Inspired by a field-used WWII-era pocket watch, the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer blends classic military design elements into a handsome, hand wound wristwatch. Hamilton is no stranger to the world of military watches. With a rich history in mil-spec designs, the brand has manufactured some of the most iconic military timepieces of the past. Currently, their lineup of vintage-inspired pieces keep that same classic design but update them with modern materials, movements, and features.
The Khaki Pilot Pioneer looks just as handsome in steel as it does in bronze. No matter which one you pick, you’re sure to enjoy the vintage vibes.
Housed in a generously-sized 43mm case, the Pilot Pioneer makes a standout impression on the wrist. The brushed finish will mask the occasional bump and nick while giving the watch a utilitarian appearance. Up top, a bi-directional bezel with a black insert is used for various timing functions. On the right side of the case, you’ll find a large, textured crown that you’ll use to set the watch as well as wind the mechanical movement inside.
The dial and hands are a wonderful example of vintage design done right. Rendered in a creamy tan, the hours are marked with Arabic numerals in a vintage military font. An old-school Hamilton logo rests at 12 o’clock, balanced out by “MECHANICAL” just above the small seconds sub-dial at 6. The entire dial is bound within a railroad-style chapter ring with bold marks every hour. To tell the time, you’ll have the pleasure of reading a set of cathedral hands that are treated with luminous paint for maximum legibility in any lighting condition. Finally, the black dial is heavily textured, adding a unique look that offsets the smooth bezel and brushed case.
Inside the watch, there’s a hand-wound mechanical ETA 6498-1 movement keeping time. The Swiss-made movement features 17 jewels, a beat rate of 18,800bph, and a power reserve of 53 hours when fully wound. The movement keeps time via an hour hand, minute hand, and a small seconds display at 6.
Hamilton Watches ship to the USA only.
- Case: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Matte Black
- Movement: ETA 6498-1
- Winding: Mechanical
- Complications: Rotating Bezel, Small Seconds
- Lens: Sapphire Crystal
- Strap: Brown Cow Leather
- Water Res.: 100 Meters
- Diameter: 43mm
- Length: 51.5mm
- Thickness: 13.5mm
- Lug Width: 20mm
- Ref Number: H76719530
Founded in 1882 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton was one of the great American watch brands of the early 20th century, and a pioneer in watchmaking in general. Through the early and mid-twentieth Hamilton became a household name by producing everything from pocket watches for railroad engineers, to mil-spec watches for the troops, to deck chronometers for the Navy, to everyday dress and casual pieces loved worldwide. In short, Hamilton was a true watch brand, pursuing horology across a wide spectrum of disciplines while simultaneously gracing the wrists of of timepiece enthusiasts.
Today, Hamilton is owned and operated by the Swatch group, giving them access to the best Swiss movements and manufacturing. Their current catalog draws upon their exceptional archive to create a wide range of timepieces that any watch enthusiast should love.
