Hamilton Khaki Mechanical Review
Hamilton Khaki Field on wrist with an after market strap
This Hamilton Khaki Field features an earth colour PVD finish
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Hamilton Khaki Mechanical
Introduction
I've always been drawn to the traditional style of field watches. Their rugged, no-nonsense construction and simple dials make them versatile and appealing. While modern field watches aren't necessarily 'beater' watches, they draw their DNA from watches that were used on the battlefield, making their modern-day counterparts reliable timepieces, especially for outdoor pursuits.
Brief Overview of the Brand and Model
I decided a field watch would be a great addition to my collection. My choice? The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical. Hamilton has been making field watches for decades, including for the US military. Their heritage is undeniable. I opted for the manual wind mechanical version (Ref H69449961), with an earth-coloured case and a dark green and brown strap, to stay true to the original field watches of the 60s.
Design and Aesthetics
Description of the Watch's Appearance
The Khaki Mechanical’s case is simple and, in my case, has an earth-coloured PVD finish. It measures 38mm with a 20mm lug width. The earth colour is charming, shifting from dark brown to a lighter, almost copper tone in bright sunlight. The lugs are drilled, making strap swapping simple.
Perfect in the great outdoors
Description of the Strap/Bracelet
The green NATO strap, with dark brown leather keepers and strap hole reinforcement, was much better quality than I was expecting. The strap hardware matches the PVD case, enhancing the military aesthetic.
Build Quality
Materials and Craftsmanship
The Khaki Mechanical’s stainless steel construction and sapphire crystal affirm its quality. The absence of anti-reflective coating on the crystal is a noticeable omission, causing reflections in bright circumstances.
Water Resistance and Durability
With a water resistance of 50m and no screw-down crown, this watch is built for land rather than sea, aligning with its field watch identity.
The Hamilton Khaki Field features a classic dial layout
Movement and Accuracy
The Heart of the Watch
Inside the case is Hamilton's H-50 movement, based on the ETA 2801-2. It has a reduced beat rate of 21,600 VPH and a larger barrel size, allowing for an extended power reserve of 80 hours. The winding from the oversized crown is smooth, a tactile experience that I find delightful.
Comfort and Wearability
How It Feels On the Wrist
The Khaki Mechanical’s size ensures legibility without overwhelming the wrist, making it a comfortable and practical choice for daily wear.
Price and Value
Priced at £465, the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical strikes a balance between materials, specifications, and cost. It’s a field watch that respects its roots while offering modern reliability.
The aged lume suits the look of this case colour perfectly
Comparison with Similar Watches
While there are cheaper and pricier alternatives, Hamilton’s heritage and the Khaki Mechanical’s features place it in a sweet spot within the field watch category.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Heritage and reliability
Versatile and charming design
Excellent 80-hour power reserve
Cons:
Lack of anti-reflective coating on the crystal
Limited water resistance and no screw-down crown
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical on the standard green NATO strap with brown leather keepers
Conclusion
After months with the Khaki Field Mechanical, I find its original asking price justified. It’s not perfect, but as a complete package, it has exceeded most of my expectations. Its minor shortcomings, such as the lack of anti-reflective coating and limited water resistance, are subjective and don’t detract from its overall appeal. With its smooth winding action, extended power reserve, quality construction, and thoughtful strap, this Hamilton is hard not to love. As field watches go, this line from Hamilton is a standout option, and I foresee it remaining in my collection for years to come.
Specifications
Case Size: 38mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Case Material: Stainless Steel with Earth-Coloured PVD
Crystal: Sapphire
Movement: Mechanical
Calibre: H-50
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Water Resistance: 50m
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the size of the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical?
A: The case size is 38mm, with a lug width of 20mm.
Q: What is the movement used in this watch?
A: The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical uses the H-50 movement, based on the ETA 2801-2.
Q: How long is the power reserve for this watch?
A: The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical has an impressive power reserve of 80 hours.
Q: What is the water resistance of this watch?
A: The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical has a water resistance rating of 50 meters.
Q: Does the sapphire crystal have an anti-reflective coating?
A: No, the sapphire crystal on this model does not have an anti-reflective coating.
Q: What is the case material of the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical?
A: The case is made of stainless steel and the specific model in the article has an earth-coloured PVD finish.
Q: Is the strap that comes with the watch of good quality?
A: Yes, the green NATO strap with dark brown leather keepers and strap hole reinforcement is of surprisingly high quality, especially considering the watch’s price point.
Q: Can I easily change the strap on this watch?
A: Yes, the lugs are drilled, which makes swapping out straps a simple affair.
Q: Is the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical a good value for its price?
A: Given its heritage, build quality, and features, the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is considered to offer good value for its price of £465.
Q: Where can I buy the Hamilton Khaki Mechanical?
A: The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical can be purchased from authorized Hamilton dealers, various online retailers, and directly from Hamilton’s official website.
