The new Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono in Sporty Black

Hamilton´s Performer is a relatively new series in the Jazzmaster collection, which comprises sporty, contemporary, and versatile watches, including seven 42mm Auto Chrono models. Classic in their appearance and with an undeniable wrist presence, these chronographs now face stiff competition from within, thanks to the arrival of the sleek, black-clad Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono. Let’s check the updated design and see what sets it apart.

This new edition of the Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono is, in essence, the same as the rest of the series yet effortlessly elevates its cool factor with a bold 42mm x 15.22mm stainless steel case coated in sleek black PVD, but that’s just the beginning of its appeal. Motorsport inspiration – the crisp tachymeter scale with silver-toned markings adds a dynamic touch. Complementing the design are rounded, rectangular chronograph pushers and a fluted crown, matching the case’s aesthetic. With sapphire crystals on the front, a see-through caseback and a screw-down crown, this watch has a comfortable 100m water-resistance.

The dial of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono shifts between black and charcoal grey, depending on the light. Silver accents enhance its presentation, including the minutes/seconds track on the periphery, faceted applied indices (with a double index at 12 o’clock) and hour and minute hands, all featuring Super-LumiNova X1 stripes for optimal readability. The central chronograph hand and sub-dial hands also carry this silver-toned elegance.

The sub-dials, each with its unique design, add a playful twist to the classic layout. At 9 o’clock, the running seconds sub-dial gains attention and is rendered in silver, while the recessed chronograph minutes counter at 3 o’clock features silver markings. The snailed 12-hour totalizer at 6 o’clock introduces a touch of blue for a subtle pop of colour. We can’t hide a certain “El Primero” influence here, but the result is certainly striking. Hamilton reveals a large part of the date disc in an intriguing twist via a cut-out so the numbers encircle the dial’s centre, with a separate aperture at 4:30 to indicate the current date. White print on black provides a sharp contrast, ensuring readability while contributing to the watch’s original aesthetic.

As for the movement, all Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chronographs rely on the calibre H-31, based on an ETA/Valjoux 7753 architecture with a reworked kinematic chain and a Nivachron balance spring. The power reserve is 60 hours, and the operational frequency is 28,800 vibrations/hour. It’s basically the same recipe as what Tissot does to the venerable automatic chronograph.

The perforated black leather strap with blue stitching closed with a black PVD folding clasp completes the black aesthetic of the new Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Auto Chrono 42mm. The price is CHF 2,295 or EUR 2,595, which aligns with similar references in the collection and remains fairly attractive. For more details, please visit HamiltonWatch.com.