1957 Hamilton Ventura Wristwatch
Design and Making
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2m 30s
The Henry Ford is pleased to present from our archives an unworn 1957 Hamilton Ventura wristwatch with its rare original gold leaf watch strap.
Update: After further research, our experts have discovered that this watch is a hybrid between the Ventura and the Pacer. This watch was donated to us by the manufacturer, which accounts for the oddness in this example.
The innovative Ventura model features the Hamilton 500 watch movement, the world's first battery powered electronic movement. The automotive-centered, asymmetrical design of the case was designed by automobile designer Richard Arbib, and is reminiscent of the automobile tail fins of the 1950s.
Hamilton watches have been a pop culture mainstay, with the Ventura being featured in motion pictures like Blue Hawaii and Men in Black. The Hamilton Ventura was a personal favorite of Elvis Presley.
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