Command Attention with the Hamilton Khaki Field Military Watch Series

For a watch brand so analyzed and with a history that dates back to the 19th century, the Hamilton watch brand has consistently etched itself more into the history books with every release and collection. The Khaki Field Watches, a collection of rigid and robust military-grade watches, is one of the collections at the forefront of their wide spectrum of watches and were conceptualized Right in the heart of the World War II Frenzy in 1942. The United States was right in the thick of the action at the time. After seeing this, Hamilton made the bold move of ceasing all of its civilian production to mass-produce watches and other precision timekeepers for the war effort.

For Three years after that, Hamilton consistently kept delivering watches to the military up to the tune of a million watches in the span of three years. However, The Hamilton Watch Brand had to work its way up the ladder to get recognized and trusted by the U. S Military. Starting out as a humble brand in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1892, the brand soon made giant ventures out of their humble roots onto the wrists of prominent individuals as well as some notable achievements in watchmaking, including the world's first electric battery-powered watch and soon became a favorite of Elvis Presley - the Ventura.

1961 Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii file worn a Hamilton Ventura

Hamilton continued as a supplier of watches to U.S. military units throughout the 1950s and '60s, all built to strict specifications, and while they eventually were placed under Swiss Ownership in 1979, their American military style designs have become the face of the collection and the brand at large.

The Hamilton Field Watches

These set of watches come across to most watch nerds and enthusiasts as very fond "blasts from the past. "The watches that we now recognize as the forerunners of the Hamilton Khaki were made of chrome-plated base metals, measured around 34 mm in diameter, used luminous radium paint on their dials for nighttime legibility, and housed Hamilton's manually wound, 17-jewel Caliber 987 movements, which would be refined and improved over subsequent years and deliver a level of quality that would inspire other Allied nations such as Canada and Russia to also equip their forces with Hamilton watches.

In this section, we will look at some of these watches, their specifications, their historical connotations, and their link to celebrities who were endeared to some of Hamilton's Best Watches Ever.

1. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical watch is a remarkable timepiece that embraces the vintage military aesthetic with a touch of modern elegance. It pays tribute to its 1940s predecessor, showcasing a 38mm case and a manually wound Caliber H-50 movement, ensuring a perfect blend of tradition and precision.

Match the toughness and versatility of your Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic with these khaki or black grey strips nylon watch bands, perfect for any field excursion and equipped with a polished buckle and quick release.

Taking inspiration from the iconic model worn by marines in Vietnam during the 1960s, this watch offers an array of captivating options. You can choose from the classic stainless steel version, the sleek black PVD-coated steel option, the earthy tones of camo-tone "Earth" PVD-coated steel, or indulge in the distinctive allure of the bronze variant. The matte finish of the case serves a practical purpose, eliminating unwanted glare that could compromise the stealth and camouflage of soldiers in the field. The watch features drilled lugs, seamlessly connecting it to a robust nylon One-piece-Nylon-style strap. Direct your attention to the dial, where you will be captivated by the distinctive "Old Radium" Super-LumiNova coating adorning the hands and markers.

Whether you prefer a light grey or black sailcloth watch band, these Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic watches are the perfect military-inspired accessory for any outfit.

The Khaki Field Mechanical watch conceals a remarkable heart within its solid steel caseback. Powered by the Caliber H50 movement, based on the renowned ETA 2801-2, it offers a balance frequency of 28,800 vph, adjusted to 21,600 vph for an extended 80-hour power reserve. With stainless steel options starting at $495 on a nylon strap, leather strap variations at $575, and captivating PVD-coated models priced at $545, there is a choice for every taste. The 42mm version, available with a steel bracelet or nylon strap, ranges from $625 to $695. It's a timepiece that combines exceptional mechanics, style, and affordability.

2. Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic

Hamilton offers the Khaki Field watch in both manual winding and automatic versions. The automatic models come in 38mm, 40mm, or 42mm case sizes with various dial colors. They are powered by the H-30 movement, which is Hamilton's modified version of the ETA C07.621 "Powermatic" caliber. The automatic models display only the date in the 3 o'clock window, except for the Day-Date versions that have both day and date complications. The Day-Date models feature a 42mm case and offer different dial options for displaying the day and date. Prices for the Day-Date models range from $895 to $995.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic watch paired with the military-inspired and durable Invasion A2 Strap by UK HAVESTON is the perfect accessory for any outdoor enthusiast or military-style enthusiast.

There are also no-date automatic models, such as the Khaki Field Titanium Auto, which comes in 42mm and soon 38mm sizes. These watches have titanium cases and various dial colors. The prices range from $895 to $995. Another no-date automatic model is the Khaki Field Murph Automatic, inspired by the watch worn by Jessica Chastain's character in the movie "Interstellar." It features a 42mm steel case, a black dial with unique Morse code detailing, and a black leather strap. The price for the Murph Automatic is $995.

Hamilton is known for supplying watches to Hollywood movies, and their watches have become popular among watch enthusiasts. The automatic models offer convenience with their self-winding mechanism, and the various options in size, dial color, and complications cater to different preferences.

