One of the Best Affordable Pilot’s Watches Just Got More Wearable

Another tool watch enters its Goldilocks Era.

Published October 4, 2024

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Early this year, Hamilton launched revamped versions of its classic Flieger-style Khaki Aviation Pilot watch.

The watches were an immediate hit thanks to simplified dial designs, a range of interesting new colors and a new movement in the impressive Cal. H-10 automatic, Hamilton’s version of the Swatch Group’s modernized ETA 2824 boasting an 80-hour power reserve and an anti-magnetic Nivachron hairspring.

The 2024 Khaki Aviation Pilot was released in two versions: One in 42mm with a day-date display, and a smaller 36mm version with some of the color options veering into traditional feminine territory, including a rose gold version on a pink leather strap. (It’s actually quite nice.)

Now, Hamilton has released a third take on the Khaki Aviation Pilot, and I have a strong feeling it’s going to be the most popular of them all.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot 39

$995 at Hamilton

The Perfect Khaki Pilot?

If you were longing for a Hamilton Pilot in a more crowd-pleasing size without a date and in traditional colorways, then it’s time to celebrate.

Hamilton has launched the Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto in a pitch-perfect 39mm case size, which is the sweet spot for many wrists. The watch effectively combines the simplified dial of the 36mm version — i.e., there’s no day or date display — with the more demure colors of the larger 42mm Day-Date, but in a size more preferable to either.

hamilton pilot watch on the wrist of a man wearing a leather jacket — Who doesn’t love a 39mm watch?

The 39mm pilot’s watch comes with a blue dial on a stainless steel bracelet, a green dial on a brown leather strap, or a black dial on either a stainless steel bracelet or brown leather strap.

Outside of the new enthusiast-approved size, this Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto is the same watch we were introduced to earlier this year. That means you’re getting all the same goodies, including the H-10 movement, a sapphire crystal and a solid 100m of water resistance.

hamilton watch seen from the back — Depending on which color you choose, Hamilton’s latest pilot’s watch is available on either a leather strap or a stainless steel bracelet.

It’s also still plenty affordable, coming in at the same low price point as the smaller 36mm version. The watch starts under $1,000 at only $995 on a strap, with the bracelet option costing just $50 more at $1,045.

The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto 39 is currently on Hamilton’s online store, where it’s listed as going on sale “soon.” You can sign up at the brand’s website for updates so you’ll be among the first to now once it becomes available.