When you’re thinking about aviation-oriented watches that have a bezel-based slide rule on it, you’re likely thinking of one of two brands – Breitling, or the Citizen Nighthawk. Now, those present on two very different ends of the pricing spectrum. Want something a bit more down the middle? That’s where the new Hamilton Khaki Converter watches come in.
Now, first things first – what is it that you can (theoretically) convert with a bezel like we have on these Hamilton watches? Depending on what you’re doing, you’ll be able to calculate airspeed (unladen swallow or otherwise), distance, and fuel consumption, as well as do things like convert miles to kilometers. No doubt, that’s a lot to ask of a simple watch bezel, but once you have the knack, well, you have the power.
For this new collection, you’ve got a LOT of choices. You can opt for a three-hander ($1,095 – $1,195), a chronograph ($1,995 – $2,145), or a GMT (my favorite, for $1,445 – $1,495) all with a variety of finishes, and choices between bracelets and straps. While I’ve never found myself overly drawn to these types of bezels, I am curious to see how these new ones are in-the-steel, so we’ve reached out to the brand to see about a loaner. hamiltonwatch.com
Tech Specs from Hamilton
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Auto Chrono (H76726530; H76726130)
| Case | 44mm stainless steel |
| Dial | Black dial |
| Hands | Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova?, nickeled second hand with red tip Rose gold plated hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova?, rose gold plated second hand with red tip, rose gold plated counter hands |
| Movement | H-21-Si automatic chronograph movement with 60-hour power reserve and day date function, silicon balance spring |
| Bracelet | Dark brown calf leather strap with H-buckle Stainless steel bracelet Black cow leather strap with alligator embossing and black PVD H-buckle |
| Glass | Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 10 bar (100 m) |
| Recommended retail price | H76726530 H76726130 H76736730 CHF 1950 CHF 2030 CHF 2095 EUR 1995 EUR 2045 EUR 1945 USD 1845 USD 1895 USD 2145 |
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter GMT Auto (H76715540; H76715140)
| Case | 44mm stainless steel |
| Dial | Blue dial |
| Hands | Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova?, nickeled second hand with red tip |
| Movement | H-14 automatic movement with 80-hour power reserve and GMT function |
| Bracelet | Brown calf leather strap with H-buckle Stainless steel bracelet |
| Glass | Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 10 bar (100 m) |
| Recommended retail price (incl. VAT) | H76715540 H76715140 CHF 1395 CHF 1470 EUR 1445 EUR 1495 USD 1295 USD 1345 |
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Converter Auto (H76615530; H76615130, H76625530)
| Case | 42mm stainless steel 42mm stainless steel with black PVD coating |
| Dial | Black dial |
| Hands | Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova?, nickeled second hand with red tip Rose gold plated hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova?, rose gold plated second hand with red tip |
| Movement | H-10 automatic movement with 80-hour power reserve, NivachronTM balance spring |
| Bracelet | Brown calf leather strap with H-buckle Stainless steel bracelet Black cow leather strap with alligator embossing and black PVD H-buckle |
| Glass | Sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating |
| Water resistance | 10 bar (100 m) |
| Recommended retail price (incl. VAT) | H76625530 H76615130 H76615530 H76635730 CHF 1195 CHF 1150 CHF 1075 CHF 1195 EUR 1195 EUR 1145 EUR 1095 EUR 1095 USD 1095 USD 1045 USD 995 USD 1195 |
