Swiss
Look who has just got a sibling! The military-styled Khaki Pilot (ref. H64715885) that was first revealed back in early 2010 has just received a younger brother. Called Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Chronograph (ref. H646666735), the new automatic “aviator” from the legendary brand nicely fits a bullet-proof ETA Valjoux 7753 movement into the same mid-sized body of a (sort of) tactical timekeeper.
If you compare the photos of both models, you will immediately notice that the new Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot leaves the styling of the original three-hander intact. The partially open-worked hour and minute hands, the bold luminous Arabic numerals on the minute track, as well as the smaller numerals on the inner hour circle, are still there.
The only things new are the three sub-dials of the chronograph, a more rudimentary small calendar window at 6 o’clock, as well as a pair of chronograph push-pieces on the right side of the body that still features the same utilitarian crown guards at 3 o’clock.
The good old ETA Valjoux 7753 blank movement was not simply retrofitted with a branded oscillating weight but has also been equipped with a longer and stronger spring barrel that allowed for a significant increase in the “guaranteed power reserve” department.
After being fully wound, the watch will keep on ticking for a minimum of 60 hours, which is comfortable if you have more than a couple of watches in your weekly rotation. I guess Hamilton had a right to rename the caliber as Hamilton H31: something that only a few brands in this price niche can be proud of.
By the way, we have already seen this modified movement in a number of other vintage-styled chronographs from the brand: the caliber powered both the limited edition Conservation Auto Chronograph and the gorgeous Pan Europ Chronograph (a re-issue of another striking chrono from the 1970s.)
As the aforementioned three-hander, the new chronograph was presented in the same stainless steel body only 42 millimeters in diameter. So far, it is offered with only one leather strap (a black one with contrasting stitching in light grey), but I am sure that soon there will be more versions of the strap. Well, so I hope since worn brown leather would look absolutely stunning with this military-styled pilot.
Still no info regarding the retail price, we’ll update this article when it becomes available*.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 4.5/5
Value for Money: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
See also: Hamilton Khaki Aviation X-Patrol Automatic
Photos: Hamilton
* UPDATE ON PRICING: In the United States, the wristwatch will retail for $1800 USD, which, while far from being ‘affordable’ if you compare it to similarly styled Japanese chronographs, is more than adequate if you take into account the bullet-proof ETA 7753-based mechanism and good reputation that Hamilton rightfully enjoys for their attention to details and great build quality of their timekeepers.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Chronograph (ref. H646666735) specification
Price: $1800 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Hamilton caliber H31 (based on ETA Valjoux 7753), Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 27
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Power reserve: 60 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, day of week
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 42.00 mm
Dial: Black
Numerals: Arabic
Hour markers: Luminous
Hands: Steel, luminous
Water resistance: 200 meters
Strap: Black leather strap with contrasting stitching; stainless steel tang clasp with Hamilton’s traditional “double pin” buckle
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
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