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Gedanken · 16 June 2007, 12:43 AM

Okay, the guys here who know me well enough know the things I like in watches:

- screw-down crowns
- bracelets
- solid metal casebacks

So what arrived in the mail today? This:

It's the 50th anniversary Hamilton Ventura Automatic. Yes, Steve, laugh it up.

Last September, I bought a Ventura for Sasha's birthday, and being a fan of Art Deco, I loved the funky design but wished that it came as an auto instead of quartz. Well, I got my wish. It's ironic that the world's first electric watch should have its 50th birthday celebrated with an automatic variant, but there you have it.

For a bit of background, the Ventura was designed by Richard Arbib, the same guy who put fins on Cadillacs. The Ventura is a classic Arbib design, asymmetrical and reflective of the Space Age design culture of the fifites. As a commemoration of the Ventura's 1957 launch, only 1957 of these autos will be manufactured (with another 1957 limited edition quartz versions) - I got number 280, and the number is engraved on the side of the case.

Here are the two Venturas in the family:

So, how does it stack up against the normal production Ventura? For one thing, the crown (which can be pulled out without unscrewing) is more substantial than the quartz models, and for another thing, it's a helluva lot thicker to accommodate the ETA 2824-2 movement:

It's not that the quartz Ventura is thin either - here's the auto Ventura next to my SD:

One major improvement over the quartz version is the deployant clasp - it's a lot sutrdier. Here's the quartz clasp:

Here's the automatic's clasp:

The quartz clasp operates with two notches catching on thin bars - it's awkward to use, and every time I give the clasp a hard tug to open it I feel as if I'm going to break it:

The new clasp on the automatic uses spring-loaded catches to keep it closed, and pressing studs on either side of the clasp releases it:

Now, for the piece la resistance, the automatic Ventura has a see-though caseback to go with the skeleton dial:

Overall, the automatic is ntoicably heavier than the quartz model, but given its size and the automatic movement, that's not surprising. Still, I'm used to my Sea Dweller, which is much heavier and wider than the Ventura, so it actually seems too light by my standards.

So there you go, I got a watch that has a pull-out crown, a clear caseback and a strap, flying in the face of the things I look for in a watch. Truth be told, I'm just having too much fun enjoying it to notice how I've backtracked!

Prince · 16 June 2007, 01:07 AM

James! How could you!!

Sometimes, we do what we say we'll never do. So sue us!

Gedanken · 16 June 2007, 01:10 AM

Well, my momma always did say I was a scoundrel.

C.J. · 16 June 2007, 04:44 AM

If I knew it was that ugly I would have never called the guy

Just kidding, bro

Congrats

Dan Pierce · 16 June 2007, 05:32 AM

Godd for you James!

I love the Ventura. Never new they made an auto.

That looks great!

May I ask what you paid?
Here's a pic of a reissue my waife bought me years ago.

JJ Irani · 16 June 2007, 05:35 AM

Hey James,

If I were you, I'd wear that watch with the caseback facing to the outside!!!

Congrats, pal!!

Gedanken · 16 June 2007, 11:23 AM

Thanks, guys!

DP, the autos are being made in a limited production run of 1957 pieces. That said, I would think that if the market's response for it is good, regular production is possible.

RRP is US$849, but I got mine for US$650. Now we get to the catch - I bought mine off a store called Vision of Luxury in New Jersey, and dealing with them was a painful experience to say the least. Craig had to help me by calling them several times and asking what the hell was going on (thanks, Craig!

). I'll write a full tirade later in a separate thread, but I would definitely not recommend dealing with them.

Lol-x · 16 June 2007, 12:30 PM

Congrats on the new timepiece.

I like the skeleton and display back, not to mention the red second hand.
So I hope that you are happy with the result, box, papers etc?
How is it keeping time?
No. 280 is pretty darn lucky too!

Andad · 16 June 2007, 02:37 PM

James,

Very nice, I am sure your daughter will enjoy them both.

Edward.

Gedanken · 16 June 2007, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

James,

Very nice, I am sure your daughter will enjoy them both.

Edward.

What's that supposed to mean?

Prince · 16 June 2007, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by directioneng

James,

Very nice, I am sure your daughter will enjoy them both.

Edward.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

What's that supposed to mean?

Maybe Eddie got hit with a standard issue neuralyzer.

Incurable · 16 June 2007, 02:58 PM

Now all you need is the last suit you'll ever wear and a pair of RayBans you're set!! Just watch out for that Neuralizer, always point the business end out

Prince · 16 June 2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incurable

Now all you need is the last suit you'll ever wear and a pair of RayBans you're set!! Just watch out for that Neuralizer, always point the business end out

Exactly! "Yeah and... and... and I'm gonna be back to talk about them Rolexes."

Gedanken · 16 June 2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

Exactly! "Yeah and... and... and I'm gonna be back to talk about them Rolexes."

Aw nuts, completely forgot about that line!

