This is a great video. There are several negative reviews of the KFM that boil down to the reviewers not actually wanting a field watch ("The dial is too simple"). I appreciate that you engage with this for what is, pointing out shortcomings that Hamilton could address without compromising the vintage aesthetics. One criticism I would add (to the watch, not your video) is that while the lug-to-lug is visually not a problem with a NATO like it is a two-piece strap, I feel like it messes with the proportions and makes the watch wear large.
50m water resistance is good for shallow scuba diving. Stop lying about "brief submersion in water". You youtube guys have some sort of water resistance anxiety.
Watch manufacturers have water resistance charts which recommend the limits of various water activities. According to those charts, 50m resistance allows for surface swimming but not snorkling or scuba. 50m resistance does not equal 50m depth. For quality control purposes these watches are sampled randomly to test water resistance. The rate of sampling for a budget level watch like this is something to keep in mind if you're thinking about the risk of failure. These also only have a single crown tube seal, and a rather large crown which is prone to be snagged and pulled open when underwater.
I replaced the spring bars on mine w Marathon Spring bars. And i bought a cheap Jubilee for it. The older ones are 10bar wr. I have had mine for 5-6 yrs. i really like it.
The issue with the Hamilton Pilot Pioneer is that, despite being a great looking watch with 100m of water resistance, it only uses mineral crystal; I don't want my watch to be badly scratched within a year, under normal use (especially if the plan is to make full use of that extra water resistance), so, for that reason, I won't buy one. On the other hand, I love my (sapphire crystal) Khaki Field Mechanical, despite it only being water resistant to 50m - which, let's be honest, is more than enough for the average person and it will take a bit of light swimming in a pool or the sea. I see it's biggest issue being the slightly over-long lug-to-lug, meaning, as you say, that non-NATO straps look odd. Different strokes for different folks, I guess - that's why there are so many watches out there. Nice video, thank you. New subscriber.
It's crazy how some of their watches JUST miss the mark; this model not having AR coating or 100m water resistance, the pilot pioneer using mineral crystal. These seem like very obvious details fore their designers to miss.
@@PepRex Do you know a better value for this type of watch in this price range? They're all practically made overseas at this point, but at least they have decent movements for the price. Long Island Watch is not a bad brand, their owner seems good and is at least trying to produce some great value for that range of people who want something better than Amazon/dept store watches.
I bought one. Loved it but for some reason didn't wear it. I changed the strap to one i got on the another Hamilton, a cloth strap and now it's my go to everyday watch. It might be the most wearable watch in my collection...
You’re absolutely right. They criticize this watch because it has no AR coating but no one criticizes Rolex, JLC, etc…. I mean come on now, it’s less than $500.00. For the money it’s an amazing watch.
I have one, and it probably gets 30% of my wrist time. Is it a super exciting watch, naw not really. But, it's a solid no-nonsense, durable watch. 3 years of owning it and it still looks brand new thanks to the bead blast finish.
I think AR coating is the most overrated watch feature there is. I have plenty of watches with no AR and I can’t think of one time where I couldn’t read the time. For me the big negative with this watch is the lugs are way too long for a 38mm watch. Im a fan of the watch but that kills it for me.
Indeed Hamilton KFM is the most classic military watch BUT is too expensive IMO. For that reason I chose the Seiko SNZG17J instead. A bit bigger in size (40mm without crown), automatic with lumibrite in hands, markers and in numbers (I never have problems read time in the dark). A 100m WR watch got it for 125 euros couple of years ago and even if I have much more expensive watches than this I keep on wearing it. SNZG17 "J" means it is made in Japan. IHMO that's the best VFM military watch.
Same here, except I went with the SNZG13 at 41mm. I feel that 100m WR should be standard on any field/tool watch. Looks great on bracelet or any strap too.
50m water resistance doesn't actually mean the watch can go down 50m. It varies depending on the manufacturer, but it usually means the watch is splash-resistant or possibly suitable for light swimming.
I wish they made a 36mm. The lug to lug makes this watch too big still. I can wear 42-43mm in other watches but my 38mm Hamilton is similar to those. I have over 7’ inch wrist so 38mm should fit.
