Hamilton Khaki SkyMaster UTC Automatic
It is always a pleasure to see a second-tier brand going the hard way and turning a simple (and common) complication into a unique feature of the watch. The new Hamilton Khaki SkyMaster UTC automatic watch is the latest example of such an approach.
The complication in question is the second time zone function, which is mostly known as GMT, but is called here UTC (Coordinated Universal Time,) which seems to be more appropriate in this case.
To set the second time zone, you must select one of 24 IATA airport codes that correspond to each of the 24 time zones.
The trick here is to remember that abbreviation “CAY” stands not for Cayman Islands, but for “Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport,” which is located in French Guiana (UTC/GMT -3 hours,) and “NOU” is for “Aeroport de Noumea – La Tontouta” on New Caledonia (UTC/GMT +11 hours.)
Another feature of the watch is that the UTC time is displayed not in a traditional “1-24″ format, but demands you to add or subtract a certain amount of time from or to the current reading, which is displayed with the main hour hand on the main chapter ring.
Some may find it annoying, but I actually like the idea.
Hamilton plans to sell the watch at a price of €945. It will be revealed in March at Baselworld 2011 show.
Photos: Hamilton
Hamilton Khaki SkyMaster UTC automatic watch specification
Price: €945
Movement: Automatic, ETA 2893-2, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, second time zone (UTC/GMT)
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: Stainless steel
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 42.00 mm
Lug width: N/A
Case height: N/A
Dial: Off-white / Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel
Water resistance: 300 meters
Strap: Leather
Crystal: Sapphire
Case back: N/A
Evgueni Matoussevitch in Swiss WatchesTags: 300 m, 42 mm, Automatic, Baselworld 2011, date, ETA 2893-2, GMT, Hamilton, Khaki, pilot's watch, SkyMaster, UTC
February 6th, 2011 at 3:33 am
I think the GMT feature in this watch is not very useful since you have to add or subtract to find the time. Also who knows the names of all the airports! Hamilton is junk I wouldn’t wear one even if somebody paid me!
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:51 pm
I don’t think you have to worry about Hamilton sponsoring you and paying you to wear a Hammy, you know with your glowing endorsement and all.
I’m thinking a Pilot might know the names of various airports…or someone who travels frequently. You know the kind of people who might buy a UTC watch. Go buy a G-Shock if it helps your brain from hurting.
In my exp Hamilton makes a well built watch.