Side by side

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto ChronovsPhoibos Wave Master

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

Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono
HamiltonKhaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono
MSRP $3,575
Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309

At a glance

10 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono46mm
Wave Master42mm
Power Reserve
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono60h
Wave Master40h
Water Resistance
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono50m
Wave Master300m
MSRP
Khaki Aviation Takeoff Auto Chrono$3,575
Wave Master$309

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Pilot
Diver
Diameter
46mm
42mm
Thickness
16.2mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48.5mm
Water Resistance
50m
300m

Crystal & Dial

2 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

2 specs
Caliber
H-31
SII NH35A
Power Reserve
60h
40h

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$3,575
$309

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What people say

Owners + reviewers, side by side

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

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.

Phoibos Wave Master

Owners widely praise the Phoibos Wave Master for its attractive wavy dial, bright lume, and comfortable engineer bracelet, with many considering it one of the best-looking watches under $300. The watch features a sapphire crystal and ceramic bezel, and owners report good quality for the price, with a subtle wave pattern on the dial appreciated for its unique style. While some minor finishing flaws like slightly crooked hour markers or an off-center outer ring have been noted, these are generally considered not visible during wear. One owner experienced a clasp breakage after four years, but Phoibos replaced it free of charge. Some owners wish the watch were larger than 40mm, and one notes the GMT hand and other details may not hold up under extreme close-ups. Overall, owners rate the Phoibos Wave Master highly for its distinctive dial and value, especially considering its build quality and features.

From video reviewers

The unidirectional ceramic bezel action is praised. The lume brightness is noted as a weakness. Reviewers disagree on the water resistance rating, with some stating 300M and others 200M.

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