VENTURA Watch and the 60th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s first & only Toronto concert

Two major events that happened 60 years ago: Elvis Presley performed in Toronto at Maple Leaf Gardens (his only show ever in this city) and the Hamilton Watch Company introduced the world’s very first electric watch, Ventura.
To celebrate these two milestones, Hamilton Watch held an anniversary party at The Spoke Club, hosted by Glen Baxter (who proudly wore his Ventura watch that evening). On display were two of the three Ventura watches owned by Elvis Presley (Hamilton Watch purchased these directly from the Presley estate). Thomas Sandrin of Hamilton Watch was also on hand welcoming the guests.

Elvis wore his first Ventura watch in 1961 in the classic film Blue Hawaii. The Richard Arbib designed watch, with its arrowhead-shaped dial and futuristic design and 80 hours of power, appealed to the King who was a huge watch fan. The watch had an 18-carat case and bipolar leather strap. Presley started wearing it off the set and later had the strap replaced with a bracelet. He bought his second Ventura in 1965, and it had a white gold case and a black dial. He owned three Venturas, and he gifted many to friends and family.

There was a demonstration of the making of a Ventura watch. The Hamilton Ventura Classic comes in either a white dial with stainless steel case with yellow PVD coating or a blue denim dial and polished stainless steel case. The Ventura Elvis80 Skeleton has a skeletonized dial and a stainless steel case.

In keeping with the theme, guests enjoyed specialty cocktails named The Elvis (Stoli Vodka, pineapple juice and banana) and Rock and Roll ( Stoli Vodka, blackcurrant juice and Sprite). Among the treats served were upscale peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, french fries, and sliders.

American Crew demonstrated their men’s hair products and offered hair styling.

Singer Michaela May sang fantastic versions of Elvis tunes.

The King would’ve certainly approved of the evening.

(Photo credit Evan Bergstra / Ryan Emberley)