The vintage watches that most directly inspired the new Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Chrono were created in the 1970s and worn by the British Royal Air Force. Hamilton designed the watches’ dials for maximum legibility in all lighting conditions, with bold Arabic numerals and hour indices coated with Super-LumiNova; on the black dial versions, the numerals and indices are white; on the ones with ivory-colored dials, they are in black. The 41-mm, stainless steel case of the Khaki Pilot Pioneer has an asymmetrical design with a protected crown and chronograph pushers. The sapphire crystal, like that of its 1970s predecessor, is domed, and is treated with nonreflective coating. Sandblasted elements on the case also aid in preventing glare in a cockpit (or any other environment). The case is water-resistant to 100 meters.
The movement in this new Hamilton pilots’ watch is the newly developed, proprietary Caliber H-31, based on the reliable ETA Valjoux 7753 (movement-maker ETA is Hamilton’s sister company in the Swatch Group). An automatic chronograph movement with a 60-hour power reserve, Caliber H-31 is visible through a sapphire window in the caseback. There are six versions of the Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono overall, all pictured below: with either a black or ivory dial; on a three-row steel bracelet with brushed and polished finishes; on an aviator-style black leather strap; and — as the collection’s name implies — on a military-inspired, khaki-colored textile strap. The watch will retail for $1,845 in the U.S.
I just purchased this watch with the black face and stainless steel bracelet. Overall, I am EXTREMELY satisfied with my purchase!
Before making my purchase, I did a lot of research into Swiss chronographs. My first choice was the Omega Speedmaster ’57 with their proprietary co-axial movement, second, the Speedmaster Racing with co-axial movement. Since both of these watches were out of my price range, I was forced to consider the world of Swiss watches with either a Valjoux or Sellita movement – modified or unmodified. I have heard bad things about Sellita so I eliminated all Sellita chronographs. After comparing features, finish, value, movement modifications, and style, I decided that Hamilton offered – hands down – the best watch with the most value at the best price.
This particular watch features Hamilton’s Caliber H-31 movement which is a modified Valjoux 7753. Although the movement finish is nothing extravagant, Hamilton did include some custom detailing which is visible from the clear caseback. Also, the styling is very tradition and understated which means this is a watch that will look stylish in 10 years or more. I made the mistake of buying a trendy Swiss watch in the past and greatly regret it today as I am literally embarrassed to be seen with it on.
Finally, I think owning this watch represents diligence in watch buying. Hamilton is a brand with deep watch pedigree and with Swatch Group and ETA providing R&D (the best in the business), Hamilton is a “smaller” discovery brand with serious money backing the brand.
In conclusion, unless you are interested in buying a Swiss chronograph with a proprietary in-house movement, I would recommend that you explore Hamilton – more specifically, the Khaki Pilot Pioneer in all stainless steel with black face!
The Hamilton should also try a blue dial on this watch. They r great looking