Fergus Nash
The Hamilton Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III is released 10 years after the original version.The Face-2-Face III ditches the oval shape for a round one.It’s limited to 999 pieces.Hamilton definitely aren't the first brand to come to mind when the topic of reversible watches comes up. However, as more independent brands tackle the flipping challenge, Hamilton's Jazzmaster Face-2-Face has returned to remind us what they can do. Hamilton first debuted their Jazzmaster Face-2-Face in 2013 and then released a second edition in 2016, but these two ellipsis-shaped limited editions were certainly oddities with niche appeal. The Face-2-Face III hosts its madness in a more traditional package, widening the appeal and almost passing as a regular watch.If you're familiar with Hamilton's product ranges, you'll know that the Jazzmaster line is usually characterised by a healthy balance of contemporary and vintage styles. Skeletonised dials and bold colours are usually contained by cases that have 1950s and 60s influences, especially if they have a bit of space-age flair to them. The Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III is no different, effortlessly blending different eras of Hamilton's popularity into a single watch. The case curves gently yet widely, with generous bevelled edges and distinct junctions where the lugs meet the rest of the case. The alternating finishes between polished and brushed help disguise the rotating aspect, as there is only a small gap between the case and the bezel.Size wise, you'd be correct to assume the flipping complication adds a bit of chunkiness to the watch. The necessity of putting a case within a case means that the overall diameter is a hefty 44mm, but Hamilton have done a great job of containing its dimensions to wearable standards. The lug-to-lug length is 50mm, and the thickness is 17.25mm. Given that automatic chronographs are rarely below 15mm thick, the Hamilton Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III isn't offensively large.The main dial of the Face-2-Face takes inspiration from the theme of “2” for its colouring, with a dark grey base and a saturated blue on the seconds hand and chronograph's hours subdial. Each of the subdials is a different size and style, giving the whole watch a very futuristic and technical look. The pointed hands are clear above the dark grey, and give an edge of aggression. A visible date wheel encircles the dial, with a frame under the Hamilton logo that points out the correct date and day of the week.The reverse of the watch reveals a much more extravagant display of technicality, proudly displaying the Hamilton H-41 movement with its 60-hour power reserve, automatic winding and machined decoration. A single blue hand reaches through the centre and runs the same way as the chronograph hand on the other side, however in this application it can be used with the tachymetre and pulsometer to time units per hour and heart rates.The Hamilton Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III pricing and availability:The Hamilton Jazzmaster Face-2-Face III is limited to 999 pieces worldwide, and is exclusive in Australia to the Time+Tide store here. Price: A$4,500 / US$2,995BrandHamiltonModelJazzmaster Face-2-Face III Limited EditionReference NumberH32876550Case Dimensions44mm (D) x 17.25mm (H) x 50mm (L2L), 22mm lug widthCase MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance5 barDialGrey, semi-skeletonised with blue hour totaliser, skeletonised secondary dialCrystal(s)Domed sapphire crystalsStrapBrown leather with blue stitchingMovementHamilton H-41, ETA 7750 basePower reserve60 hoursFunctionsAutomatic chronograph, day, date, 30-minute counter, 12-hour counter, pulsometer,? tachymetreAvailabilityNow, limited edition of 999 piecesPriceA$4,750 / US$2,995
27.01.23