Been really busy with work in the last few months and haven’t been able to post as much as I would like, but had a few moments and figured I should squeeze out a quite mini-review of my Hamilton Below Zero that I got not too long ago. The model I picked up is the 42mm model, silver dial on tan leather strap. I personally think this is the nicest of the models as the applied arabics really set off the light silver face.
The dial is characterized by the “0” at the 12 o’clock position, likely inspired by the name “BelowZero”. The watch comes in two sizes, 42mm and 46mm mirroring the Bell & Ross instrument watches from the BR03 and BR01 lines respectively. Its no secret that these watches are inspired by B&R, as they bare much resemblance, but they still maintain some identity and manage to look different enough.
As you might notice above, I mounted it briefly on a black sueded Steinhart pilot strap, but decided that I prefer it on the tan. The casework on the BelowZero is a notch above previous Hamiltons that I have owned, which is a welcome treat. I’ve always liked the Hamilton Designs, but felt that they fell a bit short on the craftsmanship of the cases. They could have been done much better for a prominent Swiss Watch company. I feel the BelowZero is slightly above expectations which is what every good watch company should deliver.
As seen above, the back features an exhibition crystal showing off the fairly stock looking ETA 2824 movement. The case is water resistant to 200m, and featured two-toned brushed and polished stainless steel. The bezel is uni-directional, and also features luminova dots so it can be read in the dark. Overall the most satisfying Hamilton I have owned. This is the complete package finally from a company who has some very cool designs but has always dropped the ball a bit when it came to that last few bits of fit and finish. Good Job, Hamilton.
Movement: Automatic ETA 2824 Movement
Case: Polished with Brushed Steel Case, Exhibition CaseBack
Crystal: Scratch Resistant Sapphire
Water Resistance: 200 Meters / 660 Feet Water Resistant
Diameter: 42mm = 1 5/8″ Case