Wholesale Hamilton Automatic Watches, Imitation Hamilton Automatic

Hamilton Khaki QNE Auto (H76655723)

Got this Hamilton Khaki QNE Auto (H76655723) for my husband as an early Father's Day gift - after all, no sense spending money on something he won't use often like a necktie. He LOVES this watch. Suitable for any occasion with the interchangable lanyards. Love the substantial feel. Easy to read!

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by greg franklin, From Espana Malia?o

Hamilton Ventura Elvis Anniversary (H24481731)

This watch is beautiful! The watch is thin and delicate yet it is versatile enough to dress up and to wear casual. I have several other Skagen watches so this selection was a no brainer.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by Oludare Akangbe, From Germany Ratingen

Hamilton Khaki Pilot Automatic Silver Dial Stainless Steel Men's Watch H64615155

The watch is nice. The face is a little small for a men's watch. Otherwise, it's a nice accessory to represent your team on Sunday.

---- [Rating: 5 / 5 stars]

Review by James Mungo, From USA Deerfield Beach

To this day Hamilton has kept this passion for flying, innovation and precision, and continues to develop pilots' watches supported by its international ambassador Nicolas Ivanoff. For 10 years now the French aerobatics pilot - one of the best in his field - and his Hamilton watches have withstood accelerations of up to 10G on a daily basis.

It has been demonstrated that accelerations from 0G to 10G have an impact on the human body, and that athletes like Nicolas Ivanoff, capable of withstanding accelerations of this order without an anti-G suit, are rare. However, there have been no studies on the impact these accelerations may have on the precision of that indispensable object, dearly beloved of pilots: the mechanical watch. In fact, the chronometric performance of mechanical watches is always tested when the watch is not in motion and is thus subject only to the earth's gravity (1G).

Hamilton, whose passion for aviation is allied with a passion for innovation, therefore decided to measure the precision of their mechanical watch movements when subjected to various accelerations, participating in the research initiated by ETA at the beginning of 2013. From 11 to 21 May 2015 a first test and validation phase for the measuring equipment marked the start of the study covering the range 0G to 2G.

From 5 to 16 October, at Merignac in the French region of Aquitaine, this campaign for the testing of Hamilton watches will take place on board the A310 ZERO-G of Novespace in partnership with ETA, and will be realised in the context of the scientific campaigns conducted by the CNES (the French National Centre for Space Studies). A total measuring time of 30 minutes in zero gravity (three flights, each including a ten minute period of zero gravity) will ensure reliable results.

"Since 1919, Hamilton has been the faithful partner of those who believe that the sky is the only limit. This is why the brand has engaged in a campaign of parabolic flights. We share the same passion for pushing back the limits in order to achieve new heights of expertise, performance and emotions. We are proud to take this opportunity of advancing watchmaking research, in partnership with ETA, on the occasion of the parabolic flights which will take place from 5 to 16 October next." Sylvain Dolla, CEO Hamilton International Ltd.

Since 2011, Hamilton has integrated into its mechanical watches exclusive movements developed in partnership with ETA. These movements offer extended typical power reserves (60 hours for the chronographs, 80 hours for the 3-handed models) and broad design possibilities (skeleton, regulator, etc.). With the aim of continuously pushing back the frontiers of research and development of Hamilton products, the study will be carried out on 4 different mechanical movements: the H-10, an automatic 3-hand movement with a typical power reserve of 80 hours; the H-21, an automatic chronograph with a typical power reserve of 60 hours; the H-20-S, a skeleton 3-hand movement; and the ETA 2671 movement, ladies' automatic calibre.

Theoretical models exist for calculating the effects of gravity on precision chronometry in absolute terms: disequilibrium of the spiral, disequilibrium of the balance wheel, friction on the pivots of the balance wheel due to the weight of the balance wheel, compensation for play in the pivots. This campaign will be the first to compare the theory with experimental data gathered under conditions of a total absence of gravity (0 G).

The conclusions will be applied to the development and optimisation of the performance of mechanical watches for two different user categories: users on the ground with weak gravitational variations (1G ±1) and users specifically engaging in extreme sports.