So I was looking for a watch without knowing anything about watches. I decided the Khaki would be the best one for me, but now I'm going to sit on my money. I'll tell you why. Your video was posted one year ago and you say the watch cost £395. Now it costs £530, just one year on. So let me wonder why. According to economic theory, when supply equals demand, it is called equilibrium. When there is more demand than supply then someone jacks up the price, just because they can. I've noticed the same thing with other manufactured products. of course we all know that supply can be restricted on purpose to increase the price, as in the case of oil. In the case of this watch, I don't suppose it is an excessive demand by collectors causing this. So my position is this. If who ever is responsible for jacking up the price of this watch expects me to pay an extra £135 over what it would have cost me one year ago, then they can sing for it, and if most consumers who were in the market to buy a watch as I was think like I am, then we will see just how much demand exceeds supply for this or any other watch. If it doesn't, the price will have to come down if ever they expect to sell.
Ich hatte diese Uhr für 2 Wochen und habe sie dann wieder verkauft. Das Gehäuse fand ich zu kantig und der lug to lug zu gross für den Tragekomfort, und auch die Krone ist sehr gross und drückte mich in den Handrücken. Für mich eine sehr unbequeme Uhr leider . . . .Grüsse aus Zürich
This is a great video. There are several negative reviews of the KFM that boil down to the reviewers not actually wanting a field watch ("The dial is too simple"). I appreciate that you engage with this for what is, pointing out shortcomings that Hamilton could address without compromising the vintage aesthetics. One criticism I would add (to the watch, not your video) is that while the lug-to-lug is visually not a problem with a NATO like it is a two-piece strap, I feel like it messes with the proportions and makes the watch wear large.
Long Island Watch has the best field watch, spec and price, in the market.
Love mine. I have absolutely no gripes about the KFM. It is an iconic piece.
50m water resistance is good for shallow scuba diving. Stop lying about "brief submersion in water". You youtube guys have some sort of water resistance anxiety.
I think some people confuse 50m for 50mm. 50m is 164 feet. That’s way deeper than I’ve ever dived before as a recreational diver! 🤷🏻♂️
Glad someone said that!
Watch manufacturers have water resistance charts which recommend the limits of various water activities. According to those charts, 50m resistance allows for surface swimming but not snorkling or scuba. 50m resistance does not equal 50m depth.
For quality control purposes these watches are sampled randomly to test water resistance. The rate of sampling for a budget level watch like this is something to keep in mind if you're thinking about the risk of failure. These also only have a single crown tube seal, and a rather large crown which is prone to be snagged and pulled open when underwater.
Great Review!
I replaced the spring bars on mine w Marathon Spring bars. And i bought a cheap Jubilee for it. The older ones are 10bar wr. I have had mine for 5-6 yrs. i really like it.
The issue with the Hamilton Pilot Pioneer is that, despite being a great looking watch with 100m of water resistance, it only uses mineral crystal; I don't want my watch to be badly scratched within a year, under normal use (especially if the plan is to make full use of that extra water resistance), so, for that reason, I won't buy one.
On the other hand, I love my (sapphire crystal) Khaki Field Mechanical, despite it only being water resistant to 50m - which, let's be honest, is more than enough for the average person and it will take a bit of light swimming in a pool or the sea. I see it's biggest issue being the slightly over-long lug-to-lug, meaning, as you say, that non-NATO straps look odd.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess - that's why there are so many watches out there. Nice video, thank you. New subscriber.
It's crazy how some of their watches JUST miss the mark; this model not having AR coating or 100m water resistance, the pilot pioneer using mineral crystal. These seem like very obvious details fore their designers to miss.
I agree. I suspect it just comes down to costs and where they want to sit in the market.
Islander ISL-41 Field Watch is your answer. Automatic, 100m ATM, 39mm case, Date window, Sapphire Crystal, AR coating, $200 msrp
@@PepRex Do you know a better value for this type of watch in this price range? They're all practically made overseas at this point, but at least they have decent movements for the price. Long Island Watch is not a bad brand, their owner seems good and is at least trying to produce some great value for that range of people who want something better than Amazon/dept store watches.
I bought one. Loved it but for some reason didn't wear it. I changed the strap to one i got on the another Hamilton, a cloth strap and now it's my go to everyday watch. It might be the most wearable watch in my collection...
Bronze Khaki here. I love it.
Rolex just recently started adding AR to their crystals. I guess lack of AR doesn't bother anyone when the dial reads Rolex.
exactly...stuck up watch wankers
You’re absolutely right. They criticize this watch because it has no AR coating but no one criticizes Rolex, JLC, etc…. I mean come on now, it’s less than $500.00. For the money it’s an amazing watch.
