This Hamilton Khaki Automatic X-Wind chronograph watch is model H77616533 with a reverse panda dial. Hardcore watch geeks may recognize the steel model shown here as the watch worn by Liam Hemsworth in Independence Day: Resurgence back in 2016. This mechanical flieger looks like a regular day-date chrono, but it’s actually a computer on the wrist.
The X-Wind is notable for its in-flight cross wind calculator which works in conjunction with the internal rotating bezel. This featured is adjusted via the crown at 4:00. The outer bezel is steel with etched painted markers (this is available in different colors on other models) and also bi-directional rotating.
“The Khaki X-Wind Automatic is the world’s first drift-angle calculator in a watch, enabling pilots to accurately calculate and record the crosswinds they will encounter on their planned journey. And for those needing to navigate their way through life on the ground, this Hamilton timepiece is also the perfect co-pilot. The stylish, rugged look of this innovative Chronograph is sure to turn heads, while its accuracy and function ensure a smooth flight.” –Hamilton
The X-Wind has a Swiss made automatic movement with 25 jewels. Hamilton calls it the caliber H-21, but is basically a workhorse ETA/Valjoux caliber 7750. Like most watches with this movement, it has the satisfying feel of a mini helicopter propeller spinning powerfully inside. One of the reasons for this rapid spinning is because the rotor on a 7750 doesn’t ratchet backwards.
“The H-21 variant of the 7750 features a custom designed H pattern on the bridge, and engineered for increased accuracy and an increased 60 hours power reserve instead of 42 hours.” –calibercorner.com
The case is stainless steel with a satin finish. The diameter is a comfortable 44mm (and approximately 50mm including crowns on the right and left) with a thickness of 16mm. The total weight of this watch is 142g. The crystal is a scratch resistant sapphire. Equipped with triple screw-down crowns, the X-Wind has a depth rating of 100m.
The matte black dial has brushed Arabic markers and silver concentric subdials. The layout of the dial features a day/date window at 9:00 and an internal bi-directional rotating bezel. This means they flipped the movement around and the crown to set and wind the movement is located at 9:00 as well. Timepieces that are built like this are usually referred to as “destra”, meaning lefty watches, but with crowns on both sides, this isn’t considered a lefty – its more ambidextrous.
The watch ships from the factory on a Hamilton signed brown leather strap (reference H600.776.103). The “H” tang buckle is an especially nice touch. There are different straps for different styles, but it’s a versatile timepiece that would look great on almost anything. If you want to change to a NATO or other style strap, the lug width is 22mm.
A note on reference numbers: The base reference number for the X-Wind models is H776160 (located on the caseback), however, the full reference number of steel watch in this review is H77616533. Hamilton offers several configurations with different numbers. Below is a video review of the H77696793 with a carbon fiber dial and gold tone case plated to 10 microns.
The steel retail price is $1,595 USD and the gold plated model is $1,995 USD. Both watches were sold in our watch store.
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