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Note: there are several book and movie spoilers in this article, and reading this article will adversely impact your enjoyment of the literary and theatrical series.

A Watch Worthy of a Follow-up

On February 29th, my article on the two watches that Hamilton released for the movie Dune: Part 2 was published on the WatchClicker. I had only the press release and my own personal experience with a couple of Hamilton’s movie watches to go on. Since then, I have not only seen the second movie, but I had the opportunity to spend some time not only with the two watches that were released to the market but also with one of three Desert Watch movie prop. My instincts about the Edge timepiece being a collector’s item were reinforced after seeing the movie and after wearing the watch.

The Hamilton BelowZero: as seen in movies such as The Martian, Tenet and more…

The Hamilton Khaki Murph: as seen in Interstellar

First, before we get started, I have also read the first three books, and I am not a fan of the Dune franchise. Like Star Wars, I do not appreciate Messianic stories, read the fate of the world belonging in the hands of a mystically powered chosen one, for I find them cheap and, and in most cases an exercise in self-flagellation on the author’s part – for they are inevitably writing about themselves. What I am a fan of however, are Hamilton’s watches, especially as of late.

The Hamilton Boulton: as seen in the most recent Indiana Jones movie, the Dial of Destiny

What the Public has Gotten Wrong About these Watches

 

Since the two watches were released, I have sat back quietly in many discussions and listened to enthusiasts speak about the movies and the watches with highly incorrect takes. Some, complained about the script of the movie where they did not like the pacing of either movie – the first being too slow, while the second being too fast. None of them read the books, but all were quick to recant and recognize that the challenges set forth for the director Denis Villeneuve were met with resounding success. When it came to the watches, I heard and read many people claim that they are lazy and uninspired.

First, the Bright variant offers a nice alternative to the standard model. This standard edition is mainly monochrome when dormant, save for the red seconds hand tip, but it erupts into a red fiery life when the button is activated. The limited edition is being priced at just a 10% premium to the standard model. This is rather fair considering that the new watch’s dial is quite intricate and that Hamilton also offers the Edge for an entirely bespoke experience at $1000 Canadian more.

The Hamilton Bright Ventura Dune

When I mentioned this to those who had criticized Hamilton for this release’s lack of effort, every single one of those who volleyed the complaints rescinded them and came to appreciate the Bright Dune Limited Edition.

On Why the Ventura Edge Dune is a Watch Collectors Should Buy

Note: again, you are being warned of spoilers, for they will appear in three, two, one…

The Hamilton Edge Ventura Dune Limited Edition

Now, for the previous article, I wrote that the blue highlights featured in both of the watches were referencing the blue eyes of the Fremin. This was true, but the overall design motif is referencing the glass chalice that houses the Waters of Life – see the photograph below with a similar vase on the ground of the watch display. This can be seen in both watches featuring the shape of the chalice in the centre of each dial. The protagonist of the movie, Paul Atreides, fully gains all of his powers after drinking this water, which was extracted from baby sandworms, and like his mother, who also drank this water, his eyes turned blue instantly.

This is significant with regards to not only the Edge variant but also to the movie itself and the Desert watch prop, which was designed by Hamilton. The Desert watch made its first appearance on Paul’s wrist right after he fully recovered from drinking the aforementioned fluid. As he rose anew, he gained full control over his powers, which offered him an unhindered sight into the past and the future. Thus, fulfilling the Fremin’s Messianic prophecy – yawn. As he stood in front of his would-be army, his wrist glowed blue as the Desert Watch signified his transformation through his wardrobe. Interestingly, his love interest, Chani Kynes, tied a blue ribbon on her arm before she went into battle in his name, even though she did not agree with the direction that the love of her life was taking. This was done for the viewer to recognize her on screen during the hectic battle scenes, but it does offer a parallel between the two characters.

More interesting is how the design of the Edge watch speaks to a major narrative turning point. With the full powers of his sight, he saw a clear path into the future and that he was not only a descendant of the Atreides line but also of their enemies, the Harkonnens. The brilliant costume, wardrobe and set designs of the Harkonnens in the movie appear in this watch. This family rules over a planet that was entirely shot with infrared cameras (probably one of the most beautiful technical risks taken in cinema recently), and their pale white skin is contrasted with their stark black armour. This armour closely resembles shellfish or that of cockroaches. The Hamilton design team went to great lengths to ensure that the Edge Dune Ventura watch not only represented Paul’s allegiances to that of his bloodline and that of his new people, the Fremin, but also that of his mother’s ancestors, the Harkonnens.

The Hamilton Desert Watch

Both of the watches wear incredibly well in real life, but the Edge version feels and looks extra special. In person, it looks like it belongs on the wrist of a MotoGP athlete if their team livery was all black with blue highlights. It hugged my 6.75” wrist immaculately. Upon looking down at it on my wrist, I instantly came to appreciate the level of detail on the dial and the narrative exposition through its design.

If you are a watch enthusiast and a collector, you owe it to yourself to go out of your way and purchase this watch. I only suggest that you order an extra strap or two, for this is an entirely unique design, and finding such a strap in a couple of decades will most certainly be a challenge. Unlike other movie watches, which are existing watches that are slightly modified, like the Bright variant, the Edge model is a gorgeous example of a design team coming together and fully embracing the movie’s narrative. All while making a watch that looks stunning on the streets of planet Earth in 2024.

Time of writing: March 14th, 2024