Hamilton Meteor

Hamilton’s electric movements were the result of a ten-year R&D process which Hamilton dubbed “Project X.” While the Hamilton Ventura—with its Space Age, retro-futuristic silhouette—is perhaps the most iconic case design that utilized the movement, Hamilton also produced several different watches based around that ground-breaking caliber. Perhaps the rarest of these is the Meteor.

To design the case of the Meteor, Hamilton enlisted the aid of the same designer who conceived the Ventura, Richard Arbib. A graduate of the Pratt Institute, Arbib designed bombs during the War, and then afterwards designed automobiles for Packard, Hudson, and General Motors. Inspired by the bombs and automobiles he penned during and just following the War, Arbib followed up the Ventura with the Meteor in 1960.

Like the Ventura, the Meteor bears an asymmetrical case, which Arbib softened slightly. The top of the case suggests a square cushion case (subtly foreshadowing the designs that would come later in the 1960s, such as the Heuer Camaro, for example) but then takes a surprising turn, ending in a fin-like protuberance.

But perhaps this is not surprising for Arbib, who, after all, was the man who put fins on Cadillacs.

The 10k gold-filled case was accompanied by a either a silver dial or a black-and-gold dial, featured here. Only 1500 of the black-and-gold variants were produced, out of 3000 total produced in two years of production, making them exceedingly rare. This particular Meteor features a case and dial that’s blessedly untouched, a rarity in these already-uncommon watches.

Combining a nouveau electric/mechanical movement with an unforgettable space-age design is perhaps the ultimate expression of retro-futurism, and results in a timepiece which, whether it sings to you or not, is unquestionably a thing of beauty.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.