In 2014, Hamilton is introducing two new RailRoad timepieces, which connect the brand’s deep-rooted tradition of transportation timekeeping with technology and design that love to access undiscovered territories.
Alluding to the brand’s title as “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy”, gained in nineteenth century America, they integrate styling elements from pocket watches of that era. The RailRoad Auto Chrono has a coiled length of track accommodating a tachymeter, while the RailRoad Small Second has a new propriety movement affording an eye-catching dial layout.
Hamilton RailRoad Auto Chrono
The case of the RailRoad Auto Chrono, with its rounded edges, vertical brushing and tapered pusher protectors, transports the imagination directly to the times of pocket watches.
No longer confined to pockets, today’s timepiece is secured by a stylish stainless steel bracelet or a black leather strap with fine stitching. Against either a black or slate grey background, a tachymeter in contrasting chestnut-brown or blue respectively, travels outwards from the dial’s center.
Elegant, sword-shaped hands have a sophisticated, polished finish as they move, spot on time, from one nickel plated applied index to the next.
The H-21 movement, facilitating the operation of the three counters and main timekeeping mechanism, is visible from the back of the watch, proving the commitment to punctuality.
Technical details
Model: Hamilton Railroad Auto Chrono
Size: 44 mm
Case: Stainless steel
Dial: Black with chestnut brown tachymeter markings / Slate grey with blue tachymeter markings – Nickel-plated applied indexes
Attachments: 5-row stainless steel / Black leather with chestnut brown or white stitching and folding clasp
Movement: H-21 chronograph with 60 hours of power reserve
Crystal: Sapphire with antireflective coating
Water resistance: 5 bar (50m)
Suggested retail price starting from CHF 1’825.00 / USD 1’995.00 / EURO 1’495.00
Hamilton RailRoad Small Second
In the RailRoad Small Second the H-22 movement shapes the watch’s distinctive appearance with the asymmetric positioning of the small second counter at eight o’clock. This has either a chestnut brown or deep blue color to underline the piece’s uncompromising modernity.
The movement displays refined decoration and rotor skeletonization for extra fascination. Memories of Hamilton pocket watch expertise make their mark via the rounded contours of the case and are echoed by the metal bracelet that represents a contemporary take on the chain.
Technical details
Model: Hamilton Railroad Small Second
Size: 42 mm
Case: Stainless steel
Dial: Black with chestnut brown small second markings / Slate grey with blue small second markings – Nickel-plated applied indexes
Attachments: 5-row stainless steel / Black leather with crocodile pattern with chestnut brown or white stitching and folding clasp
Movement: H-22 with small second at 8 o’clock
Crystal: Sapphire with antireflective coating
Water resistance: 5 bar (50m)
Suggested retail price starting from CHF 1’195.00 / USD 1’295.00 / EURO 995.00
The History of Railroad Accuracy
In the America of the 1880s, with every town and hamlet having its own time standard determined by the sun, rail travel was touch and go. Passengers were confused by complicated schedules and serious accidents were common events since the various railroads worked with over 50 different “times”.
When time was standardized a few years later and split into four zones, there was cause for optimism. In 1892 the Hamilton Watch Company set out to deliver accurate watches to the railroad community.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, Hamilton had earned the title of “The Watch of Railroad Accuracy”. The very first advertisement placed by Hamilton, featured in National Geographic in 1908, bore the slogan “Rail Road Timekeeper of the World”. The only problem was that the passengers were not able to compete with the perfect timekeeping of the railroad staff.
All over America, individuals were missing trains due to the inaccuracy of their own watches. Checking time with fellow passengers often ended in disaster as each person’s watch showed a different time. Here again, Hamilton saw an opportunity and acted on it.
