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AJC
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Hamilton Navy Pioneer Review - watchforums.net Sneak Peak
Hamilton Pioneer Review 07.10.2013
I’ve always loved the looks of marine chronometers and watches that resemble them in one way or another. The relatively recent release of the limited edition Hamilton Navy Pioneer was one that really peaked my interest.but the price was high. Hamilton then released a non LE version in 3 colors and I was in. I was torn between the silvery white dial with blued hands or the little bit different navy dial with highly polished steel hands, I ultimately opted for the blue dialed version.
An increase in living expenses has caused me to sell off watches to buy watches, I can’t really add to my collection without subtracting. So I started to sell, I believe 5, watches that I barely wore. With a bit of luck I came across the exact one I was looking for in nearly NIB condition, the plastic was still on the caseback and saved a substantial amount of money.
The first thing that I fell in love with is the beautiful dark tone of blue. It looks like an ocean and gives the dial great depth with help from the sloped chapter ring. A pretty simple dial is just my taste with accurate-to-the-period white arabic numerals and 3 polished marine chronometer hands is a good combination and is what has always drawn me to the look. Sapphire crystals are on either side with AR coating on the inside, I could have used a little more but that's my taste.
A smooth dark chocolate brown strap with white stitching is attached to the wire lugs with typical spring bars that allow for easy strap changes. This was a worry of mine going in that I was glad to have relieved. At 40mm wide (43 with the crown) and 10mm thick it fits really well and is quite comfortable, the strap is strong and smooth and attaches with a Hamilton buckle, I think I’ll be keeping this option for a while.
The crown doesn’t screw down, I would have liked that, but it is attractive and quite large and easy to wind. It has a nice satiny brushed finish with a polished “H” symbol that pops out at you. The sides of the case offer a nice mix of brushed and polished finishes, kind of like an oreo cookie with the brushed finish cream. The bezel is pretty bad-ass with three rows of studs and a highly polished top that catches light like in this photo:
The movement is an ETA elaboree grade, which is the base model for the 289x calibers, 2895 which is a 2892 with the seconds hand moved to the 6 o’clock, nothing special. It does keep absolutely excellent time. The first 36 hours I had it (on my wrist except at night dial up) it only gained 3 seconds, THREE! So it’s my most accurate watch, that’s a plus, but the visual aspect is a negative. I guess it’s better than your standard 2824 but the lack of decoration. save for a light satin finish, left me saying, “Meh...”
Overall, I give this watch a 8/10 and that places it in the top spot in my collection at the moment.
I’ve always loved the looks of marine chronometers and watches that resemble them in one way or another. The relatively recent release of the limited edition Hamilton Navy Pioneer was one that really peaked my interest.but the price was high. Hamilton then released a non LE version in 3 colors and I was in. I was torn between the silvery white dial with blued hands or the little bit different navy dial with highly polished steel hands, I ultimately opted for the blue dialed version.
An increase in living expenses has caused me to sell off watches to buy watches, I can’t really add to my collection without subtracting. So I started to sell, I believe 5, watches that I barely wore. With a bit of luck I came across the exact one I was looking for in nearly NIB condition, the plastic was still on the caseback and saved a substantial amount of money.
The first thing that I fell in love with is the beautiful dark tone of blue. It looks like an ocean and gives the dial great depth with help from the sloped chapter ring. A pretty simple dial is just my taste with accurate-to-the-period white arabic numerals and 3 polished marine chronometer hands is a good combination and is what has always drawn me to the look. Sapphire crystals are on either side with AR coating on the inside, I could have used a little more but that's my taste.
A smooth dark chocolate brown strap with white stitching is attached to the wire lugs with typical spring bars that allow for easy strap changes. This was a worry of mine going in that I was glad to have relieved. At 40mm wide (43 with the crown) and 10mm thick it fits really well and is quite comfortable, the strap is strong and smooth and attaches with a Hamilton buckle, I think I’ll be keeping this option for a while.
The crown doesn’t screw down, I would have liked that, but it is attractive and quite large and easy to wind. It has a nice satiny brushed finish with a polished “H” symbol that pops out at you. The sides of the case offer a nice mix of brushed and polished finishes, kind of like an oreo cookie with the brushed finish cream. The bezel is pretty bad-ass with three rows of studs and a highly polished top that catches light like in this photo:
The movement is an ETA elaboree grade, which is the base model for the 289x calibers, 2895 which is a 2892 with the seconds hand moved to the 6 o’clock, nothing special. It does keep absolutely excellent time. The first 36 hours I had it (on my wrist except at night dial up) it only gained 3 seconds, THREE! So it’s my most accurate watch, that’s a plus, but the visual aspect is a negative. I guess it’s better than your standard 2824 but the lack of decoration. save for a light satin finish, left me saying, “Meh...”
Overall, I give this watch a 8/10 and that places it in the top spot in my collection at the moment.
Last edited by No such person on Fri Jul 12, 2013 4:28 am, edited 1 time in total.
DOOM - The WatchForums Supervillian
Awesome pick-up, my friend!
