At Hamilton, we’re as proud of the countless aviation watches we’ve produced since 1918 as we are of our rich history of military watchmaking, both of which inspire today’s collections. In the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer, these two worlds come together in a distinctive design. Mixing vintage aesthetics, superior engineering and both sporty and technical features, it’s a dynamic addition to Hamilton’s pilot watch collection.
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer takes its principal inspiration not from a wristwatch, but from a pocket watch produced during World War II. In addition to over one million military wristwatches and marine chronometers, timing devices and other instruments, we supplied U.S. forces with more than 27,000 Model 23 pocket watches throughout the war.
A cutting-edge chronograph of its time, the Model 23 was of particular use to U.S. Army Air Force navigators. Slim, ultra-legible numerals, cathedral hands and an authentic railway track outer scale, recreate the Model 23’s elegant dial aesthetic in the new Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer. The result is a sporty yet refined variation on a classic pilot watch design.
While the Model 23 was a chronograph and the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer is not, it retains an indisputably technical feel with its time-only mechanical movement. The most notable features include a bi-directional rotating bezel and a prominent winding crown in reference to the ‘onion’ crowns found on vintage aviation watches (including the Model 23), which were made large enough to be used easily while wearing gloves.
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer is available in two sizes, 43mm or 38mm. The larger version, powered by the ETA caliber 6498-1 mechanical movement, is hand wound and features a distinct small-seconds dial. Choose from a sleek stainless steel or unique bronze case to make this incredible timepiece your own.
The smaller version is available with a stainless steel case, and offers a more understated and multi-purpose take on the design, with no small-seconds display. Powered by Hamilton’s H-10 automatic movement that features an anti-magnetic NivachronTM balance spring with an extended 80-hour power reserve, it’s a watch made for adventure.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer 43mm Technical Specifications
Reference
Movement
- ETA caliber 6498-1 mechanical movement with 50-hour power reserve and small second at 6 o’clock
Case
- 43mm stainless steel case with bi-directional rotating bezel
- 43mm bronze case with titanium case back and bi-directional rotating bezel
- Thickness: 13mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Glass: Double domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 m)
Dial
- Black dial, Arabic numerals with old radium Super-LumiNova®
Hands
- Nickeled cathedral hands with old radium Super-LumiNova®
- Rose gold coloured cathedral hands with old radium Super-LumiNova®
Bracelet
- Dark brown leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle
- Dark brown leather strap with titanium pin buckle
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer 38mm Technical Specifications
Reference
- H76205530 – CHF 945 / EUR 895 / USD 995
Movement
- H-10 automatic movement with 80-hour power reserve, NivachronTM balance spring
Case
- 38mm stainless steel case with bi-directional rotating bezel
- Thickness: 11.4mm
- Lug width: 18mm
- Glass: Double domed sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 m)
Dial
- Black dial, Arabic numerals with old radium Super-LumiNova®
Hands
- Nickeled cathedral hands with old radium Super-LumiNova®
Bracelet
- Dark brown leather strap with stainless steel pin buckle
About Hamilton
Founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892, Hamilton creates watches with a unique balance of authenticity and innovation. Its timepieces synchronized the first railroads and kept time for aviation pioneers and U.S. soldiers. A favorite of filmmakers for decades, Hamilton watches have appeared in more than 500 movies, with custom pieces playing a pivotal role in several Hollywood blockbusters. With a continued commitment to craftsmanship and accuracy, Hamilton launched the world’s first electric watch in 1957 and the first LED digital watch in 1970. A member of the Swatch Group, the global leader in watch manufacturing and distribution, Hamilton’s current collections combine its American spirit with true Swiss precision.
Learn more at hamiltonwatch.com and follow us @hamiltonwatch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.