You know from my previous posts that I like watches with a story behind and/or a utilitarian use, and this is the case with Hamilton X-Wind Chronograph Quartz Ref. H77912335.
I like two types of watches more than others: aviation themed and divers. Of course, I am neither a pilot nor a diver, but an engineer. I love the above mentioned categories of watches mostly because of the look and the feeling. Some highly trained professionals put their trust in such a small instrument when they must take fast decisions. You don’t want to risk your life deep in the waters or high in the skies because your watch stopped for any reason. Sure, it is a different story for the vast majority of people who don’t rely on time that much and where there are watches all around. But for people like me, the watch on my wrist must be the only instrument I rely on to know the time.
Hamilton is a brand name born in the US and grown up in Switzerland. From all the lines of their products I like mostly the Khaki watches. Lately, the Hamilton X-Wind Chrono Quartz GMT caught my attention, even though I’m not all that much into quartz watches. One of the first things that impressed me was its size. At 46mm, it’s not small and definitely not in my range of sizes. However, the big surprise was that it’s so comfortable and well balanced on the wrist thanks to its small lugs. Also, for a relatively low price, you get a very good looking watch with anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal, screw down crowns (all three), chronograph, date and second time zone.
The X-Wind, which is a short form of the aviation term “crosswind”, provides an extra function. From my knowledge, no other brand makes a watch with this circular slide rule that calculates crosswind components, formed by the chapter ring, the scale disk under it and the bezel. Usually, pilots determine the crosswind components using charts and slide rulers, not watches. But this tool on Hamilton X-Wind could be a life saver since it is fully operational. Crosswind affects all vehicles, not only aircraft, but in aviation it could be dangerous especially on landing. For the rest of us it could be a conversation starter in bars, a toy to play with at not-so-interesting meetings and presentations or could serve its purpose for the fun of crosswind component calculations.
Now, you may say – enough with stories, what about the watch? Sure, the watch wears comfortably despite its 46 mm case made in Stainless Steel 316L and its thickness of 13.75 mm. The dial is complex, with lots of information, markings and orange accents. It has 3 sub-dials. For seconds at 6 o’clock, second time zone at 11 o’clock and coaxial chronograph hours and minutes at 2 o’clock. The 2 extra crowns at 8 and 10 o’clock operate the sliding rule. Water resistance is 10 bar, which is more than enough. All these functions are driven by an ETA G10.962 quartz movement. This is a good and reliable 7 jewels movement with an End Of Life battery feature.
What I didn’t like so much about this watch was the rubber strap it came with. Although a high quality one, in my opinion it didn’t match the watch. First thing I did was to change it with a 7F&W test strap 22/18 mm. A hand stitched full grain leather that we manufacture in Romania.
Overall, this watch is a true everyday carry, very good looking, with an honest price tag for a good quality timepiece.
Cheers!
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For more information, please visit the manufacturer’s website.
