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

[@markgrieves1307]

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.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

This comment made me smile, Mark. You're too kind. I certainly have my moments haha. Thank you for the support and all the best to you from across the pond.

[@carlosdesimon3632]

Mm....m

[@carlosdesimon3632]

Mm....m😅

[@carlosdesimon3632]

​@TeddyBaldassarre 😮😅😅

[@carlosdesimon3632]

😅😅 6:26 😅😅 6:28

[@aremel42]

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.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Good catch! My eyes are failing me more and more, they are indeed black, not blue. No heat treatment of course as well. Thanks for watching!

[@chuckmcclune7170]

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

[@paulvon2378]

Laco looks like $2,500 watch for $400 bucks

[@wuhanclan]

The lug proportions ruin everything though.

[@elduderino1329]

@@paulvon2378 With that movement it should be around 80 bucks.

[@horologywatchmaking13]

@@wuhanclan As a guy with small wrist i appreciate big watches with shorter lugs just so i can pull them off, just like Seiko divers.

[@gregorybarry4564]

The historical pedigree of both Laco and Hamilton sway me. Given the choice,the Laco!

[@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!)

[@appaloosa2121]

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?

[@Scotchism]

This Hamilton with AR coating is a must. It’s the only thing I don’t like about my khaki field. It reflects everything and can be very distracting.

[@domokun938]

@@Scotchism agree. the khaki field auto's greatest weakness is AR

[@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.

[@JB-qt8eh]

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

[@DiVlogsOne]

I was totally oblivious to the world of watches until I was fortunate enough to stumble upon your channel. A week of binge-watching later and I am hooked. I am excited to get my first watch in short order and will certainly be purchasing from your website.

[@mgb1971]

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.

[@karnani24]

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

[@paulnav]

Coming across your videos (and subscribing to your channel) allowed me to know more about watches across different brands. I've always liked Seikos since they are affordable (enough, yet still quite pricey from where I am from anyway). Thank you for creating these videos. I am learning. Take care and stay safe.

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Thank you for the support, Paul!

[@paulvogelberg9416]

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.

[@paulvon2378]

Laco looks like $2,500 watch for $400 bucks

[@robbiecleighmarks3088]

@@paulvon2378 you should see my Augsburg Taupe... Looks like a special edition IWC from 10 feet away lol

[@OscarFlores-jy5mx]

I bought that Laco from Teddy and it’s an amazing watch, one of my favorites!

[@bloodshot6]

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.

[@benkenobi6582]

I have the Hamilton Khaki auto in silver dial. I absolutely love it. Great watch

[@paulhiggins8774]

The Hamilton is by far the the best watch for me, 24 hour dial, 38mm case size and a quality brown strap,nothing wrong with the other two though. Great video Ted thank you

[@pawsindublin]

The brushing on the Laco is so fine that it makes one wonder if it's blasted, but it is brushed, as can be seen clearly in your magnified shots.. Great selection of grab-and-go watches.

[@winston-h]

The Laco Augsburg and the Hamilton Khaki Field Auto are in my collection. I am very happy with these watches.😃

[@davidkaiser810]

This video is very timely for me (pun intended) 1. I recently subscribed to your channel. 2. I have two Seiko 5 auto watches that gave out on me. They are less than 6 months old. 3. The watches that you are presenting are just what I was thinking of for my next watch.....

[@kriskabin]

I went with the Hamilton 38mm with the silver dial & leather strap. Wonderful little watch. The monotone silver is definitely harder to see, but it's so accommodating to ANY color strap. Dress it up or down with a simple strap change. *The original Hamilton strap is small & incredibly stiff, but well made. A soak in neatsfoot oil & hand working loosened it up a bit.( Medium or large sized wrists would have a hard time with this short original strap.) I paid a good $100 less for this silver version of the same Hamilton Teddy was reviewing; new. 7/2022 purchased. A year after this review, prices may have come down on all of these watches.

[@rexdriver57]

Teddy, I bought the Augsburg from you last year, and absolutely love it. Tremendous quality for the price. Excellent video as always!

[@TeddyBaldassarre]

Glad to hear you are enjoying it! Fantastic choice! Thanks for the support!

[@g7edwardo]

My wife just gifted me the hamilton khaki field on my birthday last month and I'm loving all the detail and craftsmanship that went into it. The one I've gotten is cream coloured dial. I find it weird that nobody is talking about the cream coloured dial as the finishing stood out among other khaki fields.

