Head-to-Head Comparison

Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto vs Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

Hamilton's pilot watch meets Maurice Lacroix's diver

Quick Verdict

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto ($1,000–$1,500) offers Hamilton/ETA Automatic precision in the tier below the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500). The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto measures 38mm and is rated 100m (10 ATM). The Aikon Automatic counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.

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Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto

Hamilton

Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto

$1,000–$1,500

Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic

Maurice Lacroix

Aikon Automatic

$1,500–$2,500

Specifications Compared

FeatureHamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot AutoMaurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic
Price$1,000–$1,500$1,500–$2,500
Case Size38mm42mm
MovementAutomatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base)Automatic ML115
Caliber TypeHamilton/ETA AutomaticAutomatic (Sellita SW200-1 base)
Power Reserve80 Hours38 Hours
Water Resistance100m (10 ATM)200m (20 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalSapphire Crystal
Case MaterialStainless SteelStainless Steel
OriginSwiss MadeSwiss Made

Category-by-Category Analysis

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Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Hamilton's design language vs Maurice Lacroix's approach

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto features a Stainless Steel case at 38mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic offers Stainless Steel construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Hamilton

Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base) vs Automatic ML115

The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto runs the Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base) (Hamilton/ETA Automatic, 80 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Aikon Automatic uses the Automatic ML115 (Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base), 38 Hours reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz). The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Hamilton

38mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence

At 38mm, the Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Aikon Automatic at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 100m (10 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Hamilton

Hamilton sits in the lower tier

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto sits at $1,000–$1,500 and the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic at $1,500–$2,500. On the specs that outlast any price: the Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto uses Sapphire Crystal with 80 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal and 38 Hours on the Aikon Automatic. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Maurice Lacroix

100m (10 ATM) vs 200m (20 ATM)

The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto is rated to 100m (10 ATM) while the Aikon Automatic handles 200m (20 ATM). The Aikon Automatic offers superior water resistance.

Our Verdict

Hamilton

Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto

Choose the Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto if you prioritize Hamilton/ETA Automatic engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. At $1,000–$1,500, it delivers Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base) with 80 Hours power reserve.

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Maurice Lacroix

Aikon Automatic

Choose the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic if you value Automatic (Sellita SW200-1 base) technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $1,500–$2,500, the Automatic ML115 with 38 Hours power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto and Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Hamilton bringing Swiss Made tradition while Maurice Lacroix delivers Swiss Made engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto ($1,000–$1,500) offers Automatic H-10 (ETA 2824-2 base) with 80 Hours power reserve, while the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic ($1,500–$2,500) features Automatic ML115 with 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Swiss Made engineering.
The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $1,000–$1,500. However, the Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto at 38mm with 100m (10 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Aikon Automatic at 42mm with 200m (20 ATM) is similarly capable. Both use Sapphire Crystal, which resists scratches well.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.