Hamilton Titan Electric

If you've been following us for awhile, you will have gathered that our appreciation for vintage timepieces doesn't follow any particular road.

Many collectors and enthusiasts hone their focus on one particular category, brand, or even model of wristwatch. Others, such as ourselves, prefer to take a wider view - we buy and collect what we love, regardless of brand, era, or purpose of design. Certainly, we spend a lot of time talking about the "icons" - wristwatches who's very silhouettes evoke a particular sentiment in the minds of enthusiasts. But many of the icons we so adore - the Speedmasters, Navitimers, and Submariners of the world, are not beautiful in any classical sense of the word.  We certainly draw significant appreciation from the rugged, purpose-built nature of these sporting timepieces, but it would be a tough argument to conclude that they are works of art.

But the connection to art and high-design isn't as far a leap when considering other types of wristwatches. Like any good piece of art, the appeal and response to its viewers will vary, but to us, pieces such as Hamilton's Titan are undeniably beautiful, and incredibly appealing options for the design-minded collector with sights set beyond the norm.

Penned by legendary designer Richard Arbib, the Titan was one of the world's first electric wristwatches launched by Hamilton in the late 1950s. Better known for his streamlined and luxurious automobile concepts, Arbib had a significant impact on consumer goods as well, and the watches bearing his signature mark of futuristic design are no exception. Launched alongside the Titan in 1957 is the better-known Ventura  -  worn by both Elvis Presley and the Men In Black.

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.

For more history on the history of Hamilton Electric watches, check out this article over at ClassicWatch, HERE.

*Arbib Automobile design images taken from the internet.  Thanks, Internet!