Generally, on these pages, we write about Hamilton as a watch associated with military and field history. However, two other families of Hamilton watches are equally prominent, and they probably get less coverage due to the proliferation of Khaki models. These are the Ventura, as famously worn by Elvis Presley, and the Jazzmaster.
Defining the Jazzmaster range is not straightforward. Within it, you will find understated daily wear watches with a distinctly urban twist, more elaborate watches, borderline dress watches, and anything that does not quite fit into the more famous categories. That's not to say the Jazzmaster range is full of oddities; quite the opposite, it has within it several striking watches that reflect the imagination of Hamilton's designers in a no-compromise, unrestrained way.
For 2024, Hamilton has released two new sub-series within the Jazzmaster umbrella.
JAZZMASTER PERFORMER
Jazzmaster Performer - Credit Hamilton
The first is part of their new flagship Performer Series. Hamilton has produced nine references featuring new sizes and colours. In Hamilton's words, the Jazzmaster Performer is made to bridge multiple genres and, quote, "favour function and style (yet be) resilient enough for an adventurous weekend and sophisticated enough for suit-and-tie occasions." No mean feat to produce such a one-stop-shop watch.
The Jazzmaster Performer collection has always appealed to both men and women thanks to the extensive range of offerings in sizes, colours and materials. For those who favour a larger case, there is a new 42mm. For those who like their watches more subtle, we find the ever-popular contemporary 38mm and a new striking 34mm variation.
Jazzmaster Performer - Credit Hamilton
Mauve, white, blue, silver and salmon pink adorn the dials of these new models, and there is even a chronograph to complete the collection. Clean dials and subtle fixed bezels give the watches a sophisticated tool look, and this is complemented with elegant three-link Oyster-style bracelets. In fact, these watches, on first impression, more than provide the venerable Rolex Oyster with a run for its money because they offer very similar looks and specifications at far more favourable prices.
The second offering from Hamilton is five new models of the iconic Open Heart series.
JAZZMASTER OPEN HEART
Jazzmaster Open Heart - Credit Hamilton
The Open Heart is definitely one of Hamilton's most refined watches and has rightly gained a reputation for its sophistication. The name Open Heart comes from the selective cut-outs in the dial to show elaborated elements of the movement during normal operation. There is also a crystal exhibition case back, which shows the rotor and the parts you are accustomed to seeing. However, the gaps are very unusual, making the watch arguably more interesting than the skeletonised dials we may be more accustomed to. The Jazzmaster's Open Heart almost gives you a sneak peek into the “heart of the machine”.
Each new variant benefits from the H-10 automatic movement, which has an impressive 80-hour power reserve, and the balance spring made from the new alloy Nivachron™. This advanced anti-magnetic material suits this watch to the pace and challenges of modern life.
Jazzmaster Open Heart - Credit Hamilton
The new Open Heart design also brings new colours for 2024. The first is a striking orange hue which we are told takes inspiration from the freshness and unmistakable sweetness of the stone fruit. This colour will appeal to a wide demographic of customers far beyond the traditional base. The collection is now joined with the deep burgundy dial on the 40 mm reference, which looks extremely rich. This fumé dial graduates from rusted red to pure burgundy as the light crosses the face of the watch. Paired with a pre-weathered patina leather strap or stainless steel bracelet, this is definitely a watch that you can evolve with. A silver/white sunburst dial is also available.
Conclusion
It's refreshing to see another side of Hamilton when we are probably unjustly focused so much on their Field and Khaki ranges. We only major in those models because they're so good and because they are the standard by which so many others are judged; however, it is good to remind ourselves that Hamilton's are far more than their outdoor watches and make fine contemporary pieces which are well-priced and have built up a reputation for outstanding workmanship.
