Crefounded in 1892 in Pennsylvania, the manufacture established itself – and also in the world of watchmaking – also in the world of cinema starting from the 1930s with a Hamilton timepiece that appeared in the film Shanghai express with Marlene Dietrich, directed by Josef von sternberg in 1932. A great premiere, wich inaugurates almost a century of collaboration with the seventh art as Hamilton watches appeared almost 500 times in the cinema. This cinematic breakthrough intensified in the 1950s, around which time Hamilton burst onto the screen once again The frogmencreated in 1951 by Lloyd Bacon, and also unveiling in 1957 its revolutionary model then called “Ventura”, imagined by the visionary industrial designer Richard Arbib.
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A piece that Elvis Presley quickly fell in love with. Thanks to the King himself, the Ventura became very popular, adorning the actor’s wrists in his daily life but especially in films Blue Hawaiidirected in 1961 by Norman Taurog, without forgetting those of the heroes of the saga Men in black since 1997. Many big productions followed such asI am legend, Interstellar and the famous “Murph”, Alley of nightmares or even Alone on Mars. For 2023, Hamilton continues its progress of film-related watchmaking by equipping Harrison Ford with a model created especially for him for the latest film in the legendary series. Indiana Jonesin French cinemas on 28 June.
A model that dates back to the 1940s
In fact, almost 15 years after playing the character for the last time on screen, Harrison ford once again takes on the role of the famous archaeologist in the fifth part of the saga, entitled Indiana Jones and the Quadrant of Destiny.This feature film by James Mangold recently had its world premiere and out of competition at the 76th Cannes Film Festival,where the 80-year-old American actor received a Palme d’Honneur.
For the adventurer’s final ride, Indy is fueled by XXL adventure and sets off in search of lost time. Jones tries here and with the help of his goddaughter (Phoebe Waller Bridge) to get his hands on the Antikythera machine. An ancient calculator created by the mathematician Archimedes capable of changing the course of history and coveted by the Nazis including the villain of the adventure, Jürgen Voller, played by Mads Mikkelsen.
To guide him on this quest, the hero, adorned with his iconic whip and fedora hat, is also accompanied by a Hamilton timepiece. This is the Boulton, a reference that first appeared in the 1940s, one of the most iconic watches in the American Classic collection. We find the steel case with yellow gold PVD coating in the shape of a “pillow” and the white dial in art Deco style, on which the small seconds at 6 o’clock are displayed. Supplied with a brown leather strap with alligator finish, the Hamilton American Classic Boulton is powered by a quartz movement.
What role does storytelling play in the marketing strategies of watchmakers in modern cinema?
Title: Timekeepers of cinema: An Interview with Watchmaking Expert Dr. Sofia Lentz
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome, Dr. lentz! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the fascinating intersection of watchmaking and cinema, particularly focusing on the legacy of Hamilton Watches.
Dr. Sofia Lentz: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to dive into this unique topic with you.
Editor: Hamilton Watches has a rich history, having been founded in 1892 in Pennsylvania. Can you share with us how their early innovations contributed to the watchmaking industry?
Dr. Lentz: absolutely! Hamilton was revolutionary in integrating precision and affordability. Their timepieces set a standard for American watchmaking. In the early 20th century, they were known for their pocket watches, which paved the way for wristwatches, especially during World War I. This adaptability really positioned Hamilton as a key player in the industry.
Editor: That’s insightful! I understand that Hamilton also made meaningful strides in the film industry. Their watches were featured in films as early as the 1930s.How did this partnership between watchmaking and cinema develop?
Dr.Lentz: The collaboration began as a marketing strategy to reach a broader audience. By placing their watches in films, they were not just selling a timepiece; they were selling a lifestyle.One of the notable films from the 1930s was Shanghai express, where a Hamilton watch adorned the wrist of none other than Marlene Dietrich.It helped elevate the brand’s status and sophistication.
Editor: Featuring such a glamorous star undoubtedly added to their appeal.Can you elaborate on how this partnership benefited both the watchmaker and the film industry?
Dr.Lentz: Definitely! For Hamilton, it created visibility and allure. Every time their watch appeared on screen, it was a form of advertisement—an invitation to the audience to associate elegance and style with their brand. Simultaneously occurring, for filmmakers, having a well-respected brand like Hamilton lent credibility to their visual storytelling. The watch became part of the narrative, adding authenticity to the character’s story and era.
Editor: That’s a wonderful symbiosis! In today’s world, how do you see the role of watch brands in modern cinema evolving?
Dr. Lentz: Modern cinema continues to look for ways to connect with audiences. Watch brands are now embracing digital storytelling and social media platforms. Though, the core principle remains the same: authenticity. Brands that tell compelling stories—whether through their craftsmanship, heritage, or mission—are the ones that resonate, just as Hamilton did decades ago.
Editor: Fascinating! As we wrap up, what do you think the future holds for Hamilton Watches in both horology and the film industry?
Dr. Lentz: I believe Hamilton will maintain its legacy by continuing to innovate while honoring its history. Collaborations with filmmakers will remain relevant, but we might see them explore even more diverse narratives and partnerships in emerging cinematic genres, particularly in streaming platforms. The proof lies in the stories they choose to tell through their timepieces.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lentz, for sharing your insights today.It’s clear that the relationship between watchmaking and cinema is not just a past footnote but a vibrant narrative that continues to unfold.
Dr. Lentz: Thank you! It’s been an engaging discussion, and I’m excited to see how these worlds continue to intersect in the future.