The History Of Hamilton Watches

History Of Hamilton Watches

Founded in Lancaster, PA in 1892, the Hamilton Watch Company has produced quality timepieces for over a century. Over the years, the company’s craftsmanship has never wavered, and they continue to present new ideas of what a wristwatch can be. Offering sharp, sophisticated designs and accurate timekeeping, each Hamilton watch boasts a classic look combined with cutting-edge technology.

Rooted in Military History

In the early 1900s, Hamilton was named the official wristwatch supplier for the American Armed Forces. The watches were worn on the wrists of servicemen in both World Wars and all other military operations that the US entered over the last hundred years.

Dependability and accuracy can mean all the difference between life and death for soldiers, and this responsibility inspires Hamilton throughout every phase of production. If the military can rely on Hamilton watches for accuracy, the average consumer can rely on Hamilton watches for everyday living.

A Focus on Innovation

Although Hamilton is the preferred military timepiece, the company has been a leader in watch technology since the ‘50s. The first battery operated wristwatch was the Hamilton Ventura, which sent ripples across the watchmaking industry and gave way to more advanced capabilities.

For example, in the ‘70s, the company created the original digital wristwatch. With a commitment to continuously improve each model, Hamilton remains a pioneer in watch technology as well as design.

A Focus on Innovation

Although Hamilton is the preferred military timepiece, the company has been a leader in watch technology since the ‘50s. The first battery operated wristwatch was the Hamilton Ventura, which sent ripples across the watchmaking industry and gave way to more advanced capabilities.

For example, in the ‘70s, the company created the original digital wristwatch. With a commitment to continuously improve each model, Hamilton remains a pioneer in watch technology as well as design.

Shop for Hamilton watches by visiting
Precision Watches & Jewelry, an authorized dealer
at the Willow Grove Park Mall in PA.

A Quick Rundown of Hamilton Watch’s Timeline

1893: The Hamilton watch brand introduced its first watch, designed by H.J. Cain, one of the company’s founding fathers.

1893: Hamilton unveiled “The Broadway Limited,” a railroad watch referred to as “the watch of Railroad accuracy.” Initially used as a reliable timing device for the country’s railroads, the Hamilton Railroad Pocket soon became the official watch of the American Expeditionary Forces. A wristwatch version of the Railroad watch was gifted to General Pershing and his doughboys in World War II. It was also on Admiral Byrd’s wrist during his expeditions to the North and South poles, accompanied the Picards on their first ever balloon trip into the stratosphere, and was worn by the first American to scale Mount Everest.

1928: After the Yankees won the world series, the Hamilton Watch Company announced the Yankee watch, establishing it as a pioneer in watch design. The brand helped America keep up with the energy of a new lifestyle. Cutting-edge Hamilton designs, including the Yankee and the Piping Rock, symbolized the independent spirit of the day.

1930: Hamilton watches continued to embody the soaring spirit of the ‘30s, as the world turned its attention to the skies with the start of commercial aviation. Soon after, Hamilton was named the official timepiece of popular industry leaders, including Eastern, TWC and Northwest.

World War II

1940: During WWII, Hamilton stopped producing watches for consumers and began developing new timepieces exclusively for military purposes. Nearly one million Hamilton military watches have already been manufactured. Today, the Hamilton ‘Hack’ is a favorite item among watch and military collectors alike.

1957: Hamilton’s advanced engineering and innovation led to a significant breakthrough in timekeeping—the first electric watch. The Ventura shocked the market and became an instant success.

1965: The Cadillac tailfins of the ‘50s inspired the design of the Ventura, which became the preferred watch among icons of American style. Elvis Presley sports this model in his movie Blue Hawaii.

1972: Hamilton introduced the Pulsar, the world’s first digital watch. This model captured the attention of consumers and suggested the future was close at hand.

Fast forward to present day and Hamilton’s top collections feature the American Classics line and the Khaki line—which are both updated versions of the famous military timepieces of yesteryear.

Looking to buy a Hamilton Watch? Precision Watches & Jewelry, an authorized dealer at the Willow Grove Park Mall in PA, specializes in luxury watches. Stop by our location, explore our site or contact us today to learn more!