Z
Zach Weiss
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A couple of years ago, when Hamilton announced the Pilot Pioneer Automatic Chronograph, it got a lot of people, us included, really excited. It was the exact kind of watch from their archives we want to see them bring back. A cool watch with historical significance and a cult status among collectors. To follow up the success of that watch, Hamilton has riffed on the concept to create a series of 3-handers that still speak to the ‘70s RAF pilot watches those chronographs were based, while becoming something new for their line-up as well as an having unexpected twist.
The so called Pilot Pioneer Automatics are dual crown versions of the RAF asymmetrical pilots watches. By adding the dual crown/internal bezel functionality, they did a good job of creating something new that doesn’t just feel like a the chronograph, sans-chrono. But to make things more interesting, they decided to do two versions, one in steel, and then one in aluminum. A material we’re all familiar with yet rarely see in watches, it’s super light and can be treated have interesting colors. It’s not an easy material to work with, nor is it inexpensive, so it’s not something brands often use. But, Hamilton gave it a shot, creating something very interesting an unexpected. Considering the sheer number of pilots watches out there, Hamilton was smart to make something that would stand out. With a price tag of $1,145, these are a bit pricier than many of Hamilton’s other three hand pilots watches, so let’s see if they are worth the premium.
Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Auto Aluminum Review
Case: Aluminum
Movement: Hamilton H-10
Dial: Various
Lume: Yes
Lens: Sapphire
Strap: Nylon
Water Res.: 100M
Dimensions: 41 x 47 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Lug Width: 22
Crowns: 7 x 4.5mm
Price: $1,145
Cases
The case of the Pilot Pioneer Auto Aluminum is a modern take on a classic concept. Obviously, the big deal here is the use of aluminum over 316L steel, the most common case material. In fact, Hamilton does make the exact same watch in steel too, but forgetting that for a second, these are some of the few aluminum watches currently available on the market. As for why aluminum? Well, the most obvious benefits are light weight and anodization. Even with a mechanical movement inside, and a fairly robust 41 x 47 x 12mm case, these watches come in at a mere 50g. That’s barely noticeable on the wrist.
But the other, and frankly more fun, aspect is the anodization, allowing for a range of unexpected colors. Sticking with the military roots of the line, the Pilot Pioneer Aluminum comes in black, blue, khaki and green. The latter three being the most exciting, though the watch looks pretty killer in black. To me, this is really the biggest selling point of the watch, as the aluminum adds cost, but the ability to get something with a really unique case color doesn’t come around too often.
The anodization is likely a necessity too, as “hard anodization” increases the durability of the case’s surface, protecting from light bangs and scratches. Generally speaking, people’s concern with these watches is in regards to durability, and while I didn’t smack it into any walls or accidentally rub them on sand paper, the watches showed no early signs of wear. With that said, I don’t think they are especially resistant to wear (like tegimented or ice-hardened steel) so I’d treat them with the same caution I do any of my watches.
In terms of design, the case is a follow up of the Pilot Pioneer Auto Chronograph from the previous year, which is to say a spiritual continuation of the asymmetrical pilot watches that were issued in the 1970’s. Rather than having pushers, it has dual crowns at 2 and 4, operation the internal bezel and time respectively. It’s a great design that is aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable to wear, being a balance sized. The dual-crown design is a nice play on the concept that seems right at home, as the bowing right side extends to guard both crowns.
The 7 x 4.5mm non-screwdown crowns have simple designs with toothed edges, and Hamilton “H”s on their outer surface. The internal bezel is relatively easy to turn even with the crown fairly enveloped by the case. The action is really nice on the bezel too; it’s stiff, but smooth. The time setting crown is a bit hard to pull-out, but still doable. Either way, they suit the aesthetic of the watch, in that they are fairly stripped down, and are sized proportionately.
Flipping the watch over, you have a matching anodized case back with a display window. Through the display window, you can see the Hamilton H-10 movement, which is a 21,600bph, 80-hr version of an ETA 2824. Other than an attractive custom rotor, the movement is without decoration. Having a display window here is quite odd, as the watch comes mounted on a tightly fitting mil-strap, of which the layer against the watch completely covers the window. To actually look in, you have to partially adjust the strap, which just seems counter-intuitive. Of course, if you switched straps that would be a different conversation.
As far as the colors go, all are pretty interesting, though some appeal to me more than others. Though the least exciting, perhaps, the black looks really good. That said, I’d probably go for a DLC steel over an anodized black if I had the choice (which I don’t). The green is very interesting. It’s pale, at times almost looking gray, but still a very different and appealing case color. The blue is fairly deep, not to be mistaken for any other color, and striking as a very uncommon case color. That said, it’s not my favorite as conceptually I feel that earth tones and camo-esque colors make the most sense. Lastly is the khaki, which is perhaps the most surprising. It’s not as drab as you’d like for a military watch, instead coming off as a very pale gold…but it’s great looking. I’m not inclined to wear gold watches, especially military styled ones, but this I actually enjoyed quite a bit.
The post Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Auto Aluminum Review appeared first on worn&wound.
Continue reading...
