When Cinematic Meets Adventure in 20mm: Examining the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot and Navy Scuba Syroco

The Hamilton Khaki watch series are very well known, most especially because of their military-inspired precision. One of the popular Hamilton Khaki watch series is the iconic Hamilton Khaki Murph, featured in the 2014 science fiction film, Interstellar. Its distinctive design and connection to the film make it a sought-after piece for movie and watch enthusiasts alike.

The Hamilton Murph watch (right) and the standard Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot watch (left) worn by McConaughey's character in the film Interstellar always held some intrigue for its understated elegance on screen, despite not being the limited edition prop watch. Photo: Paramount Pictures and Syncopy Inc.

When I was thinking about to write a topic about Hamilton watches, I just remembered these watches are related to the elements of nature. The Hamilton Khaki Aviation is from the sky, and the Hamilton Khaki Navy from the sea. It sounds funny, but that’s just the inspiration behind my topic.

For this article, let’s discuss two remarkable timepieces, the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto Automatic 42mm (H64615135) and the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Syroco Special Edition (H82385340). Both of these watches feature a 20mm lug size, offering versatility for strap customization to suit personal styles. The shared lug size ensures seamless interchangeability, allowing for various strap options for different occasions.

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto Automatic 42mm (H64615135)

While not the limited edition "Murph" wristwatch prominently featured in the blockbuster 2014 film Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan, there was always something intriguing about the standard Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto model worn by Matthew McConaughey's character Cooper. This regular production watch gained additional significance from its role in the critically acclaimed sci-fi epic, which earned over $681 million worldwide at the box office. According to various film prop databases and collector sites, the "Murph" timepiece was produced as a special collaboration between Hamilton and Paramount Pictures to promote the film. However, as a real world aviation-themed timepiece available through Hamilton's normal catalog, this model felt even more genuinely representative of Cooper's passion and profession as a pilot. So when the opportunity arose years later to examine one up close, my interest was piqued to observe what subtle design qualities had initially drawn me to its understated elegance on screen.

The vintage flair of the Angus-J Louis watch band really brings out the classic looks of the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot watch H64615135. Matching that distinctive curved endlink at 90%, it's a partnership made for the ages.

The watch features a 42mm stainless steel case that combines brushed and polished finishes for visual interest. A domed sapphire crystal provides excellent clarity, aided by anti-reflective coating. Water resistance reaches 100m thanks to a screwed-down caseback. The 5.8mm crown is comfortably sized and well-guarded.

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto complements the industrial design of the Rollball - Racer watch band type metal watch band, which is a 90% match for the curved endlink.

The dial successfully balances functionality and style. A subtle sunray pattern forms the backdrop. Minute marks and gold-toned indices aid readability, with the latter standing out through finely textured ridges. Day and date displays are neatly integrated at 12 and 6 o'clock respectively. An inner hour ring nods to classic aviation designs. While printing is sharply defined, some dial debris could be improved.

The airborne-inspired Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date flies high when matched with the durable and distinguished 20mm Quick-release Military Green Sailcloth Watch Band.

Powering the watch is Hamilton's H40 automatic movement, based on the proven ETA 2834. It offers around 80 hours of power reserve via a decorated rotor. Timekeeping tests revealed admirable accuracy within just a few seconds daily. An open caseback provides a view of the tidy calibre at work.

This comfortable watch band from Asteroid Watch Band is a near-perfect match for the Hamilton Aviation Pilot. At 90% compatibility with the curved endlink, it hugs the wrist just right.

Reference Model number: H64615135

• Model Collection: Khaki Aviation
• Case Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 11.85 mm
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire anti-reflection
• Water-Resistance: 100m
• Dial Colour: Black
• Movement: Swiss Automatic
• Calibre: Hamilton H-40
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Frequency: 3Hz (21,600vph)
• Lug width: 20 mm
• Strap Material: Stainless Steel Strap with Folding Clasp

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Syroco Special Edition (H82385340)

The Khaki Navy Scuba, designed in collaboration with the scientific and technical laboratory, Syroco for a distinctive touch, is not just a piece of luxury but a reliable partner in maritime exploration.

