Hamilton has a long history in the world of aviation and this watch combines that heritage with the brand’s modern partnership with aerobatic pilot Nicolas Ivanoff. It combines elements of traditional pilot’s watches with modern touches to create something new and different. The Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition is an oversized pilot’s chronograph with a bullhead pusher configuration and a case than can be removed from the strap to be housed in a custom wooden display box. It’s a new take on a familiar style.
The Khaki Takeoff is a substantial watch. It comes in at 46.3mm in diameter, but that doesn’t include the pushers and crown. Because the watch has a bullhead configuration, meaning the pushers and crown are up top instead of on the right side of the case, this makes the watch wear even larger than you’d expect. This isn’t one for those who prefer smaller vintage watches, for sure.
The knurled bezel can be used to turn the bi-directional inner timing ring, which carries the same yellow accents as the chronograph seconds hand and the strap stitching. It is paired with a black leather strap with a rubber backing and a skeletonized pin buckle in black PVD. It is powered by caliber H-31, which has 25 jewels, beats at 4Hz and has a 60-hour power reserve. It is based on an ETA/Valjoux 7753. The dial is protected by an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and it is 50 meters water-resistant.
There is a date window at 3 o’clock and the chronograph can time up to 30 minutes via the sub-register at 12 o’clock. The sub-register down at 6 o’clock tracks the running seconds. The Hamilton Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition is limited to just 1,999 pieces and is priced from USD3,200.