Hamilton has been an innovator in movements throughout its long history. Founded in 1892, Hamilton was a leading developer of mechanical movements during the Golden Age of American watchmaking. In addition to perfecting precision railroad watch movements, Hamilton introduced the first electric movement (in the iconic Ventura).
Continuing this tradition, Hamilton introduced three brand new movements this year - two mechanical movements and a unique quartz movement.

H-10-S Automatic
The power reserve of a watch is how many hours it can operate, based on the state of wind of the mainspring (a tensed metal coil that stores and transmits energy to the movement). In the past, 38 - 48 hours was the range most power reserves fell into, and though this is enough for most people, recently focus has been placed on increasing power reserve in special timepieces.
The magic number is really at least 62 hours - so that you can take your work watch off at 5pm on Friday, then put it back on again at 7am on Monday morning, and it will still be running.

Hamilton has addressed this need for longer power reserve with its new H-10-S movement, which has 80 hours of power reserve, this year showcased in the RailRoad Skeleton timepiece. The choice of a skeleton watch as the first timepiece to use the H-10-S is key, as it allows the owner to admire the nicely finished movement, including Côtes de Geneve and snail and pearled finishes. According to Hamilton, the suppression of the escapement regulator is the key to optimal reliability and precision, while storing near double the power of standard movements.
You can expect this movement to be featured in other models in the future, as the convenience of 80 hours of power reserve is an incredible benefit.

H-32 Automatic
The H-32 is Hamilton's second automatic movement introduced this year, and it is on display via the open case back of the Khaki Navy Pioneer Small Second. Inspired by Hamilton's marine chronometers manufactured in the 1940s, the Khaki Navy Pioneer Small Second is highly legible and elegantly simple. Finely finished, the H-32 movement is decorated with snailed patterns and pearled finishes. Equipped with a skeletonized rotor, the H-32 is the same size as the H-10-S and offers 38 hours of power reserve.

H-41 Quartz
On the quartz side, Hamilton has developed a new world time movement, perfect for the modern traveler. This new exclusive movement is extremely sophisticated, but easy to use, allowing the wearer to easily switch between worldtimer functionality and a pilot chronograph, all via a press of the pusher located at 10 o'clock.
For pilots, minutes are more important than hours, so the large 12 minute counter of this timepiece is placed in the most visible position, at six o'clock.

Featured in the Hamilton Chrono Worldtimer, this new movement ensures functionality for private and professional pilots by integrating a dual time display, 24 world city indications, Daylight Savings Time along with the ability to display Coordinated Universal Time (UTC, the standard for pilots). This timepiece was developed in partnership with aerobatic pilot Nicolas Ivanoff to meet the needs of real pilots.

Hamilton continues its well-deserved reputation of innovation with exclusive movements in versatile new timepieces.

For pilotes, minutes are far more important than hours. To emphasize the importance of this time unit, the Chrono Worldtimer features an easy-to-read centered chrono counter spanning 12 minutes. It also has pilot-friendly, minute countdown intervals clearly marked on the bezel. Signalling the close collaboration between design and performance are the yellow markings of the first four minutes on the main time display. This pays tribute to the aerobatics inspiration, being the length of the freestyle program in competitions, with a penalty applying if it's exceeded.

Ease of operation is a high priority for aviation watches. The 10 o'clock pusher is the switch between chronograph functionality and the worldtimer facility. Once in worldtimer mode, easy bi-directional adjustment enables the smart complication to calculate the current time in the zone requested from a choice of 24 locations. Ensuring all globetrotters are always on the same page, particularly pilots commuting between many time zones, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is shown when the 10 o'clock pusher is briefly pressed.

Aviation influences every aspect of the watch's design, inside and out, right down to the yellow and black striped markings on the mode display. The movement is a new, specially developed Hamilton quartz chronograph, the H-41e, automatically adjusting for daylight saving time across the globe.

The Hamilton Chrono Worldtimer comes in a 45 mm stainless steel case and is available with a choice of three different straps.

Dressed in an ultra-modern outfit, the Hamilton Ventura Elvis 80 pays tribute to Elvis Presley, who would have turned 80 on January 8, 2015. The Ventura, with its striking, shield-shaped case, co-starred with the king of rock and roll in the 1961 movie "Blue Hawaii". The 2015 interpretation of that watch has mastered major technical and material challenges with the automatic model powered by Hamilton's own H-10 movement, integrating a power reserve of 80 hours.