Usually, Syroco strives to empower individuals in the transportation and energy sectors to confront global economic and environmental challenges by leveraging innovative accomplishments and cutting-edge technology. Among its initiatives is the pursuit of breaking the world sailing speed record using a state-of-the-art creation propelled by a large kite. The streamlined design of the vessel is intended to efficiently traverse the air and navigate the waves with the assistance of a substantial stabilizing fin. The objective is to surpass a speed of 150 kilometers per hour, a remarkably high velocity on water!

Designed for marine adventures both above and below the surface, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Syroco Special Edition H82385340 shines alongside the rugged and reliable 20mm Ladder White FKM Quick Release rubber watch strap.

Crafted for this special occasion, the Hamilton x Syroco Khaki Navy Scuba Special Edition adopts the 40mm framework of the Khaki Navy Scuba. Encased in brushed stainless steel, it features a polished unidirectional bezel with a two-tone silver and blue insert, complete with a diving scale. The sapphire crystal, equipped with an anti-reflective coating on the inside, enhances visibility. The back boasts a robust solid caseback safeguarding the movement, and the screw-down crown contributes to a water resistance of up to 100 meters.

Offering convenience through quick sizing adjustments without tools, the Metablind (Pull-Twist) QR Watch Band brings versatility to every water outing with the feature-packed Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba.

The grained texture of the blue dial on the Hamilton x Syroco Khaki Navy Scuba Special Edition showcases meticulous detailing. Notably, the sizable applied hour indices are enriched with white Super-LumiNova. A vibrant orange hue accents the outer minute track, echoed by the luminous tip of the central seconds hand. The central hour and minute hands, in a nickel finish, also feature Super-LumiNova. Enhancing the dial further, a white crosshair design replaces the original 24-hour scale, complemented by a bevelled date window positioned at 04:30.

The feature-packed Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba is ready for expeditions wherever the tide may take it, secured by the practical and secure-fitting 20mm Quick Release Sky Blue Tropical-Style Pro FKM rubber watch strap.

Powering the Hamilton x Syroco Khaki Navy Scuba Special Edition is the Hamilton H-10 automatic movement, recognized from its larger counterparts and various Hamilton timepieces. This movement serves as the foundation for the Swatch Group's Powermatic 80 calibre, offering an impressive 80-hour power reserve. Notable enhancements over its original ETA 2824-2 iteration comprise an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring and a refined kinetic chain, contributing to the timepiece's precision and reliability.

For dressy luminosity complementing its diving roots, the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba pairs well with the stylish Q.R. 20mm Blue Tapered Leather Watch Band, allowing quick changes to its refined looks with the secure yet speedy quick-release design.

The Hamilton and Syroco Khaki Navy Scuba Special Edition is adorned with a contoured blue rubber strap secured by a stainless steel pin buckle. Notably, there's no specified limitation mentioned for this edition.

Reference Model number: H82385340

• Model Collection: Khaki Navy
• Case Diameter: 40mm
• Thickness: 12.95mm
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal with AR-coating
• Bezel: Unidirectional
• Crown: Screw-down
• Water-Resistance: 100m
• Dial Colour: Blue
• Dial Hands: Nickeled hour and minute with Super-LumiNova, central seconds in orange with luminous tip
• Date Window: Positioned at 04:30
• Movement: Automatic
• Calibre: Hamilton H-10
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Frequency: 3Hz (21,600vph)
• Lug width: 20 mm
• Strap Material: Profiled blue rubber

Final Thoughts

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto and Khaki Navy Scuba Auto Syroco exemplify how certain timepieces become more than tools for keeping time. As the Aviation Pilot watch was quietly worn by Matthew McConaughey's character in the acclaimed film Interstellar, it came to represent the adventurous spirit that defined Cooper's career in aviation. Meanwhile, the Navy Scuba honors the tradition of naval exploration with its water resistance and diving heritage. Upon examining these watches firsthand years later, their thoughtful design details, robust constructions and understated elegance reflecting their respective histories were evident. Watches from Hamilton's Khaki line, like these aviation and diving models, honor those who push boundaries through exploration with both technical precision and nostalgic flair. In owning pieces connected to such traditions of discovery, one gains an entry point into appreciating virtues of craftsmanship and living life to the fullest.

Written by Victor, images by Toni and others as noted

External References

• Hamilton “Interstellar” Khaki Aviation Pilot H64615135
• Hamilton Partners With Syroco For A Special Edition Of The Khaki Navy Scuba
• Matthew McConaughey Wearing A Hamilton Pilot's Watch In Interstellar