Hands-On With A Stealthy Trio Of Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronos
It has been a while since we reviewed a Hamilton Intra-Matic, let alone a series of them. The brand’s classic chronograph is one of my favorite watches in its current catalog. The panda-dial version of the Intra-Matic Auto holds a special place in my heart. I wore that quite a bit before I wrote the review about five years ago. After that, I also greatly enjoyed seeing the hand-wound versions, which were slightly slimmer and lost the date window. Since their introduction in 2021, it’s been fairly quiet on the Intra-Matic Chrono front. But there is news! With three new blacked-out models, Hamilton presents a drastically different new take on its classic chronograph. I had a chance to find out more.
When I first heard about the three new Intra-Matic Chronos in full black, I had my doubts. Don’t get me wrong; I do love a great stealthy-looking watch, but I mostly enjoy the more technical, modern ones that can be transformed into great timepieces for your sporadic night missions. Covert operations are not something I necessarily associate with Hamilton’s Intra-Matic models. If anything, those are classic, super-stylish chronographs that ooze ’70s charm. Transforming them into watches that would fly so under the radar didn’t make sense to me at first. But that was before I laid my eyes on them. When these new blacked-out Intra-Matics eventually landed on my desk, they immediately made a lot more sense.
The basics of the Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono models
Let’s dive straight into some specs. The three new watches feature a 40mm stainless steel case with a 14.45mm thickness and a 49mm lug-to-lug. Each case has received a black PVD coating for that undercover look. On the right side, you will find the large crown and pump-style pushers, of course, also in black.
The cases are paired with a black dial and two matching registers. Keeping things simple, the only difference between the three models is their accent colors. The first features a white tachymeter scale, white numerals and markings for the two counters, a white central chronograph hand, and white numerals on the black date disc.
The second model replaces the white tachymeter scale and central chronograph hand with yellow ones to add a splash of color. That same yellow shade is also present on the inner layer of the perforated black leather strap.
Lastly, the third model has an orange tachymeter scale and an orange central chronograph hand. Additionally, the perforated strap features orange accents to boost the colorfulness. Regardless of the variant, the black hour and minute hands and applied indexes all feature white lume to match the white used for the date and sub-dial markings. Overall, I like the simplicity of the black-and-white version the best. There are no unnecessary flourishes, and the all-black perforated leather strap helps give it a properly stealthy look. Much to my surprise, that works very well for the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono.
The Hamilton H-31 movement
The watches are powered by the Valjoux/ETA 7753-based Hamilton H-31. This automatic chronograph caliber operates at 28,800vph, has 27 jewels, and offers a 60-hour power reserve. The two-register chronograph layout features a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, running seconds at 9, and a date window at 6 o’clock. Funnily enough, this layout works well as it maintains the symmetry of the dial. I am usually not a fan of the date window at 6 o’clock, but with a two-counter chronograph, it fills up the space on the lower half of the dial nicely while maintaining the overall balance.
As most of you know, Valjoux 775x-based calibers make for fairly thick chronographs. As mentioned, these Intra-Matics measure 14.45mm thick, which is substantial but never too much. In combination with the substantial lug-to-lug length, the watch feels just right. Additionally, one of the great traits of a black watch is that it tends to look smaller. That helps these very well-proportioned chronographs appear somewhat “quieter” than their regular stainless steel counterparts.
Wearing the three blacked-out Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronos
How does that translate to the wrist? Very well, I must admit. Once I put one of the watches on, I was reminded that they balance quite nicely. The sturdy 20mm leather racing-style straps feel comfortable and are better than some of the brand’s other leather straps we’ve seen lately.
They are thick and padded but still reasonably pliable, making them great for balancing the watch on the wrist. They all come fitted with a black PVD-coated buckle to finish the look of the watch in style.
In terms of wrist presence, the yellow and orange variants pop more than the version with white accents. They all have their charm, and for me, picking one is purely based on personal preferences. However, trying all three confirmed my initial preference for the black-and-white version. In my opinion, it is simply the stealthiest and best-looking one.
Satisfying details
The watches all feel very sturdy and well built, and operating the chronograph further enhances that feeling. It starts with a firm click of the upper pusher, which starts the large contrasting central chronograph hand. What I loved is that when stopping the chronograph, the second push felt just as defined.
Quite a few watches lack a distinct click when stopping the chronograph function, which is always disappointing. I don’t want that second push to feel undefined. Thankfully, that certainly wasn’t the case with these new Hamiltons!
Final thoughts on the new black Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono trio
Overall, I had fun wearing these three new blacked-out Intra-Matic chronographs. That was a nice surprise, actually, because I wasn’t sure how to feel when I first heard about them. I have such fond memories of wearing the regular panda-dial version with its charming looks that the news made me a bit wary. But I was pleasantly surprised by these sleek black additions to the lineup. In particular, the black-and-white version stands out to me. It is the stealthiest of the three, and that is why it would be my pick.
Having said that, the two more colorful options will undoubtedly also find their audiences. All three models will be available for €2,595. This makes them €150 more expensive than their regular stainless steel counterparts, but the price point is still more than fair. What you get in return is a blacked-out version of one of the best chronographs around the €2.5K mark. It offers great looks and a solid automatic movement for an affordable price. I think that Hamilton adding these three new models to the lineup is a good move. People who love more classic looks have the regular steel variants to choose from. But if you want something different from the typical vintage-style chrono, one of these three models could be the perfect pick.
For more information, visit the official Hamilton website.
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