Wearing your heart on your sleeve
This month, Hamilton adds five new references to the Jazzmaster Open Heart series. Of the brand’s seven distinct collections, the sprawling Jazzamaster line is perhaps the one most characterized by sophistication and elegance. Even the sportier offerings, like the Performer Auto and the Auto Chrono, tend toward the upscale in terms of finishing and design. However, the Open Heart series, in particular, embodies a sense of refinement—while remaining within reach of the average consumer.
These latest iterations with distinctly contemporary dials of Apricot, Burgundy, and Silver, build on that reputation of style and creativity. Here, we feature the reference H32675551, or silver dial, on a patina leather strap.
Key Features of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart
Different from skeletal dials, the Open Heart features a cut out that reveals key areas of the movement beneath. The design allows for legibility to remain largely intact, but also a certain level of artistic freedom to be exercised in the paring away of real estate. The wedge-like shearing here, along with the circular swath across the top of the dial is somewhat reflective of the actual components clicking and spinning below. And through the space, we can see areas of the bridgework—which feature perlage and the juxtaposition of brushed and polished elements (anglage). Also on display are two purple rubies and a glimpse of the gear train, ratchet, and balance wheel.
The dial itself is finished in a radial, sunburst brushing and features gold highlights in the applied lozenge markers and dauphine-style hands. It is capped with a sightly cambered sapphire crystal.
The case is fashioned from 316L stainless steel and introduces brushing along the top and sides of the lugs, separated by a thin chamfer. The rest of the case, including the bezel, is full polish. The watch is 40mm in diameter and 11.5mm thick. It has a 20mm lug width and is 47mm from lug tip to lug tip.
The crown is push-pull and the display case back is attached by four screws. The watch is water resistant to 50m.
From the rear, the H10 calibre is visible through a pane of flat sapphire glass. The rotor is signed and also features cutaway sections on either side of the logo. Otherwise the movement is undecorated.
The H-10 is Hamilton’s workhorse. It has a Nivachron balance spring and an 80-hour power reserve.
The patina leather strap is soft to the touch and padded close to the lugs. It has a subtle burst effect, as well—being darker at the edges and lighter down the centre line. The pin buckle is stainless steel and signed.
All of the dial colours also feature a steel bracelet option. The five-link band is an engineer-style with intermittent faceted links of polished and brushed surfaces. It is equipped with a butterfly clasp.
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Specs
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 40mm Diameter 47mm Lug to Lug 11.5mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Display Case Back 50m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Cambered Sapphire Crystal Radially Brushed Open Heart Dial Dauphine Hands Applied Markers |
| Movement | H10 Calibre (ETA C07.611) 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Patina Leather /w Steel Pin Buckle |
Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart
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Final Thoughts
This latest iteration of the Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart is not rewriting the book on the brand’s collection; however, it is certainly an attractive addition to the line. The dial tones are well chosen and feel very fresh. While the silver model featured here is perhaps the most traditional of the new dials, it exudes a certain sense of distinction with its classic gold touches. Personally, skeleton dials of any kind are not among my regular wheelhouse. That being said, they make excellent conversation pieces and rarely go unnoticed on wrist. I view them as a kind of gateway drug into the world of mechanical watches–in the same way I view display case backs featuring more common calibres. I remember, in my early days of collecting, being particularly smitten by a Seiko 5 Sports Open Heart where the balance wheel was tantalisingly exposed. Of course, the watch did not possess the same luxury tropes we find in the Jazzmaster, but it did offer a glimpse at the mystery beneath.
This collection does what Hamilton often does best, by offering the buyer that first step into the world of Swiss timekeeping. And they do it in style.
Pricing & Availability
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Open Heart retails for $1075 USD on leather and $1125 USD on steel. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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