Intra-Matic Chronograph Blue Ref. H38416541

It all started in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, horology household name Hamilton is one of the most prestigious watchmakers in the United States. Since the early 20th century, Hamilton started its journey, making pocket watches with movements produced in-house. All of each been known for its accuracy and robustness so much so that the military and railroad officers adopted their watches only due to these traits. Critically during World War II, the company focused on its military business, resulting in the impression sinking into watch enthusiasts’ minds on their Khaki collection. Though many might know the now Swiss American brand for their legible yet straightforward watch, today, we will take a look at the other side of their prowess watchmaking through the introduction of their chronograph complications.

Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph Blue Ref. H38416541

Hamilton, with their chronographs journey, started from the early 60s, showcasing their abilities since then with their coveted timepieces like the Pan-Europe and Chronomatic. Oh, they were part of the five companies to launch the legendary Calibre 11 (or known as the project 99), the first batch of the automatic chronograph in 1969 that ever step foot into the world. How it came about? Simply put, Hamilton’s latest acquisition of Swiss-maker Buren in charge of the base caliber while module specialist Dépraz came out with the chronograph mechanism. Hamilton, with two other- being Heuer and Breitling, to assemble the movement inside their running chronograph watches.

Why do we go through so much history for you guys right here? Well, that is because we would like to introduce the latest release of their 1960s chronograph model, pulling their iconic Chrono-Matic automatic chronograph with their Pre-caliber 11 Panda Chrono- the Chronograph A from 1968. Behold, the Intra-Matic Chronograph Blue Ref. H38416541.

Original 1968 "Panda" Chronograph Design

Starting with its case measuring at 40mm wide with a height of 14.6mm and lug-to-lug length of 49.2mm. The case size fits today’s Neo-vintage theme, where it sits at the sweet spot of an everyday Chrono while not being sized like a hockey puck. The case shape is an exact reissue of their vintage Chronograph A, with a full polished steel case paired with sharp lugs and pump pushers. The Intra-Matic Chrono has the modern touch of a screw-in case back for better water-resistant of 100m and topped off the other side with a domed sapphire crystal. The main crown is signed with their vintage “H” symbol and being screw-down to double assure the water-resistant.

The retro charms lie in the blue “reverse-panda” style dial. True to the vintage cue, the Intra-Matic Chronograph Blue features the symmetric dual register dial configuration, where the running second is read on the left side while balancing off with the 30-minute totalizer on the opposite right side. Both sub-dials did in cream white on a light blue background with precise snailing done to them to create a certain depth. The Tachymeter scale is then done in white also, and sits on the periphery inside the case, another nod to its vintage chronograph- the Chrono-Matic. On the 6 o’clock, a black on white background date display sits well without disrupting the symmetry of the watch. Lastly, the 60s applied markers and handset were executed here topping with the latest Superluminova that glows well through the night.

Old-school Pump pushers

While the vintage chronograph runs on the Valjoux 7730, the latest Intra-Matic powered by the most recent H-31 automatic movement. Based on the Valjoux 7753, the 27 jewels automatic movement have its chronograph function, hand winding, and hacking capabilities and a power reserve of 60 hours at a frequency of 28,800 bph. Further, the date complication not advanced via the central crown, but instead, a quick-set pusher at 10 o’clock does the job of changing the date.

Pairing elegantly with the Intra-Matic Chrono Blue will be its 20mm tan brown calf leather with matching stitches and a signed tang buckle.

SuperLuminova for Superb Glow In Dark

Overall, the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph Blue Ref. H38416541 fits as a fantastic reissue to its predecessor. Panda dials have also become a hot-ticket item in the vintage watch world, while blue colorway has always been an all-time favourite, this latest release is spot on with the neo-vintage theme. It appeals to any levels of watch collectors who are out there after a modern upgrade to a vintage chronograph, and this is certainly a good bet.

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