Side by side

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsHamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono

The numbers, the dial colors, the calibers — laid out so you can stop flipping between tabs.

Vanguard Steel
Gruppo GammaVanguard Steel
MSRP $790
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono
HamiltonKhaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono
MSRP $3,575
What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.

Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel

The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is praised for its aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. However, some owners dislike the distorted sapphire crystal and the absence of minute markers, with one noting difficulty in replacing the crystal due to hand fitment. The watch features a Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve and an accuracy range of -10 to +30 seconds per day, and is offered with two strap options. On balance, owners value the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive aged aesthetic and dial design, despite some reservations about the crystal.

From video reviewers

Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono is noted for its unique bullhead chronograph design and detachable functionality for desktop display, with a PVD case and yellow accents. Owners praise its solid construction, precise indices, and smooth bezel action, alongside a detailed champagne dial, crisp printing, and retro hands with good lume. However, its extreme thickness and 46.3mm width are flagged as compromising daily wearability, and some find the sizable crown guards hinder usability, while a rattling bracelet with a difficult-to-remove design is also mentioned. The watch uses the Hamilton H-31 automatic chronograph movement with a 60-hour power reserve and is a limited edition of 1999 units. On balance, owners and reviewers appreciate the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono for its distinctive design and pilot-inspired legibility, despite practical concerns regarding its size and wearability.

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Vanguard Steel42mm
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono46mm
Power Reserve
Vanguard Steel42h
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono60h
Water Resistance
Vanguard Steel100m
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono50m
MSRP
Vanguard Steel$790
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono$3,575

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Pilot
Diameter
42mm
46mm
Thickness
12.6mm
16.2mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
46mm
Water Resistance
100m
50m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Yes
Inner
Dial Color
Forged Carbon
Black
Lume
Super-LumiNova
None

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
Miyota 9039
H-31
Power Reserve
42h
60h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$790
$3,575
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