This time, we'll be reviewing the Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono, an all-black, sporty watch. The black PVD coating on the case gives this model a more sleek appearance than its size suggests, and the variations in the dial finish and the contrast between the white hands and inscriptions make for an appealing, yet not monotonous, design.
Automatic movement (Cal. H-31). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 60 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40mm). Water resistant to 10 bar. Price: 354,200 yen (tax included).
Text and Photographs by Shin-ichi Sato
[Article published on January 2, 2025]
The impression is of Hamilton's mechanical chronograph.
This time, I'll be reviewing the Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono, a mechanical chronograph equipped with the automatic mechanical chronograph movement Cal. H-31. Hamilton offers a wide variety of attractive chronograph models, so let's take a look at the brand's entire collection.
Hamilton's lineup and American classics
The "American Classic" collection to which this watch belongs includes a lineup of designs that were once popular in America, where Hamilton has its roots, as well as models based on Hamilton's archives. It is also characterized by a large number of classic models that are suitable for business settings. From this perspective, the "Jazzmaster" is likely to be a good comparison. The Jazzmaster is characterized by its lineup of modern informal watches. If you are looking for a model that suits a wide range of occasions, from business to casual, these two collections are a good place to start.
The Khaki lineup of tool watches is divided into three categories: the Khaki Navy, which is filled with diver's watches; the Khaki Aviation line for pilots; and the Khaki Field line, which is made up of field watches. Each category includes a wide variety of models, from classics to modern tool watches, perfect for those seeking a sporty or military feel. The Ventura, descended from the world's first commercially available battery-powered watch, is also a must-have.
A reissue model based on the "Chronograph A"
Now, let's take a look at the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono we'll be reviewing today. This model is based on a reissue of the Chronograph A, first released in 1968 and popularly known as the "Panda Dial," and is a new model released in March 2025, finished in black monotone. In addition to this model, which combines black with white printing, there are two other models in the lineup that feature a black base with vivid accents of orange or yellow.
The existing model is available in a variety of variations, including a "panda" model with a white base and black subdials, and models with a navy or green-gray base and ivory subdials.
An all-black model reminiscent of a "hot rod"
The Chronograph A, with its combination of two-counter chronograph styling and pencil hands, has a design reminiscent of motorsports. The original panda dial and the navy-based color scheme of the reissue model are reminiscent of the works teams of the 1970s, even in motorsports.
In contrast, this model has an all-black stainless steel case with a black PVD finish, giving it a stronger street feel than motorsports on the circuit, evoking the feel of hot rods and other custom cars.
This model has a case diameter of 40mm, which is a moderate size among chronograph models, but the all-black design, including sharp lugs and crisp indexes and scales, makes it appear more compact than its numerical value would suggest.
Wearing comfort that needs improvement
The wearing comfort cannot be described as good. It is thick, and the lugs are attached to the top of the case, which creates a gap between the watch and the wrist, making it feel high-slung. The strap helps to stabilize posture, but it is only a temporary solution.
My wrist is about 18cm in circumference, which is thicker than the average Japanese person. Even for me, there was a gap in the lugs, making the watch feel high-waisted. I think it might be a little difficult for those with smaller wrists to wear it comfortably.
The problem is that this feeling of height has not been improved since I first encountered the Intra-Matic Auto Chrono in 2020 (Reference:http://www.webchronos.net/features/46555/Considering the market trend where cheaper models also use design methods that are thick but ensure comfort, this model can only be described as lacking in evolution.
While the 14.45mm thickness of this watch is certainly a disadvantage in terms of comfort, making it thinner while incorporating a mechanical chronograph would require a change to the movement, which would directly lead to increased costs, making it a difficult problem. We hope that they will take this into consideration and come up with a reasonable improvement plan in the future.
Usage of the chronograph movement
This model is equipped with the automatic chronograph movement Cal. H-31. The display follows the traditional two-counter chronograph format, with the subdial at 9 o'clock displaying the seconds and the subdial at 3 o'clock displaying the 30-minute counter. It also has a date display at 6 o'clock.
The watch is unidirectionally wound. Although I was unable to conduct a rigorous test, I felt that the winding efficiency was good during my impressions. The power reserve is approximately 60 hours, a competitive specification by modern standards. The chronograph start/stop is somewhat heavy but has a clear click, and the operation feel can be evaluated as good. During my impressions, there were no malfunctions such as the chronograph starting unintentionally.
The appeal of this work is that it is monotonous but not monotonous
By changing the color scheme while keeping the classic design as its base, this watch has a modern feel and originality. While there is room for improvement in the wearing comfort, the packaging is faithful to the basics, and the high basic performance of the movement gives a sense of security.
If you're interested in this all-black design, we encourage you to pick one up in store. The texture of the matte black PVD case, the variations in the dial finish, and the contrast with the white will surely appeal to you, making this watch a monotonous piece despite its monotonous color.
