Hamilton
Ventura
Why It Matters
The world's first battery-electric wristwatch, launched by Hamilton on 3 January 1957. Richard Arbib's asymmetric gold 'shield' case housed the Hamilton Electric caliber 500, a battery-powered balance wheel with no mainspring; Elvis Presley wore one in Blue Hawaii. This is the original 1957 to 1963 electric Ventura, distinct from the later quartz and automatic reissues.
Object Details
- Brand
- Hamilton
- Family
- Ventura
- Model
- Ventura (Hamilton Electric)
- Reference
- Hamilton Electric (Cal. 500)
- Production
- 1957–1963
- Case
- Asymmetric 'shield' case
- Material
- 14k yellow gold
- Movement
- Hamilton Electric Cal. 500 (battery, balance-wheel; Cal. 505 from 1961)
- Dial
- Black or silver dial
- Provenance
- Model worn by Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii (1961)
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