The Caliber 11 is one of the very first automatic chronograph movements ever produced. During the 1960s, many major watch brands were competing to reach this milestone first, and rivalries were high between Seiko, Zenith, and the Buren group, which was composed of Breitling, Heuer, and Hamilton. The Buren Groups race to the automatic chronograph is said to have been secretly named Project 99 and once completed, the involved brands powered many of their various chronograph models with this highly innovative and groundbreaking movement. Cue the beloved and truly fantastic Hamilton Chrono-Matic.

In addition to being one of Hamiltons most famous and best-looking chronograph models of all time, the Chrono-Matic ref. 11002-3 also holds the distinction of being one of the worlds very first automatic chronograph watches, as it debuted in 1969 – the very same year that the first self-winding chronograph movements were making their inaugural appearances. Featuring a two-register layout, a date display at 6 oclock, and an integrated micro-rotor design, the Cal. 11 represented a major step forward for the world of chronographs and the Hamilton Chrono-Matic ref. 11002-3 is easily one of the most important models from the brands archives.

CASE & BRACELET

The 37mm stainless steel case features crisp lines with thick and symmetrical lugs, and it even retains its original Hamilton-signed crown and pump-style chronograph pushers. Additionally, as you would expect from a timepiece that is more than 50 years old, the surfaces of the case feature light marks and scuffs that are highly consistent with age. Completing the watch is a brown two-piece handmade leather strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The first thing you notice about this watch is its stunning matte blue dial – and it would be impossible not to be captivated by this striking take on a classic design. The flat blue surface immediately attracts your eyes, while the way that it plays with the white text and lightly aged, silver tachymeter scale keeps them there. This particular example is in fantastic overall condition with only minor signs of honest age. The tritium dots at the ends of the hour markers have lost some of their material over the years, but what’s remaining has aged beautifully and match the warm patina on the filled stick hands.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.