The Handsome Light Green Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono

As of now, the cool Hamilton Intra-Matic chronograph should be no stranger to you. Since its introduction in a limited edition in 2017, followed by downsized (and even more attractive) versions now in the permanent collection, this watch available also in 3-hand editions has become one of the brand’s pillars. It has even been recently launched in a very desirable hand-wound version. But Hamilton still has a few surprises for us, as the brand has just revealed a discreetly-coloured model for 2021… Indeed, this Intra-Matic Auto Chrono in light green is just handsome. 

Historical reminder

The Hamilton Intra-Matic isn’t a pure creation from the brand. It actually pays tribute to one of its most famous 1960s watches, as it was modelled after the Chronograph A that was launched by the brand in 1968. As explained in previous articles, “chronographs have been a great part of Hamilton’s history, especially during the 1960s and 1970s, coinciding with the Swiss era of the brand, once it acquired Büren and moved to Biel, and later becoming part of SSIH (subsequently The Swatch Group). Some of the greatest models were powered by the iconic Calibre 11, such as the Fontainebleau or these two Chrono-Matic watches. But the watch that inspired the Intra-Matic came before that.“

This watch, which was first powered by a hand-wound Valjoux 7730 – thus being the ancestor of the recent Chronograph H – will later be upgraded with the legendary automatic Calibre 11, which is recognizable with the crown on the left side of the case. This watch had a sleek, late-1960s style with sporty panda or reversed panda dials and a bi-compax layout. As a homage to these models, Hamilton first launched a 42mm limited edition Intra-Matic Chronograph at Baselworld 2017, powered by a revised automatic Valjoux 7753. A year later, following the success of this limited edition model (1,968 pieces), Hamilton decided to integrate this design into its permanent collection, with a smaller 40mm case and new options regarding the dials. And today, there’s an unprecedented colour joining the collection.

A handsome, quiet green dial

While the watch itself isn’t new, being entirely identical to the editions we’ve already reviewed, what matters today is the dial. We’ve seen dozens of green dial recently, most of them having almost the same tone, a dark and rather saturated green hue – ranging from emerald to forest or moss green. Hamilton plays on a completely different tonality here, something far more discreet, less saturated, less blatant… And very attractive. 

The dial of this Intra-Matic Auto Chrono 40mm is indicated by the brand as light green, somewhere between a light sage or a warm mint green. What’s interesting is that this colour is far more quiet, subtle and original than most green dials we’ve seen recently. It’s bright but not too contrasted, it’s fresh and very summery. Hamilton has chosen, like for other watches in this collection, to opt for a two-tone dial where the sub-counters and the tachymeter scale are here off-white coloured. And the result is simply cool. 

Classic Hamilton Intra-Matic Specs

For the rest, this new light green version is, in all points, identical to classic Intra-Matic Chronograph models. As such, it is housed in a 40mm stainless steel case, fully polished and equipped with a thin angled bezel and sharp, thin lugs. The height is quite noticeable, however, at 14.45mm – explained by the automatic chronograph calibre. The case is nicely assembled and is also ready for an active life, being water-resistant to 100 meters. 

Apart from its new colour, the dial is also well-known. The polished hands and applied facetted indexes are both filled with Super-LumiNova and the brand opted for a balanced bi-compax layout. This watch is clearly an evocation of the vintage Chronograph A and B, including the vintage logo printed at 12 o’clock. Like the automatic models with Calibre 11, a date is positioned at 6 o’clock – and if you don’t like it, note that the hand-wound model has a no-date display. The two sub-counters have a discreet concentric pattern, the rest of the dial being matte-finished. 

Powering this Hamilton Intra-Matic is a strong evolution of a legend of watchmaking. Indeed, the brand relies on the well-known Valjoux architecture, however, thanks to an important work done on the kinetic chain and the barrel, the movement is capable of delivering 60 hours of energy. Also, the escapement regulator has been suppressed, facilitating optimal reliability and precision. A movement that feels like a strong advantage over the competition. 

Finally, like the rest of the collection, this light green Hamilton Intra-Matic is available either on a leather strap – here in brown (ref. H38416560) – or on a stainless steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp (ref. H38416160). We haven’t seen the later in the metal but it will certainly be a great match with the green dial. 

Availability & Price

The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono 40mm light green will be available in June 2021 from the brand’s website and at retailers. It will be priced at CHF 2,150 on leather strap or CHF 2,230 on mesh bracelet. More details here, at hamiltonwatch.com.