Cooper gives his daughter the Murph watch, a modified Hamilton Khaki Field, as a reminder of their bond before leaving in Interstellar (2014). Image, Paramount

Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Technical Specifications

• Model Number: H70555533
• MSRP: $495
• Case Diameter: 42mm
• Alternate Models: Different color and complication combinations are available
• Movement: Automatic, ETA 2824-2
• Complications: Date display
• Power Reserve: Approximately 38 hours
• Water Resistance: 100m/330ft
• Crystal Material: Sapphire

3. Khaki Field Auto Chrono

Hamilton has recently expanded its Khaki Field Automatic collection by introducing chronograph versions. These new additions join the ranks of other chronograph models within the extended Khaki family, such as the Khaki Aviation, Khaki Pilot Pioneer, and Khaki Navy. The heart of these timepieces is the automatic Caliber H-21, which builds upon the reliable integrated chronograph caliber of the ETA 7750. By modifying and optimizing the mainspring, Hamilton has increased the power reserve from 42 to 60 hours.

One of the most renowned variations of the Khaki Field Auto Chrono is the iconic "all-black" version worn by actor John Krasinski in his role as Jack Ryan in the popular Amazon Prime series. This particular model boasts a 42mm steel case with a sleek black PVD coating, complemented by a black dial featuring blackened hands and numerals.

John Krasinski sporting a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph in the Amazon Prime Original series Jack Ryan.

In addition to the stylish "all-black" version, Hamilton has introduced a more traditional and practical military-inspired variant this year. It features a substantial 44mm sandblasted steel case and is paired with a robust bund-style strap crafted from khaki-colored nubuck leather. The dial design pays homage to mid-century military timepieces, characterized by large white Arabic numerals against a matte black background. The wide syringe hands and vintage-look subdials at 12, 6, and 9 o'clock, the latter used for tracking running seconds, further enhance its military aesthetic.

The Khaki Field Auto Chrono seamlessly blends the timeless design DNA of a classical field watch with contemporary elements, resulting in a highly legible and modern chronograph. Remarkably, this timepiece offers exceptional value, with the new steel version priced at $1,745 and the black PVD-coated "stealth" model at $1,795.

Similarities To Other Watch Brands.

Four years ago, we stumbled on the compatibility between the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Watch- H70455733 and the Seiko SARB017, the Alpinist in a photoshoot and we made an article on it at the time. Four years down the line, we remain equally intrigued. Our intrigue this time stems from the fact that you can also interchange the fitted curved endlink bracelets of the Seiko Alpinist SARB017 and these two Hamilton Khaki 38mm H70455733 or H70455553.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Watch H70455733 and Seiko Alpinist SARB017 are compatible and have interchangeable curved endlink bracelets, image shown a Super-O Boyer watch band.

Coming in a 38mm Stainless Steel Case, The lug to lug width is 47mm, which is the same as the Seiko Alpinist meaning that if you have both watches In your custody, you get the privilege of using a number of fitting watch bands interchangeably as you so desire. So be rest assured that the curved end watch bracelets that goes well with the Seiko Alpinist will also rest perfectly well on the New Hamilton Khaki 38mm timepiece.

Complement your Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm Men Watch H70455733 with the 20mm Super-JUB II Watch Band, which is compatible with both the Seiko Alpinist SARB017 and Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm Men Watch.

Benefit Of Stainless Steel Watch Bands

Stainless Steel Watch Bands that come with fitted curved end links provide you a unique sense and feel of durability and comfort on your wrist. The stainless steel watch band exudes a classic and timeless appeal, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your timepiece. The fitted curved end links these bands come with help to seamlessly integrate the band with the watch case, creating a cohesive and integrated look.

Pair your Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm Men Watch H70455553 Silver Dial with the Rollball II Watch Band, originally designed for the Seiko Alpinist SARB017 and now a perfect complement to your Hamilton timepiece.

Conclusion

Hamilton's Khaki Field assortment boasts an extensive collection of Swiss-made timepieces consisting of an impressive 71 models. Among them, 40 are Automatics, and 18 are Mechanicals, all priced below the $1,000 mark. Only the Auto Chrono and Skeleton variants surpass this threshold, yet they remain comfortably under $2,000. The 38mm Mechanical watch can be acquired for just $500 for those seeking an affordable entry point. Alternatively, if Quartz watches are more aligned with your preferences, most models fall below the $400 range, with only a few exceptions.

The Hamilton Khaki Field line caters to various style preferences, sizes, and color palettes. So, whether you yearn to channel the noble essence of America's military history or appreciate the visual allure, these timepieces are designed to satiate your desires.

Written by Victor, images by Toni and others as noted

External References

• Hamilton Khaki Field Collection: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for 2023
• Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Review
• Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Review: Is It Worth the Price?
• John Krasinski Wearing A Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Chrono In Jack Ryan
• Hamilton Khaki Field Murph – The Watch Seen In “Interstellar” Finally Produced