I've been wearing this exact model daily since March, on the factory bracelet, and I absolutely love it as a daily watch. I just ordered a brown Colareb Sienna for the winter time, and I think it will look the part!!!
I don't understand this. Are they not, after all, perfectly valid points of contention, asking, 'Why is there so much reflection on the dial? It kinda makes me strain my wrist.' or 'Is a single micro-adjust position really the best they could do on an otherwise nice bracelet?' Critique is not to say, 'Yeah, it's nice for the price you pay,' because that's obvious, it's almost a necessity of free market economics, it is to say 'Look, here are some things that I, representing your target audience, would like better if done differently; maybe you, the maker, would like to consider them; or you, the consumer, would like to know about them.'
@@MJFallout 2 settings on the bracelet is actually pretty good. I have much more expensive watches that have none. You have the dealer fit your watch and live with it or don't buy it. The lack of a anti reflective face has never bothered me. It is a very recent addition to watches. The non screw down crown actually annoys me the most. Every watch should have a screw down crown
@@rickjason215 I understand that this is a bit of semantic nitpicking, but there is *one* extra hole set, one adjustment; the basic position shouldn't count since it's the default state. That maybe more expensive watches have no adjustments at all is no mitigating factor, I'd say, it's just further examples of consumers missing out on a fairly basic feature, which they want.
In addition, I cannot decide not to buy it after the dealer has adjusted it, I have to buy it first, no? If then, despite their best effort, the bracelet doesn't fit me well, I'm out of luck. Hence, micro-adjusts, half-links, slide extensions, are all improvements that many consumers want (and telling them to maybe just stop whining will do very little IMO)
@@MJFallout Why not. The dealer can put the links back on. If you can’t get a good fit after it is professionally adjusted, with 2 micro adjustments available, then you are the one out of a million that can’t be satisfied.
I have been a fanboy since the 60s. I started wearing Hamilton when in the army and currently own 6 fantastic Hamiltons: 2 Khaki Field, Pilot Day Date, a Murph, a Khaki Navy and Intra-matic chrono. I prefer the older watches with a standard, higher beat ETA movement. Over the years I have sold a number of Hammies and they tend to retain their values very well if you buy at a discount (I only buy from an AD, which increases the value once you sell the watch if still under guarantee). Thanks for the video, Dave.
Great review, I have the same love hate relationship with my Khaki field for all the reasons you mentioned but it's still to this day one of my most worn watches
I own one of these, leather strap though with an aftermarket butterfly clasp. Really like this watch. Work as my daily wearer, I own a few luxury watches and a few more affordable alternatives, but the power reserve works so well for me.... Friday after work it goes in the case and Monday morning out it comes, ready to go. Keeps good time, nice and comfy. Love the day date (the 11 and 1 cut off doesn't bother me- think its charming). Its just so functional for every day life... think its fab... are there other options- sure there are, but there's just something about the king that clicks with me. Look better in the metal- that really struck me compared to reviews I saw on YT. Just my 2 cents
Thanks - helpful insight. Mine is arriving tomorrow and I plan to use it as a "beater" of sorts. My Seamaster 300M Chronograph will be my son's watch one day; so the Khaki Field King is to lighten the amount I wear it and give me something nice to alternate to (I wear a Casio G-Shock too). So it'll be Casio/G-Shock and Hamilton KF King now depending on mood/occasion, and Seamaster for special occasions or when I go swimming etc.
I've had this and the field 38mm, I ended up selling the King as I didn't like the day and found it to be more on the dressy side. The numbers are a bit on the small side as well. The khaki field 38mm is the much better watch, I ended up keeping that.
I love my 38mm khaki field auto with the 80 hours power reserve. That version is 100m water resistant. Also, I like it on the strap code bracelet. I bought mine on leather strap and immediately put it on the strap code bracelet. Great size vent with the slightly long Lugs. The only negative for me is the lack of AR coating.
About a month ago, I was struggling to make a decision. I had this Khacki King, a Viewmatic and a Tissot Silicium in my cart, and I was pulling out hair trying to pick one so I could pull a trigger. That's how it always starts. Fast forward one month, and I did not pick one in the end. I now own all three. This hobby is going to send me to the poor house, I tell ya.
