Introducing: The Hamilton Khaki Pilot Auto Day Date

March 01, 2018

Hamilton has been making pilot's watches for 100 years now, and 2018 is looking like it's going to be a year of many aviation-influenced releases for the brand. The first we're getting a look at is the Khaki Pilot Auto Day Date, which is a 42mm steel watch that looks every bit the part. It has bold double-digit Arabic numerals, luminous markers, and bold sword-shaped hands. What sets this model apart is the inclusion of the practical day and date complications, with the former in a curved window at 12 o'clock and the latter in a subtle window at six o'clock (with a matching black date wheel too). You've also got two options in terms of finish, with both a standard steel version and a steel version with a soft brown PVD finish too. Why This Watch Matters Pilot's watches are one of the genres synonymous with Hamilton, so celebrating 100 years of making them is a pretty big deal for the brand. Over the last number of years we've seen a number of new aviation designs, some influenced by the past, others explicitly looking to the future, and others still that merge the two. I much prefer the models like this that are relatively traditional without looking overly faux-vintage. This watch is also all about practicality, with a no-nonsense steel case and a movement with 80 hours of power reserve and both day and date complications. It might not be the most exciting or innovative pilot's watch Hamilton has ever made, but it's sure to be a good daily-wearer for a lot of people. Initial Thoughts If you're looking for an everyday sports watch at a reasonable price, this is a perfectly good option. The 42mm diameter is big for me personally, but I know that its watches of this size that tend to sell best (especially through American retailers), so I can't really knock Hamilton too much there. The only real complaint I have with the design overall is with the hour hand C the tip is skeletonized and it has the effect of making the hour hand look like a sort of blunt club in a way that I do not particularly like. It's not a deal breaker, but it does bother me. The brown finish looks extremely cool in the press images here and I'm curious to see what it will look like in the metal. It could very well be the thing that makes the watch for me.? The Basics Brand: HamiltonModel: Khaki Pilot AutoReference Number: H64645531 (stainless steel with strap), H64645131 (stainless steel with bracelet), H64605531 (stainless steel with brown PVD)Diameter: 42mmCase Material: Stainless steel (with or without brown PVD)Dial Color: BlackIndexes: Arabic numeralsLume: Yes, on numerals, markers, and handsWater Resistance: 100 metersStrap/Bracelet: Leather strap with "H" logo stamp or stainless steel bracelet The Movement Caliber: H-40Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, day of the week, datePower Reserve: 80 hoursWinding: AutomaticFrequency: 4 Hz (28,800 vph) Pricing & Availability Price: $995Availability: May 2018For more click here.