The American-based watchmaker has finally introduced a full-fledged flight computer that you can wear on your own wrist. Designed for real pilots, the quartz-powered multifunction Hamilton Khaki Flight Timer (ref. H64554431) was created together with Air Zematt, the Swiss helicopter transport and rescue service.
Probably targeted against similar watches from Japanese watchmakers (I guess, the Hamilton Khaki Flight Timer will have a hard time competing against similarly equipped analog-digital watches from Breitling that, first, sport superior ETA Thermoline-based SuperQuartz thermo-compensated calibers and, second, are just plain better advertised as an elite pilot’s wristwatch of choice,) the new timekeeper is equipped with the ETA E20.373 quartz ebauche.
Although said to be developed exclusively for Hamilton, the movement seems to belong to ETA’s current “Flatline” family of ana/digi quartz movements: namely, the well-known Caliber ETA E20.321. There is no info regarding what modifications were made to the aforementioned caliber, but the Swatch Group appears to move Hamilton to a slightly upper range in its portfolio of watchmaking brands, so I would assume that the E20.373, like some other of their recently introduced “exclusive” ETA movements, features some upgraded mechanical elements that would help it achieve longer lifespan and increase its overall reliability compared to stock E20.321 engines.
Besides the usual stuff, like current time, perpetual calendar, chronograph, UTC, alarm, and temperature, the movement that powers this absolutely stunning H64554431 also offers you a personalized logbook that records and stores all necessary information on the whole “20 flights and up to 99 landings for each of them.” Now, that’s impressive.
Predictably, the watch requires a lot of input to operate all of these functions, so you’ll need to use the crown, as well as the four push-pieces placed at 2, 4, and 10 o’clock.
The movement is hidden inside a compact stainless steel case. Measuring only 40 millimeters in diameter, it features a rather peculiar bezel with the usual “00 – 55” minute markings painted in a counter-clockwise fashion.
Another minute track is printed in bold Arabic numerals inside the matte black dial.
Being a sophisticated device, the Flight Timer features a set of LCD displays that display information not only with Arabic digits but also with some strange pictograms reminding of those from the Predator movie. You will possibly need to thoroughly study the owner’s manual before using this instrument.
The dial is protected from weather and water with a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment.
Although also supplied on a black rubber band, as well as a brown leather strap with silver dial (ref. H64514551) and stainless steel bracelet (ref. H64554131,) it is the bright-orange rubber strap that makes the watch truly shine.
See also: Tissot Racing-Touch Ana-Digi Chronograph
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Photos: Hamilton Watch
Hamilton Khaki Flight Timer (ref. H64554431) specification
Price: $1445 (MSRP, ref. H64554431, as detected at shop.hamiltonwatch.com)
Movement: Quartz, Caliber ETA E20.373, Swiss Made
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of the week (in 4 languages,) perpetual calendar, a digital logbook, chronograph, dual time zone (GMT,) SWAP, day and annual alarm, countdown, UTC, temperature, backlight, battery EOL indicator
Power reserve: Up to 60 months
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 40.00 mm
Lug width: 20.00 mm
Case height: 13.75 mm
Dial: Black or Silver
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Luminous
Water resistance: 100 meters
Strap: Orange or black rubber band, brown leather strap, or stainless steel bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Solid, Air Zermatt logo