@@louisvuitton56 I wear the Khacki King most often, but that is because I am retired and spend most of my life in t-shirts and jeans. But I like the viewmatic for golf shirt occasions and the silicium for when I need a tie.
Love your channel. Great review as always. I was trying to decide between the Kahki and Kahki King, but the shot of your reflection in the crystal was enough to make me pass altogether. Thank you.
Good comments. Appreciate your honesty. I'd prefer the numerals around the bottom of the dial be obliterated by the day information than up at the 12. Good video. Keep at it!
Had a Khaki King with a champagne dial. Was mesmerized by the color and detail of the dial, loved the full day and date placement at the top of the dial. Didn't like the polished bezel and the crown guards. Ending up selling the watch because I wasn't wearing it very much. I do have a 38mm Khaki Field mechanical with a black dial and date, the older version with the ETA 2804-2. That one is only 9.5mm thick, so if you like thin field watches then you'll love this one. I'm getting a Seiko SRPE61 in today and probably only one of these two will stay in my collection.
I love my Khaki King! I know it has flaws but for 370 U.S I couldn't go wrong for what this watch has to offer. I find it very comfortable and for me personally a joy to wear. Thanks for the video
Great video. What makes the Hamilton a great deal in my opinion is, that you get a model with a long history, with a great high end movement and the over all great finish on the case and dial. Also you have a great service network with Hamilton beeing part of the Swatch Group.:)
Had the field auto in 38 for a few days and for the cost its a nice watch for daily work straight onto nato its great and yes lack of ar is a pity and lume is poor.
Great review. I am never a fan of cutting off the numerals to fit a complication. Leave them off or adjust the complication. The 11 and the 1 are a no no for me. Would like to see that tip of the second hand a different colour..red or blue, etc. Polished bezels also do not win favour with me...hate the fingerprints.
Your new Hamilton is beautiful! I have had and automatic Khaki for about 15 years and it is perfect! It keeps excellent time ( I compare with my Apple Watch time)…I get compliments on it all the time after all these years. I can dress it up or down…Much more versatile than my Rolex…How could you not like it? My watch is good to 100 meters water resistant…but really I have never been in water more than 10 feet, therefore not an issue for 98% of the owners
One thing to bear in mind with water is the pressure. Watches are submerged with minimal movement when they are leak tested i.e. static pressure. If you *dive* into the water (dynamic pressure): the water pressure experienced at the crown could easily exceed the pressure experienced at a (static) depth of 50m or 75m. Also when you swim (move your hands) the pressure will be higher than the pressure at rest. So - you want some multiplier more (in WR) than the depth you dive. So 5 Bar/50m is more like shower proof++ or for gentle swimming; its more than enough for hand washing etc. For diving into water from outside a pool (let alone off a diving board from on high) then 100m is a sensible minimum. Then for diving (and swimming hard) down to say 50 or 100m, you want 300m of WR to be safe. Hope that helps.
Mine is my every day watch, but it has a black leather strap. Looks good, easy to read, keeps time. Ticks all the boxes of a good watch. I also have a Jazzmaster for dress up and a Navy Pioneer for sailing. All do their job. It's a good brand name.
Congrats on the new watch Dave, looks great on you. Hamilton is a quite decent brand and for the past decade they've come up with many great watches. For the cash you're paying for this watch with a reliable Swiss movement and a solid build is a value for money piece. Enjoy it in good health:)
Yes! Me too Dave. I just don’t quite get this watch. The Khaki King was one of my first quality watches. There are bits I love (the dial, the thinness, the Swiss quality) but it took me ages to work out that the 50mm lug to lug was a minus (it is deceiving considering the size of the dial) and I just don’t wear it much. It fills the gap in my collection for a watch I should like but I don’t really. It was a family gift so it will stay.
Wow. I think the black is a bit more reflective than the champagne, I don't remember having too much of an issue with mine. Even when I took it hiking in Utah. One of the great things about the Khaki Kings is that since they are rather popular they do go on sale for cheaper than some other Hamiltons. Or at least they used to, I haven't been tracking the prices recently. I think I picked up mine for a little under $300. The Lug to Lug is a bit long, and I noticed it more on the stock strap. Where it was so stiff it was hard to get a good feel on it, but after switching to a nice flexible leather strap I never noticed it again. The thing I really love about mine is the versatility, which combined with the 80hr power reserve makes it great for traveling. You have a watch that can look casual, and look good at a nice dinner.