[@Ferien7]

It’s exactly the same as the others except for the dial color

[@ShadowJ20]

Can you do a watch collection update? Not for all the watches you own but for the ones that you wear the most.

[@tomkett461]

The LACO is nice 🙂

[@ciuricadaniel2641]

Hamilton is just something else! Great video, Teddy!

[@JuanOrtiz-tt8lv]

I have both the Orient Flieger and the 38mm Hamilton Khaki automatic silver dial. They are both phenomenal watches. I wear both a lot and I don’t think they will leave my collection. They tick different boxes. Happy with both of these

[@siyabongablack9344]

That Hamilton is too nice 👌🏾

[@hillogical]

Couldn't agree more.

[@mdunawaym]

I love mine! I got it on the bracelet, but that strap looks great on it!

[@Joeyczhu]

@@mdunawaym is the bracelet two pieces put together, or is it just one piece with a line down the center? I could never tell

[@mdunawaym]

@@Joeyczhu The bracelet has two center links that look like one split down the middle. There is a video about it somewhere, but in reality, in real life it's hard to tell.

[@mdunawaym]

@@j-boy9256 Overall I'd say it holds up well. There are a few spiderweb scratches on the buckle, and one lite on on the bezel. The buckle could be polished out with some Mothers metal polish, I'm sure. Not too sure about the one on the bezel. I do wear it to work sometimes, and I am a handyman. When the going gets tough at work I do take it off though.

[@scrhunter3901]

I got the khaki in 42mm and i love it. Elegant and toolvibes. Pure understatement. 👌🏻👌🏻

[@danielday7033]

I mirror your comment. I just ordered the 42mm version myself. Teddy made the decision easier to make...for me.

[@DocBrewskie]

I got my brother in law a orient pilot green dial for his birthday. Much nicer than I expected and he loves it. He wanted a beater for riding & doing yard work.

[@johnnyg419]

I just bought the Hamilton Khaki in 42mm with the Blue dial on the nylon strap. Love it!

[@shamalsham]

I bought a hamilton khaki automatic, after watching your video, and loved it.

[@brianmsahin]

I did something that was a first for me. Wasn't sure if I really wanted a pilot so I went cheap and for €65, got an Ali Express "Addies" pilot watch (Laco Augsberg style), 39mm, all stainless steel, sapphire crystal, Seiko NH35 movement, Superluminova C3 lume....and guess what..it's perfect . Great quality, excellent brushed finishing, signed crown , engraved back, 200m wr, screw down crown and + 4 seconds per day on the timegrapher. I got the dark green dial version, put a stressed green leather strap on it...and it's perfect. Lume stays active all night. I've discovered that I do indeed like pilot style watches. I've also discovered that I'm very happy with this €65 watch! Coincidentally, my last trip outside before Covid was to Augsberg, Germany for the famous Christmas Market in December 2019! Beautiful town!

[@enriqueparedespinel1694]

All 3 are great options imo. Excelente video Teddy.

[@constantinweienborn5212]

Great Video! If it comes to Laco, the Aachen sits at the same price point like the Augsburg but offers a different dial with prominent minute marks. It also comes in 39mm and 42mm. So if someone likes the history and quality of Laco, the Aachen might be a great alternative.

[@frankiegreaser7493]

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

[@RedwoodAggie]

I would go for the Hamilton, but they're all great every day options. That is interesting to note about the case finishing upgrade on the Laco over the Orient. I can wear any of those sizes on my 7.25" wrist.

[@Austionous]

The Hamilton Khaki Field Auto is my everyday watch and I absolutely love it. It looks great on a nato strap too!

[@hillogical]

Looking at getting the Khaki Field, so I may also steal your strap idea!

[@Austionous]

@@j-boy9256 Fairly well. I have worn it almost daily for a little over a year now, although I always remove it before doing any kind of potentially hazardous work with my hands. The scratches and wear are very minimal. You can only see theme in certain light.

[@Marcdeleon]

Appreciate your reviews Teddy 🙏🏽 (went down a rabbit hole with your videos to narrow down my choices) Went with Laco and probably wouldn’t have pulled the trigger without you. Cheers

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

Oh man that Laco has that best Flieger watch looks with it's clean dial and brown strap it's a great alternative for Stowa and IWC.. Hamilton Khaki Field is surely a classic for Pilot's watch. And Orient is a "budgetarian" choice between the three. I loved how Orient used bigger font on the numbers.

