Skip to main content

The Manual Wind: Fresh From Hamilton

With Basel Fair 2014 in progress, the heavy hitters are stealing the spotlight with their millions of dollars in research and development. Being the largest watch fair in the world, there is much more to see than opulence. Big and small brands alike use this week to announce and display their new toys with hopes of steering customer’s tax returns from savings accounts into their pockets. Hamilton is a brand that has made a good case this year for enjoying some of those dollars that are coming back from Uncle Sam.

Bearing the name of that old watch that your grandfather handed down (that you probably have never worn), Hamilton was one of the earliest watch manufacturers made right here in the United States of America. Out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Hamilton manufactured and gradually enveloped other watch brands until it made its way to Switzerland and eventually jumping in bed with The Swatch Group.  This year they have released two models with a few variations of each that are worth serious consideration.

Watches-1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For a casual and everyday feel yet still suitable for the office, the Khaki Skeleton is prime.  Offered in either stainless steel or PVD black steel, this partially skeletonized dial gives you a peek into the movement while still maintaining legibility.  The PVD black steel case is paired with a honey brown calf strap and the steel case with a black calf.  This 42mm with visible automatic movement is a great value for all around wear.

Recommended Videos

The Khaki Pilot Pioneer Aluminum takes care of your weekends be it hiking, drinking, or beaching.  Its durable 41mm aluminum case with dual crowns (for time and rotating bezel) is attached with a matching color nato strap.  Inside lies the ETA based Hamilton ca.H10 with 80 hour power reserve to take this weekend warrior into the realm of horology. Comfortable and sporty, the Khaki Pilot Pioneer is rugged in any of the offered variations; black, sand, navy, and khaki green.

Watches-2
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While the rest of the world is admiring the exotic out of reach timepieces by the major brands, make sure you take note of the little guys. There are still great timepieces shown at Basel Fair to be seen and had for all.  Have your whole week covered with both of these from Hamilton for under $2500.

Ian Schwam
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Contributing writer and watch enthusiast Ian Schwam dons an expert knowledge of all things watches. Having spent a decade in…
Topics
The New Balance 2010 “Linen” is clean, calm, and understated
New Balance releases a new 2010 sneaker
new balance 2010 sneaker in linen

While New Balance has certified itself as a go-to lifestyle sneaker, that hasn’t prevented the brand from continuing to expand its casual sneaker lineup. In its newest summer release, the brand is turning to its 2010 silhouette for a brand new colorway that brings neutral tones with a pop of color. New to the New Balance lineup, the 2010 model is one of the brand’s most recent additions, first making its appearance in May of this year.

As more brands adopt their retro performance shoes into modern-day lifestyle sneakers, more colorways and patterns have come into the spotlight, making it easier to find one that fits with your style. Expected to hit stores later this month, the latest New Balance 2010 sneaker is a clean and subtle sneaker with plenty of timeless quality to it. 

Read more
Stowa revives WWII-era watch design in limited edition 
Stowa revives aviation history with the Chrono ABT 24H
STOWA and ABT present the exclusive collaboration: the Chrono ABT 24h Limited

Stowa Uhren has resuscitated its aviation legacy with the Chrono ABT 24H Limited Edition release, a meticulously crafted chronograph that blends German precision with vintage-inspired aesthetics. In collaboration with ABT Sportsline and created for the lovers of horological heritage and modern mechanics, this timepiece commemorates Stowa’s historical pilot chronographs while incorporating a high-performance Swiss movement. With only 50 pieces available worldwide, the Chrono ABT 24H is a collector’s dream, standing as the perfect balance of tool-watch functionality and elegant design.

Precision engineering meets vintage flair

Read more
3sixteen and Saucony drop a naturally dyed “Gesso” trail shoe
Saucony, 3sixteen release a new collaborative collection
pile of new saucony shoes

While Saucony has plenty of sneaker options with footwear features that seem like their own art form, its latest release is inspired by the beauty of art. Along with 3sixteen, Saucony has unveiled its latest collection, which draws inspiration from the typical primer artists use on canvases before creating. Gesso works by enhancing paint absorption and acting as a base for artists to express themselves, something Saucony looks to replicate with their colorful lineup. Serving as a canvas to express yourself, these new sneakers allow users to personalize their shoes to display their personalities best. Using different textures, materials, and dyes, this collaborative collection is another innovative process that lands in footwear, which looks to make each shoe unique and one-of-a-kind to its owners. 

3sixteen and Saucony get creative with a colorful new lineup

Read more