Affordable Watch Comparison - Orient Pilot, Laco Augsburg, & Hamilton Khaki Field Auto

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Watches designed with military inspiration tend to be highly legible and durable while also presenting a versatile look. In the entry-level arena for watches of this style, there are a few I always recommend. In this video, we'll compare and contrast the Orient Pilot, Laco Augsburg, and Hamilton Khaki Field Auto to see how some of the best affordable options from Japan, Germany, and Switzerland stack up in the military-style everyday watch category.

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[chuckmcclune]

The Laco Augsburg is so clean, and the loom just makes it pop, the simplicity catches my eye and my vote! Thanks Teddy

[markgrieves]

Hi Teddy. You've got more class than the classiest guy ever. I have a yearning for the Hamilton and your jacket in that order. Despite our probabiy 30 or more years age difference, once again you taught me something I didn't know about how navigator watches were designed with the emphasis on the minutes. The 80 hour power reserve on the Hamilton khaki is just phenomenal. Thank you again from an old grump in the UK. Listening to you is like a spiritual exercise, I get honesty, sincerity and integrity shining through. My choice for you is the Hamilton. It's just the best.

[tracephoto]

I really, REALLY wanted to pull the trigger on this Hamilton. It looks absolutely amazing and ticks all of my personal boxes, except 21k movement. I just couldn’t get past it.

So, I went with the now discontinued and hard to find H6941933 Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical with the admittedly lower reserve, but faster/higher movement and refined dial.

I so wanted that pop of red in this one. Oh well. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[Rch_P]

Crazy, I was just looking at this laco yesterday.

[anthonystevens]

A great review Teddy. Of these three I think my money would probably drop in the direction of the Hamilton. It's a very close call though. The Laco has the best clear dial along with the Orient for the best lume. The Hamilton could be improved a tad for me would be to drop the date complication for the '3' numeral.

[ipponbageta]

The navigater drew a line on a map. Then he checked the speed of the aircraft and calculated how many minutes it would take to reach the end of the line. When that happened it was time to change course. Hence minutes were more important than hours for the task at hand...bombing London.

[tiote_paris]

If the orient came in a 39mm it would fly (excuse the pun) off the shelves!

[aremel]

Just a minor correction: in the Laco Basic collection (shown) the handset is NOT blued but painted black. Blued hands come with the Original collection that starts at a higher price point.

[DEllisMusic]

I can't even begin to describe how much Hamilton always hits the mark for me. Absolutely love the brand. Could easily build a collection of just their pieces.

[appaloosa]

I spoke with the President of Hamilton, Vivian Stauffer a year ago, when I got the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto. I complimented him on the watch's look and feel. Though I did note to him the lume was poor and asked why no anti-reflective coating and screw down crown. He said they're working on it. How about doing a vintage watch video showing your favorites?

[Vincent_Vrsn]

I got the Khaki Field Auto (38mm, on metal bracelet) two months ago and it's for sure a great choice, the lume clearly sucks but apart of that I can't find any flaws, I use my Garmin Instinct for outdoorsy stuff but the rest of the time I wear the Hamilton and it's a real pleasure to do so, it's my first automatic watch and I love it! (I watched a tons of your videos to make my choice, so thanks a lot!)

[ciuricadaniel]

Hamilton is just something else! Great video, Teddy!

[mgb]

Good comparison video but it would have been better if you mentioned that Laco also sells a 39mm with the same dial as the Orient (the B dial). It's called Aachen and also priced at 410.00.

[Keithphotorama]

My number one rule in buying a watch is “No Screw Down Crowns”! Simply because the truth is not spoken about it. Screw down crowns must pass the one year test of being opened every day for winding and seeing if the threads lasts? Chances are that it won’t therefore it’s worthless.

[karnani]

i was just planning on purchasing either the lace Augsburg or hamilton khaki auto from ur website LOL good timing

[frankiegreaser]

Nice Review. Teddy, look out for Dekla watches from Germany. You can customize them and they look amazing. Good value for the money

[bloodshot]

Great watches, I personally picked up the 38mm from Teddy. Now I'm looking at the LACO. Would be nice if they made the LACO with the ETA movement.

[JB-qteh]

Just received my Orient flight PVD, paid $156, impressed with the quality at this price point.

[paulvogelberg]

Also a good option is Dekla. They are similarly designed to the original Flieger watches and are priced similarly to the Laco Augsburg. However, they have an ETA inside.

[Claimjumper]

I went through this decision making process last year and wound up (pun intended) with the Hamilton. No regrets although the other watches are nice as well.