The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph now in Blue

Before becoming a Swiss brand and part of Swatch Group, Hamilton was an American watchmaker known for its military collections for both domestic and allied forces. In the 1970s, Hamilton continued this tradition with a chronograph for the British RAF (Royal Air Force) known as the Fab Four watch with a distinctive asymmetrical case. The latest model of the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph 40mm is a modern yet faithful re-edition of this watch, now with a blue sunray dial replacing black, which really complements the steel case.

The brushed stainless steel case contrasts well with the polished pushers and crown, and comes in at 40mm in diameter and 14.3mm in height (47mm lug-to-lug approx.). A box-shaped sapphire crystal provides distortions at angles like vintage acrylic, but is now very scratch-resistant with dual anti-reflective coatings. The asymmetrical shape of the case is nigh identical to the 1970s original and just 1mm larger, with the same reinforcement on the right side that recesses the push/pull crown and pushers for protection. The caseback is solid, and water-resistance has also been modernised to 100 metres. There are two 22mm strap options: a brown leather strap with a pin buckle and a steel mesh bracelet with a folding clasp.

The black dial from the 2022 model has been updated to sunray blue, providing a bit more of a modern aesthetic while still being true to its roots. Arabic numerals surround the perimeter with 12 and 6 printed a bit larger, and the numerals and hour/minute hands have white Grade X1 Super-LumiNova, which is more contemporary than the Old Radium Super-LumiNova on the slightly older black dial. This is a bi-compax chronograph with a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock, functionally identical to the original 1970s model.

Powering the latest Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph is the hand-wound calibre H-51-Si cam-lever chronograph, based on the ETA 7753. It has 27 jewels, beats at 28,800vph (4Hz) and comes with a 60-hour power reserve. Functions include central hours, minutes and chronograph seconds, 30-minute counter and small seconds. This is a true no-date movement and features an anti-magnetic and shock-resistant silicon balance spring, which is more advanced than its 1970s Nivarox counterpart.

Hamilton’s new Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronographs retail for CHF 1,995 or EUR 2,295 on the leather strap and CHF 2,075 or EUR 2,365 on the steel mesh bracelet. Not bad for a modern re-edition of a famous chronograph with modern upgrades. For more information and to make a purchase, please visit Hamilton’s website.