Off the Cuff: Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto 2023

The Hamilton Jazzmaster is a large and sprawling collection of watches within the Hamilton catalogue. They range from dressy (Gent and Viewmatic) to sporty (Performer and Performer Auto Chrono) and even stray into quirky (Regulator Cinema). However, it is also a collection replete with open-work offerings like the new Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto.

Hamilton Jazzmaster Auto 2023 Watch Review — ^{Hamilton Jazzmaster SkeletonAuto}^@calibre321

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While it might be difficult to simply or quickly characterise the Jazzmaster Collection—as you might, say, the Khaki or Ventura Series—it is also true that it has a little something for everyone. For me, the Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto, for instance, has the feel of a one watch collection aimed at horology-curious young professionals.

Why, you ask? Well, I remember when first dipping my toe in the mechanical watch universe, what I found most compelling was the movement behind the dial. Display case backs intrigued me. It did not matter whether they revealed workhorse movements like Seiko’s NH35, or Citizen’s Miyota 9000 series. A common ETA or Sellita calibre gave me the same rush. It was only after taking the figurative plunge that I discovered movement decoration, in-house calibres, and, eventually, haute horlogerie.

With its reasonable pricepoint, attractive finishing, and fine open-work dial, the Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto is exactly the sort of bait designed to attract new enthusiasts to the fold. While not entirely redesigned, this latest iteration has been revised to include smoother lines and case contours. It also features a novel dial layout and a new 36mm option. The reference featured here sports a more traditional 40mm case but comes in at a relatively slim 11mm. Its sculpted lugs provide a touch of distinction in the way they seem to cup and support the stationary bezel. Like many models in the Jazzmaster Collection, it exudes a certain elegance. While certainly not a sports watch, it also offers 50m of water resistance.

Unlike many other skeletonized watches, the Jazzmaster maintains its legibility through a creative pattern of cutaways in the blue dial, revealing intriguing glimpses of the running gear, balance wheel, and barrel. It is equipped with nickel-plated, three-dimensional hour markers, matching polished dauphine hands with lume inserts, and bevelling on the open-work areas where the dial has been cut away to reveal the movement underneath.

In addition, the Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto is a sapphire sandwich with a display case back, offering an unobstructed view of the H10 calibre at the timepiece’s heart. While the movement is rather straightforward, it does have a signed rotor with a laser cut out of the logo and brand name. There is also a fine view of the purple jewels, as well as the intricate snail and pearl finishing on various elements. The H-10 has a killer 80-hour power reserve, an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring, and a beat rate of 3HZ.

The bracelet included with the Jazzamaster Skeleton, in particular, punches above its weight. It is a finely crafted engineer-style in stainless steel; however, each of the individual links has been bevelled for comfort. It comes with a folding clasp and push-button release.

SPECS

Case	316L Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 11mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screwed Case Back Push/Pull Crown 50m Water Resistance
Dial & Crystal	Sapphire Crystal /w AR Skeletonized Dial Applied Markers Dauphine Handset Super-LumiNova (Hands)
Movement	H10 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve
Strap	Stainless Steel Bracelet or Leather Strap

Hamilton Jazzmaster Auto

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Of Interest

Hamilton’s history dates back to 1892. The Jazzmaster collection, however, is a more recent addition to their lineup, first introduced in the early 2000s. The name “Jazzmaster” draws inspiration from the world of jazz music, reflecting the collection’s focus on sophistication and timeless style. The collection is known for its classic and versatile designs, created to effortlessly transition from formal to casual settings, making them suitable for various occasions.

Over the years, the Hamilton Jazzmaster collection has featured a wide range of models and styles, including automatic and quartz movements, chronographs, GMT watches, and more. This diversity has allowed customers to choose watches that suited their preferences and needs. Like any successful watch collection, the Jazzmaster line has evolved over time to incorporate cutting edge technologies, materials, and design trends while staying true to its classic roots. The Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto, with its powerful H-10 movement—paired with its clean retro-styled lines—is an excellent example of this.

Quibbles

I’m not sure that the Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto is likely to become an emblematic piece in the Hamilton catalogue like the Murph or the Khaki Field; however, it would make an excellent everyday watch at the office and may even be a bit of a conversation starter with its mechanical innards on full display.

Final Thoughts

What is it that woos someone away from the Apple Watch? It’s hip and popular. It’s far more functional than a traditional timepiece. It can be accessorised and personalised. I think, in some respect, it’s the same je ne sais quoi that draws someone to a vintage car. Today’s vehicles are more reliable and more fuel efficient. They offer superior technology and are arguably better for the environment. But both timepieces and automobiles are more than the sum of their parts. There is a romanticism–not to mention a seductive quality–to something that has survived the test of time in style. This is why I can imagine a an ingenu(e) entering an AD for the first time and gazing through the glass case at a watch like the Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto–with its clean lines and exquisite finishing–and thinking, “look at that!” Hook, line, and sinker.

The Hamilton Jazzmaster Skeleton Auto retails for $1345USD on the bracelet, and $1295USD on your choice of leather. For more information, please visit the brand website.