Innovation is an integral part of the Hamilton Ventura, introduced as the world's first electric watch in 1957. The Hamilton Ventura Elvis 80 breaks challenging new technical and design ground with its steeply sloped crystal and curved dial, contemporary case architecture and intricate attachment fixture. The triangular shape attracts welcome attention and taking the materials used to new performance territories. The harmony of the fully integrated case is underlined by smooth brushed and polished surfaces and the angular stepping has been replaced by more flowing contouring.

The Hamilton Ventura Elvis 80 family has refreshingly broad, unisex appeal due to a range of material and color combinations, as well as a choice between an automatic and quartz movement. In the automatic versions, black meets black with a sleek PVD case and either a sporty rubber or a leather strap with stitching.

Stainless steel adds its accent to the three quartz variations. A subtly stylish Hamilton orange second hand passes minute markings in the same color from 12 o'clock to 3 o'clock. A unique, engraved crown completes the look of this special timepiece.

So you've read the advice from some of the world's top retailers and, whether you're buying a watch as a gift or as a treat for yourself, you have decided that you are looking for something blue. And that you don't want to spend any more than 3,000 Swiss francs or the equivalent thereof. Here are some options.

Emile Chouriet Challenger Deep
Named after the deepest point on the surface of the Earth, Emile Chouriet's first diver's watch offers the usual water resistance to 300 metres, unidirectional rotating bezel and luminous indications on the dial. But it also offers a ceramic coating on the bezel, a feature usually only found on much more expensive diver's watches. Powered by a self-winding mechanical movement and available on a steel bracelet or rubber strap (as well as with black or silvered dials), the Challenger Deep is available for an unbeatable 1,500 Swiss francs with tax included.

Frederique Constant Slimline Manufacture
At just a whisker over 3,000 Swiss francs (3,190 for the rose gold plated model) or just under (2,830) for the stainless-steel version, Frederique Constant's Slimline Manufacture series has to be one of the most competitively priced classic watches on the market, particularly when you consider that it is fitted with the brand's own FC-710 in-house movement, which offers a 42-hour power reserve. Our blue choice has a subsidiary date indication by hand at 6 o'clock, a domed navy blue dial with hand- applied hour markers and a matching blue alligator leather strap.

Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminium
A revival model from the 1970s but with a distinctly contemporary theme and a trendy NATO strap, the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer is excellent value at only 1,050 Swiss francs. For this you get the brand's H-10 self-winding mechanical movement, which has an impressive 80-hour power reserve and a lightweight aluminium case with a special coating that not only gives it its distinctive blue colour but also increases the hardness and durability of the aluminium. It's impossible to get bluer, with the case, bezel ring, dial, strap, buckle and crown all matching in colour.

Vulcain 50s Presidents' Classic
It may not have the alarm function unique to Vulcain's Cricket calibre but it does instead have the Vulcain calibre V-56 self-winding movement, which offers a power reserve of 42 hours. In its Classic version the Vulcain 50s President's model comes with an understated dial with a sunray finish, available in blue, silver or black with a matching alligator leather strap. Price: 2,980 Swiss francs.

When taking colour as your sole point of reference, you can run the entire gamut of watches, from in-your-face fluorescence to the subtle gradient of richer colours on the dial of a more classic piece and all points in between. Take a look at the photo gallery above to see what we mean.

A fluorescent yellow-green has become the signature colour of HYT watches after the company started out showing the hours on its watches by the movement of a liquid in this colour. In the latest limited-edition H1 model, the same colour grabs the attention on the case of the "Azo project", named after the type of polyepoxide used in the manufacture of the case.

A simple change of strap colour can make a big difference to a watch, as Bell & Ross demonstrates with the bright orange canvas strap on its limited edition BR 03-94 Carbon Orange model. Orange is the colour reserved for essential information in a plane's cockpit and thus fits perfectly with the brand's aviation associations.

