Hamilton

Hamilton Watch Company was established in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, succeeding several earlier watchmaking firms including Keystone Standard Watch Company. Named after Andrew Hamilton, the Scottish attorney who founded Lancaster County, the company quickly became America's premier watchmaker. During the railroad era, Hamilton captured over 56% of the market with their 'Watch of Railroad Accuracy' pocket watches. The company introduced its first wristwatch in 1917 for WWI soldiers and acquired Illinois Watch Company in 1928. During WWII, Hamilton ceased consumer production entirely, manufacturing over one million military watches and pioneering mass-produced marine chronometers for the U.S. Navy. In 1957, Hamilton revolutionized the industry with the world's first electric watch, the Hamilton Electric 500, featuring the iconic Ventura design worn by Elvis Presley. The company acquired Swiss manufacturer Buren in 1966 and ceased American manufacturing in 1969, moving all production to Switzerland. Hamilton was sold to SSIH in 1974, which later merged with ASUAG in 1984 to form The Swatch Group.