Presented for auction by Second Vintage The Hamilton Ventura stands as one of the most instantly recognizable and culturally significant timepiece designs of the twentieth century. Originally launched in 1957 as the world’s first electrical, battery-powered watch, its radical asymmetric shield-shaped case was penned by renowned industrial designer Richard Arbib. Capturing the spirit of the Atomic Age and famously worn by Elvis Presley, the Ventura remains an enduring icon of mid-century American design. This modern iteration faithfully captures the striking aesthetics of the original while benefiting from reliable Swiss quartz technology, offering collectors a highly wearable piece of horological history with undeniable wrist presence. Brand: Hamilton Model: Ventura Reference Number: H244110 Movement: Swiss quartz caliber ETA 955.412, 7 jewels Dial: Pristine black dial with signature white electric pulse motif and applied silver-tone dot markers Case Size: 33 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 2010s Condition: Excellent second hand condition with light handling marks and a highly preserved dial Dial and Hands The dial of this Ventura is a masterclass in retro-futuristic design, presented in a deep, glossy black that serves as a perfect contrasting backdrop for its iconic elements. The signature white "electric pulse" line zigzags across the center, a direct homage to the original 1957 electrical movement's heritage. Time is indicated by applied silver-tone dot hour markers that catch the light beautifully, complemented by the crisp, sans-serif white Hamilton typography positioned in the upper quadrant. The polished silver-tone dauphine-style hour and minute hands are sharply faceted and remain in excellent condition. A close visual inspection reveals the dial to be exceptionally clean, entirely free of spots, moisture marks, or degradation, presenting a flawless vintage aesthetic. Case and Crystal The striking asymmetric shield-shaped case is executed in fully polished stainless steel, showcasing the Ventura's dramatic geometry. The stepped, tiered lug structures are sharply defined, integrating seamlessly into the sweeping curves of the case flanks. The polished surfaces remain bright and reflective, showing only honest, superficial handling marks consistent with careful wear, with no deep scratches or significant impacts. The original crown, deeply engraved with the Hamilton 'H' logo, is correctly positioned and well-preserved. The caseback is cleanly engraved with the reference H244110 and water resistance specifications. The distinctive, custom-shaped domed crystal perfectly follows the contours of the case and appears clear and free of any notable blemishes or scratches, offering an unobstructed view of the dial. Movement Powering this timepiece is the reliable Swiss-made ETA caliber 955.412 quartz movement. Close inspection of the movement reveals crisp factory engravings, including the ETA shield logo and the caliber designation on the gold-toned mainplate. The blue circuit board is clearly stamped with "SWISS SEVEN 7 JEWELS V8", indicating a high-quality, fully jeweled quartz caliber designed for longevity and precise timekeeping. The movement compartment is exceptionally clean, reflecting proper maintenance and care. Strap The watch is fitted with a black textured leather strap that complements the angular lines of the case. The strap features a branded stainless steel deployant clasp, prominently signed with the Hamilton name in bold typography. The inner lining of the strap bears the Hamilton branding and reference numbers. While the outer textured surface presents very well, the inner leather lining exhibits visible signs of wear and darkening consistent with normal use, though it remains entirely structurally sound and ready for wear. Condition This Hamilton Ventura is presented in excellent overall condition, demonstrating careful ownership. The polished stainless steel case retains its dramatic factory profile and high-shine finish, exhibiting only minor, superficial micro-scratches typical of light use. The dial and hands are immaculate, showing no signs of aging or environmental damage. The custom-shaped crystal is clean and clear. The leather strap shows standard wear on the interior lining but functions perfectly with its original signed deployant clasp. Dimensions The asymmetric case measures 33 mm in width, excluding the signed crown, providing a substantial yet elegant presence on the wrist that stays true to its mid-century origins. Remarks This reference H244110 is a superb execution of the Ventura lineage, blending the unmistakable 1950s Atomic Age styling with modern Swiss quartz dependability. Its pristine dial and sharp case lines make it a highly attractive proposition for both dedicated Hamilton enthusiasts and collectors of iconic design objects. It is a statement piece that commands attention and sparks conversation. History Introduced in 1957, the Hamilton Ventura revolutionized the watch industry as the first electrical, battery-powered watch, pre-dating quartz technology. Its radical, futuristic case design by Richard Arbib broke entirely from traditional round watch shapes, perfectly capturing the space-age optimism of the era. The Ventura's cultural status was cemented when Elvis Presley wore it in the 1961 film "Blue Hawaii," forever linking the watch to the King of Rock and Roll. Today, the Ventura remains Hamilton's most famous and recognizable model, a testament to the enduring power of bold, unapologetic design. Payment and Shipping Payment must be completed within 1–3 days after purchase. Your watch will be professionally and very securely packaged, and shipped with tracking and insurance for your peace of mind. We ship via fast express service, with typical delivery in 1–4 business days (destination dependent). Note that with vintage watches, minor signs of wear, aging, or imperfections may be present and are considered normal for watches of this age. Please review all photos carefully before bidding. We strive to photograph each watch from multiple angles for the most accurate representation. The photos form an important part of the description. If there are any concerns of functionality or defects after delivery, make sure to contact us within 3 days of receiving the watch so we can assist you. As with all vintage watches, water resistance is not guaranteed. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us after the auction ends. / Second Vintage SKU: HAM-HAH-0002