Tap the image to enlarge
Hamilton Ventura 50.3mm Mens Watch
Ref. H24411732
See more premium optionsHide
Stepping up in the same dial colour
The original Ventura arrived in 1957 as the world's first battery-powered watch, and its asymmetric shield shape was as much a provocation as a design choice — something closer to industrial sculpture than anything the industry had produced before. Elvis Presley wore one. Men in Black made it the sidearm of choice for agents with no memory of their own past. The shape has never been revised because it has never needed to be. What the proportions actually mean on the wrist: the 32.3mm width understates the presence considerably, since the case runs 50.3mm from lug to lug along its longest axis, sitting long and low rather than round and tall. At just over 9mm thick it disappears under a cuff. The triangular crown placement — a consequence of the asymmetric case rather than a stylistic gesture — falls exactly where the thumb finds it. On black calf leather with a folding clasp, it wears lighter than it looks.
- Reference
- H24411732
- Brand
- Hamilton
- Collection
- Ventura
- Case size
- 50.3mm
- Case thickness
- 9.27mm
- Lug width
- 17mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Mineral
- Movement
- Quartz
- Calibre
- ETA 955.
- Water resistance
- 50m
- Bracelet / strap
- Leather strap
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Deployant clasp
- Retailer
- Mappin & Webb
Learn more about Hamilton
Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1892, and its early business was the railroad. American rail accidents caused by unsynchronised timekeeping had forced the industry to adopt strict standards, and Hamilton built pocket watches accurate enough to meet them — earning the description the watch of railroad accuracy.
Two things then defined it. The first was war: Hamilton supplied over a million watches to American forces in the Second World War, suspending civilian production entirely, and its marine chronometers were fitted across the US Navy.
The second was electricity. The Ventura of 1957 was the first battery-powered electric wristwatch, and its asymmetric shield-shaped case, designed by Richard Arbib, looked like nothing before it. Elvis Presley wore one in Blue Hawaii.
Hamilton's cinematic presence is unusually deep — over five hundred films — and includes the watches designed for 2001: A Space Odyssey with Stanley Kubrick, and appearances in Interstellar and Tenet.
American manufacturing ended in 1969 as the quartz crisis approached. The brand was acquired by the Swiss and is now part of the Swatch Group, based in Biel, where it occupies a distinctive position: American design heritage, Swiss production, and ETA movements with long power reserves at accessible prices. The Khaki Field, descended from the wartime issue watches, is its best-known line.
- 1892
- Founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- 1918
- Supplies the first US airmail flights.
- 1957
- The Ventura is the first electric wristwatch.
- 1968
- Designs the watches for 2001: A Space Odyssey.
- 1974
- Becomes Swiss-owned; now part of the Swatch Group.
Also in 5 collections
This watch appears in the Hamilton Ventura range (5), Back in Stock (3,988), Stainless Steel Watches (2,814), Leather Strap Watches (928) and Watches 44mm and Over (753).
Hamilton Ventura alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | H24411732 | 010-02704-01 | 98B316 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £870 | £860 | £679 |
| Case size | 50.3mm | 51mm | 46.5mm |
| Water resistance | 50m | 100m | 300m |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Strap | Leather strap | Silicone strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| This watch |
|
|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Showering yes, swimming no. 50m covers splashes and brief immersion, but a swimming stroke generates well above the pressure that figure describes.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
It can, over time. Mineral glass handles daily wear but will pick up fine scratches that sapphire would not.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
Yes. It is quartz, so expect a battery change every two to three years at a jeweller.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedWhat size strap does it take?
17mm. Any strap of that width will fit, and on most modern watches quick-release bars make the swap a two-minute job with no tools.
Is it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
Cheapest place to buy
Mappin & Webb is the only UK retailer we track stocking this reference, so there is nothing to compare it against today.
More Hamilton watches like the Ventura
In stock, and close on style and price
