Hamilton Seaview AutoChrono automatic diving chronograph

This year the Swiss-American brand will bring to market its new family of Seaview dressy diving watches. Available in 42mm GMT, 44mm AutoChrono and a huge 46mm Automatic version, the new range will be one of the most affordable offers in Hamilton’s current model lineup.

The overwhelming number of “affordable” automatic chronographs are powered by a rather cheap ETA 2892 base movement with an attached chronograph module from a third-party manufacturer like, say, Dubois-Depraz or Soprod. The Hamilton Seaview AutoChrono, though, sports a natural-born chronograph movement ETA 7753, which essentially the same Valjoux 7750 but with a pair of extra jewels and a different layout for its three chronograph sub-dials. While the 7750 has its sub-dials located at “12,” “6″ and “9″ o’clock, the 7753 features the “3-6-9″ configuration. For some unknown reason, the caliber is also more expensive than its older sibling.

From the visual perspective, the watch is simply wonderful, especially, the rose gold-plated model that features black dial with Cotes de Geneve decoration and a sporty black leather strap. Well, I don’t really like gold-plated models, because they tend to wear much faster than a real gold or a real steel versions and because I prefer the real thing over imitation, but it still looks plain gorgeous.

Its rotating bezel doesn’t look like it was simply influenced, not directly ripped-off from a Rolex diver, and the dial layout is quite legible and is not too busy with unnecessary details. Even the date window at 6 o’clock looks cool, providing the watch with more balanced looks.

There will also be a polished stainless steel version, which will be available with either a rubber strap or an SS bracelet.

Highly recommended.

Hamilton Seaview AutoChrono automatic chronograph watch’s specification:

Price range: €1295
Movement: ETA 7753, automatic
Complications: Chronograph, date
Power reserve: N/A
Case material: Steel or pink gold plated
Case dimensions: 44 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: Black
Water resistance: 100 m
Strap: Stainless steel bracelet or black rubber strap
Crystal: Sapphire