In 1957, Hamilton Watch Co. took the world by storm by offering the world’s first electric wristwatch. Ten years in development, it was one of the greatest technological innovations in horology. Proclaimed as “the first basic change in portable timekeeping in nearly 500 years”, the Hamilton Electric became an American icon of the late 1950’s and 60’s.

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 dialled 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 Serling can be seen wearing a silver dialled Ventura in his introductions to episodes of “The Twilight Zone.”

We were are pleased to offer this wonderful all-original second generation “505” Ventura. Unlike most of the nicer Ventura examples, which have been restored to their condition, this one is all original with a near mint plus dial.

It has just been fully serviced by Jarett Harkness, Rene Rondeau’s successor. Mr. Rondeau, an expert on Hamilton Electrics, was himself 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.

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.

Accompanying it is a Hamilton Electric box.

Included with the purchase are papers and a six month warranty from Mr. Harkness on the movement and its function, a custom printed Certificate of Authenticity, a timing certificate attesting to its performance.

This is a rare opportunity to own an all original 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. 1961 to 1969
• Case no.: S529020
• Functions: Electric Time, Sweep Seconds
• Model: Ventura, Model “505”
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K yellow gold
• Case markings (inside): Hamilton, Lancaster PA, 14K Gold
• Case condition: Excellent condition with light wear
• Dimensions: 31.5mm wide by 50mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Signed HAMILTON, ELECTRIC, silver, applied gold dot markers, original and untouched, better than near mint condition
• Hands: Original, gold dauphines, red-tipped second hand
• Band:Two-tone black and gold, specially designed to replicate the original, brand new and unused
• Crystal type: Asymmetric shape, mineral glass, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, serviced by Hamilton Ventura expert Jarett Harkness, successor to Rene Rondeau. 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: 6 month warranty from Jarret Harkness that began March 19, 2019. Please email [email protected] for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX – watch presentation box; PAPERS – Custom printed Certificate of Authenticity; Copy of Hamilton Electric care instructions and packet from Mr. Harkness
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee