The New Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Collection (Video Review & Live Pics)

Hamilton has been on the rise recently with a collection of cool, accessible and very well-equipped watches. The brand is known for its historically inspired models, field watches, aviation-inspired watches… and the Jazzmaster collection. This collection gathers the most classic, elegant watches of the brand – such as the Open-Heart models – and, often, a focus on cinema (one of the brand’s most important highlights). There are some cool oddities, too, such as the new Face-2-Face model. But today, the collection is about to receive a strong update. Sportier, more dynamic, more modern overall and yet sleek, here’s the new Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Collection.

The new Jazzmaster Performer collection comes in three different models. There is a 42mm chronograph and time-only automatic models in 38mm or 34mm. The lines of the model are dynamic but classic, and the sporty spin is enhanced with a bezel inscribed with numerals and perforated racing straps on most models.

The Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph 42mm 

The topic of our video review at the beginning of this article is this new Jazzmaster Performer, a no-nonsense chronograph that comes in a dynamic round case with elongated lugs. The oversized crown allows easy operations and is flanked by cool-looking oblong pushers. The sporty spin is enhanced by racing vibes provided by the fixed tachymeter bezel. At 42mm in diameter, the steel case is on the large side, but it is still a versatile diameter that will fit comfortably on most wrists. It is 15.2mm thick, the crown screws down, and the water-resistance is rated at 100m, which makes the watch pool friendly.

The dial features a classic 3-6-9 layout, with a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. The registers feature a concentric pattern and outer rings for better contrast and more dynamism. The hands and baton-style markers are treated with luminescent material. Altogether, it provides great contrast and good legibility. 

Inside the Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph is the calibre H-31. Based on a Valjoux 7753 architecture, it is a precise, tried-and-tested engine with a cam-and-lever architecture. However, it comes with some sophistication, such as a reworked kinematic chain and a balance spring made from the NIvachron, a non-magnetic compensating alloy. It beats at a 4Hz frequency and boasts 60 hours of power reserve. The movement can be seen through the exhibition caseback. The decoration is clean and relatively simple – to be expected given the retail price of the watch. The rotor is personalised with different cut-outs, including an H-shaped logo.

The Performer chronograph is worn on a racing-style, perforated calfskin strap. It is secured to the wrist by a folding buckle released by a pair of pushers. There is also a steel bracelet option.

Four different looks are available: steel with steel tachymeter bezel, blue dial and blue strap; black dial with black tachymeter bezel and black strap or three-link steel bracelet; and a rose gold PVD case option with black tachymeter bezel, white dial and black leather strap.

As is generally the case with Hamilton watches, the Jazzmaster Performer Automatic Chronograph 42mm represents excellent value, making for an attractive and affordable package if you are looking for a sporty-chic automatic chronograph. The price is set at EUR 2,395 on a leather strap and EUR 2,475 on a steel bracelet. The gold PVD model retails for EUR 2,545.

Quick facts: 42mm x 15.22mm – stainless steel (or PVD-steel) case – sapphire crystals – water-resistant to 100m – H-31 calibre, automatic chronograph – 4Hz and 60-hour power reserve – perforated calfskin leather strap with folding buckle or steel bracelet – from EUR 2,395

The Jazzmaster Performer Automatic 38mm

This time-only 38mm version of the Jazzmaster Performer uses the same codes as the chronograph. The tachymeter scale is replaced by a bezel inscribed with numerals in increments of 5. Yet, without the chronograph function and the more moderate size, the model is clearly more classic and less sporty.

The watch also has a thinner profile. Indeed, instead of a Valjoux-based movement, we have a much thinner H-10 automatic calibre. The H10 is Hamilton’s version of the Powermatic 80, the upgraded version of the reliable ETA 2824, offering a power reserve of 80 hours. There’s also a balance spring made from non-magnetic compensating alloy Nivachron.

Three versions are available, again offering great value. The blue dial steel model comes on a perforated calfskin strap and retails for EUR 1,125. The black dial steel model comes on a steel bracelet and retails for EUR 1,195. Last, there is a rose gold PVD-steel version with a white dial and perforated calfskin strap at EUR 1,270.

Quick facts: 38mm x 11.47mm – stainless steel (or PVD-Steel) case – sapphire crystals – water-resistant to 100m – H-10 automatic calibre – 4Hz and 80-hour power reserve – perforated calfskin leather strap with folding buckle or steel bracelet – from EUR 1,125

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Performer Automatic 34mm

The third and last version of the Jazzmaster Performer comes in a 34mm case with more feminine accents, in particular, the version with a mother-of-pearl dial and satin strap.

Like the 38mm, these steel models are powered by the automatic H-10 calibre. Four versions are available. The blue dial model comes on a perforated calfskin strap and retails for EUR 1,125. The blue dial and black dial steel models on a steel bracelet retail for EUR 1,195. The last model features a mother-of-pearl dial and a satin strap and retails for EUR 1,270.

Quick facts: 34mm x 11.18mm – stainless steel (or PVD-steel) case – sapphire crystals – water-resistant to 100m – H-10 automatic calibre – 4Hz and 80-hour power reserve – perforated calfskin leather strap with folding buckle or steel bracelet – from EUR 1,125

For more information, please visit www.hamiltonwatch.com.