Introducing the Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H: A Retro Racing Tribute
This week has been an exciting one for the Swatch Group, particularly with the launch of two striking Speedmaster Professional Moonwatches featuring glossy black and white dials from Omega. But that’s not all! Hamilton has unveiled three new chronograph references, each steeped in the vibrant vintage racing culture of the 1950s and 60s. With options featuring green, brown, or blue dials paired with silver sub-dials, these watches embody a perfect blend of history and craftsmanship. Each model boasts a hand-wound mechanical movement and comes with both a perforated leather strap and a sturdy steel mesh bracelet.
The Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H Series
As a fan of Hamilton’s Intramatic Chronographs, I previously highlighted the olive-green reverse panda model as a great option for anyone starting their watch collection. The Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H is a stylish blend of vintage aesthetics and top-notch mechanics, all wrapped in a 40mm case that’s remarkably easy to wear. Let’s delve into what makes these new hand-wound models truly special.
Classic Design Meets Modern Mechanics
Each variant of the Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H features a polished stainless steel case measuring 40mm in diameter. The watch’s design is characterized by a clean, round shape and a beveled bezel, while the polished angular lugs snugly fit 20mm-wide straps. Atop the case sits a box-type sapphire crystal that’s treated with an antireflective coating on both sides. For practicality, the polished stainless steel screw-in case back indicates that the watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar.
Inside, you’ll find Hamilton’s H-51 hand-wound chronograph movement, a 27-jewel caliber based on the ETA 7753. This movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and comes with a robust power reserve of 60 hours, conveniently controlled through the crown and pushers positioned on the right side of the case.
Vibrant Dial Choices: Gradient Green, Brown, or Striking Blue
The standout feature of this release is undoubtedly the dial colors. Choose from a deep hunter green or a warm brown with a slight gradient, or opt for a striking blue that maintains an even tone. All three dials present a matte finish, while the silver sub-dials add a touch of shine with their concentric-grained texture. The green and brown versions feature faux-patina lume on both the dial and hands, while the blue variant has a greener luminescence, effectively showcased with vibrant orange chronograph and sub-dial hands.
Each watch is paired with a perforated nubuck leather strap featuring a stainless steel pin buckle. The green and brown models sport straps that match their respective dial colors, while the blue version comes with a contrasting light brown leather strap. As a bonus, a stylish stainless steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp is also included in the box.
First Impressions of the Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H
The new Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H models are a delightful throwback to the racing aesthetics of six decades ago. The warm brown model resembles a true vintage watch with its tropical dial, while the green version evokes the essence of British racing. The blue model, on the other hand, offers a cleaner, more refined look, especially highlighted by its sporty orange hands. Personally, I find the blue version to be the most appealing, especially with the light brown leather strap adding a nice contrast.
The new Hamilton American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H models are now available at a price of €2,295 / US$2,445 / £1,980 each. As mentioned, each timepiece comes with a perforated nubuck leather strap as well as a durable stainless steel mesh bracelet.
What do you think of Hamilton’s latest American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H models? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Watch Specifications
Model
American Classic Intramatic Chronograph H
Reference
H38429861 (green) / H38429591 (brown) / H38429541 (blue)
Dial
Hunter green fumé, warm brown fumé, or flat blue with silver sub-dials and applied indexes with Super-LumiNova
Case Material
Stainless steel with polished finish
Case Dimensions
40mm (diameter) × 14.35 (thickness)
Crystal
Box-shaped sapphire
Case Back
Stainless steel, screw-in
Movement
Hamilton H-51 (ETA 7753 base): manual winding, 28,800 vph (4Hz frequency), 60-hour power reserve, 27 jewels, Nivachron balance spring
Water Resistance
10 bar (100 meters)
Strap
Perforated nubuck leather (20mm width) in green, brown, or light brown with stainless steel pin buckle
Functions
Time (hours, minutes, small seconds), chronograph (30-minute counter, central seconds), and tachymeter
Price
€2,295 / US$2,445 / £1,980