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

@@j-boy9256 @J- Boy Hello bro thanks for the comment, you can use polywatch for crystal scratches. It really do help a lot. However, if it is too deep you might consider replacing the crystal or else keep it as a constant reminder of what you've done hehehe...

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

@@j-boy9256 @J- Boy I think that I've misunderstood your previous question. If you are a daily wearer of watch you must go for Sapphire crystal. But hardlex is considered fine also. Hesalite on the other hand easily gets scratches. Some people do loved domed crystal for it's vintage looks that's why they go after hesalite and hardlex since they can be formed easily into domed shape. If accuracy of time is an issue, you may go for watches with chronometer standard. But for me Orient, Hamilton, and Laco are considered fine and tested for keeping time. You've got a good taste bro Laco's design is true to it's heritage. 👌

[@timecheckwatch-channel5421]

@@j-boy9256 woahh Congrats on your life achievement bro 😊.. If budget is not an issue, you might consider also Stowa, and IWC they do share the same design with Laco. But either way all of them are good choices. Hope you will enjoy your watch bro 👌

[@idriveanywhere]

Thanks Teddy, I was actually stalking the HAMILTON for the last week or so. Appreciate this comparison a lot. ⌚

[@rolandswift3108]

Just got the laco with the type b dial. Love it

[@seamless70]

Laco Augsburg, Type B Dial. Lit 🔥

[@mrspandel5737]

Doesn't exist. The Augsburg is a Type A Dial, the Type B Basic model is called the Aachen

[@samue1991]

I have a soft spot for Hamilton like you do so that's what I'd pick. Wearing a hand wind khaki right now

[@viv271]

Hi Teddy - I have just started watching your videos and have enjoyed watching the ones I have seen so far. You make this very informative and dive into relevant level of detail that makes it very interesting. I had one observation on this video and the one I watched you do a review the Orient pilot watch (solo). Although Laco comes with a great deal of history given that they use a Citizen movement does not seem to be emphasised. I would think, Orient (with its in house movement) would any day be ahead of Laco with a Citizen movement and a basic dial. Laco watches with a dial like Orient cost upwards of USD 1300. I think a mention of that fact would help the viewers really decide which is best value for money.

[@markbyrum4743]

I have the Lack, Type B (Navigator) and really like it. Because there is no timing/diver's bezel, the dial seems huge for the size of the case. Good vid. Keep at it!

[@a_z.tazzzfan8497]

Being practical while taking my wrist size and vision; of the specific 3 in your video; I'd go for the Orient. I went to your website to look at other Field/Pilot watches for these 3 brands ($650 or less). Hands down, the winner (for me) is the Laco Pilot FARO 42. I already have a 40mm Hamilton Khaki Field King auto. For me, this is too small with the type of dial it has.

[@jimmylaw2136]

I have the blue orient. Love it!

[@rexnicious]

I’ve probably had my khaki field auto 42mm for about 4 years, and it just might be the perfect watch.

[@karlsenula9495]

As a starter field watch the Snk range from Seiko is also nice with a name brand company. For the same look with better specs look at Long Island Watch field watches ... again for starter AFFORDABLE watch.

[@joegilbert8010]

Totally agree! I just bought an SNK from Jomoshop - $100 USD w type B dial and display case. I also bought the burgundy 39 mm Type B Pilot just released from Island and I love it! Lum is outstanding. Both entry level alternatives w the same styling for anyone saving up for a Hamilton in the future! (like me?)

[@Claimjumper55]

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.

[@princerobk5405]

Currently torn between the orient and the 42mm Hamilton. They're both perfect for me, just not sure how comfortable ill feel wearing a $400+ watch. Also the orient has a screw down crown. That's appealing. Thanks teddy

[@eminayduran]

Hamilton Khaki Field 38 mm is my first mechanical wrist watch. But the other options are also good pieces.

[@leanegarden6997]

I watch your channel and love it. One thing you and other people that are into watches missing is at least once in a while to discuss watches for women, I understand the fact that for us men a watch is the only piece of jewelry but besides the fact that we want to buy a watch to our ladies once in a while, in our case, my wife is getting more into watches and it'll be so beneficial for you and others to bring some women watches. I am not really sure, but somehow this industry missing big time on this part and thinking that "all women only into fashion watches" and maybe won't care for any serious watch, nor we men want to buy a good quality watch for our wives, daughters, etc. Thanks.

