One of the greatest joys of working in the watch industry is discovering brands, their heritage, their people, and the stories behind the timepieces.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many extraordinary brands, but one in particular will always hold a special place in my heart: Hamilton.
Hamilton is the brand that truly opened the door for me to explore the universe of watchmaking. It gave me my first real opportunity to immerse myself in the industry and understand what makes horology so fascinating.
I also had the immense privilege of working closely with the brand for 12 years, collaborating with incredible teams across Canada, the United States, and Switzerland.
So when the Hamilton team invited me to attend their 2026 annual review, I knew I had to be there—especially after hearing that two of my former colleagues from headquarters would also be present.
What followed was an evening filled with nostalgia, discovery, and genuine appreciation for a brand that continues to evolve while staying true to its DNA.
Celebrating Hamilton’s Heritage
Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton quickly built a reputation for precision and reliability. The brand originally gained recognition producing highly accurate watches for American railroads, earning the nickname “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy.”
Throughout its history, Hamilton has played important roles in aviation, military timekeeping, and eventually Swiss watchmaking after joining the Swatch Group family. Today, the brand perfectly blends American spirit with Swiss craftsmanship.
But beyond its heritage, Hamilton has always stood out for its ability to connect with culture, storytelling, and innovation.
A Team That Truly Represents the Brand
The Canadian team once again did an exceptional job representing the brand. From the atmosphere of the evening to the presentation of the collections, everything reflected the true spirit of Hamilton—accessible, authentic, and rooted in storytelling.
It was also wonderful to reconnect not only with the team but with members of the local watch community. Events like these are a reminder that watches are about far more than mechanics—they’re about people, passion, and shared enthusiasm.
Discovering the Latest Collections
During the evening, we had the opportunity to explore several exciting pieces from Hamilton’s latest releases. Among the highlights were new interpretations of the American Classic collection as well as limited editions within the Pan Europ line.
The Pan Europ Day Date Auto and Auto Chrono models were particularly interesting, especially given their appearance in the latest video game Resident Evil Requiem, demonstrating Hamilton’s growing presence in the gaming world.
This evolution feels like a natural extension of the brand’s long-standing relationship with entertainment.
Hamilton and the World of Cinema
Hamilton’s connection with Hollywood is legendary. The brand has appeared in hundreds of films, making it one of the most recognizable watchmakers in cinema history.
From sci-fi classics to modern blockbusters, Hamilton watches have played both subtle and central roles on screen.
Today, the brand is expanding that creative collaboration into the video game universe, connecting with a new generation of enthusiasts who experience storytelling.
A Modern Take on an Icon: The Ventura Edge Skeleton
Another highlight of the evening was discovering the Ventura Edge Skeleton, a bold reinterpretation of Hamilton’s most iconic design.
The Ventura remains one of the most distinctive watches ever created, famously worn by Elvis Presley in the late 1960s.
The new Edge Skeleton takes that futuristic triangular design and pushes it even further, revealing the mechanics inside and embracing a more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining the unmistakable Ventura identity.
A Perfect Brand for Beginning Collectors
I rarely give direct opinions about what watch someone should buy—after all, collecting watches is deeply personal, and everyone has their own taste.
However, if someone asked me where to begin their journey into mechanical watchmaking, Hamilton would absolutely be on that list.
A Personal Thank You
Seeing my former colleagues again and rediscovering the latest collections made the evening truly special. Moments like these remind me why I fell in love with this industry in the first place.
So a sincere thank you to the Hamilton team for the invitation and for organizing such a memorable event.
And of course, I look forward to covering more Hamilton releases and events in the future.
No pressure, Hamilton team…
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