Hamilton Intra-Matic

American Design from the 1960s

The American-Swiss watch manufacturer Hamilton offers chronographs and three-hand watches within the Intra-Matic collection, the design of which is based on timepieces that the brand produced back in the 1960s. For example, the chronographs in the series are inspired by the A models and the Chrono-Matic from the late 1960s. Back then, these two vintage chronographs were incredibly popular among race car drivers and watch enthusiasts alike.

The dials in bicompax design are striking, with subdials that stand out clearly from the primary dial color. The color combinations in black and white are referred to as a panda or reverse panda. Well-maintained originals are extremely rare today, and fetch relatively high prices. These older timepieces are also less robust than what you'd expect from a modern everyday watch. For Hamilton, this was reason enough to present a limited edition of the iconic chronograph in 2017. Since then, a number of other variants (not as limited editions) with different dial colors and different case sizes have been added to the collection.

In addition to chronographs, the range offers a selection of three-hand watches, which are available in white and blue dial colors. The earlier collection also included variants of the Intra-Matic, which only had two hands for hours and minutes. The watches offer the same 1960s retro charm as their more complicated sister models with a more simple and elegant design.

All watches have automatic movements, which Hamilton sources from the proven Swiss movement manufacturer ETA. The water resistance of the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph is 100 m (10 bar, 328 feet). The variants with three and two hands have 50 meters (5 bar, 164 feet) of water resistance.

Reasons to Buy a Hamilton Intra-Matic

• Classic designs inspired by the 1960s
• Automatic movements
• Various case sizes
• Three-hand watches and chronographs

Price overview of the Hamilton Intra-Matic

How much does a Hamilton Intra-Matic cost?

You can buy a new Hamilton Intra-Matic on Chrono24 starting at around 800 USD. At this price, you can get a two-hand model from an earlier collection, such as the variant with the reference number H38455781. Three-hand watches in mint condition, such as reference H38425540, start at around 940 USD.

If you are looking for a chronograph, you should expect a starting price of around 2,000 USD. At the top of the price scale are the new 2025 models with a black-coated housing. This version will set you back about 2,300 USD.

Intra-Matic Auto Chrono - the new edition in 42 mm

Hamilton presented the first new edition of the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono chronograph at Baselworld in 2017. The model bears the reference number H38716731. At press time in April 2025, the watch with a diameter of 42 mm is no longer part of the Hamilton range. However, there are still numerous examples in unworn condition on the Chrono24 marketplace.

Although the design of the chronograph follows its famous role models, this has a so-called reverse panda dial. This means that the subdials at 3 and 9 o'clock are white, while the main dial is black. The tachymeter scale on the outer edge of the dial is also white. The caliber H-31 with a power reserve of 60 hours drives the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono. Thanks to its water resistance of 100 meters (10 bar, 328 feet), the watch is also suitable for swimming.

The chronograph has a black leather strap that holds the timepiece securely on the wrist. This reference is limited to 1968 pieces.

Intra-Matic Chrono 40 mm with manual or automatic winding

As of spring 2025, you can choose from a range of different chronographs within the Intra-Matic collection, which have a diameter of 40 mm. Stainless steel models and variants with a black PVD coating are available. The watch is water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft). In the classically designed stainless steel models, Hamilton distinguishes between the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono and Intra-Matic Chronograph H lines.

The main distinguishing features between the two variants are the movement and the dial design. The watches in the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono series are powered by the automatic caliber H-31 with a date window at 6 o'clock, while the Intra-Matic Chronograph H uses the manual caliber H-51 without a date complication. Both calibers are based on the ETA 7753 and offer a power reserve of 60 hours.

You can also easily distinguish between the two variants based on the dial design. While the automatic variants have a tachymeter scale that contrasts in color with the dial, the hand-wound watches have a scale that is the same color as the main dial. Hamilton also opted for white Superluminova for the luminous material on the indices of the automatic versions. The hand-wound watches, on the other hand, have a brownish luminous material with a vintage look.

Intra-Matic Auto with three hands

Hamilton also has Intra-Matic models available for fans of three-hand watches with a date. Common to all variants is a 40 mm stainless steel case with a water resistance of 100 meters (10 bar, 328 feet). The caliber L529 with a power reserve of 80 hours ticks away inside these watches. The date function on this movement is located at the 6 o'clock position. The hour markers are made of applied silver-colored indices and a dot of white Super-LumiNova.

The model with the reference number H38425720 has a white dial with a black contrasting tachymeter scale. The model is fitted with a black leather strap, while the reference H38425120 has a Milanese strap.

Under the reference number H38425540, you will find the watch with a blue dial and white tachymeter scale. If you opt for the steel bracelet, then the reference H38425140 is the right choice.

Intra-Matic with two hands

In the previous Intra-Matic collection, Hamilton also introduced elegantly designed variants for fans of simple, classic two-hand watches. These watches are still available on Chrono24 in very good or unworn condition.

The model with the reference number H38755151 is one such example. Its stainless steel case is 42 mm wide. The silver-colored dial has a sunburst finish and is printed with black line indices. The time-tested ETA caliber 2892-2 ticks away inside its case and provides this watch with a 50-hour power reserve. It comes with central hour and minute hands and a date display at 6 o'clock. The watch is water-resistant to 50 meters (5 bar, 164 ft).

Hamilton mounts an eight-link stainless steel bracelet on this reference.

If 42 mm case diameter seems too large for you, the reference H38455151 is the right watch to go for. This model is identical to the larger Intra-Matic Auto but measures a more modest 38 mm in diameter.

Gold-Plated Cases and Brown Dials

The reference H38735501 is particularly elegant. It features a yellow gold-plated stainless steel case, a brown sunburst dial, and gold indices and hands. Hamilton pairs this watch with a brown leather strap with a pin buckle. This model is fitted with a brown leather strap.

Reference number H38745501 is technically identical, but has a rose gold-plated case. Its case, indices, and hands are all in this warm golden hue, creating a beautiful contrast with the anthracite dial. A dark brown leather strap completes the look.

FAQs

What distinguishes the Intra-Matic Chronograph H from the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono?

The main difference between the Intra-Matic Chronograph H and the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono lies in the movement used. While the manual caliber H-51 ticks away in the former, the automatic movement H-31 is found in the latter. Both calibers are based on the ETA Valjoux 7753 and have a power reserve of 60 hours.

Is the Intra-Matic waterproof?

The water resistance of a Hamilton Intra-Matic depends on the specific model. While the chronographs generally withstand a water pressure of 100 meters (10 bar, 328 feet), the two- and three-hand versions are only water resistant up to 50 meters (5 bar, 164 feet).

What size is an Intra-Matic?

The chronographs in the Intra-Matic series are available in 42-mm and 40-mm sizes, while three-hand models are only available in 40 mm. Hamilton produced the two-hand versions from earlier collections in 42-mm and 38-mm sizes.