[@errolmacdonald3256]

For me, the best dial is by far the Hamilton. The framed date window counts for a lot with me and the differences in size of the 3 sets of integers is the key to the legibility of this model and also to its good looks.

[@andyc6736]

The Orient looks really nice but the minute hand is a tad too short - the tip should reach the minute markers. As for the Hamilton, the hands should be painted white like on previous or original field watches from the 60/70’s to create more contrast in low light conditions.

[@ejames6431]

I just got a Hamilton Khaki 42mm. It is just awesome!

[@maximaleffort]

Really enjoyed this, thx. Excellent video.

[@iirojaakkonen7780]

For a while the Augsburg has been the next watch I buy, but this Hamilton looks very very good. This requires some serious analyzing

[@mystic48209]

Love the Laco. Having a Miyota in thrre takes getting used to.

[@marcgirard7551]

Great review here, Teddy! There's something about that Laco that I like! I do wish we could get a Swiss or German movement to go into this German watch, though. Question, what watch were wearing in the video? I feel like a Teddy on-the-wrist check would be a good add to the videos. I think Hamilton is hurting themselves by not putting some real effort on the lume on this piece. Like, why skimp on that after all the other great effort they put into this piece?

[@stevewarner8686]

I think you can pick some of the watch components by going to Laco website. I thinking of swapping myota to swiss selita. Of course it will cost much more...

[@mrspandel5737]

The Laco Original range is pretty much the same stylistically with a SW200 based caliber inside, but they cost about twice as much as the cheaper Basic range.

[@jackj2851]

Happy Sunday ted

[@doranmaxwell1755]

I learned that I want a sapphire crystal... I want an auto also but I think the 80 hour reserve is a game changer too. I also like watches in the 38-40 size even tho I am over 6' tall. I do wish the Hamilton had a screw down crown.

[@paulvon2378]

Thanks for information, Teddy!

[@gav_bray]

The Hamilton has long been a favourite of mine. I'll definitely be purchasing one in the future. But that Laco is really nice also.

[@biharijivandana6894]

Laco and luch they really create a lots of confusion to me. but I need to understand between the two. I feel luch one hand is the cheaper variant of meisterstinger. thanks to u for introducing me to meisterstinger

[@danielhacker1248]

The Hamilton although a higher price is by far the most handsome to look at, fantastic design of the dial & case, I love bring able to watch the movement in action too, a great video as always keep it up from a great fan in London

[@RobMyself]

Love field watches. Just from looks, right off the bat, I'd have to go with the Laco. I love the Hamilton but the glare on that crystal is a deal breaker for me.

[@hillogical]

As if I needed any more reason to want to buy the Hamilton! Great video, I really appreciate being able to see these side by side. Really helps making a decision when starting my collection of mechanical watches. My FAC00009N0 (first one) is on its way!

[@nemanjamihailovic196]

Nice review...however, I will go for Revue Thommen Airspeed.

[@waynemarkc6862]

I am such a fan of Hamilton...lots of tanks in my collection...

[@sinjon]

The lume on that Laco is just insane. Hope it lasts for a while

[@Martinmb4416]

Lime? Or Lume?! Hate that spell checker, don't you?

[@sinjon]

@@Martinmb4416 lol dammit. Nice catch

[@bojned]

Hamilton is such a nice looking piece in person, I am waiting on one to go for sale and snag it.

[@rickfanning5647]

I really enjoy the comparison videos. Keep ‘em coming. However, I think you neglected Vostok in terms of only getting in house movements at a $250 price point from Japan. (You can probably get two Vostoks for that.)

[@Valvey789]

I would go with the Escapement Time pilot watch with a PT5000 movement at $160 over the Orient.

[@karlsenula9495]

I agree with this choice but if you want a different flieger (with less specs) try the Aristo 3H80 it has worse specs but is German made with a Swiss Ronda quartz movement. Another great movement watch with pedigree but even more out of left field is the Seagull 1963 pilots watch with a gorgeous automatic movement with display caseback (older swiss movement bought by and reproduced by the Chinese).

[@trailerparkboysbestshow3327]

Link to that one?

[@elduderino1329]

I agree. I have the NH35 version and I love it. I wish it was a couple mm smaller though.

[@karlsenula9495]

@@trailerparkboysbestshow3327 the Escapement Time and Seagull 1963 can be found on Aliexpress by typing in those descriptions .. the Aristo 3H80 I got from Marc at Long Island Watch.

