Hamilton: Watches of the Silver Screen
Hamilton, a name synonymous with precision and craftsmanship, is Hollywood’s favourite watchmaker. With a history that spans over a century and more than 500 film appearances, Hamilton watches have become iconic on the silver screen. From period dramas to action-packed blockbusters, their timepieces aren’t merely props – they’re central to the storylines, enhancing the characters and adding a layer of authenticity to every film in which they appear. This enduring relationship between horology and Hollywood has made Hamilton the ultimate timekeeper for filmmakers worldwide.
A Legacy That Began in 1932
Hamilton’s first starring role in Hollywood came in 1932 with Shanghai Express. This landmark film marked the beginning of a partnership that would shape the brand’s cinematic legacy. In the film, British army officer Captain Harvey, played by Clive Brook, lounges on the deck of a train as his former lover, Lily, portrayed by Marlene Dietrich, approaches. When she asks for the time, Harvey reveals a wristwatch with a hinged cover, displaying her photograph underneath – an emotional turning point that reflects his enduring love. The camera zooms in, revealing the Art Deco dial proudly branded with the name “Hamilton.” This scene not only marked the brand’s debut in cinema but also signified its ability to blend seamlessly into a narrative, playing a crucial role in the storytelling.
Shanghai Express watch with cover
The 1930s era Flintridge watch, seen in Shanghai Express, was advertised at the time as “the out-of-doors watch with a cover,” symbolising adventure and romance. Its significance in the film paved the way for Hamilton to become the watchmaker of choice for filmmakers and costume designers looking to capture authenticity and emotion.
A Star on Every Wrist: The Iconic Roles of Hamilton Watches
Hamilton’s versatility and ability to adapt to different genres have made it the go-to brand for some of cinema’s greatest characters. One of its most iconic appearances was in Blue Hawaii (1961), where Elvis Presley wore the revolutionary Hamilton Ventura. At the time, the Ventura was the world’s first electric wristwatch, a marvel of both design and technology. Shaped like a triangular fin, the watch reflected the forward-thinking spirit of the 1960s and cemented its place in popular culture, becoming as much a part of Presley’s image as his guitar.
Elvis Presley on the set of Blue Hawaii 1961
The Ventura later transitioned into the realm of science fiction, worn by the alien-hunting agents in Men in Black (1997). Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones sported the futuristic watch in the original film and its sequels, marking the Ventura as a symbol of modernity and innovation.
Ventura watches from Men in Black 1997
Hamilton’s military watches have also played key roles in some of cinema’s most thrilling action scenes. In the World War II film The Frogmen (1951), the brand’s Frogman watches were worn by Richard Widmark and his team of US Navy divers, mirroring the actual watches used by military personnel at the time. This commitment to authenticity helped establish Hamilton’s reputation in both real-world and cinematic settings.
Hamilton Military watch worn in The Frogmen 1951
More than half a century later, the Hamilton Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO found itself strapped to Matt Damon’s wrist in The Martian (2015) as he braved the harsh conditions of Mars. The BeLOWZERO was designed specifically for the film, embodying the strength and resilience required for the fictional Martian environment, while still reflecting Hamilton’s reputation for precision.
BeLOWZERO worn in The Martian 2015
Another iconic military-themed appearance was in Pearl Harbor (2001), where fighter pilots, played by Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett, wore Hamilton’s Khaki Field Handwinding. This retro-inspired model was a nod to the watches Hamilton supplied to thousands of US soldiers during World War II, lending the film historical accuracy while linking the brand to one of the most significant periods in modern history.
Khaki Field Handwinding, Pearl Harbor 2001
Science Fiction and Beyond: Hamilton in the Future
Hamilton’s innovative spirit has led to many futuristic collaborations with filmmakers, particularly in science fiction. One of the most groundbreaking moments in Hamilton’s cinematic history came with 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968). Stanley Kubrick, known for his meticulous attention to detail, approached Hamilton to design a futuristic wristwatch suitable for astronauts. The result was a design that became an iconic piece of science-fiction style, remaining influential to this day.
Hamilton watch warn in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey 1968
In Interstellar (2014), directed by Christopher Nolan, Hamilton played a pivotal role both on-screen and off. The “Murph” watch, specially designed for the movie, symbolised the deep connection between a father and daughter, with time itself becoming a central theme. As the character Cooper (Matthew McConaughey) prepared to leave Earth for a dangerous space mission, he gave his daughter Murph a vintage-style watch, saying, “One for you, one for me.” This watch, and the time it kept, became the key to saving humanity in the film’s climactic moments.
