel 38mm and 34mm variants cost $1,750 AUD while the mother-of-pearl and gold variants cost $1,850 AUD.
At a Glance
Diameter: 38mm/34mm
Thickness: 11.47mm/11.18mm
Case: Stainless-steel/PVD-steel
Water resistance: 100m
Movement: H-10 automatic calibre
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Strap: Stainless-steel bracelet/perforated calfskin leather strap
