Hamilton extends its remarkable range of pilot watches with the brand new Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph, a vintage-inspired aviation instrument with a unique slide-rule bezel for cockpit calculations and conversions. This distinguishing feature was first integrated into wristwatches in the early 1940s, and yet despite becoming outdated over the years, Hamilton has revived it in a way that no modern aviator can say no to.
First founded in 1892 in the United States of America, Hamilton is now a Swiss watch brand best known for their collections of ‘Movie’ watches that have appeared in over 450 blockbuster films. And yet, Hamilton is certainly no one-trick pony, becoming just as highly regarded for their high-functioning pilots watches. One of their earliest aviation pieces was released in 1918 and was designed for the first U.S. Airmail service between New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Today, their Khaki Aviation collection is home to an array of useful cockpit tools including their X-Wind watches supplied to air racers and now, of course, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph.
Few companies make logarithmic scales anymore, with Breitling regarded as one of the wider known brands to utilise the feature in their Navitimer collection. Regardless, Hamilton have done a remarkable job incorporating the slide rule into their iconic Khaki Aviation model with a ratcheted bi-directional rotating bezel on the case and a fixed scale around the dial. The bezel is modelled on the E6B “Whiz Wheel”, a paper flight computer that’s still used widely in pilot training today. Together, the bezel and fixed scale can be used to calculate a variety of measurements including distances, speeds, fuel consumption and even unit conversion from kilometres to nautical miles, feet to metres or currency conversions for those flying internationally. For a pilot in the cockpit, access to information like this can become essential in ensuring a safe flight by calculating factors like airspeed and rate of climb.
The look of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph is a refreshing throwback to the early days of aviation and boasts just the right amount of “vintage” without appearing as another re-edition. There are two models currently available, both of which are engineered from stainless steel and measure to 44mm in diameter. One variation is kept classic is smooth stainless steel while the second is coated in black PVD and features gold-plated accents on the bezel and dial. Both models feature black dials housed beneath scratch resistant sapphire crystal glass treated with an anti-reflective coating, a 100 metre water resistant rating and well-designed notched bezels and crown for effortless use even with thick pilots gloves on.
Working in conjunction with the slide rule function perfectly, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph features chronograph and stopwatch complications powered by the H-21-Si calibre. This automatic winding movement is an upgraded adaptation of the Valjoux 7750 which has been modernised to be more efficient and reliable. Hamilton have equipped the calibre with a high-tech silicon balance spring made of NivachronTM alloy, an exclusive new material with superior resistance to magnetic fields. The mainspring has also been improved to expand the power reserve from 42 hours to 60 hours.
Continuing to prove itself as a piece of high-demanding aviation equipment, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph is decorated with Superluminova coated central hands for hours and minutes, sleek luminous indexes, a day and date window at 3 o’clock, small seconds and two chronograph counters for 12 hours and 30 minutes. The classic stainless steel model is completed by a brown leather strap or stainless steel bracelet while the black PVD and gold plated variant is presented on a black leather strap.
You can shop the entire Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph watch collection on the Jura Watches website today, now available with interest free finance and free next day delivery. For any assistance, get in touch with the team on 01335 453453 or send us a message at help@jurawatches.co.uk.
Specifications: Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Chronograph (H76726530, H76736730, H76726130)
- Case Size: 44mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel or black PVD
- Bezel: Bi-directional with slide rule
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Exhibition, sapphire crystal
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: H-21-Si automatic winding
- Functions: Hours, minutes, central chronograph seconds, small seconds, day-date, 30 minutes and 12 hours counters
- Power Reserve: 60 hours
- Jewels: 25
- Frequency: 28,800vph
- Dial: Black
- Strap: Black leather, brown leather or metal bracelet
- RRP: Starting from £1,755
