Hamilton Watch Reviews: BelowZero, JazzMaster, X-Wind Automatic, Khaki Pilot

  The Hamilton Khaki X-Wind mens watch is one of my favorites by Hamilton, especially in this dial color (ivory). This time I want to jump right to the automatic movement first. The X-Wind uses a Valjoux 7750, this is amazing considering a price point under $1,500 (that’s before any discounts!). For those of you that enjoy knowing what is under the hood, you will appreciate this value. I can think of one particular watch which uses a slightly modified Valjoux 7750, retails for around $6,800!

  Getting back on track, the ivory colored dial adds a real sense of class to this very versatile watch. There is a nice contrast between the brown leather strap, accented with white stitching against the dial. Some of the many features include small black indices on outer dial, brushed stainless steel turning ruler and black numbers/indices, analog day and date at the 9 o'clock position, polished stainless steel crowns and pushers, display back, and sapphire crystal.

Pros - A lot of watch for money, nice size, display back, and versatile.

Consideration - This version is only offered on a leather strap.

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 41mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Ivory

Strap: Leather

Movement: ETA 2824-2

Power Reserve: 42 hrs Lug Width: 20mm

Water Resistant: 50m

Hamilton Jazzmaster H32515555 Watch Review

  There is a rich American history with Hamilton. Formerly produced in Lancaster, PA, now a Swiss brand owned by The Swatch Group. The Jazzmaster (ref. H32515555) is a classic dress watch on a brown leather alligator grain strap. The watch has clean lines, an easy to read dial, and a large date window at the 3 o’clock position. The watch is finished nicely with a brushed stainless steel case and polished accents. Protecting the watch face is sapphire crystal, this is more expensive than mineral crystal. Those who have had mineral crystal will appreciate this upgrade – it is extremely scratch resistant.

  Finally, the JazzMaster uses an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement, a proven work horse! The Jazzmaster continues Hamilton’s collection of affordable watches delivering  classic styling. This is great classy dress watch, that would fit into wrist rotation nicely.

Pros - Great price point

Consideration - Water resistance

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44 mm

Bezel: Bidirectional

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Ivory

Strap: Leather

Lug Width: 22 mm

Movement: Valjoux 7750

Power Reserve: 46 hrs Water Resistant: 100m

Hamilton Khaki BelowZero Watch Review

  First requirement of a good pilot watch is a nice large, easy to read case. The Hamilton Khaki Pilot comes in a 46mm, it certainly qualifies. What does the Khaki Pilot watch bring to the table that is unique? It is an automatic watch, powered by an ETA 2836-2 Swiss movement for well under $1000. I am continually amazed at the price points from Hamilton without compromising on quality. The case is quite nice, with polished and brushed finishes. Personally, my favorite feature of the watch is the applied numerals made of steel, gives the dial a subtle depth. There is a nice detail to the watch that can be easily overlooked, the hour hand. Notice the tip of the hour hand is skeletonized to see the 12 hour markers. Great attention to detail and well thought out.

  At this price point the Khaki Pilot (ref. H64715535) delivers sapphire crystal, ETA 2836-2, day/date display, exhibition case back, applied markers, and a substantial brown leather strap. If you are looking for classic looking pilot watch without breaking the bank, this watch will deliver

Pros - Quality, finish, movement, value

Consideration - 46mm is not small

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 46mm

Case Back: Exhibition

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Strap: Leather

Movement: ETA 2836-2

Power Reserve: 42 hrs

Lug Width: 22mm

Water Resistant: 100m

Hamilton Khaki Pilot 46mm Watch Review

  The Khaki BelowZero 1000m is a big step forward for Hamilton in the dive watch market. This is the improved depth rating of 1000m vs 200m. Hamilton’s choice of a 46mm case and the increasingly popular 4 hex screws ensures quite a wrist presence. The hex screws and the crown are nicely done. All too often brands put out too small of a crown on a dive watch, this is happily not the case with the BelowZero. The large date window at 3 o’clock seems a little large for this dive watch. On the other hand W&R would have preferred more substantial hands for this masculine watch. Not only did does the BelowZero go deep, it goes there via a HEV (helium escape valve). W&R are big fans of 24mm straps, especially on these larger watches. An ETA 2824-2 automatic movement powers this beast, with an estimated 42 hour power reserve.

  Lastly, there is one final subtle touch on the BelowZero, a “0” at the 12 o’clock location.

Easily overlooked, which might make even a littler “cooler”. The BelowZero will not break the bank account and still delivers an overall nicely constructed watch.

Pros - HEV, hex screws, nice movement

Consideration - Lacking in the lume department for a dive watch

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 46mm

Bezel: Unidirectional

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Strap: Rubber

Movement: ETA 2824-2

Power Reserve: 42 hrs

Lug Width: 24mm

Water Resistant: 1000m