Hamilton watches have long been associated with aviation, and this year the Swiss watch brand with American roots introduces its first pilots’ watch with a case made from aluminum, a material used in the aerospace industry for everything from airplanes to space shuttles to rocket fuel. The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum is available in four military-inspired color schemes.
The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum is inspired by the watches Hamilton made for the British Royal Air Force in the 1970s, updated with contemporary touches. The asymmetrical case (which is water-resistant to 100 meters) measures a very modern 41 mm in diameter and has a sapphire crystal with nonreflective coating whose shape echoes those of earlier Hamilton pilots’ watches. Made of aluminum, with a special metal treatment developed by Hamilton to enhance their hardness and durability as well as their ability to take on various color shades, the cases are engineered with wearing comfort in mind: aluminum is not only very lightweight but also adapts very quickly to body temperature.
The dial of the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum is offered in three color versions: sand, khaki green, black, and a navy blue similar to that of vintage pilot uniforms. Classical pilot-watch elements are evident on the dial, including large, easy-to-read Arabic numerals and indices coated with Super-LumiNova and pilot-style hands with a polished or black-lacquered finish. Surrounding the dial is a turning flange, operated by a crown at 2 o’clock, that can be used for countdowns.
The movement in the new Khaki Pilot is decidedly contemporary: Hamilton’s automatic, mechanical Caliber H-10, notable for its lengthy 80-hour power reserve and sporting a new rotor design. Each version of the watch is fitted with a canvas NATO strap, color-coordinated with the dial and featuring leather inserts and loops and an aluminum pin buckle. The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum is priced at $1,145.
Very nice indeed. The different colour schemes are refreshing and I love the under-glass bezel in this model, apparently moved by one of the winding crowns. The price is very reasonable too for a good quality watch.
I recall seeing Hamilton Khaki style watches on a couple of visiting RAF pilots in the 60s and being envious of their smaller size (case depth) than the Jager-LeCoultre with which RAAF aircrews were issued.