Hamilton Cross Country
This article examines the Hamilton Cross Country, a 1956 watch that offered a unique direct-read GMT functionality for its time. Unlike traditional GMTs, it lacks a rotating bezel or independently adjustable hour hand, instead featuring a rotating dial segment that moves with the hour hand to indicate different US time zones.
- Released in 1956
- 34mm case size
- Gold-plated case
The Cross Country functions as a direct-read GMT by rotating a segment of the dial identically with the hour hand, allowing for the indication of different US time zones via colored triangles.
The watch requires manual resetting of the hour hand to change the indicated time zone.
This specific example is set to Eastern Time, obscuring the 'E' triangle.
The gold-plated case on this example is described as showing well, and the dial remains remarkably clean.
The watch is noted as being small at 34mm without the crown.
Some models came with a red-tipped seconds hand, which this example does not have.