Hamilton, on the other hand, goes for a tone-on-tone extension of the blue background and red accents on the dial of its Pan Europ model with a matching stripy textile strap. The result is a watch that looks as if it was made for the summer. Blue is also the logical colour for the new Abyss 44mm chronograph by Hysek, especially when teamed up with a matching blue leather strap. Swivelling lugs on the lightweight titanium ensure that it adapts perfectly to the contours of your wrist.

On its Marine "Deck Chronometer", L. Leroy opts for brown tones reminiscent of the teak found on vessels when the company used to produce marine chronometers for over thirty different naval forces. H. Moser & Cie. takes things a step further with its new signature smoked red-gold dial on the Venturer Small Seconds, adding a pleasing new hue to the palette of dial colours.

Click on the image above to view our gallery of colourful men's watches for the summer. 

The original watch featured a protective cover and was the exclusive property of sportsmen destined for the great, dusty and damp outdoors. Today's wearers safeguard their own time with an intricately decorated folding flap ensuring the dial is for their eyes only.
 

Hamilton Flintridge Gent

At first glance the closed Flintridge Gent reminds of an intricate 1930s radio microphone. The cover hosts a Clous de Paris pattern, interrupted only by two peepholes for the day and date, plus an embossed logo. Raising the "lid" reveals a silver-colored dial, also with a stamped Clous de Paris centerpiece, and dauphine-shaped, polished hands.  

The H-40 movement, with 80 hours of power reserve, is visible through the case back. Giving today's Flintridge an unmistakably modern air is the layered architecture of the case with the distinctive finishes of its various surfaces. Its soave signature is a grey leather strap.

Only 999 watches will be available.

Hamilton Flintridge Lady

The secret of the 2014 Flintridge Lady is pure feminine charm. A polished cover appears to emit sunrays from a round opening just above the 6 o'clock position. Shining through this opening is a cluster of seven diamonds, a tempting invitation to raise the protective covering.

The silver-colored dial, with finely shaped hands and applied indexes, along with the case's smooth surfaces, bring more elegant touches combined with an astute eye for detail.

The watch is worn on a burgundy strap. Only 999 ladies will own one of these limited edition watches.
 

The shaping of the Hamilton Bagley gains its uniqueness through varying heights between the horizontal and vertical case edges and an intriguing combination of straight and curved lines. The sides of the case extend to become elegant lugs. A love of detail is evident in the watch's domed, multi-level dial with a stamped central panel in a quilted effect. This rises like a protective archway above the small, circular second counter at 6 o'clock. Sword-shaped pink gold plated hands and matching applied indexes visually seduce with their feminine appeal.

Accommodating every successful woman's desire to be different, the Hamilton Bagley comes in two sizes and with a choice of attachment variations. Adding a note of nobility is a genuine ostrich leather strap in beige with a pin buckle. Alternatively, a three-row stainless steel bracelet with an easy click fasten is confidently contemporary. The special fastening mechanism makes it simple to alternate between the two straps should the wearer wish to have both to meet the specific demands of all occasions and moods.

With casual, smart, men's, ladies', unisex, thirties and seventies-style models, it will be difficult not to find a Hamilton watch to your taste among the new releases for 2014! The brand is on all fronts, with ever-assertive creativity. Over and above the Khaki on which it has built a good part of its success and reputation, Hamilton is exploring new horizons, particularly in dress watches. "We're proud of Hamilton's dual nationality. 'American Spirit - Swiss Precision' is a great source of inspiration in the development of our watches," explains Sylvain Dolla, CEO.

The new Bagley ladies' models are the first to catch the eye. The timepiece draws inspiration from a 1939 watch. Its shape is unique, due to the differing heights of the horizontal and vertical edges of the case and the combination of straight and curved lines. The sides of the case extend into elegant handles. Equipped with a slightly rounded multi-level dial and featuring a central padded-effect panel, the timepiece comes in two sizes with a wide variety of straps. Fitted with a quartz movement, prices will start at 430 euros.

Dare to wear the Flintridge!

It's likely to take people a little more time to adjust to the Flintridge, on the other hand. Its distinctive design, 1930s look and dial protection all make for an audacious watch. The outer surface of the protective cover features a sunburst effect finish, simply revealing seven diamonds at 6 o'clock in the ladies' version. The men's version is slightly more compact and bulky. It features a date window at 6 o'clock and a day window at midday, with a Paris stud finish.

