Hamilton’s Ventura Dune editions: From the silver screen to real life

Hamilton now offers Ventura limited-edition pieces inspired by the bespoke cinematic device lighting up “Dune: Part Two”.

To say Hamilton boasts an omnipresence in Hollywood isn’t a far-fetched assertion. In fact, Hamilton’s unequivocal relationship with Hollywood is deep-seated. Established in 1892, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for much of its history, Hamilton has been an unwavering partner of Hollywood filmmakers. Since 1932, Hamilton’s famous creations have featured in excess of 500 major releases. Their historical presence and influence have had a profound impact on filmmaking and cinematic pleasure. Without Hamilton, Hollywood might well have been a duller place.

Yet, even within Hamilton’s inexorable history with Hollywood, the highly anticipated Sci-Fi epic “Dune: Part Two” marks the first time Hamilton had gone through such length to create a cinematic device specific to the demands of a film. It is a one-of-a-kind design produced at the behest of filmmakers. Put simply, Hamilton’s latest endeavour breaks new ground and it gives rise to the Ventura XXL Bright Dune and Ventura Edge Dune Limited Editions.

The story behind Hamilton’s tour de force

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve, the sequel to “Dune” released in 2021 follows the journey of Paul Atreides, as he unites with Chani and the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis whilst on a path to avenge his destroyed family. Villeneuve, who also directed “Sicario” (2015), “Arrival” (2016) and “Blade Runner 2049” (2017), had envisaged a futuristic device that would befit the vision he held for the film. His ambitious audacity necessitated Hamilton to look beyond reprising its existing repertoire, either archival or anew, and collaborate with the film’s prop master, Doug Harlocker, to craft an otherworldly instrument.

Although there was no knowledge of the device’s function, the guiding principles were formed by Frank Herbert’s “Dune”, the novel on which the film is based, and Villeneuve’s vision. The designers at Hamilton strived to earn Villeneuve’s approval. Together, they succeeded in forging a hard-wearing, distinctly Fremen apparatus that perfectly embodied Harlocker’s artistry.

A piece of cinematic history you can call your own

In conjunction with the release of “Dune: Part Two”, Hamilton unveils two limited editions powered by quartz movements, Ventura XXL Bright Dune and Ventura Edge Dune, inspired by the ingenuous design dedicated to the Arrakis dwellers. The commemorative editions call upon one of Hamilton’s most distinctive designs, the Ventura, which was immortalised by Elvis Presley in his 1961 film “Blue Hawaii”.

Apart from a luminous blue dial evoking the Fremen’s mesmeric blue eyes, the Ventura XXL Bright Dune includes a button reminiscent of the glowing blue lines of the “Dune: Part Two” design. The emblematic stainless steel case measures 52 x 46.6mm and is black PVD coated. It is limited to 3,000 pieces and water resistant to 50m.

Limited to 2,000 pieces, the Ventura Edge Dune highlights a 51x 47.2mm stainless steel matte black PVD-coated angular case. Its digital display features a blue accent to replicate the relief elements seen on the film prop, while water resistance is rated 100m.

Paired with black rubber straps, both limited-edition pieces are further complemented with commemorative packaging inspired by the film.

Available only at Watches of Switzerland Jewel Changi and Watches of Switzerland VivoCity in Singapore, they are bound to strike a chord with fans of the films, books, and TV series, past and present, the original novel has inspired.