Directed by Norman Taurog, Blue Hawaii is a musical comedy in which Elvis plays Chad Gates, a young man who returns home from the Army and defies his family to work as a tour guide for his girlfriend’s agency. The film was a massive commercial success and, as a side effect, gave a significant boost to Hawaiian tourism.
The Hamilton Ventura worn by Elvis on screen was apparently his own personal watch. It is a 14k white gold Hamilton Electric Ventura with a black leather strap. The original watch purchased by Elvis came with a leather strap, but archive material reveals that, at his personal request, the jeweller swapped it for a metal bracelet.
The Ventura was the world’s first electric watch, powered by a battery — a genuine revolution in watchmaking. Hamilton hired industrial designer Richard Arbib, who had previously designed cars and boats and illustrated science fiction magazine covers, and gave him complete creative freedom. The result was a shield-shaped case that almost defied description — part spacecraft, part Cold War artifact.
Elvis owned several Venturas over the years and was known to give them as gifts. Decades after Blue Hawaii, the Ventura landed another Hollywood role as the watch worn by the alien-fighting agents in Men in Black, appearing in all four films of the franchise.
Details
Brand:
Marketplace Price
€1 200
Movie Year:
1961
As seen on:
Movie/TV Series:
