Hamilton Khaki Aviation: The Affordable Tool Watch
The Hamilton Khaki has been a staple in watch culture and is arguably one of the best bang for your buck watches available on the market. While people recognize the Khaki for their notorious Khaki Field Mechanical offering, the Khaki lineup is much more expansive, having 3 different model categories: the Khaki Field, the Khaki Navy, and the Khaki Aviation. Each of these categories have various offerings which seem endless, leaving the consumer perplexed when attempting to find the watch that suites their needs. In this article we will clear the confusion by breaking down each Khaki model and it’s various offerings, attempting to simplify the lineup and aid in finding the watch that optimally suites you.
Khaki Aviation:
For the second installment we are reviewing the Khaki Aviation; This model has many variants that span from basic time only watches, all the way to confusingly complicated tool watches. Within the lineup you will find an array of automatic movements, quartz options, and a singular manual wind model. Complications go a bit beyond the Khaki Field series, blending time only watches, chronograph functions, and an array of aviation specific bezels that make the Aviation lineup unique. All in all, the Khaki Aviation lineup is designed for those wanting aviation focused tool watches for use as either a “Desk Pilot” or the real thing.
Automatic Pieces:
Air Race Auto:
The Air Race Auto is one of the more simplistic offerings within the Khaki Aviation lineup and is offered in two separate variants. The first variant is a 42mm case size which features time on center and a date display at 3 O’clock. The second offering is a 38mm case size which also features time on center, but with the date display located between 4 and 5 O’clock. Both pieces utilize the H-10 automatic movement, sporting an 80 hour power reserve and oscillating at 21600 Vph. These pieces are offered for a price ranging from $745 to $845.
Functions:
Type 1:
Time on center
Date display at 3 O’clock
Type 2:
Time on center
Date display between 4 & 5 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 42mm and 38mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-10
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $745 to $845
Converter Auto:
The Converter Auto is slightly more complicated at face value than the above offering thanks to the detailed bi-directional rotating bezel. The bezel on this piece can be used as a slide rule allowing the user to calculate and convert units such as speed, distance, volume, and weight. While this bezel adds to the complexity of the watch the movement is rather simplistic, featuring time on center and a date display at the 3 O’clock location, compliments of the H-10 movement. The offerings in the Converter Auto lineup are offered for a price ranging from $1095 to $1195.
Functions:
Time on center
Date display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 42mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-10
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $1095 to $1195
Converter Auto Chrono:
The Converter Auto Chronograph is similar to the Converter Auto above with a bit of added complexity; this is thanks to the incorporation of a chronograph function. On this watch chronograph time is shown with hours at 6 O’clock, minutes at 12 O’clock, and seconds on center. Standard time is shown on center with small seconds at the 9 O’clock sub-dial and a day/date complication at the 3 O’clock register, compliments of the Hamilton H-21si movement. The bezel on this watch is similar to the Converter Auto above, featuring the bi-directional rotary slide rule measurement scale. This piece is offered for a price ranging between $1995 and $2045.
Functions:
Chronograph w/hours at 6 O’clock, minutes at 12 O’clock, and seconds on center
Time on center w/small seconds at 9 O’clock
Day/Date display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 44mm
Frequency: 28800 Vph
Movement: H-21si
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Price Range: $1995 to $2045
Converter Auto GMT:
The Converter Auto GMT is akin to the Converter Auto above with an additional hand, which is the GMT 24 hour hand. Aside from this addition, the H-14 movement features all time on center and a date display at the 6 O’clock position. As with the other Converter series watches, the Auto GMT features the bi-directional rotary slide rule bezel for quick conversion and calculations. This watch is offered for a price ranging from $1445 to $1495.
Functions:
Time on center w/24 hour GMT hand
Date display at 6 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 44mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-14
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $1445 to $1495
Pilot Auto Chrono:
We move into a bit more traditional styling with the Pilot Auto Chrono, moving away from the crowded bezel of the converter series watches. On these pieces chronograph time is shown with hours at 6 O’clock, minutes at 3 O’clock and seconds on center. The Hamilton H-31 movement features standard time on center with small seconds at 9 O’clock and a date display at the 6 O’clock register. In regards to styling, this watch epitomizes a traditional aviation watch with it’s triangular indicator at 12 O’clock and an outside chapter ring that has 0-60 indices rather than hour indices. These piece are offered at a price ranging from $1795 to $1845.
Functions:
Chronograph w/hours at 6 O’clock, minutes at 3 O’clock, and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 9 O’clock
Date display at 6 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 42mm
Frequency: 28800 Vph
Movement: H-31
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Price Range: $1795 to $1845
Pilot Day Date Auto:
The Pilot Day Date Auto is a time/day/date watch as the name suggests and one that shares a similar design to the rest of the Pilot series watches. This does have a couple variants, both of which feature time on center. The first variant has a 46mm case, featuring a full day complication at 12 O’clock and a date complication at 6 O’clock. The second variant has a 42mm case and features a 3 digit day and date display at the 3 O’clock register. Movements between the two variants are changed with the 42mm option having the H-40 and the 46mm having the H-30 movement, both of which oscillate at 21600 Vph having a power reserve of 80 hours. These pieces are offered in a price ranging between $895 and $1095.
Functions:
Type 1:
Time on center
Full day display at 12 O’clock
Date display at 6 O’clock
Type 2:
Time on center
Day/Date Display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 42mm & 46mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-40 & H-30
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $895 to $1095
Pilot Pioneer Auto:
The Pilot Pioneer Auto is a time/date watch which features all time on center and a date display at 3 O’clock. The H-10 movement in the piece oscillates at 21600 Vph and features an 80 hour power reserve. Aside from the movement, this watch also features an internal bezel with 0 to 60 and 0 to 24 chapter ring markings that is bi-directionally rotated by the crown at 2 O’clock. These pieces are offered in a 41mm stainless steel case for a price ranging from $995 to $1045.
Functions:
All time on center
Date display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 41mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-10
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $995 to $1045
Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono:
The Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono is a classic aviation chronograph with a dual register display. Chronograph time is shown with minutes counted in the 3 O’clock sub-dial and seconds on center. Standard time is shown on center with small seconds at 9 O’clock and a date display between 4 & 5 O’clock. The movement that makes this possible is the Hamilton H-31, featuring a 60 hour power reserve while oscillating at 21600 Vph. This piece is available in stainless in a few color/strap combinations for a slightly higher $1845.
Functions:
Chronograph w/minutes at 3 O’clock and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 9 O’clock
Date display between 4 & 5 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 41mm
Frequency: 28800 Vph
Movement: H-31
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Price Range: $1845
Pilot Schott NYC Limited:
The Pilot Schott NYC Limited is of course a limited edition within the Khaki Aviation lineup. The piece has been limited to 1892 pieces and is made in conjunction with Schott NYC, a premier vintage jacket company that had involvement with supply to the aviation industry. This piece utilizes the Hamilton H-30 movement with 80 hours of power reserve featuring all time on center and a day/date display at the 3 O’clock register. This massive 46mm watch is offered in stainless steel for a price of $1145.
Functions:
Time on center
Day/Date display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 46mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-30
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $1145
X-Wind Day/Date Auto:
The X-Wind Auto is a dedicated tool watch in every sense of the word. The base of this watch utilizes the Hamilton H-30 movement which features all time on center and a day/date complication at the 9 O’clock register (non-standard placement of register/crown). However, while the movement is simple, the bezels are not; this watch features an outer bi-directional rotating bezel in addition to two inner rotating bezels controllable from the 2 & 4 O’clock crowns. These allow for pilots to be able to calculate plane drift angles, an integral component for plane navigation. While the average person likely will not use this unique bezel making it’s practicality questionable, it is a rather unique tool watch and is offered for a price of $1195.
Functions:
Time on center
Day/date display at 9 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 45mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-30
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $1095 to $1195
X-Wind Auto Chrono:
The X-Wind Auto Chrono takes the above offering to another level of complexity. This watch has the same bezel functions as the watch above, featuring the 3 bi-directional rotating bezels. To add to the complexity, this watch features a chronograph with hours at 12 O’clock, minutes at 6 O’clock, and seconds on center; all of which are controlled by the leftward facing pushers. Standard time is displayed on center with small seconds in the 3 O’clock sub-dial and day/date display at the 9 O’clock register. This watch is offered in a 44mm and a 45mm case size with the Hamilton H-21 and H-21si movements respectively, for a price ranging from $1595 to $2645.
Functions:
Chronograph w/hours at 12 O’clock, minutes at 6 O’clock, and seconds on center
Standard time w/small seconds at 3 O’clock
Day/date display at 9 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel, Stainless PVD Black, Stainless PVD Beige
Case Size(s): 44mm & 45mm
Frequency: 28800 Vph
Movement: H-21 & H-21 Si
Power Reserve: 60 Hours
Price Range: $1595 to $2645
Manual Wind Pieces:
Pilot Pioneer Mechanical:
The Pilot Pioneer Mechanical is the only manual wind watch in the Khaki Aviation lineup making it unique in comparison to the rest of the lineup. This watch has a Hamilton H-50 movement with 80 hours of power reserve on this time only movement. These pieces are offered in a smaller than standard 36mm stainless steel case for a price ranging from $845 to $895.