On the dial of both models there is an echo of the dial finish (sunburst or Paris studs), along with very Thirties-style hour markers and hands. This Flintridge is fun, original and unconventional, with a touch of aesthetic daring that's brilliantly carried off by Hamilton. Alas, there won't be enough for everybody: each of these watches is one of a limited edition of just 999.

Modern Vintage

In the same vintage spirit, the Pan Europ presents itself as unashamedly modern! Although the original model dates back to 1971, the 2014 version boasts an exclusive automatic movement with an 80-hour power reserve. The circular dial is surrounded by angular lugs; the whole frames a rotating bezel with an aluminium ring, giving a rather bullhead shape. There will be four models on offer, in grey and blue shades, with assorted Nato or perforated leather straps.

Two new, more contemporary RailRoad models recall Hamilton's train-related history. Each one comes in a Chrono or Small Second version. The RailRoad Auto Chrono features a roller with a tachymeter that uses a new movement, also new for the RailRoad Small Second, developed in-house. The watches have plenty of polished brushed steel, offering a particularly attractive contrast to the hazel brown or blue tachymeter. The Small Second has a price tag of under 1000 euros, while the chrono version weighs in at 1495 euros.

Khaki - a safe investment

But where would Hamilton be without its Khaki? This year, Baselworld has two new radically different versions on offer. The first is a celebration of skeletonisation. It features the collection's famous "X" across the dial. Beneath it, the movement is almost entirely visible, including the balance, cleverly positioned at midday.

At the other extreme, the Khaki X-Wind Limited Edition sports a sophisticated look and a drift angle calculator to meet the needs of aviation fans. "Aviation and films are the two key interests reflected in Hamilton watches' DNA," admits CEO Sylvain Dolla. The Khaki X-Wind 2014 limited edition comprises four models whose most obvious difference is their dial colours: two versions are available, in either brushed black and brushed dark grey or sunburst silver and brushed dark grey. 1,999 numbered watches for each model will be on offer, at 800 euros apiece.

The ultimate version of the Khaki is the fruit of cooperation between the brand and aerobatics champion and squadron pilot Nicolas Ivanoff. Its styling draws inspiration from aircraft and cockpit dashboard design. The watch includes a two-directional rotating flange, activated by a bezel that can record a countdown. This can also be detached and be placed on a dashboard. With a 60-hour power reserve, there will be 1,999 Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition watches for sale at 2500 euros each, in a luxurious wooden case replicating the very essence of a dashboard.

After seven exciting days of competition that featured loops, rolls, spins, inverted flights, snap rolls, tail slides and a variety of other exotic maneuvers, the Swiss Aerobatics Association awarded Switzerland's finest pilots who competed in the Sportsmen, Intermediate, Advanced and Unlimited categories for the prestigious title of Swiss Aerobatics Champion.
"It's with dedication and passion that the 24 pilots competed for this honorific title of Swiss National Champion. We would like to congratulate them, for the great performance and show they offered us" said Sylvain Dolla, CEO Hamilton International.

THE RESULTS
• Sportsmen
1. Ricardo Reis
2. Juerg Sutter
3. Samuel Wenker
• Intermediate
1. Tobias hossmann
2. Sylvain Ayer
3. Willy Reinert
• Advanced
1. Markus Ruesch
2. Ariel Luedi
3. Florian Gygax
• Unlimited categories
1. Bruno Mueller
2. Urs Vogelsang
3. Pierre Marmy
 

Hamilton's story mirrors the history of movement - that of American railroads, armies, aerobatic aircraft and Hollywood stars.
Founded in 1892 in Lancaster, PA, Hamilton was extremely successful from the outset, largely due to the reliability and precision of the pocket watches it made for US railway employees. At that time, the brand was known as "the watch of Railroad Accuracy".
The brand then became the official supplier to US forces in 1914 - and later, in the 1930s, provided the official watches for TWA, Eastern, United and Northwest airlines.
 