I have one, and it probably gets 30% of my wrist time. Is it a super exciting watch, naw not really. But, it's a solid no-nonsense, durable watch. 3 years of owning it and it still looks brand new thanks to the bead blast finish.
really solid shots ! made this one look great
Thanks Tom! 🙏
You nailed my criticisms with it.
Thanks! Always good to hear others have the same opinions.
the lack of AR coating is the most annoying miss on this watch. 100m WR would be again, great.
I think AR coating is the most overrated watch feature there is. I have plenty of watches with no AR and I can’t think of one time where I couldn’t read the time. For me the big negative with this watch is the lugs are way too long for a 38mm watch. Im a fan of the watch but that kills it for me.
I actually like the lug to lug. It’s still small and stays out the way but gives the watch more presence. 7 inch wrist it looks great imo :)
Indeed Hamilton KFM is the most classic military watch BUT is too expensive IMO. For that reason I chose the Seiko SNZG17J instead.
A bit bigger in size (40mm without crown), automatic with lumibrite in hands, markers and in numbers (I never have problems read time in the dark).
A 100m WR watch got it for 125 euros couple of years ago and even if I have much more expensive watches than this I keep on wearing it. SNZG17 "J" means it is made in Japan.
IHMO that's the best VFM military watch.
Same here, except I went with the SNZG13 at 41mm.
I feel that 100m WR should be standard on any field/tool watch. Looks great on bracelet or any strap too.
Agree with all of this, I’d probably choose CWC over Hamilton for a field watch if I’m honest. This is still a good proposition though 👍🏻
I doubt understand the thing about 50M that’s pretty deep. Why would you worry?
50m water resistance doesn't actually mean the watch can go down 50m. It varies depending on the manufacturer, but it usually means the watch is splash-resistant or possibly suitable for light swimming.
I wish they made a 36mm. The lug to lug makes this watch too big still. I can wear 42-43mm in other watches but my 38mm Hamilton is similar to those. I have over 7’ inch wrist so 38mm should fit.
Would this watch have a problem while walking in the rain?
The field watch concept is rock solid. Unfortunately, this particular field watch has too many problems. What a shame.
Like what?
Affordable ????…what graphic do you live in mate???
hamilton watches have a bad reputation about their lug to lug size being to big
Agreed, them and Longines
Excellent review!
I sold my Hamilton because the reflection drove me nuts
And one of the reasons I keep and enjoy mine is because I like the sparkle afforded by the reflectivity. Go figure!
I did the same with mine. If they [Hamilton] ever decide to use A.R. coating in the future, I will go back to them.
The Pilot Pioneer is twice the price! So by virtue- it should have more including AR coating
ps please dont worry it is only a matter of time befor they do an up grade
So I was looking for a watch without knowing anything about watches. I decided the Khaki would be the best one for me, but now I'm going to sit on my money. I'll tell you why.
Your video was posted one year ago and you say the watch cost £395. Now it costs £530, just one year on. So let me wonder why.
According to economic theory, when supply equals demand, it is called equilibrium. When there is more demand than supply then someone jacks up the price, just because they can. I've noticed the same thing with other manufactured products. of course we all know that supply can be restricted on purpose to increase the price, as in the case of oil. In the case of this watch, I don't suppose it is an excessive demand by collectors causing this.
So my position is this. If who ever is responsible for jacking up the price of this watch expects me to pay an extra £135 over what it would have cost me one year ago, then they can sing for it, and if most consumers who were in the market to buy a watch as I was think like I am, then we will see just how much demand exceeds supply for this or any other watch. If it doesn't, the price will have to come down if ever they expect to sell.
Everything is more expensive post pandemic supply chain. Welcome to the real world.
They can keep their real world. I still haven't bought one, and won't.@@teleguy5699
Ich hatte diese Uhr für 2 Wochen und habe sie dann wieder verkauft. Das Gehäuse fand ich zu kantig und der lug to lug zu gross für den Tragekomfort, und auch die Krone ist sehr gross und drückte mich in den Handrücken. Für mich eine sehr unbequeme Uhr leider . . . .Grüsse aus Zürich
you have pet cat, I can tell! those scares
I bought a brand new one about a month ago. It made weird noises when winding. I promptly returned it.
The Seiko 5 field wawtch is cheaper.
Can you swim with it
CWC all day, every day.
Affordable?????