HAMILTON Wilshire Wristwatch “Registered Edition” 1983 Reissue Vintage Watch

HAMILTON Wilshire
 
The flexible lugged Hamilton Wilshire was originally introduced in 1939 and made for three years by Hamilton Watch Co. Featuring the 14/0 sized 19 jewel 982 movement, the original Wilshire came in several different varieties including the coral (rose gold) version. The Wilshire was also part of the “Drivers” watch models.
 
In 1983, Hamilton (under The Swatch Group, Ltd. brand) reissued several watches from its portfolio of vintage wristwatches, the vintage Wilshire was one of them and also, became Hamilton’s premiere offering.
 
In 1969, Hamilton was acquired by the Swiss watch company Buren, which later merged with several other Swiss watch companies to form The Swatch Group, Ltd. Today, Hamilton Watch Company is one of The Swatch Group's brands and produces a range of watches that are known for their combination of American heritage and Swiss watchmaking expertise.
 
THE SWATCH GROUP
 
The Swatch Group, Ltd. is a Swiss multinational company that is one of the largest manufacturers of watches in the world. The company was founded in 1983 by Nicolas G. Hayek, who had previously worked as a consultant for several Swiss watch manufacturers.
 
During the 1970s, prior to the creation of The Swatch Group, the Swiss watch industry had been struggling due to competition from cheap quartz watches made in Japan. Hayek saw an opportunity to revitalize the industry by creating a new type of Swiss watch that was affordable, stylish, and made with high-quality materials. To achieve this goal, Hayek formed a consortium of Swiss watch manufacturers, including some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Omega, Tissot and Longines. Together, they developed a new type of watch called the Swatch, which was made with fewer components and designed to be produced in large quantities.
 
The Swatch was an immediate success and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with collectors around the world eager to get their hands on the latest models. The Swatch Group went on to acquire several other brands over the years, including Breguet, Blancpain, Glashütte Original, and Jaquet Droz, among others. Today, Swatch Group is a global company with over 18,000 employees and operations in more than 50 countries. The company produces a wide range of watches, from affordable Swatch models to high-end luxury watches from its prestigious brands.
 
Registered Editions – “The Swatch Group, Ltd. began to change the world’s perception of Swiss watchmaking.”

The Swatch Group wanted to associate with Swiss watches. By 1975, 75% of the sales were cheap mechanical movement, Swatch wanted to change that, instead of cheap mechanical movements, they positioned their products as luxury goods keeping the Swiss watchmaking, tradition, history, legacy, and craftsmanship.
 
Swatch used the Hamilton design portfolio and reissued several watches, for some people “making even better watches”. They improved the quality of the cases, bands, and adornments. While Swatch introduced the ETA’s highest quality “jeweled” quartz movements – a hybrid using bridges and moving parts with quartz power instead of a mainspring. Similar in some way to the original Hamilton Electrics made in the 1960’s.

The strategy worked; Registered Editions also changed the American narrative of Hamilton. Instead of cheap quartz watches with cases made in Hong Kong, Hamilton had a new look and feel. Even though Swatch rewrote history, creating a new narrative saved the Swiss watch industry and Hamilton proved it could be done.
 
In 1974, the Swiss produced low-cost pin pallet watches to compete on price with the Japanese and the United States Time Corporation (Timex). The work of careful craftsmanship came from small family firms producing exclusive luxury watches for a small number of the world’s wealthiest people.
 
The Best Hamilton Wristwatches – The most popular Hamilton Registered Editions rank as follows: Ventura, Piping Rock, Boulton, Wilshire, Dickens, Emerson, Essex, Contour, Ardmore and Spur.
 
Hamilton originally promoted the 1957 Ventura as the Elvis Presley watch as he wore it often. In the movie, Blue Hawaii, Presley also wore his Ventura. Ultimately, the Ventura outsold all the Registered Hamilton watches combined.  Its popularity soared when used in the film Men in Black with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.

Initially, the Wilshire held the top position as Hamilton released it through the American Express Christmas Catalog. The following year, Hamilton also released the Piping Rock through the same outlet. After the American Express numbered exclusive models sold out, Swatch released their entire line through their normal distribution system, adding models.
 
 
HAMILTON Wilshire
“Registered Edition”
Reissue Watch
By The Swatch Group Ltd.
 
Today, we have the honor to present the reissue of one of the most popular vintage Hamilton driver watches from the 1930s and 40s. The “Registered Edition” Hamilton Wilshire was introduced in 1983 under The Swatch Group’s brand: Hamilton. The Wilshire was one of Hamilton’s premiere offerings.
 
It is a Swiss quartz watch with one of the highest quality “jeweled” quartz ETA movements.
 
As the original from 1939, the Registered Edition also features a champagne dial with raised gold Arabic Numerals, minute track and gold matching hands. The sub-second is located at 6 position and the dial is signed with the Hamilton name.
 
Cased in a 22.7x30.7mm rectangle case with fancy flexible lug design. Base gold metal bezel and stainless-steel back. Sapphire and scratch resistant mineral glass crystal. The case back is signed “Registered Edition” and with the Hamilton name and logo. Original Hamilton crown as well.
 
On the wrist the Wilshire is a very comfortable watch, it comes with the original signed Hamilton brown “Select Crocodile” two-piece strap, size 16mm Large and Canada made. 

This watch is in lovely condition, it is a very attractive looking watch and it is running! This is a real TREASURE to complement a wonderful vintage electronic watch collection.

Movement:
ETA Quartz
Swiss Made

Case Back Markings:
Hamilton
Registered Edition
Base Metal Bezel
Stainless Steel Back

Measurements (mm):
Case 22.7 x 30.7
Case with Crown 24.7
Case Lug to Lug 49.6
Case Thickness 6.7
Lug Width 16
Band Width 16

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.

We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

It will be carefully packed.

Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!

WA-3465