Let us know your thoughts and impressions.
A couple of years ago, when Hamilton announced the Pilot Pioneer Automatic Chronograph, it got a lot of people, us included, really excited. It was the exact kind of watch from their archives we want to see them bring back. A cool watch with historical significance and a cult status among collectors. To follow up the success of that watch, Hamilton has riffed on the concept to create a series of 3-handers that still speak to the ‘70s RAF pilot watches those chronographs were based, while becoming something new for their line-up as well as an having unexpected twist.
The so called Pilot Pioneer Automatics are dual crown versions of the RAF asymmetrical pilots watches. By adding the dual crown/internal bezel functionality, they did a good job of creating something new that doesn’t just feel like a the chronograph, sans-chrono. But to make things more interesting, they decided to do two versions, one in steel, and then one in aluminum. A material we’re all familiar with yet rarely see in watches, it’s super light and can be treated have interesting colors. It’s not an easy material to work with, nor is it inexpensive, so it’s not something brands often use. But, Hamilton gave it a shot, creating something very interesting an unexpected. Considering the sheer number of pilots watches out there, Hamilton was smart to make something that would stand out. With a price tag of $1,145, these are a bit pricier than many of Hamilton’s other three hand pilots watches, so let’s see if they are worth the premium.
Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Auto Aluminum Review
Case: AluminumMovement: Hamilton H-10
Dial: Various
Lume: Yes
Lens: Sapphire
Strap: Nylon
Water Res.: 100M
Dimensions: 41 x 47 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Lug Width: 22
Crowns: 7 x 4.5mm
Price: $1,145
Cases
The case of the Pilot Pioneer Auto Aluminum is a modern take on a classic concept. Obviously, the big deal here is the use of aluminum over 316L steel, the most common case material. In fact, Hamilton does make the exact same watch in steel too, but forgetting that for a second, these are some of the few aluminum watches currently available on the market. As for why aluminum? Well, the most obvious benefits are light weight and anodization. Even with a mechanical movement inside, and a fairly robust 41 x 47 x 12mm case, these watches come in at a mere 50g. That’s barely noticeable on the wrist.
But the other, and frankly more fun, aspect is the anodization, allowing for a range of unexpected colors. Sticking with the military roots of the line, the Pilot Pioneer Aluminum comes in black, blue, khaki and green. The latter three being the most exciting, though the watch looks pretty killer in black. To me, this is really the biggest selling point of the watch, as the aluminum adds cost, but the ability to get something with a really unique case color doesn’t come around too often.
The anodization is likely a necessity too, as “hard anodization” increases the durability of the case’s surface, protecting from light bangs and scratches. Generally speaking, people’s concern with these watches is in regards to durability, and while I didn’t smack it into any walls or accidentally rub them on sand paper, the watches showed no early signs of wear. With that said, I don’t think they are especially resistant to wear (like tegimented or ice-hardened steel) so I’d treat them with the same caution I do any of my watches.
In terms of design, the case is a follow up of the Pilot Pioneer Auto Chronograph from the previous year, which is to say a spiritual continuation of the asymmetrical pilot watches that were issued in the 1970’s. Rather than having pushers, it has dual crowns at 2 and 4, operation the internal bezel and time respectively. It’s a great design that is aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable to wear, being a balance sized. The dual-crown design is a nice play on the concept that seems right at home, as the bowing right side extends to guard both crowns.
The 7 x 4.5mm non-screwdown crowns have simple designs with toothed edges, and Hamilton “H”s on their outer surface. The internal bezel is relatively easy to turn even with the crown fairly enveloped by the case. The action is really nice on the bezel too; it’s stiff, but smooth. The time setting crown is a bit hard to pull-out, but still doable. Either way, they suit the aesthetic of the watch, in that they are fairly stripped down, and are sized proportionately.
Flipping the watch over, you have a matching anodized case back with a display window. Through the display window, you can see the Hamilton H-10 movement, which is a 21,600bph, 80-hr version of an ETA 2824. Other than an attractive custom rotor, the movement is without decoration. Having a display window here is quite odd, as the watch comes mounted on a tightly fitting mil-strap, of which the layer against the watch completely covers the window. To actually look in, you have to partially adjust the strap, which just seems counter-intuitive. Of course, if you switched straps that would be a different conversation.
As far as the colors go, all are pretty interesting, though some appeal to me more than others. Though the least exciting, perhaps, the black looks really good. That said, I’d probably go for a DLC steel over an anodized black if I had the choice (which I don’t). The green is very interesting. It’s pale, at times almost looking gray, but still a very different and appealing case color. The blue is fairly deep, not to be mistaken for any other color, and striking as a very uncommon case color. That said, it’s not my favorite as conceptually I feel that earth tones and camo-esque colors make the most sense. Lastly is the khaki, which is perhaps the most surprising. It’s not as drab as you’d like for a military watch, instead coming off as a very pale gold…but it’s great looking. I’m not inclined to wear gold watches, especially military styled ones, but this I actually enjoyed quite a bit.
The post Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Auto Aluminum Review appeared first on worn&wound.
Continue reading...
Let us know your thoughts and impressions.