After halting its commercial production during the Second World War, Hamilton re-emerged in 1957 through technological innovation with the development of the Ventura: the world's first electric watch. Then came the Pulsar, launched in 1970: the first LED digital watch on the planet.
Worn by Elvis Presley in 1961 in the film Blue Hawaii, the Ventura placed Hamilton in the spotlight. Hamilton has gone on to co-star in over 400 further films including 2001: A Space Odyssey, Fight Club, Men in Black, and Die Hard.
In 2003, Hamilton transferred its business and headquarters to Biel, Switzerland. Hamilton watches now boast the Swiss Made label.
 

Button's chances of making it a McLaren one-two were damaged by a KERS problem that affected him right from the start.
Hamilton said: "To have Jenson on the podium alongside me was great - great for me, great for him, great for the team, and a great boost as we move towards the end of the season. The team has been fantastic all weekend - the strategy, the pitstops, everything - really top-class. The whole package came together today and I owe everyone a big thank-you. This is so uplifting - for the team and for me. To be able to walk away with a smile feels just fantastic: victory is good for the soul."

Lewis Hamilton drove an utterly faultless race today, taking the lead at the second corner and controlling the gap back to Fernando with consummate skill over the remaining 54 laps. It was Lewis's 17th career grand prix victory, all of them scored for Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and TAG Heuer on his wrist, his third of the season, and the sixth time this year McLaren Racing Team had occasion to pull on their famous Vodafone rocket-red victory T-shirts.

Congratulations to Lewis, Jenson and the entire Vondafone McLaren Mercedes Team !

The Grand Prix de Pau returns in 2011, an event eagerly anticipated by all GP enthusiasts, especially as it will take place on one of the last remaining street circuits.
Richard Mille became involved in the Grand Prix de Pau when he partnered the Historic Grand Prix de Pau, two years ago. This year, the brand is supporting both the Historic and the Modern Grand Prix, which will take place over two consecutive weekends, 14th/15th May and 21st/22nd May respectively.

The Grand Prix de Pau is a tough testing ground for racing cars and experience, inevitably leads to improvements and innovations. It is in this same spirit that Richard Mille has always approached watchmaking. As principal partner, with both the Historic and Modern Grand Prix de Pau, allows Richard Mille to consolidate his ties between modernity and tradition - Pre-war racing cars with the automobiles of tomorrow, while celebrating the best of car manufacturing.
The Historic Grand Prix de Pau will take place over the weekend of 14tth and 15th May and will from then on become a yearly event. Participating cars will be divided into seven different grids according to age and specifi cation but the majority of racing will include single seaters that contributed to the reputation of the circuit.
The following Trophies will be awarded: the Legende Trophy for Grand Prix vehicles and pre-war sports cars, including 15 Bugatti and the Delahaye 145 V12 that won the 1938 Pau Grand Prix; the Argentin Trophy for Grand Prix vehicles with a pre-1961 engine; the Pau Trophy for Grand Prix vehicles with a pre-1966 rear engine; the Pyrenees Trophy for Formula Ford vehicles dating from between 1966 and 1981; the Junior Trophy for Formula Junior vehicles dating from between 1957 and 1963. GT and touring cars will also compete for the Phil Hill/ Sixties Endurance and Mini Classic Trophies.
Like the Le Mans Classic race, hundreds of automobile clubs will also be putting on an open-air exhibition of their most treasured vehicles so that visitors can get up close to these cars, many of which will pre-date them.
The Modern Grand Prix de Pau will take place over the weekend of 21st and 22nd May and will be the opportunity to see the champions of the future. Cars will be categorized into nine grids: Formula Renault 2.0, Championship of France FFSA F4, Renault Clio Cup Elf, 207 THP Cup, THP Spider Cup, Legends Cars Trophy, F3 Classic, Formula 3 International Trophy and the fi rst ever Grand Prix de Pau Electric.
Keen race enthusiasts will remember that Formula 3 has been the proving ground for future champions, in particular Lewis Hamilton.

