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Hamilton Jazzmaster Chrono Quartz 42mm Mens Watch
Ref. H32612741
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Stepping up in the same colour and case shape
The Jazzmaster line has always occupied a particular position in Hamilton's catalogue — dressed enough for a jacket, built with enough complication to satisfy someone who actually wants to use what's on the dial. This chronograph sits at the sportier end of that range, the blue dial and white-stitched leather pulling in opposite directions in a way that mostly works: the colour reads energetic in daylight and considerably quieter indoors. The ETA 251.274 is a capable Swiss quartz movement, and the chronograph function here is genuinely usable rather than decorative. At 42mm the case carries some presence on the wrist without tipping into the oversized territory that made the mid-2010s difficult to look back on. The date sits at four o'clock, slightly outside the symmetry that might have been expected — a small quirk that becomes invisible in use but is there if you look for it.
- Reference
- H32612741
- Brand
- Hamilton
- Collection
- Jazzmaster
- Case size
- 42mm
- Case thickness
- 12.13mm
- Lug width
- 22mm
- Case material
- Stainless steel
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Blue
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Quartz
- Calibre
- ETA 251.274
- Functions
- Chronograph, Date
- Water resistance
- 100m
- Bracelet / strap
- Leather strap
- Strap colour
- Black
- Clasp
- Buckle
- Lume
- Luminous
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
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 6 collections
This watch appears in the Hamilton Jazzmaster range (16), Stainless Steel Watches (2,531), Chronograph Watches (914), Leather Strap Watches (854), Blue Dial Watches (701) and Sports Watches (696).
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What the specifications mean
Strengths
- 100m water resistance covers swimming and watersports
- Sapphire crystal, which resists scratching
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
- Sits in the lower half of Hamilton's range as we list it
Worth knowing
- Leather does not suit regular contact with water
Hamilton Jazzmaster Chrono alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification | H32612741 | YA142317 | 010-02903-21 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £790 | £799 | £779 |
| Case size | 42mm | 41mm | 43mm |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m | 100m |
| Movement | Quartz | Quartz | Quartz |
| Strap | Leather strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Silicone strap |
| This watch | Closely matched | Closely matched |
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Yes. At 100m it is rated for swimming and snorkelling, though not for diving.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
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?
22mm. 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
Both Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths list it at £790, so choose on delivery and warranty rather than price.
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