Vintage ads - Hamilton (1937)

ENGLISH (il testo italiano è sotto l'immagine)

'Hamilton accuracy is an invaluable guide to United’s pilots – checking position in the air, calculating air speed, timing radio communication with airports along the way …' In 1937, United Airlines introduced the Douglas DC-3 Mainliners. With a range of 1,500 miles, they flew from New York to San Francisco in less than 16 hours with only three stops along the way. The ad pays tribute to this unprecedented feat, while pointing out that Hamilton – for a long time presented as 'the watch of railroad curacy' – was now a 'watch of airline accuracy', as well. Finally, the text reminds that 'Hamilton makes no watches with fewer than 17 jewels, no watches cased in less than platinum, solid gold or gold filled'.

Do you like vintage watch ads? Visit the page about Watch Ads, the one and only two-volume pictorial history of communication and design in 20th Century watchmaking. Do you wish to know more? Watch the video clip about the publication and download the preview of Volume 1. 

The vintage ads presented in this website are not featured in the Watch Ads books.

 

ITALIANO 

“La precisione Hamilton è un punto di riferimento essenziale per i piloti di United, che la usano per il controllo della posizione, il calcolo della velocità, la gestione delle comunicazioni radio con gli aeroporti durante il viaggio …” Nel 1937, United Airlines presentò i Douglas DC-3 Mainliners, che con la loro autonomia di 1.500 miglia volavano da New York a San Francisco in meno di 16 ore e con appena tre scali durante il viaggio. L’annuncio rende omaggio a questa impresa senza precedenti, sottolineando che l’orologio Hamilton – a lungo pubblicizzato per la sua “precisione ferroviaria” – possedeva ora una “precisione aerea”. Infine, il testo ricorda che “Hamlton non crea orologi con meno di 17 rubini e casse di metalli meno preziosi del platino, dell’oro massiccio e del placcato oro.”    

Ti piacciono le pubblicità d'epoca? Visita la pagina su Watch Ads, l'unica storia illustrata in due volumi della comunicazione e del design nell'orologeria del Novecento. Vuoi saperne di più? Guarda il video sull'opera e scarica l'anteprima del Volume 1.

 

New releases - Doxa Sub 350T Divingstar

The brand brings the GMT function back into the Sub Collection. The 40mm stainless steel case features a patented unidirectional bezel with diving scales, a screw-down crown and water resistance to 250 metres. The Divingstar model seen here is easily recognisable by the yellow dial and FKM rubber strap, available as an alternative to the classic stainless steel ‘beads of rice’ bracelet. The Swiss automatic movement has a 50-hour power reserve. Price : CHF 2,390.

 

Watches at auction

Here are a few highlights from the auction Phillips swill hold on 7-8 June in New York.

 

 

Offered for the first time in nearly 40 years, this yellow gold Patek Philippe Ref. 1518 retains its original factory finishing with full, thick lugs indicative of hardly any use and showing no signs of a previous polishing. The dial shows no aging or any signs of prior interventions Estimate : US$ 400,000-800,000

This pink gold Patek Philippe Ref. 530 has never been seen at public auction. With a production timeline spanning from 1937 until 1962, only approximately 140 examples of this chronograph are believed to have been produced, all of which were offered to important clients, never appearing in the brand’s catalogues. Estimate : US$ 300,000-600,000

 

Only four examples of a stainless steel Ref. 570 with large Breguet numerals and three-tone dial are known to the public, of which this is the fourth. Purchased at a National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors’ “watch mart” in the early 2000s, its custodian for the past two decades is a former military watchmaker and avid collector. Estimate: US$ 200,000-400,000

 

 

  

The Ref. 3970 was the first Patek Philippe perpetual calendar chronograph to indicate leap years, and the first to add a 24-hour indicator. Only a very small number of 3970s are known to be fitted with this specific matte golden dial. Estimate: US$ 150,000-300,000

 

 

Zenith El Primero - The revival

The launch, near-end and comeback – the first 20 years of a legend

Enjoy the brand-new mini documentary from the 10e10.ch by Marco Strazzi You Tube channel ... and do not forget to subscribe!

Zenith El Primero - La rinascita

Gli inizi, la fine prematura, il ritorno: i primi 20 anni di una leggenda.

L'ultimo mini-documentario dal Canale YouTube 10e10.ch by Marco Strazzi.

Buona visione ... e non dimenticare di iscriverti!

 

New Releases - Taos Savile Row

Developed by Geneva-based watchmaker Olivier Gaud and crafted by the 40 artisans at the Atelier Olivier Vaucher in Geneva, this unique piece pays tribute to the London street synonymous with sartorial elegance. The creation of the dial’s pattern requires multiple techniques: engraving beneath enamel, applying multi-layered transparent enamels, miniature enamel painting, mult-layered ‘fondant’ covering. The finishing of the self-winding VOP318 caliber, made by the Swiss specialist Télôs at the brand’s express request, is the result of over 150 hours of hand engraving. The 18k gold case measures 38mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness. Price: CHF 140,000.

New releases – Bremont Perpetual Calendar GMT Mono-Pusher

Evolved from the British brand’s Altitude collection, this timepiece features a complication module exclusively devised by the Geneva atelier Agenhor. Along with the manually wound Sellita calibre, it delivers a 50-hour power reserve. The 42mm case in grade 2 titanium features the Bremont’s signature three-piece Trip-Tick construction. The Air Force blue dial presents complex information with visual clarity. A domed disc at 12 o’clock provides the second time zone indication. The subdials at 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock display the perpetual calendar’s indications. Price : £ 33,500.

Watches and movies

The latest video clip from The Watch Library deals with the 100-year long relationship between cinema and timepieces.