Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chrono (H38416711)
Last Seen: $2,200 (Check latest pricing and availability)

In 2017, Hamilton released a chronograph called the Intra-Matic 68. It was a limited edition chronograph with a predominantly black dial (at 42 mm case diameter) or some call it the reverse panda dial configuration with only 1968 pieces.

The new Intra-Matic is a near perfect 40 mm in case diameter which looks and wears better on the wrist. Other than this, they are extremely similar in style, aesthetic and features. Made of 316L high-polished stainless steel at roughly 14mm tall, this is not a slim case, but considering the automatic chronograph movement in there, the dimensions feel pretty good.

The H-31movement is an automatic chronograph with 27 jewel, hand winding and hacking running at 28,000 vibrations per hour. It has a decent 60 hour power reserve.

The panda dial is very good looking. The dial is not pure white but a nice creamy/off white color. At the 6 o’clock position of the dial, we get a date complication. The textured sub-dial on the left (9 o’clock) position features a running seconds display and the right (3 o’clock) a 30 minute totalizer to use in conjunction with the chronograph functionality. A 30 minute totalizer is very legible and allows proper spacing making it easy on the eyes compared to a 60 minute implementation.

On the outside of the dial you’ve got a tachymeter scale with white printing, after which there’s a 1/5th second/minute track in black atop the cream-colored central disk. The markers are polished, multi-faceted steel with white Super Lumi-Nova lume above each.

The strap is a black leather model with black top-stitching all around and a Hamilton-signed buckle. Nothing fancy but gets the job done.

The chronograph can be activated (start/stop) with a smooth click by pressing the plunger style pushers. The screwed down crown has a Hamilton signed logo which is easy to unscrew.

The Hamilton Intra-Matic Auto Chronograph is a very well made and great-looking panda chronograph. If you’re after a modern upgrade to a vintage chronograph, this is certainly a good bet. The only gripe is the thickness which might be a problem to some, fitting under a cuff. If the price is out of your budget, also check out the Seiko or Orient Neo 70s Chronograph. They are great alternatives at a reasonably low price point.

 

Specifications

• Model: Hamilton American Classic Intra-Matic Auto Chrono 40 mm (H38416711)
• Case: 40 mm stainless steel
• Dial:
  • White panda dial with black counters
• Hands:
  • Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super Lumi-Nova
  • Black lacquered seconds and counter hands
• Movement: H-31 automatic movement with 60-hour power reserve, date function
• Bracelet:
  • Black calf leather strap with soft touch and pin buckle
• Glass: Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating
• Water resistance: 10 bar (100m)