[@JB-qt8eh]

I'm waiting for their PVD version.

[@DjRjSolarStar]

I have that Hamilton, but with the 'Old Paper' dial and riveted straps. Excellent god tier watch. My single complaint so far is that it is a little slow to set the time; the movement is very stiff (which is probably good for longevity however) and the crown very slick, so your fingers slip easily off the crown if you turn it too fast. I'd have liked a sharper crown like seen in the Laco here, but you can't get everything at $600. If I want 'everything', I'd need a Tudor, Ball, or Grand Seiko.

[@ianandrew8030]

Just brought the Hamilton Karki Field Titanium ❤it 👌

[@adyatamsi]

orient star outdoor all the way! good lume, easy to regulate, sapphire front, clear ar, 50h, see through case(mineral) good legibility pvd coating, longer seconds hand ( like hamilton), movement decoration.

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

All good choices, but I love the look of the Hamilton best.

[@Rch_P]

Crazy, I was just looking at this laco yesterday.

[@vipul.bhowar]

Teddy do make a video on best watches in green dial across all price range

[@michaelcolello2735]

I love that Laco. Wish they had an offwhite dial option for that model, tho.

[@mrspandel5737]

They sort of do, the Wien and Venedig models have a white full lume dial, but they are part of the more expensive Laco Original range with swiss calibers inside

[@alunjones2550]

I just wish Seiko would reproduce the gen 2 RAF pilots watch. My biggest regret was not buying one of these in the 90's.

[@idle404]

I would go for the Laco as it's the one with the cleanest dial in my opinion.

[@richie1610]

Love all of these watches teddy. I got a watch that may interest you. Escapement time type b fleiger. Not expecting a review or anything and understand it won’t make it into your store. It’s crazy what is out there.

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

The Hamilton is the king of field watches. I own the 42mm Khaki field auto and at under $500 with an ETA movement it is the best watch you can get .

[@GuillermoLopez-ho8rq]

This is not an "accurate" comparison in my opinion: The Hamilton is not a flieger watch, I would rather compare it with other pilots such as Seiko SRPG27. On the other hand, to better compare the Orient and Laco aesthetically, it should have been chosen the "type B" Laco (with the minutes and hours in the display) with 42 mm. Nevertheless, great video and all very good watches chosen. Congratulations, you are going to beat the 1 million soon! PS: I choose the Laco

[@Mr_Demian]

*Laco❤*

[@zynetik]

yeeeeeeees, more fliegers please!!!

[@maripetluk]

Definitely Laco

[@Gyllbonus]

Hamy is my choice...for a field watch. I got the h70625133 w/ eta2824 for my 8.5 inch wrist.

[@dvsmaverick]

I love my green manual winding Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical.

[@LymanPhillips]

I'm have a Laco Achen with the 8 series Miyota. Can a 9 series Miyota be swapped in with the same hands and dial? I really hate that 8 series movement.

[@cokecamilo]

Hey Teddy, I enjoy your watch knowledge and content that you share with us. This may be overstepping boundaries, but it would be nice (and time saving for some of us) if you could share where you buy your jackets. Kind regards, Fellow watch lover

[@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.

[@andreaiacolina]

Three interesting watches for sure, but my favorite is the Hamilton, then the Laco and last the Orient.

[@karansabz]

The best idea for me : if you have Watch collection you must buy this laco, Hamilton too and for orient i chose mini Neptune as dive Watch.

[@TwangThang57]

As an owner of the Orient Flight, I’d recommend spending a bit more for a better quality watch.

[@Ferien7]

Like what?

[@aussie8114]

I picked up a Seiko Solar today that looks as good as these for $130. Oh and I never have to wind it because it works by magic.

[@cesarespinozaspain]

It's not magic.... It's powered by Ra the sun god!

[@aussie8114]

@@cesarespinozaspain Oh I thought it was some sort of Harry Potter magic 🤓

[@markdd2142]

I like the dial of the Laco because of the simplicity but the 18mm lug width and strap looks out of place for this size watch. I own a Hamilton titanium PVD field watch and wore it daily in the army and it took a beating.....still runs like a charm. Hamilton just has a better look with the dial configuration and is a work horse. The Orient just looks more of a dress watch to me.

[@mikkoolavijarvinen3653]

Apparently the Augsburg is also the same the Valencia (sans dial and hands), a full-lume dialed navy watch. Which is almost crazy enough I bought one.