The New Hamilton Ventura XXL Skeleton Automatic

Few watches are as daring, unconventional and historic as the Hamilton Ventura. Presented in 1957, it was the first electric, battery-powered watch in the world (not to be mistaken for watches with quartz-powered movements). It catapulted in popularity when none other than The King, Mr Elvis Presley, wore his own Ventura on set for the 1961 movie Blue Hawaii. Over the years, it might not have retained the same level of popularity, but it should very much be considered an icon. Hamilton still carries the Ventura collection today, albeit in more modern renditions. It is still as evocative as ever, which becomes apparent when checking out the new Hamilton Ventura XXL Skeleton Automatic.

The Ventura is instantly recognisable as Art Deco, and it doesn’t make any effort to hide that. Even today, the triangular design is rather unconventional yet has lost little of its appeal. Hamilton has taken the Ventura in two different directions. One is the Open Heart Auto model, with a design closely resembling the 1957 original, and the other is the more modernised Elvis80 and Ventura XXL model.

The Ventura XXL Skeleton Automatic that we’re looking at today is a renewed take on the existing Ventura XXL (the Elvis80 is more recent). It still features the 45.5mm by 46mm triangular stainless steel case with a height of 11.5mm. The signature stepped Art Deco-inspired “bezel” is retained, and the protrusion for the crown still has that unique triangular tip extending over the sapphire crystal.

The new Hamilton Ventura XXL Skeleton Automatic dial reveals the movement underneath, which we’ll get to in a bit. The dial itself is finished in black with a sunray-like brushing and bevelled edges for the cutouts. It’s kept relatively simple, and a set of nickel-plated hands indicate the time. The hour and minute hands have a Super-LumiNova insert, while the second hand has a red tip.

Round the back, a second sapphire crystal reveals the ETA C07.901 movement. This is a skeletonised version of Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 automatic calibre, which is no real surprise. It runs at a frequency of 21,600vph, has an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring and provides a healthy running time of 80 hours.

The new Hamilton Ventura XXL Skeleton Automatic comes on an integrated rubber strap to match the unconventional shape of the case. The strap width is 23.5mm at the case and 20mm at the stainless steel pin buckle. The watch retails for EUR 1,765 and is presented as a non-limited edition.

For more information, please visit HamiltonWatch.com.