300 USD? That would be an amazing deal. Been looking at them for about a year and the best price I saw new was 379 on joma shop, joma is now asking 425!
Sorry 389 is for the black dial with bracelet. I've never seen the champagne dial sold on a bracelet. Not sure why they don't offer it that way. Joma has champagne dial for 399 on leather
@@jacksantoro9858 Unfortunately they don't sell the champagne on a bracelet, and because of that, they are sometimes less. Although from the sound of it, I'm not missing a lot. I picked mine up from Joma but off their eBay store. I was a little lucky and Joma put it on sale for about $300 at the same time eBay had a 10% off coupon. So it was probably around $270, and for that, I'm very happy with it. It's pretty amazing how much watch prices fluctuate at times. In fact, looking on Amazon US right now my champagne one is $440, but someone is selling the black dial without a bracelet for $270.
I had the same experience with my Khaki King. You touched every point of what annoyed me of it especially the unnecessary 50mm lug to lug, it makes the watch overhang on the wrist when moves slightly upward on downward when wearing it. It also makes the watch look and wear too flat, a bit disproportionate length to height ratio. The polished bezel is indeed a scratch magnet and the lume should be better. I wanted to love this Hamilton KK, I know many people swear by it. The design of the dial is definitely the strongest part but ultimately I ended up selling it. Maybe the same will happen to you. Great review!
My favorite in the khaki line is the pilot day date (Interstellar) very interesting and beautiful dial . Better bracelet also 3 micro adjustments. The applied indices have milled grooves in them , that reflect the light in different ways . Depending on the angle the light hits it . It has anti reflect on the inside . It does a decent job . It is super legible, with those big beautiful hands . Similar to the hands on an Onega , Seamaster. The lume is decent , better than the khaki king . But not in Seiko territory. It is a little bigger at 42mm , but the lug to lug is a manageable 48mm . It fits well on small and large wrist IMO. With the awesome bracelet, it's my most comfortable watch. It's one of Hamilton's most popular watches , for good reason .
Had my Khaki (just date dial, red pointer on the second hand)for over 10 years, it looks well used... One thing to mention though, the ETA movements are quite expensive to service when it is time to do so....keep that in mind and also, on the older ETA mvnt, the manual winding mechanism can be quite fragile. Other than that, still love the watch...
Yup to the fragile winding gears. Even on one of my Sellita SW 200 (copy of 2824) movements, I've experienced a winding gear with the teeth stripped off. I can't see that I had mistreated it in any manner. The watch manufacturer repaired it at no charge, and were pleasant about it, so no complaints on my end. They even sent back the old parts to me! Just as I've done for the better part of 30 years with customers' cars and bikes.
I bought the Khaki Field Automatic for 2 main reasons. 1) I love the Rolex Explorer and I would never spend the money and this is a great alternative 2) I have been wearing big watches the last few years and wanted to try a 38mm and I absolutely love it… The Khaki King is 40MM and that was the reason that I went with the Field Automatic …
Great watch picked one up on a strap ie the House watch. Costf around £300 for ETA movement with 80hr power reserve. Agree could use more lume and better water resistance would be nice but not deal breakers
Bought one for my friends 50th, wore it for a couple of days & was impressed with the quality for the money. It switched me on to the company, so much soI bought a Khaki X Wind automatic (my most expensive purchase to date) & love it. I'd buy myself a Khaki King if that niche wasn't already filled with an Alpinist, but I certainly see more Hamiltons in my watch box in the future. Cheers 👍🏻
Yeah, when I bought mine over 5 years ago I was TRYING to talk myself into a black 'sandwich' dial Panerai, but just couldn't justify spending 10X the price for a watch with the EXACT same SWISS ETA manufactured automatic movement! And if it's good enough for Doctor House, then it's good enough for me! I also just noticed that they have updated the dial design since I got mine. This version has concentric circles cut into the dial where the numbers are printed, while my older version just has a 'dull/matte' black look, compared to the rest of the dial which is 'polished' black... Also, the lume wasn't great when the watch was new, and now the lume is nearly non-existent. So maybe skip this model if you love lume...
