Hamilton x Hodinkee Intra-Matic ‘Champagne’

Released on September 30th, 2020 with delivery to begin in mid-October 2020. This Champagne dialed Intra-Matic is an interesting release and collaboration from Hodinkee and Hamilton.

We discussed the Baltic x Worn and Wound collaboration HERE a few months ago which featured Salmon dials. Salmon dials are often reserved for luxury watches and hardly seen on affordable watches under the $1,000 price point. It is interesting Hodinkee and Hamilton would release a champagne dial especially one that kinda looks like the Salmon color. Perhaps they saw how quickly the Baltic x Worn and Wound collaboration sold out and wanted to jump on the bandwagon.

Hodinkee actually addresses salmon dials by stating the following;

You won’t find the reddish tones seen on the “salmon”-colored dials that are so popular today. It’s also not quite tan, nor beige, nor honey; instead, it has the glint of gold, with a slight, warm sparkle that catches the light – similar to the effervescent, pale glow of a crisp glass of bubbly.

Hodinkee Shop Jounral

Typical Hodinkee right? To say they are not following the crowd and doing their own thing. Is this a dig at the Worn & Wound x Baltic Colab? I love salmon dials! Champagne is cool too! (On a side note we have to commend the marketing team on that “nor honey instead it has the glint of gold.” very well written)

There is no price premium for being a Hodinkee collaboration. The original silver dialed Hamilton Intra-Matic retails for $845, but available for ~$600 on the gray market or heavily discounted from Macy’s during one of their sales.

I normally do not agree with Hodinkee but they are right when they say the Hamilton Intra-Matic is one of the best dress watch options under $1,000. I love the dial color and the recessed hour markers. The white hands and date at 6 o’clock really elevate this dress watch.

This is your chance to own a unique version of the highly recommended forum favorite. On forums, Youtube, and Instagram, most affordable dress watch recommendations are the Hamilton Intra-Matic or the much lower-priced (~$120) and super affordable Orient Bambino.

I am a strong believer that everyone needs a dress watch, and this is my pick. Unfortunately, I just purchased the Seiko Prospex “Save The Ocean Manta-Ray Edition” King Samurai last week which means my watch budget is depleted for now and have to pass on this awesome Hamilton Intra-Matic. (I also bought an Olight S1R II Baton in orange..yesterday… for “review purposes” lol)

Now onto the HAMILTON Intra-Matic Automatic 38mm ‘Champagne’ specifications;

Case Size: 38mm
Thickness: 10mm
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Automatic ETA 2892A2
Power Reserve: 42 hrs
Water Resistance: 50 meteres
Lug width: 20mm
Ref #: H38455501

On a side note, Wornandwound has not yet mentioned this release/collaboration. Possible watch beef between Wornandwound and Hodinkee? Hodinkee mentioned the Baltic x Worn & Wound Collaboration so we will see if Worn & Wound returns the favor as they are pretty quick with announcing new releases and collaborations.

Check out the Hamilton x Hodinkee Intra-Matic Champagne on the Hodinkee Shop.

Featured image courtesy of Hodinkee Shop Journal