Hamilton was founded in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA. Hamilton watches combine the American spirit with the unrivalled precision of the latest Swiss movements and technologies. Known for its innovative design, Hamilton has a strong foothold in Hollywood, with products appearing in 400 films. The brand also boasts a strong aviation heritage. Hamilton is a member of the Swatch group, the largest watch manufacturer and distributor in the world.
With the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition, Hamilton is adding a new trophy to its illustrious association with aviation watches. Hamilton is taking its interest to new heights with its close cooperation with Air Zermatt, the Swiss mountain rescue service. This pilot watch, which simultaneously acts as a wrist-, cockpit- and table watch, has been created to meet the needs of the rescue team.
The watch on the wrist, with its attractive yellow details, and a ‘bullhead’ case design. A stylish toolwatch.
This dynamic watch is detachable and can be placed in the dashboard of a helicopter or airplane cockpit, as indicated in the presentation box which makes aviation references with a reconstructed dashboard and texts such as “No Step” and “Pull to Open”.
The ‘Take-off’ taken literally, a double entendre for what it is really capable of. The main case of the chronograph can be detached from its body, which holds the lugs and the strap. This is possible via a rotating lock-down mechanism.
Seen here without the strap, the chronograph looks almost like a pocket-watch or mechanical stopwatch. Notice the yellow font on the inner bezel and case, highly representative of aviation signs and tarmac.
Dating back to 1919, the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition combines high-tech modernity with inspiration from the Hamilton elapsed time clock produced during World War II and then considered the most complicated aircraft clock. For the 1,999 wearers in possession of one of the numbered pieces, this watch is the perfect portable cockpit with a constant presence on the style radar screen.
Seen here with 4 other complementary analogs, which are fully functional but can only remain as furniture display for ‘non-pilot’ collectors.
The Hamilton H-31 movement in the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition has 60 hours of power reserve for extended operation airborne or otherwise. Accurately reflecting the appearance of its World War II ancestor, the color scheme of today’s timepiece is predominantly black with easily visible yellow markings. The hands are a re-interpretation of the classical hands of traditional pilots’ watches. A yellow, plane-shaped pointer on the chronograph second hand provides another themed styling signature. Specifically accommodating pilots’ easy accessibility needs is a crown positioned at 12 o’clock, simultaneously bringing perfect overall symmetry to the piece. Uniting the messages of pioneering aviation and the demands of the 21st century ground and sky is a fine black leather strap with a comfortable, structured rubber lining.
Transparent caseback on the watch, reveals a 27 jewel movement with 60 hour power reserve. Simple machine finish and a robust 7750 base movement.
True to its cockpit instrument inspiration, the contemporary pilots’ watch has a bi-directional turning flange, driven by the bezel, which has the capacity to record a countdown. In the absence of a propeller, the theme of rotation continues by the turning action required to unlock the case from its part-time home within the wristwatch. Meticulous attention to detail emits a clear signal via the watch’s unique wooden storage case. Visible aluminum rivets and plates, as seen on aircrafts, punctuate its surface, while four complementary “instruments” form an authentic dashboard effect around the detached Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition. In the event of turbulence, the detached black leather strap is safely stowed at the bottom of the box and the whole package is protected by “remove before flight” webbing.
Seen here with its younger brother, a more simple looking time only Khaki Automatic.
Specifications from Press Release
| Size | 46.3 mm |
| Case | Stainless steel with black PVD |
| Dial | Black with yellow detail and hour markers with Super-LumiNova® |
| Attachment | Black leather strap with new skeletonized pin buckle in black PVD |
| Movement | H-31 with 60 hours of typical power reserve |
| Crystal | Sapphire with antireflective coating |
| Water resistance | 5 bar (50m) |
| Recommended Retail Price | CHF 2’995.00 / USD 3’295.00 / EURO 2’500.00 |
2 Comments
The little brother hasn’t been released yet it’s a 2015 model.
I’ve been scouring the Hamilton website, can’t seem to find the takeoff’s little brother. Is it an out of production watch?