I send praise for the review. I've had the Pilot Dan Datum "Interstellar" for about four months. It is a model that has the same mechanism as the H-40. Yes, the number of vibrations is reduced, but I have to praise its accuracy. I don't know how the original Eta 2834-2 performs in terms of accuracy, but I'm happy with the 2.5 seconds plus per day that the H-40 achieves on my watch. On the other hand, the reduced number of vibrations, which I believe has no consequences for precision (for me, that's the most important thing, more important than the smooth rhythm of the movement of the hand), brings slower wear of the mechanism. Overall, I'm very happy with my Hamilton.
i own one with the bracelet. love it, the lack of AR coating for me not a problem at all. the only downside is you must be very careful not to scratch the polished bezel, it's really shiny lol. i've got a small wrist, it fits really fine.
Just picked one up at the AD Special one day sale 35% off $400 ZERO Complaints at that price!!!!!!!!!!! ZERO! HOLY Smokes is this thing Accurate! 48 Hours +2 Seconds! More accurate than some of my more Expensive Pieces!
Reminds me of my SARB017, only less special. I considered this very watch at the time I bought the Alpinist, but the price difference was too big at the time. Gone are those days... If I'd get ever one, and I've been eyeing this for ages, it would have to be the Champagne dial.
I din't want to get one due to the 50mm lug to lug, the "no AR" and c"heap" lume, ......BUT! I'm Sooooo Glad I pulled the trigger on this one. Im using it with a black vanguard rubber strap for a rolex explorer, just had to bend the springs a little and wala! magnificent! idk, i think my bb58 is going to stay home for a long while.....
I think I feel the same, have an almost 8 inch wrist so its not a meat to metal ratio thing, just a height to width thing relative to my tastes. I might be a little more forgiving of those dimensions for a nice vintage piece.
NEVER liked their L2L, just doesn't make any sense. I believe if their L2L was around 44-46, it'd be spot on and worth a look, otherwise, I skip them....
50mm l2l is so unnecessary on a 40mm diameter dial. Way too big for my tiny wrists. Those 38mm models with 47mm l2l sounds decent though. Too bad though, I think these Khaki King models are really nice.
i have the champagne dial version of this watch. it was my first swiss auto. I too have mixed feelings about this watch; i saw many videos praising it and thought I should love it too. after i got it, i watched one YTer who said he fixated on the numerals that were cut off by the day complication and that has ruined the watch for me.
Perfect watch, sits great on the wrist, ultra legible with the day at the top of the dial it never gets obscured as happens when it's at "3". Mine is an older one, 28800 bph, I prefer it and the shorter power reserve isn't a problem. Had it a few years now and its my most worn watch and I have 20odd to choose from.
I loved my Khaki King when I got it, but right when I took it out of the box the first thing i said was "This bracelet feels cheap". Its since been sold to a friend who wears it every day and is pretty much in love with it. So I guess its still a win.
I've own mine for over a year and I love it. It makes a great daily watch. It is frustrating though to have only two micro adjustments on the clasp. It's bizarre because there is plenty of room just to have drilled more holes which is something I've considered doing myself. And yes friend it looks like your date is misaligned. Mine does not have that issue. I don't find the lack of AR coating an obstacle but I do wish there was more loom . Great review as always!
I have 7.5 inch wrists, and I have 40mm watches. The case size is ok on this but the dial size was just too small for my liking. You certainly need macro zooming eyes to see the fine detail of the watch The khaki Murph at 42mm wears perfectly and that's the one I kept.
Dave, I think you are right about the other brands with better specs but what I feel that many people (including myself) sometimes forget to consider is the longevity of these watches (or any other product). Khaki king is no way near perfect but it is a tried and tested product that is known to last long. Also, it can be a good idea to give a long time ownership review of the microbrand watches.
I have the Champaign dial version on a bund strap, Fantastic watch. I hope to receive a knighthood soon, and this may be the watch I wear on the big day
I like the look of these Hamilton's but the lug to lug measurement is a deal breaker for me. The watch looked amazing on those straps too! I'm sure they could shorten the lugs and make a perfect everyday watch. It's like a Day Date mixed with an explorer for me.
Got a Hamilton Khaki pilot (The Coop) and its my favourite watch. Got the Khaki Field King on my to buy list, but its a field watch, needs to be on leather strap not a bracelet. The black version, H6445733, really hits the sweet point
This was my first Swiss automatic, have the older high beat movement, on a leather strap. Looks good on a nato too. Just don't like the crystal without AR. Haven't worn it in years.
