In Review: Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H

Remember back at the end of March when we told you about the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H? Well, since then, we’ve been able to spend some time with one – so read on and see what we thought of the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H, and check out our hands-on photos.

Now, I know what you’re thinking – as probably the most chronograph-averse member of the WWR staff, I’m an unlikely one to go hands-on with it. Still, I can appreciate a good vintage look, and the fact that Hamilton decided to go manually wound, and had a movement created specifically for them, speaks volumes. Though, one does wonder why there’s no exhibition caseback showing off that H-51 movement. That aside, one has to wonder – how is the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H?

It definitely delivers on the promise of a vintage look in a modern interpretation. I rather liked the dial layout (complete with luminous bits), and the reverse panda look here did grow on me over time. While I used the chronograph as a fidget toy in my review – and I can’t deny that it’s fun to watch that seconds hand snap back – I cannot say I actually timed a single thing with it. But, you know, that’s just me. And the large part of why I wouldn’t buy a chronograph myself. However, if you like timing things, you’ll be all set, at least for the 30-minute increments that the 3 o’clock register gives you; anything past that, you’ll want to remember your rotations.

The Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H loaner we had came paired onto a mesh milanese strap that had one one of the nicest adjusting clasps that I’ve experienced on this type of a bracelet. It’s a deployant, which helps with the on/off, but you do still have the little flip-lock that needs to be lifted to get things to the fit that you want. All in all, the packaging was not overly bulky, and didn’t make things feel any more constrained than the weave of this mesh ends up giving you. So, definitely an A+ here for Hamilton on the adjustment and comfort of this particular clasp.

Then again, if that’s not your bag, there are leather strap options, but it’s only $50 more for the bracelet, and finding 20mm straps down the road is a cinch. Myself, if I had one, I’d see the mesh bracelet getting some use (particularly if I knew I was going to be around water) but I’d definitely be playing around with leather straps for this as well.

Perhaps nothing too crazy, in terms of styling, as the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H is very much a classic (read: conservative) two-register layout, so something way out there just may not look right against it. But classic croc, suede, or even a cork strap I think would look pretty solid against what Hamilton has presented here.

Just make sure your strap – and the spring bars – are robust. While the Hamilton Intra-Matic Chronograph H is only 40mm in diameter, it is almost 15mm thick, and it stands pretty proud from the wrist. That means it’s likely to encounter some torque pulling on a jacket (or, if you’re not careful, going through a doorway) that your slimmer watches may not encounter. Again, a little surprising that a manually-wound chrono is quite that thick, but the chronograph does add some height to the room needed, and the domed crystal (for that vintage look) adds some height as well.

All in all, I’d rate this to be a very solid offering from Hamilton. I like the new manufacturing being used to generate this sort of vintage/classic look, and the fact that we’re getting a new movement along for the ride is just icing on the cake., At the end of the day, it’s not a watch for me, but that’s my and my chrono aversion. On the other hand, if you’re a fan of them, and want to experience a modern hand-wound version (with 60-hour power reserve to boot), you can do just that $2,045 on the leather strap, or $2,095 on the mesh steel in either a black or cream dial. hamiltonwatch.com

Tech Specs from Hamilton