Khaki Aviation Pioneer Mechanical Chrono Black Ref. H76409530

American watchmaker Hamilton has a long heritage of issuing military watches to armies worldwide. With the comeback of the 1970s RAF Chronograph known as the Fab Four, we introduce the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pioneer Mechanical Chrono Black Ref. H76409530.

This watch is adapted from one of the eminent pilot’s chronographs issued to the British Royal Air Force pilots in the 1970s. Manufactured by Hamilton but also CWC, Newmark and Precista, the latter watch was famed for its pristine black dial with luminous markers,bi-compax display, as well as its case on the right side to safeguard the crown and pushers.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pioneer Mechanical Chrono Black Ref. H76409530

Today, our new Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph that we unveil is an ostensible re-edition of the old Fab Four concept, albeit with a contemporary twist. Starting with the case, we observe a  little increase in diameter, which is now 40mm. Brushed stainless steel forms the material for the case, with its trademark asymmetrical design. The case also has a protective shoulder on the right. A sapphire crystal in place of the Plexiglas used on the vintage model lends a dose of modernity.This timepiece has a retro box-shape design, an anti-reflective coating for easier reading, a large notched crown, two pump pushers, fully brushed surfaces and a screwed solid steel caseback for excellent durability.

Original British W10 specifications

The 100m water-resistance is an excellent boon to this retro chronograph. Notably the case is not the thinnest and has a thickness of 14.35mm, and a lug to lug width of 49.8mm. This watch with a two-register layout has also a matte grained black dial with simple printed tracks and large markers and numerals, paying tribute to the timepieces of the 1970s. Moreover, it has white lacquered hands with Old Radium Super-LumiNova covering all its elements.

Helmet style, tonneau case shape

Furthermore, this watch is operated by Hamilton’s exclusive hand-wound H-51-Si movement. The movement features an architectural-grade balance spring made from the anti-magnetic material silicon for improved resistance to severe atmospheric conditions. With a superior 60-hour power reserve, this hand-wound caliber measures time through a unique dial with start/stop and reset pushers. Despite having no rotor and no date function, this interactive movement with a 4Hz frequency blends contemporary reliability and precision to a retro design. A vintage-style brown leather strap and a steel pin buckle graces this watch and raises its military spirit to greater heights.

SuperLuminova for Superb Glow In Dark

All in all, this watch is a modern timepiece that looks like something more vintagey would certainly be good for both military and non-military watch buffs alike. With a unique vintage military aviation design, the Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph alludes to the 1970s chronographs and gives a sense of nostalgia.