Lack AR coating is my one complaint about many Hamiltons. Still, my Blue Alpinist does not have AR and I still love it (though still wish it had some like the new Alpinists). I'd probably more likely wear it on a strap than bracelet, so the lack of many micro adjusts does not bother me. The 50m WR is annoying, but their regular field models have 100m WR, which is exactly what I want in a field watch. I don't need to dive, but I don't want to ever worry about it getting wet, nor worry if I want to swim with it. Maybe that's just me. Overall for the value, it's a pretty good offering, and the 80hr power reserves are just sweet.
Here in the future- 2023- looking at the face on my recently-purchased watch, Hamilton has reduced the number of sub-markings between the seconds. It’s clearly 4 in the video, and 2 on my watch. So instead of 0.2 seconds, it’s 0.333 seconds. This brings the tick-marks into alignment with the beat-rate of the movement so the second hand actually stops on every single tick-mark. The precision of this watch is top-tier. Not only is the timekeeping on mine accurate to with 12 seconds per month in the worst case, but the multiple features of the dial and the hands, including hacking, enable the watch to communicate high-precision readings to the observer. Even the day and date change together with a snap at 11:59pm. This watch punches well above its weight.
Thinness (for an automatic), time keeping accuracy (again, for an automatic), bracelet (I've never had good luck with leather bands) and aesthetics sold me on the Khaki King II. If I needed an extra "micro adjustment hole" I'd have put a micro drill in my drill press and added them. Wasn't necessary. I have a Seiko Solar of around 2005 that keeps astonishing time (+4 seconds PER MONTH) that I wear if there might be scratching (i.e.: fence work, tree felling, log splitting, lumber sawing, etc.), and for wet work I still have my beloved 1973 Hanowa 23 jewel mechanical Waterproof/Shockproof/Tritium" that is designed to get wet . . . and occasionally deep (I purchased it new in Geneva). Though I only snorkel and kayak, so If I get deeper than 50M I a already in big trouble and the time may not be my primary concern. I'm a 1 ATM kind of guy. Not 5, 20 or whatever "200 Vacuum Tested" that the Hanowa states might be. When Kayaking/sailing swimming lately I have my
I tried that same watch and other models on at Macy's and they never really struck a chord with me. They are nice just not for me. I think the Hamtun Nanok watch is actually a better version of this design with better dimensions. I do like the increased power reserve though! It does look good on your wrist also! Shame on Hamilton for their Lume though, especially as a field watch! Thanks for your honest review!
That “grooved” look is known as Azurage I believe. As for the watch, it’s nice enough but doesn’t do it for me. I much prefer the classic manual wind 38mm Khaki Field Mechanical.
I have to agree. I’m a big fan of Hamilton but their l2l is too long for my 6 1/2 in wrist. Is really too bad cause they make some of the best dials for field watches. I hope to get that khaki pilot pioneer mech.
I feel the same way. I have an Orient Kano and a Casio that I LOVE. And I have a Tissot and a nicer chronograph, which I just can’t connect with. I thought I would live Swiss watches. It’s strange.
This was a mini grail for me but I was a bit disappointed with it once I had it. The dial had some dust on it, which is terrible at this price. And the crystal was SO reflective that it spoilt the legibility in certain lights. I really wanted the bracelet version and I missed the "12" so should gone for the khaki field with the red tip on the seconds hand
I am beginning to think that one has to be lucky for a bracelet to fit really well, even with micro adjusts. No one makes custom-sized bracelets, probably cost prohibitive. Most of us when wearing them go slightly loose. On the other hand, I have found Michael Knapp Leather makes micro sized leather straps, (I have no monetization with them), so, well you know what to do.
I have a khaki day date and I'm 6.5" on the wrist, I hear you on the lugs and the lume is quite sad. My preferred is my khaki Navy pioneer watch. Wire lugs, and a cleaner look for me.
This watch gets the most wrist time the any of my others. The only thing that is a minor annoyance to me is that the day/date changes over at 11:45pm instead of closer to midnight. Besides that the movement is great. It's a perfect, very versatile, everyday watch IMO.
For just a little bit more, you could have had a Traska, Freediver with 200 meters of water resistance and a specially treated stainless steel finish for the band and case. The Traska, Summiteer looks closer to an Explorer but has the same stainless steel treatment and 100 meters of water resistance, both have screw down crowns.
