Extra-Long Strap for the Hamilton Khaki Aviation

The Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Auto Chrono is a big pilot's chronograph, but its factory strap still assumes an average wrist. This order from England was for a wrist in the 8.5–9 in (21.5–23cm) range, where the stock strap barely reaches the buckle. The fix: an extra long strap for the Hamilton Khaki Aviation in black crocodile, cut to 90/145mm and paired with a stainless deployant.

The build

18mm is the buckle-end width from the order. The lug-end width is cut to the watch and is not listed here.

Why these choices

Most strap makers stop at 8.5 in — exactly where this customer starts. VGreen's extra-long builds run from 8.5 in up to 12 in (21.5–30.5cm), and at 90/145mm this strap adds real reach on both halves, so the holes land mid-strap where they belong instead of at the very last position.

Length changes more than fit. On a long wrist a too-short strap forces the watch head to sit off-center and the tail to poke past the keepers; a properly cut 90/145mm brings the chronograph back to the middle of the wrist. The deployant buckle helps here too — it spreads the opening load across a folding frame rather than flexing the leather at one point every day, which matters more the longer the strap is.

Black crocodile fits the watch's dressier missions without arguing with the aviation styling. Crocodile softens with wear and takes on a hand-rubbed patina, and quick-release bars mean the owner can swap back to fabric or rubber for summer in seconds.

★★★★★

“With a wrist size of 8.5 inches the oem strap on my new Hamilton Field Officer’s watch would hardly reach the buckle. This black sharkskin with red stitching fits perfectly. The materials are high quality and the workmanship is excellent.”

Gregory H. · Custom sharkskin strap

Common questions

What length is an extra long strap for the Hamilton Khaki Aviation?

This build used 90/145mm against a standard 75/125mm. As a rule of thumb, an 8.5–9 in wrist wants roughly 15–20mm added over standard; give your wrist size in the order notes and the cut is matched to it.

Will a deployant work on an extra-long strap?

Yes — the strap is cut so the folding clasp centers under the wrist at your size, which is part of why stating the wrist measurement matters.

Get one for your wrist

Start with the extra-long strap collection, configure this exact black crocodile strap, or browse the full crocodile range. Every strap is made to order — allow 2–3 weeks to delivery.