By far the most famous and recognized model of the line was the Ventura. Powered by a revolutionary electromechanical movement that replaced the power of the mainspring and winding mechanism with that of a battery, this incredible watch achieved unprecedented levels of accuracy. The movement retained many mechanical components from the era such as a balance staff and wheel; and with the addition of a battery, it not only became more accurate than its counterparts, but also never needed to be wound.
Besides its innovative technical features, the Ventura's distinctive retro style forever etched its image on the American consciousness. Designed by renowned artist Richard Arbib, creator of the Cadillac fin, the Ventura remains an iconic symbol of the eccentric American 1950's and owning one is a must for any American wristwatch collector.
The Ventura in Movies:
- Actors Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones wore black dialed Venturas throughout the Oscar-winning 1997 movie "Men in Black."
- Elvis Presley also prominently wore a Ventura in the 1961 film "Blue Hawaii" and was known to have personally owned one.
- Noted author Rod Sterling can be seen wearing a white dialed Ventura in his introductions to episodes of "The Twilight Zone."
We were are pleased to offer this special 1st edition "500" Ventura. It presents in gorgeous condition.
According to the previous owner, the watch has always only been serviced with original Hamilton new-old-stock parts, by Rene Rondeau, an expert on Hamilton Electrics, who was trained by the late Jim Reese, co-inventor of the Hamilton Electric. Mr. Rondeau is also author of The Watch of the Future -- The Story of the Hamilton Electric Watch. The watch was last serviced by Mr. Rondeau just before the start of 2015. When we purchased it we had it freshly serviced again by Jarett Harkness (Mr. Rondeau's successor since his recent retirement).
For the finishing touch we installed a brand new black and gold strap specially designed by Mr. Rondeau to replicate the look of the original (The black band shown in most of the photos is also included if you would like it).
Accompanying it is a vintage Hamilton box.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
This is a rare opportunity to own an extra special piece of timekeeping history and Americana.
A published example of this model can be found on the front cover of the book American Wristwatches: Five Decades of Design and Style, Faber & Unger, c. 1988
- Manufacturer: Hamilton Watch Co.
- Country of Origin: USA
- Year built: c. 1957 to 1961
- Case no.: S289513
- Functions: Electric Time, Sweep Seconds
- Model: Ventura, Model "500"
- Designed for: Men
- Case material: 14K yellow gold
- Case markings (inside): Hamilton, Lancaster PA, 14K Gold
- Case condition: Just short of mint with light signs of polishing
- Dimensions: 31.5mm wide by 50mm long lug tip-to-tip
- Dial: Signed HAMILTON, ELECTRIC, silver, applied gold dot markers, appears to have been previously expertly restored
- Hands: Original, gold dauphines, red-tipped second hand
- Band: Two-tone black and gold, specially designed to replicate the original, brand new and unused (The black band shown in most of the photos is also included if you would like it).
- Crystal type: Asymmetric shape, acrylic, excellent condition
- Serviced: Yes, serviced by Hamilton Ventura experts Rene Rondeau and Jarett Harkness
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Copy of Hamilton Electric care instructions; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