Traska is another kickstarter with a Seiko movement (I think). You cannot compare it to Hamilton which has true heritage and history, is Swiss made and overall one of the best received, relatively cheap brands out there.
I hate the crown guards, to me it makes it too bulky for me and the lack of water resistance hurts it for me. I'm considering it in the 42mm to make both of the problems go away.
My love affair with the Hamilton began in the 80s when I was in the military. My unit was small and specialized, no special forces BS, just that we had a special purpose. I was ordered to go to Central America to support the grunts and my boss gave me a Hamilton Khaki 38mm manual winding with a nylon strap. The lume was not great as you find out in the Khaki King, but the last thing I needed was a Seiko lume shinning at night in the jungle. We used red light to check our maps and our watches. The Hamilton took a beat and keep on ticking. When I was relieved I passed the Hamilton to my replacement. That Khaki was used and abused for years. I wore it about 4 more times on my 3-6 months tour in Central and South America. I was so impressed that I bought one and is still ticking. I am planning on getting the Hamilton King because it looks so dressy and it looks amazing with that Nomad strap. The micro adjustment os not a deal breaker for me cause I wear my watches loose. Outstanding review my friend, keep them coming. Best regards from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stay safe.
I was never a big fan of the cut-away situation for the day-date here. However, I'm still a big Hamilton fan. My H70515137 was one of my first autos five/six years ago and remains one of my favorites; like you said, Dave, its a very mature design despite its shortcomings (the lume especially).
The Khaki “King” of Field watches has no real weaknesses within its purpose. It is not a dive watch, but you can swim and even light skin dive with it. My polished bezel is covered in scratches which only adds to the aesthetics.
I love my Khaki King. I was on the fence buying it due to the low water resistance, lack of AR coating and minimal lume, but I pulled the trigger anyway. To my surprise I really love the watch, it's the only watch I've been wearing since buying it 8 months ago. Some mornings I wind up one of my other 30 watches, thinking today might be a Seiko day or a Steinhart day or an Orient day, put my really nice Seiko Tuna on my wrist and right before I leave my house I change my mind at put on the Hamilton instead. I've never had that happen before with a watch. The lack of AR coating is a non issue in real life, doesn't bother me at all. The lume is minimal, but even in the dead of night I'm able to tell the time and for a field watch it might actually be a bonus not having a torch of a watch strapped to your wrist. My only real gripe is the crappy WR, I hate that I can't just get in the pool with the kids - maybe I can, but not without worry - I wish they had made it 10 bar instead.. So the watch I shouldn't like according to the specs, but in reality hogs all the wrist time.
I purchased my first Hamilton which is my first Swiss watch, it is the blue Pan Europ. The watch is beautiful, great two straps and nice finishing. I got it for around 800 Euro which is a relatively good price, however the bezel does not line up properly, WR is only 50m, it is a low beat 3 hz movement with 80 hours of power reserve, it has AR coating, compared with the Alpinist priced a little bit lower it feels very similar, with few sharp edges to be completely honest. But really compared to some Orients I had this is nothing specially better, in some areas even worse. I am not a Swiss movement snob so maybe this movement is better than what Orients have, it is still 15 second per day faster why my Orients were all around 5 seconds as I can regulate them myself. I believe we pay for the design we like.
What surprised me the most: I'm usually a bracelet guy but this Hamilton to me actually looks way better on a leather strap! 🤯
I've been wearing this exact model daily since March, on the factory bracelet, and I absolutely love it as a daily watch. I just ordered a brown Colareb Sienna for the winter time, and I think it will look the part!!!
I think field watches look better on leather in particular. I've had this on the leather for over a year. Love it.
Almost perfect timepiece, I'll be getting one soon cuz it's a cross between RX Explorer 1, RX Day date, Flieger/pilot all rolled into one.
People complain about stuff with this watch, but at the price, it is a very nice watch.
I don't understand this. Are they not, after all, perfectly valid points of contention, asking, 'Why is there so much reflection on the dial? It kinda makes me strain my wrist.' or 'Is a single micro-adjust position really the best they could do on an otherwise nice bracelet?'
