Almost a century ago, Hamilton cut a watch case into a rounded square and called it the Cushion. In 2026 that jazz-age shape is back in the permanent American Classic line: smaller, sharper and powered by a hand-wound mechanical movement that finally lasts the weekend.

A 1926 Idea, Rewound

Hamilton's cushion case dates back to 1919 and flourished through the late 1920s and 1930s, with models like the Cushion Plain and Cushion Engraved. The new collection draws directly from them: short integrated lugs, a soft square profile, stylized square numerals and a railroad minute track around the dial.

The shape also has a screen connection. A restored vintage Hamilton Cushion from the 1930s was worn by Cillian Murphy in the 2023 film Oppenheimer, and that attention helped put the style back on collectors' radar.

Inside: the Hamilton H-42

The H-42 is based on the ETA 7001, a slim hand-wound caliber with roots in the 1970s Peseux 7001. Hamilton upgraded it with a Nivachron balance spring, which resists magnetic fields and temperature swings, and stretched the power reserve to 57 hours, up from 42. It has 17 jewels, beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour and is visible through the exhibition caseback.

Being hand-wound is the point: a few turns of the crown each morning is a small ritual that suits a 1920s watch.

Three Editions, Side by Side

Which Cushion Is Yours?

H36139520 is the romantic one: a gold-tone case, a beige dial and a brown leather strap that looks borrowed from a 1930s photograph. H36129730 flips it into a modern, high-contrast dress watch that suits suits and tees alike. H36149710 adds an engraved case with Art Deco detailing to a silvery dial, for people who like their steel to have a story.

Wear It, Wind It, Keep It

Wind the crown gently until you feel resistance, ideally at the same time each day. The 34mm size and 8.1mm thickness slip under a cuff, and the Super-LumiNova on the hands and numerals keeps it readable at night. Keep it within its 50m water resistance and away from showers.