Good one, Allan!

Prince · 16 June 2007, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Aw nuts, completely forgot about that line!

Good one, Allan!

"Gentlemen, congratulations. You're everything we've come to expect from years of government training."

Incurable · 16 June 2007, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince

"Gentlemen, congratulations. You're everything we've come to expect from years of government training."

One of the best lines among many... Ready for your eye test?

Oh yeah, interesting watch and great conversation piece... Enjoy

Gedanken · 16 June 2007, 06:48 PM

Thanks Steve!

I'm happy with Hamilton's product, but very unhappy with Vision of Luxury's service - that guy will be getting negative feedback from me, which I've never done before on eBay. It's running at about +10 per day, but I'll give it a few weeks to see how it settles out.

Pat, given that we mods are the last line of defence against the scum of the Internet and we get to press the red button, I think the Ventura's only fitting. Besides, I make this look good.

Incurable · 17 June 2007, 12:10 AM

Or a reverberating carbonizer w/mutate capacity.

Prince · 17 June 2007, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incurable

Or a reverberating carbonizer w/mutate capacity.

Indeed, Pat!

http://www.destinationhollywood.com/...kclip_04.shtml

Henry T · 18 June 2007, 01:01 AM

Be careful. Eat too much crow and you'll be shitting feathers for the rest of your life.

Gedanken · 19 June 2007, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry T

Be careful. Eat too much crow and you'll be shitting feathers for the rest of your life.

Nah, take the feathers off and it tastes like rabbit.

Prince · 19 June 2007, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Nah, take the feathers off and it tastes like rabbit.

Chicken, James. CHICKEN!!!

Gedanken · 17 June 2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Incurable

Or a reverberating carbonizer w/mutate capacity.

I was thinking more along the lines of Noisy Cricket, actually.

dman · 17 June 2007, 10:56 AM

That watch looks great on you and Elvis m8.

Congrats James.

Gedanken · 17 June 2007, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dman

That watch looks great on you and Elvis m8.

Congrats James.

Thanks, Daren - I think Elvis took his with him when he went home.

Arby · 17 June 2007, 02:34 PM

Really nice watches.

I like the one on the left with the resistor on the face. My buddy is into 75 to 100 year old Pocket Watches and he as a few Hamiltons.

Gedanken · 17 June 2007, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arby

Really nice watches.

I like the one on the left with the resistor on the face. My buddy is into 75 to 100 year old Pocket Watches and he as a few Hamiltons.

Thanks, Ron. I've seen some nice Hamilton pocket watches around and they have their place in the American railroad's history.

jac67 · 17 June 2007, 10:47 PM

Nice watch James.

A little different to say the least, but nice.

Wear it in good health.

John.

Gedanken · 17 June 2007, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jac67

Nice watch James.

A little different to say the least, but nice.

Wear it in good health.

John.

Thanks, John. Yeah, it is different, but that's what I like about it - the design makes it a great conversation piece.

Tools · 21 June 2007, 08:52 AM

Seriously, great looking watches.

Do you have the DeLorean to go with them :)

16 June 2007, 12:43 AM	#1
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Eating crow Okay, the guys here who know me well enough know the things I like in watches: - screw-down crowns - bracelets - solid metal casebacks So what arrived in the mail today? This: It's the 50th anniversary Hamilton Ventura Automatic. Yes, Steve, laugh it up. Last September, I bought a Ventura for Sasha's birthday, and being a fan of Art Deco, I loved the funky design but wished that it came as an auto instead of quartz. Well, I got my wish. It's ironic that the world's first electric watch should have its 50th birthday celebrated with an automatic variant, but there you have it. For a bit of background, the Ventura was designed by Richard Arbib, the same guy who put fins on Cadillacs. The Ventura is a classic Arbib design, asymmetrical and reflective of the Space Age design culture of the fifites. As a commemoration of the Ventura's 1957 launch, only 1957 of these autos will be manufactured (with another 1957 limited edition quartz versions) - I got number 280, and the number is engraved on the side of the case. Here are the two Venturas in the family: So, how does it stack up against the normal production Ventura? For one thing, the crown (which can be pulled out without unscrewing) is more substantial than the quartz models, and for another thing, it's a helluva lot thicker to accommodate the ETA 2824-2 movement: It's not that the quartz Ventura is thin either - here's the auto Ventura next to my SD: One major improvement over the quartz version is the deployant clasp - it's a lot sutrdier. Here's the quartz clasp: Here's the automatic's clasp: The quartz clasp operates with two notches catching on thin bars - it's awkward to use, and every time I give the clasp a hard tug to open it I feel as if I'm going to break it: The new clasp on the automatic uses spring-loaded catches to keep it closed, and pressing studs on either side of the clasp releases it: Now, for the piece la resistance, the automatic Ventura has a see-though caseback to go with the skeleton dial: Overall, the automatic is ntoicably heavier than the quartz model, but given its size and the automatic movement, that's not surprising. Still, I'm used to my Sea Dweller, which is much heavier and wider than the Ventura, so it actually seems too light by my standards. So there you go, I got a watch that has a pull-out crown, a clear caseback and a strap, flying in the face of the things I look for in a watch. Truth be told, I'm just having too much fun enjoying it to notice how I've backtracked! __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

