Hamilton Ventura 14K

The "Ventura" was the flagship of Hamilton's Electric watch line and was introduced in January of 1957, priced at $200.00. The "Ventura" was prominently worn by celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Rod Serling. It has a massive solid gold, triangular case with stepped fins. This example has a rare Hamilton factory quartz conversion. By the 1980s, Hamilton had mostly run out of parts to repair the original 500-series electric movements, and engineered this clever conversion option which used a quartz movement fitted into a special brass ring that allowed the original dial and movement ring to be used without any modifications. And as a boon for today's collectors, the watch can easily be converted back to its original configuration with a 500-series electric movement since the dial retains its original dial feet. This example is in excellent condition showing only very light wear, with the stepped fins still well-defined. Caseback is excellent, with an engraving from 1961. Case measures 50mm long and 32mm wide. Original black nickel gilt dial is excellent, has a gorgeous bronze tropical patina. Has new acrylic crystal. The watch is powered by its correct AS/ESA 551.121 Hamilton factory-original conversion quartz movement, just fitted with a new battery and running strong.