Having tried and failed to find a Chrono-matic for a decent price lately I got really excited when I woke up today and saw that Hamilton was doing a modern homage with the Intramatic 68! ...at 42 mm. I do think they're heading in the right direction. The reverse panda dial design is excellent and really well balanced in my opinion. It would have been perfect at 38 or 40 mm. But at that size and at $2,195 retail... I just don't know. Thoughts? http://wornandwound.com/hamilton-basel-preview-2017-brand-revives-icon/
It's a shame. This would have been an instant buy at 38 mm for sure. On a related note, if anyone has a vintage Chrono-matic they want to sell (or knows of one), let me know...
And why are the sub registers so oversized? The amazing thing that made the Chrono-Matic so popular was the perfect balance and symmetry within the dial. On the new one the sub registers dominate the dial too much......
I think the design is perfect. 42 mm is the upper bound of what most people consider conventionally-sized cases. I can't wait to see this watch in person, since there are always those intangible factors that ultimately determine how the watch wears. But personally I'm excited about this watch, especially after the epic fail that was the Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono. Finally Hamilton got everything right on a re-issue.
I actually really the design, if that wasn't clear from my original post! The dial is excellent, even if the subdials are a little large. Everything from the Tachymeter to the date is really well executed. I just don't think they got everything right -- my gut reaction is that 42 mm is still a little bit too large. However, like you said, I'll reserve further judgement until I see it on the wrist.
As everyone : 38 would have been an instant buy 40, well, let me think... Hmmm... why not... 42 : No way. They did almost the same with the Pan Europ. I received the LE as a gift from my wife and I wear it from time to time because of this. But my heart belongs to the 70's one.
Yeah I would have voted for 40, and I think that is kind of the average size that would attract the most buyers, I think you would love some on either side of it
I've also been on the hunt for one. They priced it perfectly as vintage ones are priced right above the new release and therefore making this seem live a value buy. Seen a few on Mentawatches site but I am untrained to how correct they are. This is one I'm actually considering. https://mentawatches.com/inventory/hamilton-reverse-panda-buick-chronograph/ https://mentawatches.com/inventory/hamilton-panda-date-chronograph/ https://mentawatches.com/inventory/hamilton-panda-chrono-matic-2/
That last one is so nice but it's sold. The other panda is cool too! Not sure if it's worth $3,200 however...
This watch appeared on Hamilton's website just tonight, and the specs listed describe the watch as being 14.6 mm tall. To me, this is a very reasonable height for a 42 mm wide case. I think this watch will wear very nicely, but to each his own. I suspect it will wear very similarly to the Zenith CP-2 re-issue from this last fall, which is 43 x 13. Only 200 of these are coming to the US, so I'm actually glad there are so many people who are turned off by the 42mm case size (no offense meant to the folks who simply prefer a smaller case; I'm referring here to people who think 42 mm is just plain wrong on principle). It will mean better chances for those of us who actually like this case size and think that Hamilton did a great job with this piece. Myron
I really diggin the design, but I am also nut sure about the size. In my opinion the way Omega goes with the size of the '57 Speedy is the better approach! I hope I get the chance to test and see the Hamilton on my wrist soon. Nico
