The ultimate return-ticket between metric and imperial BASELWORLD 2012: The Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol
For much of its history, Hamilton has found inspiration in the skies and has a long list of aviation timepieces in its product logbook. Propelling its pioneering aviation spirit to new heights in the year of the brand’s 120th anniversary is the dynamic Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol.
This highly sophisticated chronograph integrates the new H21 caliber with its excellent accuracy and extended power reserve. Equipping the wearer for today’s globally minded environment is a unique mechanical conversion facility to give accurate equivalents of a selection of units in either metric or imperial systems. In terms of styling and craftsmanship, this intricate timepiece visibly goes the extra mile with highly resistant modern materials and a keen eye for design detail.
Instrument panel to go
The Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol acts as a portable cockpit for navigating lifestyles. It provides conversions for distances in miles (nautical or statute) and kilometers, heights or altitudes in feet or meters, volumes in gallons and liters, as well as weights in pounds and kilograms, using a turning bezel. Conversions are simple to make, through unscrewing the easy-to-grip crown at 9 o’clock and positioning an arrow for the first unit of measurement on the outer bezel scale. The appropriate equivalent is then visible on the inner scale. Once the reading is completed, the crown can be pushed back into place and re-screwed to secure it until required again. Three round chronograph discs, gravitating to the left-hand side of the dial keep track of hours, minutes and seconds, operated via push buttons at two o’clock and four o’clock. An easily legible day and date display is the centerpiece of the right-hand side of the dynamic dial. Whether this timepiece is co-piloting its wearer in the air or on the ground, nothing will escape its notice – even if it has a weekend off-duty, thanks to the 60 hours of power reserve
Designed to make a difference
Black or silver dials, with contrasting reflectors, are perfectly complemented by a black leather strap with fine white stitching, a sporty black rubber attachment, or a metal bracelet. Its aviation theme is omnipresent, even on the back of the watch, which integrates a propeller-inspired design, offering regular glimpses of the automatic chronograph movement in action. A ridged effect on the side of the bezel also reminds of precision engineering. Aviation is about accuracy and the Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol reflects this inside and out. Details such as the fine markings, screws visible on the case back and practical antireflective coating on the sapphire crystal underline the commitment to quality and durability. Water resistance to a pressure of 10 bar ensures that this watch is at home in all environments, airborne or otherwise.