Hamilton launches Oppenheimer-inspired American Classic collection
Hamilton revives its 1920s Art Deco cushion case design, seen in the film Oppenheimer, with a new six-model collection.
Hamilton has launched the American Classic Cushion Mechanical collection, a revival of its 1920s Art Deco designs directly inspired by a watch worn in the film Oppenheimer. The line comprises six references in 30mm and 34mm case sizes, with prices beginning at EUR/USD 995 or CHF 945 for stainless steel models.
The collection draws its heritage from Hamilton's Cushion Plain and Cushion Engraved models from 1926. It captures the compact proportions and geometric style of the 1920s and 1930s. The brand's original cushion watch debuted in 1919, with the Cushion A and Cushion B models following in the peak Art Deco era. For the movie Oppenheimer, Hamilton sourced genuine vintage Cushion B watches from collectors for Cillian Murphy to wear, ensuring historical accuracy. This on-screen appearance helped inspire the modern reinterpretation.
Case, dial and movement specifications
The new watches are available in two distinct sizes. Both the 30mm and 34mm cases share a slim 8.1mm thickness and a 16mm lug width. They feature a rounded square cushion profile with short, integrated lugs. Each model is fitted with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and offers 50 meters of water resistance.
Dial designs vary between the sizes. The 30mm version offers a textured sandblasted beige dial with bold Arabic numerals, or a crisp white dial with Roman numerals. The 34mm model provides silver sunray, beige, or black dials with luminous Arabic numerals. All references include glossy spear-shaped hands with Super-LumiNova and a small seconds sub-dial at 6 o'clock.
Powering the collection is Hamilton's new H-42 hand-wound calibre. This movement is based on the ETA 7001 architecture. It incorporates a Nivachron balance spring for magnetic resistance and delivers an extended 57-hour power reserve. The movement, which beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour, is visible through a caseback showing vertically brushed bridges.
| Model Size | Dial Options | Case Material Options | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30mm | Textured beige with Arabic numerals; White with Roman numerals | Stainless steel; Stainless steel with yellow gold PVD | Sandblasted or white dial, black glossy hands, Super-LumiNova on markers |
| 34mm | Silver sunray, beige, or black with Arabic numerals | Stainless steel; Stainless steel with yellow gold PVD; Engraved stainless steel | Sunray or matte finishes, luminous numerals and hands, optional engraved case |
Strap options and wearability
Each watch is fitted with a leather strap in either black or brown. The straps feature easy-click spring bars, allowing for tool-free changes. They are closed with a pin buckle that matches the case's material and finish, whether steel or gold PVD.
Availability and pricing structure
All models are part of Hamilton's permanent collection and are immediately available. They can be purchased through the brand's website and authorized retailers, including the Time+Tide Watch Discovery Studio in London.
Pricing is consistent across case sizes and is determined by the materials and finishes. The stainless steel references start at EUR/USD 995 or CHF 945. Models with yellow gold PVD coating are priced at EUR/USD 1,095 or CHF 1,045. In the UK, prices range from £935 for most steel models to £1,040 for the PVD gold versions.
The engraved 34mm stainless steel case directly recalls the detailed silver cases of the early 20th century. Hamilton stated the inspiration plainly, saying, "The new American Classic Cushion Mechanical takes direct inspiration from the Cushion Plain and Cushion Engraved models of 1926." The collection is now available through Hamilton’s website and authorized retailers.
