Hamilton unveils the Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition, a timepiece that honors the bold aesthetics and technical advancements of the 1970s. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of motor racing, this watch reflects Hamilton’s role in the development of one of the earliest automatic chronograph movements in the late 1960s—despite ultimately being outpaced by Zenith, which introduced the El Primero in 1969. Hamilton’s horological journey took a pivotal turn during this period when it collaborated with Buren, Heuer, Breitling, and Dubois-Dépraz on Project 99, a groundbreaking initiative to create the world’s first automatic chronograph. While Zenith launched the El Primero in early 1969, Hamilton and its partners closely followed with the Chrono-Matic/Calibre 11. A distinctive hallmark of this movement was its left-side pusher configuration, a design element that remained a defining characteristic of the Chrono-Matic. While on this contemporary release there are still four pushers to be found, the chronograph is now controlled via the right side, in line with modern movement architectures. Limited to just 150 pieces, the Chrono-Matic 50 is a collector’s piece, celebrating Hamilton’s often overlooked contribution to watchmaking history.
The case of the Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition measures an impressive 51.5mm x 48.5mm, made of radially brushed stainless steel. Its height of 16.05mm and lug width of 22mm give it a robust appearance. The design is inspired by the 1970s, featuring a helmet shape that protects the pushers and crowns. This not only defines the watch’s aesthetic but also ensures durability. The case back is engraved with the limited edition number, adding to its exclusivity. The watch is water-resistant up to 10 bar (100m) and has a box-shaped sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective treatment.
The dial of the Hamilton Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition features a reverse panda layout with a deep blue background, crisp white sub-dials, and bright orange accents. A blue tachymeter scale sits on the outer flange, complemented by a blue and white rotating countdown bezel that is operated via the crown at eight. The two-register layout places the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock and the 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, with luminous hands and hour markers and a bold orange central chronograph hand enhancing legibility. A discreet round date window is positioned at 6 o’clock.
Inside the Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition ticks the H-31 automatic chronograph movement. Based on the Valjoux 7753 architecture, it offers a power reserve of 60 hours. The movement features a column wheel and a vertical clutch, ensuring precise and smooth operation of the chronograph function. A quick date corrector function is added via the pusher at 10 o’clock. The chronograph measures elapsed time with counters for seconds, minutes, and hours, while the tachymeter scale allows for speed calculations. Since the watch has a closed case back, the movement remains hidden.
The Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition comes on a blue rally-style leather strap with perforations revealing an orange lining. The strap is equipped with a pin buckle, ensuring secure closure.
The Chrono-Matic 50 Limited Edition is a limited edition of 150 pieces. Each watch comes with a specially engraved case back with unique numbering from 001/150 to 150/150. The price of the watch is 2,620 EUR.