Christian Viros, Chairman of the Board of TechnoMarine since 2006, has recruited several industry talents worldwide to work with him in the reorganization of TechnoMarine and help guide and launch the brand into a new arena.
Vincent Perriard, has been appointed CEO of TechnoMarine as of August and will lead the worldwide organization. Vincent brings a solid background in the watch making business having held several leadership positions in marketing, product development and general management in brands such as Audemars Piguet, Hamilton (Swatch Group) and most recently at Concord as President of the brand. Vincent possesses great knowledge of the industry which will be utilized to propel the brand into its next phase.The newly appointed executive team plans to disrupt the Swiss watch industry with their new vision just as they did eleven year ago with the Diamond Cruise by working closely together in every aspect of brand building to launch TechnoMarine in a new Marine universe with a fresh direction and cool factor. The specific targeted goals will be to strengthen the brand and business worldwide with innovative products, high quality standards, introduce future watch concepts and reinforce the Cruise collection for new momentum, a new mission and a b vision to reach a new audience. The new strategy plans for product, marketing concepts, corporate identity and new distribution will buzz from Basel 2010 to culminate in the following months...

On June 24th, a date chosen to echo the famous 24 Hours at Le Mans race, 350 journalists, celebrities and a veritable who's who of les people assembled in Paris to fete the MONACO LS, the latest launch in TAG Heuer's 40th Anniversary Celebrations of the iconic MONACO line of racing-inspired sports watches and chronographs.

The exclusive party was held just off the Champs Elysees in the Michelin-starred Maison Blanche restaurant on the glamorous Avenue Montaigne. Among the revelers were 2008 Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, French VIPs Alain Prost, Jacques Lafitte, Catalina Denis…, and TAG Heuer's victorious partners on the Le Mans Peugeot team, who placed one-two in this year's running of the world's most important endurance race.

Also present — in a special virtual incarnation ¬— was Steve McQueen, the screen legend who first brought the Monaco watch to international prominence in his cult classic 1970 race film Le Mans.
The MONACO partygoers in Paris were treated to the first full screening of Steve McQueen and Lewis Hamilton: The Duel, a virtual cinema showdown in which McQueen and fellow TAG Heuer Ambassador Hamilton battle it out on the treacherous turns of the fabled Le Mans circuit.
The Legend and the Virtuoso on the same track… 40 years apart!

In the effects-rich film, McQueen drives a Porsche Gulf 917, as he did in Le Mans, and wears the same Monaco, the blue-dialed, square-shaped icon that changed forever the face of Swiss watchmaking. Hamilton drives the single-seat McLaren in which he won the F1 World Drivers' Championship. On his wrist - the Monaco LS Chronograph Calibre 12, the Monaco's radically redesigned and seriously supercharged descendent. 

Many in attendance had seen a teaser version of the cinematic race in late March at BaselWorld 2009. At the Maison Blanche bash, however, they were finally given a chance to see Lewis Hamilton win the epic duel.
"Steve McQueen the Legend has passed the mantle to Lewis Hamilton the Virtuoso," said TAG Heuer President and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin. "And the original Monaco has morphed into the incredible Monaco LS, the new cult status symbol of the racing circuit. What a race, what a party, and what a watch!"

"I'm particularly proud to have been chosen by TAG Heuer to carry on this fabulous legend," said Lewis Hamilton, a TAG Heuer Ambassador since his F3 days in 2003. "And also of my acting! Who knows, maybe my next role will be alongside Leonardo DiCaprio."
The other star of the night was the Monaco LS Chronograph Calibre 12. An audacious piece of cutting-edge architecture equipped with a powerful TAG Heuer Dubois Depraz 2008 movement, the Monaco LS has a sporty black dial and an imposing 40.5mm case in polished and fine-brushed steel. The current second is displayed in a linear second window at 3 o'clock, chronograph minutes at 9, chronograph hours at 6 and the date in an angled window with black disk at 12. The luminescent indexes are hand-applied and faceted, and the luminescent minute and hour hands are faceted, polished and fine-brushed. The rhodium second hand is adorned with a striking touch of red. Bracelet options are an elegant black alligator strap with folding buckle and safety pushbuttons or a steel bracelet with folding buckle and a unique new TAG Heuer-patented micro-adjustment cutting wheel. Water resistant to 100 metres, with anti-reflective double-sided treatment on the curved sapphire scratch-resistant crystal glass to ensure the best readability, this is a glamorous new addition to the prestigious Monaco fleet.