Functions:
Time on center
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 36mm
Frequency: 21600 Vph
Movement: H-50
Power Reserve: 80 Hours
Price Range: $845 to $895
Quartz Pieces:
Pilot Day Date Quartz:
The Pilot Day Date Quartz is nearly identical to the 42mm automatic option above with the difference being it is quartz powered. All time is shown on center with the day/date complication being positioned at the 3 O’clock register. Thanks to the internal being quartz this watch maintains a more affordable price, ranging between $545 and $595.
Functions:
Time on center
Day/date display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 42mm
Frequency: N/A
Movement: ETA 955.422
Power Reserve: N/A
Price Range: $545 to $595
Pilot Pioneer Chrono Quartz:
As with most Quartz watches, the Pilot Pioneer Chrono Quartz is considered a budget friendly option from Hamilton. The G10.211 quartz movement features a chronograph with minutes at 10 O’clock and seconds on center. Standard time is shown on center with small seconds at the 6 O’clock sub-dial. Offered in stainless and PVD black stainless steel, this piece retails between $595 and $695.
Functions:
Chronograph w/minutes at 10 O’clock and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 6 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel and Stainless Steel PVD Black
Case Size(s): 41mm
Frequency: N/A
Movement: G10.211
Power Reserve: N/A
Price Range: $595 to $695
Pilot Chrono Quartz:
The Pilot Chrono Quartz is very similar to the Pilot Auto Chrono in the above section, with the caveat being it features a quartz movement rather than an automatic. Featuring a slightly larger case size of 44mm, this piece is offered in two different variants. The first variant has a chronograph with hours at 2 O’clock, minutes at 10 O’clock, seconds on center with standard time on center, small seconds at 6 O’clock, and a date display between 4 and 5 O’clock. The second variant has a chronograph with minutes at 10 O’clock and seconds on center with standard time on center, small seconds at 6 O’clock, and date display at 3 O’clock. Both variants are offered at a price ranging between $895 to $945.
Functions:
Type 1:
Chronograph w/hours at 2 O’clock, minutes at 10 O’clock, and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 6 O’clock
Date display between 4 & 5 O’clock
Type 2:
Chronograph w/minutes at 10 O’clock and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 6 O’clock
Date Display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 44mm
Frequency: N/A
Movement: 251.274
Power Reserve: N/A
Price Range: $895 to $945
ETO Chrono Quartz:
The ETO Chrono Quartz is a bit of a stand alone offering in the Khaki Aviation lineup with respect to the design of the piece. This watch features a chronograph with minutes at 10 O’clock and seconds on center. Standard time is shown on center with small seconds at 4 O’clock and a date display at 6 O’clock. Aside from the standard complications, the one component of this watch that adds to the complexity is the bezels. The exterior bezel and the interior bezels can be bi-directionally rotated in order to preform slide rule calculations for speed, distance, and time, allowing pilots to calculate their ETO or estimated time over. The two interior bezels are controlled by the screw down crowns located at 4 O’clock and 2 O’clock. Thanks to being a quartz watch this piece is offered for a rather reasonable price of $745.
Functions:
Chronograph w/minutes at 10 O’clock and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 4 O’clock
Date display at 6 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 41mm
Frequency: N/A
Movement: ETA 251.292
Power Reserve: N/A
Price Range: $745
X-Wind GMT Chrono Quartz:
The X-Wind GMT Chrono Quartz is a very busy watch that has various complications/features on and off the dial. This watch features the triple bezel complication we have covered on the other X-wind series watches. In addition, this piece features a chronograph function with minutes at 2 O’clock and seconds on center, controllable from the right facing pushers. The G10.962 quartz movement features time on center with small seconds in the 6 O’clock sub-dial, a 24 Hr GMT hand in the 10 O’clock sub-dial, and a date display at the 3 O’clock register. This piece is offered in a few strap/color combinations, all on a 46mm stainless steel case. Compared to the equal complexity automatic pieces, this piece comes in at a much lower price, ranging from $945 to $1045 thanks to the quartz based movement.
Functions:
Chronograph w/minutes at 2 O’clock and seconds on center
Standard time on center w/small seconds at 6 O’clock
24 hour GMT hand at the 10 O’clock sub-dial
Date display at 3 O’clock
Materials: Stainless Steel
Case Size(s): 46mm
Frequency: N/A
Movement: G10.962
Power Reserve: N/A
Price Range: $945 to $1045
What is your ideal pick from the Hamilton Khaki Aviation lineup? Let us know in the comments.