The 46.3mm Hamilton Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono Limited Edition. Introduced at BaselWorld 2014, it has a detachable movement module which means it can be fitted into a wristwatch housing or stored nicely and separately on a storage console that looks like a cockpit dashboard. Priced at around US$3,295 / 2,500 euros / CHF2,995 / around SGD4,340 (Singapore dollars) / MYR10,380 (Malaysian Ringgit). Photo: © TANG Portfolio. BaselWorld 2014
With its “Bullhead look” what with its two chronograph pushers set at the one and eleven o’clock positions, yellow accents for the first 15 minutes on the bi-directional inner rotating flange controlled by the bezel and the aeroplane-shaped yellow pointer on the chronograph seconds hand, Hamilton’s Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono is by itself, already a handsome-looking piece.
But the amazing team at Hamilton, led by CEO Sylvain Dolla and their head of product development, Alexandre Gannac, did not want to stop there; rather, they revived and evolved their earlier concept seen on another amazing product, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Pioneer Limited Edition of 2012.
That concept was the use of a detachable movement module that could be fitted into either a wristwatch housing or a “marine chronometer” box. It was indeed a fabulous idea.
Hamilton’s Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono features a detachable movement module that allows it to be fitted into a wristwatch housing or stored into a cockpit dashboard panel. The Khaki Takeoff is powered by the Calibre H-31 automatic movement with 60 hours of power reserve. Photo: © TANG Portfolio
In 2014, a similar concept is applied for the Hamilton Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono. This time, the watch can either be a pilot’s watch with the movement module fitted into a wristwatch housing or a “cockpit clock” when it is stored in the watch box.
To secure the movement module, fit the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono into the wristwatch housing and twist it in the direction of the two yellow arrows to have it “locked” in. Photo: © TANG Portfolio
The Hamilton Khaki Takeoff comes with a wooden watch box that looks like a steel riveted storage case and inside is a removable “console” that looks like part of a cockpit dashboard panel. Taking centrestage is a slot specially made to fit the movement module of the Khaki Takeoff.
Once secured, it becomes a “cockpit clock” or rather, a cool tabletop clock stand.
The Hamilton Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono takes centrestage in the console found in the watch box. Now it becomes a cool “cockpit clock” or tabletop clock stand when this handsome pilot’s watch is off your wrist. Photo: © TANG Portfolio
Hamilton has been on our radar for some years now and the brand has introduced many clever and innovative ideas to revive and refresh the watch collecting hobby in their price segment.
Production of the Hamilton Khaki Takeoff is limited to 1,999 pieces and this watch is likewise, already “radar locked-on” for us as we give it a three-thumbs-up!
Another article on timewerke.com that may be of interest: Hamilton Pan Europ 2014 Edition: Calibre H-30 Day-Date