In recent months Hamilton have been focusing on their more Avant Garde designs in the form of the Ventura and the sci-fi prop watch for Dune: Part Two, which is technically another Ventura. Now though, with the launch of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Air-Glaciers Special Edition, they’ve returned to their humble tool watches. And this is a tool watch in a very real sense, designed to be worn by the Air-Glaciers helicopter rescue crews operating in the Swiss Alps.
Air-Glaciers is one of the most advanced helicopter rescue organizations in the world, operating in some of the most challenging terrain, so it’s essential that their equipment meets high standards. The pilots require comfort and, most importantly, performance and reliability from their gear, including their watches.
The new special edition is a properly lean timepiece with no excess fat whatsoever. The case is made from titanium in order to reduce the weight by 45%, an essential factor in the watch’s wearability and comfort as Air-Glaciers crews spend long days on missions. For the same reason, the 42mm diameter case is mounted on a blue nylon Velcro strap, which also allows for a snug fit to prevent any rotation on the wrist (it also comes with a suede nubuck strap if you’re buying one and aren’t in the rescue service).
The Khaki Aviation Pilot Air-Glaciers Special Edition features a classic pilot’s watch display, with large, luminescent hour markers and numerals split between an outer minute scale and an internal hour scale.
The dial is designed to be as clear and readable as possible allowing for precise timings as in glacier rescue, when a few minutes could be the difference between life and death (a concept shared by the Ball Roadmaster Rescue Chronograph).
Adding to the legibility of is the red and white seconds hand, contrasting to the matte blue dial. Red and white also happen to be the signature colours of the Air-Glaciers helicopters and the Swiss flag.
Housed inside is the H-30 automatic movement and is part of the Powermatic 80 family of movements from the Swatch Group. It’s equipped with time and date functions and has a great 80-hour power reserve. It’s partially visible through the semi-circular exhibition window in the caseback, below which is an inscription commemorating the collaboration with Air-Glaciers.
Plus, the icing on top is that at £1,285, it offers pretty solid value. In titanium with a bespoke caseback and strap, it is understandably more expensive than its steel counterparts, but it’s by no means excessive. So, whether you’re a helicopter rescue pilot or simply looking for a thoroughbred titanium tool watch, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Air-Glaciers Special Edition is worth a look. Also, it’s worth noting that while it is a special edition, it’s not limited.
Price and Specs:
More details at Hamilton.
