It was one of the biggest surprises at Baselworld 2014 so hat’s off to Hamilton, the most Swiss of American brands…or is it the other way round? We’re digressing. In terms of mechanism, this Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono isn’t going to shake up the watchmaking world as it is fitted with an ETA self-winding chronograph which has been “customised” for the brand. But that’s not the most exciting thing about the watch. The best thing about this timepiece is the design which, to be blunt, is a knockout. It’s all about its bullhead case (crown and pushers at 12 o’ clock) and black PVD coating. The ingenious yet functional watch has multiple uses: the case clips onto a metallic base fitted onto the strap and is easily removed to be housed in a display or the cockpit on a plane or helicopter. Simply brilliant. Why didn’t anybody think of this before? It’s no wonder Air Zermatt’s pilots were so quick to get hold of the watch. The lucky devils! They’ve got a special version of it in their company colours. As for the rest of us aviation enthusiasts, you’ll have to be quick if you want to buy the Khaki Takeoff Auto Chrono: the series is limited to 1999 models. Prix: 2,995 CHF