I’m always a fan of the understated mechanical dress watch, and the recently announced Hamilton Jazzmaster Slim fits that category perfectly. Based on the high-grade ETA 2892 movement, it’s available in 40 and 43mm sizes, in steel or gold case. Dials are black (shown right) or silver. It’s an understated look, with just hours, minutes, and the date at six o’clock.
The 2892 is the next movement up from the ubiquitous 2824, and is considered to be a better design. It’s the base for most of Omega’s co-axial series, for example, and is held in very high regard by watch aficionados.
I think 40mm is a perfect size for this watch: large enough to read easily without partaking of the big watch craze. Even though I’m close to seven feet tall, I don’t want a full-dress watch to occupy too much wrist space — it’s supposed to be understated, after all.
List price for these ranges from $745 to $795, and they seem to be available for a bit less than that. Given the 2892 beating inside it, I consider this to be an excellent value. We’re in contact with Hamilton now to see if we can arrange a loaner for review.
A couple of more pictures and comments after the break.
Check out the bracelet version – gorgeous, isn’t it? I quite like the super clean vintage look combined with hassle-free modern movement. I think I’d miss the second hand after a while, though.
Here’s another shot of the same model – note the nice case detailing. Congratulations, Hamilton — this one’s a real classic.
By Paul Hubbard
