When we watch a movie, we pay attention to how deeply it draws us in. Sometimes, you watch a movie and become that character, that place, that scene. You respond to the character's reactions and try to direct them. At that moment, you're already that character and inside the movie.
Maybe a movie can transform us into someone else, maybe a scene, maybe a line. These movies create a connection, imbue us with meaning, and evoke a transition of emotions. Even if we don't realize it, movies are so valuable.
Here's a brand that's the subject of movies: Hamilton!
We're all familiar with the Hamilton brand by now. But there's another important aspect of the Hamilton brand: movies.
In 1932, the film Shanghai Express was released. Marlene Dietrich, who had a nearly 70-year acting career, starred in Shanghai. However, this film had already brought a development to the watchmaking world. Hamilton would use one of his watches in this film, igniting his connection to both cinema and modern Hollywood. Of course, wristwatches were common at the time, and a wide variety of models were being produced. Tank cases were the most popular case design of the past. Hamilton would also use a tank case design in this film, becoming the watchmaker of the film world.
It was the dawn of a new era for Hamilton. In the following years, Lloyd Bacon's The Frogmen was released in 1951. As you might expect, Hamilton was also in this film. But in this film, the Hamilton brand showcased its military and diving watches differently, once again making a splash in the film world.
This continued unabated. But as the watches used in these films continued, significant developments occurred. They worked with some of the most recognizable names of the time. For example, in 1961, the Hamilton Ventura was chosen for Elvis Presley's film "Blue Hawaii." The Ventura perfectly complemented Elvis Presley's brilliant and unconventional acting.
A while later, Stanley Kubrick, a very important director we all know from the film world, wanted to use a digital watch in his film. This was also a first for Hamilton. Of course, this wasn't the first time a watch was used in a film. Stanley Kubrick was depicting science fiction in 2001: A Space Odyssey. Hamilton designed a prototype with an LED screen for this film, marking the first step towards the mass-produced Pulsar. It must be a wonderful feeling that a prominent director like Stanley Kubrick chose Hamilton. Another important film featuring the Pulsar was James Bond: Live and Let Die. While James is known for his Omega, he also had a film in which he opted for the Pulsar.
Hamilton was also chosen for the film Men in Black, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, both well-known actors. Hamilton had become a star in the movie world and continued to be a popular choice.
This continues in today's world. But Hamilton viewed watches used in films as part of the character, not an accessory. They were essential to the characters, not a complementary accessory. The best way to understand this is in Interstellar, directed by the accomplished and great director Christopher Nolan. The Hamilton Murph watch used in the film, with the right kind of work, became integral to the character and the story. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. This story continued in this vein. Hamilton's subsequent use in Tenet and, most recently, Dune: Part Two, demonstrated his status as a Hollywood staple. Of course, there are many more films we haven't written about: The Matrix, Ocean's Eleven, Oppenheimer, The Martian, The Matrix Resurrections, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Furthermore, the countdown module in Tenet was intentionally blurred in the scene. The production team only added the actual numbers for an in-camera effect to avoid spoilers.
And it would be notable that Hamilton sent around 30 backup copies on the Tenet film sets in case the vintage piece got damaged.
Hamilton, seeing the immense love he received in the film world, didn't let that love go unanswered. In 2006, he launched an awards show called the Behind the Camera Awards, aiming to recognize the contributions of talented artists to the film world, ensuring their hard work was not wasted. At every Behind the Camera Awards event, many prominent figures attended the event. This is why Hamilton has always been a star in the film world.
The reasons for Hamilton's rise to prominence in the film world vary from person to person. However, generally speaking, its affordability, rapid prototyping capabilities, American origins, and the accurate marketing of the watch featured in the film are all factors contributing to Hamilton's rise to prominence. I also believe that overall quality and a solid understanding of the film's story are what distinguishes it from other brands. Seeing this, especially with Murph, was a clear indication that they were taking the right steps.
That's how a story began. And that's how the story continues.
May your wonderful watches show you good times…
Stay safe.