Plan for Hamilton watch warn in the film Interstellar 2014
The emotional and scientific significance of the watch sparked tremendous demand from fans and collectors. The custom-made prop watch was brought to life as the Khaki Field Murph, the 42mm reproduction of the movie timepiece. In 2022, Hamilton released a smaller version of the big screen icon, the Khaki Field Murph 38mm. The latest versions for 2024 feature dials in antique white and black, beautifully showcasing cathedral-shaped hands that lend a vintage charm to the timepiece. With the word ‘Eureka’ printed in Morse code in lacquer on the seconds hand, it’s a must for fans of the movie and a collector’s item for Hamilton enthusiasts.
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Hamilton’s role in Interstellar demonstrated not only its design expertise but also its deep involvement in cinematic storytelling. Nolan worked closely with the brand to develop the watches seen in the film, ensuring they were both visually compelling and mechanically precise.
Why Hamilton? The Perfect Watch for Every Genre
The question arises: why Hamilton? What makes this brand the watchmaker of choice for filmmakers across genres? The answer lies in Hamilton’s unique combination of versatility, innovation, and historical significance. Whether it’s a sleek, modern design like the Ventura for a futuristic sci-fi film or a vintage-inspired piece for a historical drama, Hamilton watches offer costume designers the perfect balance between style and function.
For action films, Hamilton’s military and aviation watches are ideal, reflecting the brand’s long history of precision timing in extreme conditions. The Khaki Field, Khaki Aviation, and Khaki Navy collections have all made numerous appearances on the big screen, symbolising durability and dependability. In Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Bruce Willis’s character John McClane wore the Khaki Aviation ETO Chronograph, while Will Smith’s character in I Am Legend (2007) sported a customised version of the Khaki Twilight. These timepieces are not only stylish but built to perform under pressure – just like the characters wearing them.
Hamilton’s ability to adapt to different film settings and eras also makes it a favourite for period dramas. In Dead Poets Society (1989), Robin Williams wore a vintage Hamilton Boulton, a design from the 1940s that perfectly complemented the film’s 1950s setting. Similarly, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) featured Matt Damon wearing a Hamilton Ardmore, evoking the sophisticated style of the 1950s.
Hamilton worn by Matt Damon in The Talented Mr. Ripley 1999
In Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), the iconic archaeologist, portrayed by Harrison Ford, sports a Boulton watch that perfectly complements his adventurous spirit. This vintage timepiece, known for its elegant rectangular design, captures the essence of Indiana Jones’s character – classic, rugged, and timeless. The choice of this watch underscores Indiana’s connection to the past, embodying both style and functionality as he embarks on yet another thrilling quest.
In Oppenheimer (2023), Hamilton played a key role in maintaining historical accuracy by providing vintage watches sourced from private collectors. Set during World War II and the race to develop the atomic bomb, the film required timepieces that reflected the era’s urgency and precision. Hamilton’s involvement, rooted in their history as a supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII, ensured the characters’ watches were authentic and integral to the film’s narrative.
Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer 2023
Vintage Hamilton watches featured in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer| Hamilton Watch – YouTube
Collaboration with Hollywood: More Than Just a Prop
Hamilton’s partnership with Hollywood goes beyond simply providing watches for films. The brand actively collaborates with filmmakers to create unique, custom-designed timepieces that fit the specific needs of the movie’s plot. For The Martian, the Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO was modified to reflect the futuristic environment of Mars, while in Tenet (2020), Hamilton’s expertise in mechanical design helped create a watch that could manipulate time, aligning perfectly with the film’s intricate storyline.
Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO watch worn in Tenet 2020
This close collaboration between Hamilton and Hollywood ensures that the watches are more than just accessories – they become integral to the film’s narrative, shaping characters and driving the plot forward.
As the brand continues to collaborate with filmmakers and push the boundaries of design and technology, its legacy as the watchmaker of Hollywood will only grow stronger. In an industry where every second counts, Hamilton remains the ultimate timekeeper, both on-screen and off.
Off-Screen Appeal: Hamilton’s Enduring Legacy
Hamilton’s influence extends far beyond the cinema. The brand’s strong presence on-screen has translated into a loyal following off-screen, with watch enthusiasts and collectors drawn to the same qualities that make Hamilton a favourite in Hollywood: innovation, style, and history. The watches are accessible luxury items, offering high-quality craftsmanship at a reasonable price point. This makes Hamilton a popular choice for those who appreciate both form and function, whether they’re film fans or watch aficionados.
Discover Hamilton at Zelley
At F.J. Zelley, we are Authorised Dealers of Hamilton. Our extensive collection features a wide range of Hamilton watches, ensuring that whether you’re searching for the iconic Ventura, a retro Boulton or another model, you’ll find the perfect timepiece to suit your style. Explore the craftsmanship and heritage of Hamilton at Zelley, where we bring the allure of Hollywood’s favourite watchmaker to our customers.
