Hamilton Ventura
Record status
Individual type · research required
Period
from 1957
Maker / issuer
Hamilton Watch CompanyThe Hamilton Ventura is an asymmetric wedge-cased wristwatch introduced in 1957 by the Hamilton Watch Company. Designed by Richard Arbib, it debuted as one of the non-traditional asymmetrical case styles created to house the Hamilton Electric 500, recognized as the world's first electric watch.
Originally equipped with an early battery-powered electric movement during Hamilton's era of American manufacture in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the watch gained notable visibility after being worn by Elvis Presley, who also featured it in the movie Blue Hawaii. Later reissues of the timepiece were produced using different movements from the original.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 2
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Hamilton introduced the Electric 500 line in 1957 during its final decade operating as a domestic watch manufacturing powerhouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. As part of this release, the company unveiled the Ventura, an electric watch featuring an unconventional, asymmetrical case created by designer Richard Arbib. The timepiece attained notable visibility when it was worn by Elvis Presley, who brought the watch to wider attention by featuring it in the film Blue Hawaii. While first produced with Hamilton's early battery-powered electric movement, later reissues of the Ventura were manufactured using different movements from the original.
Identification
- Recognition pointers (from background sources)
- Distinctive, non-traditional asymmetrical wedge case styling designed by Richard Arbib. Original 1957 releases house the early battery-powered Hamilton Electric 500 movement. Later reissues are distinguished by their use of different movements from the original electric caliber.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Original and reissue movement distinctions require transcription from a specialist reference.