16 June 2007, 01:07 AM	#2
Prince "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Real Name: Allan Location: St. Augustine, FL Watch: Daytona/Sub/GMT/DJ Posts: 20,323	James! How could you!! Sometimes, we do what we say we'll never do. So sue us! __________________ Member: Rolex Keeper's Society "You see, you can't please everyone, so you got to please yourself." - Rick Nelson

16 June 2007, 01:10 AM	#3
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Well, my momma always did say I was a scoundrel. __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

16 June 2007, 04:44 AM	#4
C.J. "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: * Posts: 10,196	If I knew it was that ugly I would have never called the guy Just kidding, bro Congrats __________________ Me? I'm still looking for Kokomo. I just hope that damn golfer isn't there

16 June 2007, 05:32 AM	#5
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,215	Godd for you James! I love the Ventura. Never new they made an auto. That looks great! May I ask what you paid? Here's a pic of a reissue my waife bought me years ago. Attached Images __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

16 June 2007, 05:35 AM	#6
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Hey James, If I were you, I'd wear that watch with the caseback facing to the outside!!! Congrats, pal!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

16 June 2007, 11:23 AM	#7
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Thanks, guys! DP, the autos are being made in a limited production run of 1957 pieces. That said, I would think that if the market's response for it is good, regular production is possible. RRP is US$849, but I got mine for US$650. Now we get to the catch - I bought mine off a store called Vision of Luxury in New Jersey, and dealing with them was a painful experience to say the least. Craig had to help me by calling them several times and asking what the hell was going on (thanks, Craig! ). I'll write a full tirade later in a separate thread, but I would definitely not recommend dealing with them. __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

16 June 2007, 12:30 PM	#8
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,587	Congrats on the new timepiece. I like the skeleton and display back, not to mention the red second hand. So I hope that you are happy with the result, box, papers etc? How is it keeping time? No. 280 is pretty darn lucky too!

16 June 2007, 02:37 PM	#9
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,528	James, Very nice, I am sure your daughter will enjoy them both. Edward. __________________ E

16 June 2007, 02:58 PM	#12
Incurable "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Pat Location: PNW Watch: your P's and Q's Posts: 2,549	Now all you need is the last suit you'll ever wear and a pair of RayBans you're set!! Just watch out for that Neuralizer, always point the business end out __________________ Rolex GMT Master II 16710 (Blk/Blk) Rolex Explorer 114270 Sinn 356 Sa Flieger Limes Endurance 1Tausend Too many others... #2592 It may seem like I'm doing nothing but, at a cellular level, I'm actually quite busy...

16 June 2007, 06:48 PM	#17
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Thanks Steve! I'm happy with Hamilton's product, but very unhappy with Vision of Luxury's service - that guy will be getting negative feedback from me, which I've never done before on eBay. It's running at about +10 per day, but I'll give it a few weeks to see how it settles out. Pat, given that we mods are the last line of defence against the scum of the Internet and we get to press the red button, I think the Ventura's only fitting. Besides, I make this look good. __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

17 June 2007, 12:10 AM	#18
Incurable "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Pat Location: PNW Watch: your P's and Q's Posts: 2,549	Or a reverberating carbonizer w/mutate capacity. __________________ Rolex GMT Master II 16710 (Blk/Blk) Rolex Explorer 114270 Sinn 356 Sa Flieger Limes Endurance 1Tausend Too many others... #2592 It may seem like I'm doing nothing but, at a cellular level, I'm actually quite busy...

18 June 2007, 01:01 AM	#20
Henry T "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Malaysia Posts: 352	Be careful. Eat too much crow and you'll be shitting feathers for the rest of your life. __________________ Fat cats need to be fed too. A cat has nine lives. Fat cats may have more.

17 June 2007, 10:56 AM	#24
dman Lifetime TRF Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Daren Location: Austin Watch: the road Posts: 13,585	That watch looks great on you and Elvis m8. Congrats James. __________________ You either get it or you don't, if you have to ask, YOU DON'T!! I really hope that midget cop doesn't find me in Kokomo.

17 June 2007, 02:34 PM	#26
Arby "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Ron Location: NJ Posts: 726	Really nice watches. I like the one on the left with the resistor on the face. My buddy is into 75 to 100 year old Pocket Watches and he as a few Hamiltons.

17 June 2007, 10:47 PM	#28
jac67 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Me Posts: 1,950	Nice watch James. A little different to say the least, but nice. Wear it in good health. John.

21 June 2007, 08:52 AM	#30
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Seriously, great looking watches. Do you have the DeLorean to go with them :)

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