In 1957, Hamilton Watch Co. took the world by storm by offering the world's first electric wristwatch. Ten years in development, it was one of the greatest technological innovations in horology. Proclaimed as "the first basic change in portable timekeeping in nearly 500 years", the Hamilton Electric became an American icon of the late 1950's and 60's.

By far the most famous and recognized model of the line was the Ventura. Powered by a revolutionary electromechanical movement that replaced the power of the mainspring and winding mechanism with that of a battery, this incredible watch achieved unprecedented levels of accuracy. The movement retained many mechanical components from the era such as a balance staff and wheel; and with the addition of a battery, it not only became more accurate than its counterparts, but also never needed to be wound.

Besides its innovative technical features, the Ventura's distinctive retro style forever etched its image on the American consciousness. Designed by renowned artist Richard Arbib, creator of the Cadillac fin, the Ventura remains an iconic symbol of the eccentric American 1950's and owning one is a must for any American wristwatch collector.

The Ventura in Movies:

• Actors Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones wore black dialed Venturas throughout the Oscar-winning 1997 movie "Men in Black."
• Elvis Presley also prominently wore a Ventura in the 1961 film "Blue Hawaii" and was known to have personally owned one.
• Noted author Rod Serling can be seen wearing a silver dialed Ventura in his introductions to episodes of "The Twilight Zone."

We are proud to offer this gorgeously restored first edition "500" Ventura with diamonds previously added to the dial. The first edition was made for only about half as long and in a much smaller quantity than the second edition "505".

It has been fully serviced by Jarett Harkness, Rene Rondeau's successor, using only original new-old-stock Hamilton parts. Mr. Rondeau, an expert on Hamilton Electrics, was himself trained by the late Jim Reese, co-inventor of the Hamilton Electric. Mr. Rondeau is also author of The Watch of the Future -- The Story of the Hamilton Electric Watch.

The case presents as better than near mint condition and has not been previously overly polished - the ridges on the lugs are still beautifully defined. The dial, previously refinished and upgraded to diamond markers, presents in mint condition.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new Teju lizard strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase are papers and a six month warranty from Mr. Harkness on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a Connoisseur of Time timing certificate attesting to its performance.

Don't miss the opportunity to own a gorgeously restored extra special piece of timekeeping history and Americana.

A published example of this model can be found on the front cover of the book American Wristwatches: Five Decades of Design and Style, Faber & Unger, c. 1988

• Manufacturer: Hamilton Watch Co.
• Country of Origin: USA
• Year built: c. 1957 to 1961
• Case no. (serial): S064623
• Functions: Electric Time, Sweep Seconds
• Model: First edition Ventura, Model "500"
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 14K yellow gold
• Case markings (inside): Hamilton, Lancaster PA, 14K Gold
• Case condition: Better than near mint with light wear. The edges remain very nicely defined.
• Dimensions: 31.5mm wide by 50mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Signed HAMILTON, ELECTRIC, matte black, applied gold Arabic markers at the primary hours, previously refinished and upgraded with aftermarket white gold diamond indices, presents as mint condition
• Hands: Original, gold dauphines, red-tipped second hand
• Band: Teju lizard, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
• Crystal : Asymmetric shape, mineral glass, excellent condition
• Serviced: Yes, serviced by Hamilton Ventura expert Jarett Harkness, successor to Rene Rondeau. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 6 month warranty from Jarret Harkness. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; Copy of Hamilton Electric care instructions and packet from Mr. Harkness
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide