Side by side

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto ChronovsPhoibos Wave Master

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

Wave Master
PhoibosWave Master
MSRP $309

At a glance

11 of 29 specs differ
Diameter
Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono41mm
Wave Master42mm
Power Reserve
Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono60h
Wave Master40h
Water Resistance
Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono100m
Wave Master300m
MSRP
Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono$1,995
Wave Master$309

Full specifications

Case

5 specs
Category
Chronograph
Diver
Diameter
41mm
42mm
Thickness
16mm
14mm
Lug-to-Lug
46mm
48.5mm
Water Resistance
100m
300m

Crystal & Dial

3 specs
AR Coating
Inner
Yes
Dial Color
Beige
Black
Lume
None
Super-LumiNova

Movement

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

Pricing

1 specs
MSRP
$1,995
$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 Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono

Owners widely praise the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono for its excellent dial legibility and unique, vintage-inspired design, with some noting its thinness and 72-hour power reserve. Reviewers highlight its charismatic, function-forward military aesthetic and attractive dial execution. The watch is considered a wise starting point for a chronograph under $2,000, with observed accuracy around +/- 4 seconds per day and a 60-hour power reserve. Some owners find the non-screw-down crown limits water confidence, and one reviewer notes the mineral crystal scratches more easily than sapphire. The price is considered a bit punchy by one source. On balance, owners and reviewers rate the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono highly for its handsome, utilitarian design and value.

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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