Hamilton Ventura

From Elvis Presley to Men in Black

Hamilton first introduced the Ventura in 1957. It made waves as the world's first battery-powered watch, and its unusual design caught the attention of the entire industry. A closer look at the triangular shield-shaped case reveals many similarities to car design conventions at the time. It therefore comes as no surprise that industrial designer Richard Arbib is the man behind this iconic case. Throughout his career, Arbib drafted many concept cars for major American automobile manufacturers.

The modern Ventura collection remains true to the original design from the 1950s. However, it now includes numerous automatic models in addition to a wide range of quartz watches. The cases are made of stainless steel, though select timepieces feature a yellow gold or black PVD coating. There are cases for all wrist sizes, which Hamilton lists from S-XXL. While the smallest women's watch measures only 36.5 x 24 mm, the Elvis 80 men's editions are a more sizable 45 x 43 mm. Regardless of size, each Ventura is water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft).

Elvis Presley is among the most famous celebrities ever to own a Ventura. He can be spotted wearing the watch in the 1961 classic Blue Hawaii. The Ventura has also appeared in every Men in Black film since 1997.

Reasons to Buy a Hamilton Ventura

• Design from the 1950s
• Quartz and automatic calibers
• Various case sizes
• Famous wearers including Elvis Presley
• As seen in Men in Black

How much does a Hamilton Ventura cost?

Prices for the Ventura Elvis 80

Hamilton has released numerous Ventura models dedicated to the King of Rock and Roll. Known as the "Elvis 80," the first watches debuted in 2015 – the same year Elvis would have turned 80. There are both quartz and automatic versions available. The 2015 ref. H24585731 is especially distinctive. Its case, dial, and strap are solid black with silver, white, and orange accents. While the indices and hour and minute hands are silver-colored, the minute scale between 12 and 3 o'clock and second hand add a splash of bright orange. Finally, white luminous material fills the indices. Hamilton mounts this model on a black leather strap with white stitching.

The caliber H-10 powers this Ventura and provides it with an 80-hour power reserve. At 45 x 43 mm, the Elvis 80 is a decidedly masculine watch. Prices for this timepiece range from 1,050 USD pre-owned to 1,500 USD new.

Do you like the look of the Elvis 80 but prefer quartz watches? If so, you may enjoy the ref. H24551131. Though its case and bracelet are plain stainless steel, its dial is largely similar to that of the automatic version. This watch has a list price of 1,095 USD. However, you can find mint-condition pieces on Chrono24 for around 820 USD.

Purchasing a Ventura Blue Jeans

Hamilton also produces watches for fans of denim. Back in the 1950s, jeans were a sign of rebellion. The manufacturer marked the Ventura collection's 60th anniversary by launching a timepiece in honor of this fabric: the ref. H24411941. Its dial resembles the texture of blue jeans, while its strap is made of actual denim. The only indices appear at 6 and 12 o'clock, and an electromagnetic wave runs across the middle of the dial – a feature also found on the original Ventura from 1957. Never-worn models change hands for about 600 USD. Hamilton lists that same watch at 845 USD.

Men in Black Models

The Ventura XXL ref. H24655331 takes things a step further. It measures a massive 45.5 x 46 mm and even appears in Men in Black 3 on the wrist of young Agent K (played by Josh Brolin). The automatic caliber ETA 2824-2 ticks away inside its stainless steel case. Perhaps the most interesting feature is its black dial, which resembles a high-tech speaker. Red accents on the minute scale between 12 and 3 o'clock and the tip of the second hand lend this timepiece a sporty touch. A turbine-shaped crown completes the bold design. The Ventura XXL costs some 990 USD new and 820 USD pre-owned.

Features of the Ventura XXL

• Automatic caliber
• Makes its presence known
• Rubber strap
• Worn by young Agent K

Ventura Agent J & K

Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) also sport Venturas in each Men in Black movie. In the third installment, they don the ref. H24412732, a chronograph. This stainless steel watch has a more oblong 50.3 x 32.3-mm case. While the collection's other chronograph come with line indices, this model's black dial features dot indices. The subdials sit at 2, 6, and 10 o'clock. The quartz ETA caliber 251.474 also gives this watch its central hour, minute, and second hands, as well as a date display at 4 o'clock. You can purchase this watch in its original condition for around 710 USD. Pre-owned pieces demand about 600 USD.

Ventura Agent M

For something more faithful to the original Ventura, there's the ref. H24211732. Actress Tessa Thompson specifically chose this version for her role as Agent M. Its black dial also has silver-colored dot indices. The quartz ETA caliber F03.101 powers this three-hand watch. One of the most interesting design elements is the electromagnetic wave that stretches from 9 to 3 o'clock. A black leather strap with a reptilian pattern holds this timepiece securely on the wrist. Prices for this watch start at approximately 550 USD used and go up to 660 USD in mint condition.