Hamilton Unveils Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical ‘Fab Four’ Chronograph Re-Release

Hamilton has released its Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph. With its 40mm-wide stainless steel case, it’s an impressive remake of Hamilton’s “Fab Four” timepiece.

The “Fab Four” chronographs were first issued to the British Royal Air Force in the 70s, officially named 6BB chronographs. Previous reimaginings of the timepiece have been done, but nothing else has come this close. The vintage military feel translates through with its unique asymmetrical case profile, protecting the crown and pushers with that case side bulge at 3  o’clock.

Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph has a vintage look with an asymmetrical case profile paired with tapering unchamfered lugs and a softly sloping smooth bezel. Its fully brushed case surface highlights the design’s utilitarian, military-issue provenance, while the polished pushers add emphasis to the flared case side. 

Its dial layout is an exact copy of the 6BB chronograph, from the printed Arabic numerals to the ‘70s-style printed Hamilton logo. The Swiss manufacturer finished the dial surface with an exaggerated grainy matte texture to suggest tropical aging in photos.

The timepiece measures 14.35mm-thick and sports engraved lines of text on the case back reminiscent of the serial numbers on the original 6BB. It has a solid 100 meters of water resistance, on-brand with its rugged military heritage. It has a rugged broken-in feel with a classic distressed leather strap with a deep coffee-brown color and tone-on-tone box stitching.  

Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph is powered with the H-51-Si hand-wound chronograph movement with a 60-hour power reserve at a 28,800 bph beat rate. 

It’s available now through authorized dealers with a price of $2,045.