• Hamilton Boulton Death Stranding 2 From Game to Wrist
  • Hamilton Boulton Death Stranding 2

    From Game to Wrist

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    March 10, 2025
  • The Hamilton Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition, reference H13605130, emerges as a distinct collaboration between the established watchmaker Hamilton and the innovative minds behind the video game Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, namely Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa. This timepiece is not simply a branding exercise, but a physical manifestation of the game's futuristic and slightly dystopian aesthetic, translated into a wearable and functional piece of horological art. The connection to the game is deeply ingrained, as the Boulton model serves as inspiration for an in-game timepiece worn by a character, further blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds.

    Hamilton, founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has a rich history deeply intertwined with American progress. From providing accurate timekeeping for the burgeoning railroad industry to supplying watches to aviation pioneers and soldiers, Hamilton has consistently been at the forefront of both technological advancement and practical application. This legacy of innovation extends beyond traditional horology, including ventures into the cinematic world, with Hamilton watches gracing the wrists of characters in over 500 films and television shows. Their forays into digital timekeeping, with the world's first electric watch in 1957 and the first LED digital watch in 1970, further demonstrate a willingness to embrace the future, a trait clearly reflected in their collaboration with Kojima Productions.

    Courtesy of Hamilton
    Courtesy of Hamilton


    Death Stranding 2: On The Beach, the sequel to the critically acclaimed and conceptually unique Death Stranding, promises to continue the narrative of Sam Bridges in a world ravaged by a mysterious cataclysm. The game, developed by Kojima Productions under the leadership of Hideo Kojima, is known for its intricate storylines, thought-provoking themes, and visually stunning presentation. Kojima, often considered an auteur within the video game industry, is celebrated for his innovative approach to gameplay and narrative, consistently pushing the boundaries of what the medium can achieve. The collaboration with Hamilton is a natural extension of this philosophy, bringing the game's distinctive aesthetic into the realm of tangible, meticulously crafted objects.

    The Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition immediately distinguishes itself with its unconventional case design. The rectangular shape, measuring 36mm by 48mm, is a nod to the classic Hamilton Boulton, a model that first appeared in the 1940s. However, this iteration is far from a simple re-issue. Constructed from titanium and coated with a black PVD finish, the case exudes a stealthy, futuristic vibe. Titanium, known for its lightweight yet incredibly strong properties, reduces the case's weight by a significant 45 percent compared to traditional materials, while also offering superior resistance to corrosion, a nod to the harsh environments depicted in the game.

    Courtesy of Hamilton
    Courtesy of Hamilton


    The dial of the watch is a study in minimalist design, yet it holds intriguing details. The black surface provides a stark backdrop for the minimalist grey indicators, allowing the vibrant orange lacquered seconds hand to truly pop. This splash of color is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a direct reference to visual elements within the game, creating a tangible connection between the watch and its virtual counterpart. The 12 o'clock index also shares this orange hue, adding a subtle yet significant design element. The hour and minute hands feature a unique looped design, echoing the shape of the sapphire crystals and contributing to the overall lightness of the dial.

    Perhaps the most striking feature of the Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition is the arrangement of sapphire crystals. Instead of a single, conventional crystal covering the dial, this watch incorporates seven individual sapphire crystals. One large crystal acts as the primary viewing window, showcasing the hands and dial markings. Flanking this central crystal are two vertical columns, each composed of three smaller sapphire crystals. This arrangement creates an unusual and captivating interplay of light, adding depth and dimension to the watch face. The use of multiple crystals is both a design statement and a technical feat, showcasing Hamilton's willingness to experiment with unconventional approaches.

    Courtesy of Hamilton
    Courtesy of Hamilton


    Turning the watch over reveals an open caseback, offering a glimpse of the intricate H-10 automatic movement. This isn't just any off-the-shelf movement; it's a custom-designed mechanism featuring the Death Stranding logo prominently displayed. Each watch is also individually numbered, adding to its exclusivity and collectibility. The movement holder itself features a special "tar" finishing, another subtle yet evocative detail referencing the game's visual themes.

    The H-10 caliber is a three-hand automatic movement, boasting an impressive 80-hour power reserve. This extended power reserve means the watch can be left unworn for over three days and still keep accurate time, a practical benefit for any wearer. The movement also incorporates a Nivachron™ balance spring. Nivachron™ is a specialized alloy designed to resist the detrimental effects of magnetic fields, temperature fluctuations, and physical shocks, ensuring greater accuracy and reliability over time.

    The watch is paired with a three-row black PVD titanium bracelet, perfectly matching the case in both material and finish. The bracelet features a sandblasted texture, adding a tactile dimension to the overall design. A butterfly clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. The integration of the bracelet with the case is seamless, creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic. The lug width is a standard at 20mm.

    Courtesy of Hamilton
    Courtesy of Hamilton


    The packaging of the Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition is also noteworthy. Instead of a standard watch box, it comes in collectible packaging inspired by narrative elements from the game. This thoughtful detail extends the experience of owning the watch beyond the timepiece itself, further immersing the owner in the world of Death Stranding 2. A bespoke cleaning cloth, unique to this collaboration, is also included.

    The self-winding nature of the watch is a welcome convenience. The internal rotor, driven by the natural movements of the wearer's wrist, harnesses energy and transfers it to the mainspring. This eliminates the need for manual winding or battery replacements, making it a truly self-sufficient timepiece.

    The collaboration between Hamilton and Kojima Productions on this Boulton is remarkable. Limited to only 2,000 pieces, the watch is certain to become a sought-after item for both watch collectors and fans of the Death Stranding series. The anti-reflective coating on the 7 sapphire crystals are a nice touch.

    Courtesy of Hamilton
    Courtesy of Hamilton


    The technical specifications of the watch are as follows: The case is a 36mm x 48mm black PVD coated titanium structure, with an open caseback proudly displaying the Death Stranding logo. The thickness measures 13.7mm. The dial is black, featuring multiple finishes for added visual interest. The hands are uniquely shaped with loops, and the seconds hand is rendered in a vibrant orange. The movement is a three-hand automatic with 25 jewels, offering an 80-hour power reserve. The bracelet is a three-row design, also crafted from black PVD titanium, with a sandblasted finish and a butterfly clasp. The sapphire crystals, all seven of them, are treated with a double anti-reflective coating. The watch boasts a water resistance of 5 bar (50 meters).

    The Hamilton Boulton Death Stranding 2 Limited Edition will be available for purchase starting June 26, 2025, coinciding with the release of Death Stranding 2: On The Beach for the PlayStation 5. The price is set at CHF 1,395.00.

    Case: 36mm x 48mm. Black PVD coated titanium. Thickness: 13.7mm. Lug width: 20mm. Water Resistance: 5 bar (50m). Open Case Back. 7 Sapphire Crystals.

    Movement: Automatic. H-10 Caliber. 80-hour power reserve. Nivachron™ balance spring. 25 Jewels.

    Dial: Black. Multiple finishings. Looped hour and minute hands. Orange lacquered seconds hand. Orange 12 o'clock index. Minimalist grey indicators.

    Strap: 3-rows black PVD titanium bracelet. Sandblasted finishing. Butterfly clasp. Buckle width: 28.5mm. Easy Click. Strap reference: H6050000351.

    Price: CHF 1,395.00

    Reference Number: H13605130

    Notes: Limited to 2,000 pieces. Designed in collaboration with Hideo Kojima and Yoji Shinkawa for Death Stranding 2: On The Beach. Available from June 26, 2025.
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