Critique is not to say, 'Yeah, it's nice for the price you pay,' because that's obvious, it's almost a necessity of free market economics, it is to say 'Look, here are some things that I, representing your target audience, would like better if done differently; maybe you, the maker, would like to consider them; or you, the consumer, would like to know about them.'
@@MJFallout 2 settings on the bracelet is actually pretty good. I have much more expensive watches that have none. You have the dealer fit your watch and live with it or don't buy it. The lack of a anti reflective face has never bothered me. It is a very recent addition to watches. The non screw down crown actually annoys me the most. Every watch should have a screw down crown
@@rickjason215 I understand that this is a bit of semantic nitpicking, but there is *one* extra hole set, one adjustment; the basic position shouldn't count since it's the default state.
That maybe more expensive watches have no adjustments at all is no mitigating factor, I'd say, it's just further examples of consumers missing out on a fairly basic feature, which they want.
In addition, I cannot decide not to buy it after the dealer has adjusted it, I have to buy it first, no? If then, despite their best effort, the bracelet doesn't fit me well, I'm out of luck.
Hence, micro-adjusts, half-links, slide extensions, are all improvements that many consumers want (and telling them to maybe just stop whining will do very little IMO)
@@MJFallout Why not. The dealer can put the links back on. If you can’t get a good fit after it is professionally adjusted, with 2 micro adjustments available, then you are the one out of a million that can’t be satisfied.
I like that day/date display. Looks well executed
I love my Khaki King
I have been a fanboy since the 60s. I started wearing Hamilton when in the army and currently own 6 fantastic Hamiltons: 2 Khaki Field, Pilot Day Date, a Murph, a Khaki Navy and Intra-matic chrono. I prefer the older watches with a standard, higher beat ETA movement. Over the years I have sold a number of Hammies and they tend to retain their values very well if you buy at a discount (I only buy from an AD, which increases the value once you sell the watch if still under guarantee). Thanks for the video, Dave.
Hammies can be addictive
That slo-mo second hand footage is epic.
2:19 As a frenchman i’m glad to see an Opinel knife behind that watch. 😊👍
Great review, I have the same love hate relationship with my Khaki field for all the reasons you mentioned but it's still to this day one of my most worn watches
I own one of these, leather strap though with an aftermarket butterfly clasp. Really like this watch. Work as my daily wearer, I own a few luxury watches and a few more affordable alternatives, but the power reserve works so well for me.... Friday after work it goes in the case and Monday morning out it comes, ready to go. Keeps good time, nice and comfy. Love the day date (the 11 and 1 cut off doesn't bother me- think its charming). Its just so functional for every day life... think its fab... are there other options- sure there are, but there's just something about the king that clicks with me. Look better in the metal- that really struck me compared to reviews I saw on YT.
Just my 2 cents
You have the exact same watch I do and we even set it up the same way. I totally agree on the usability.
Thanks - helpful insight. Mine is arriving tomorrow and I plan to use it as a "beater" of sorts. My Seamaster 300M Chronograph will be my son's watch one day; so the Khaki Field King is to lighten the amount I wear it and give me something nice to alternate to (I wear a Casio G-Shock too). So it'll be Casio/G-Shock and Hamilton KF King now depending on mood/occasion, and Seamaster for special occasions or when I go swimming etc.
I've had this and the field 38mm, I ended up selling the King as I didn't like the day and found it to be more on the dressy side. The numbers are a bit on the small side as well. The khaki field 38mm is the much better watch, I ended up keeping that.
I’ve owned the KK for over a year and the pros definitely outweigh the cons. Versatile and very comfortable on my 6-5/8” wrist.
I love my 38mm khaki field auto with the 80 hours power reserve. That version is 100m water resistant. Also, I like it on the strap code bracelet. I bought mine on leather strap and immediately put it on the strap code bracelet. Great size vent with the slightly long Lugs. The only negative for me is the lack of AR coating.
I love my khaki field 38mm. Snagged at 429. Very happy
The glare is easily lived with. Wish it had screw down crown, and therefore i dint get it wet.
Thank you for sharing the cons. That really helps to make an informed decision for purchasing.
About a month ago, I was struggling to make a decision. I had this Khacki King, a Viewmatic and a Tissot Silicium in my cart, and I was pulling out hair trying to pick one so I could pull a trigger.
That's how it always starts.
Fast forward one month, and I did not pick one in the end. I now own all three.
This hobby is going to send me to the poor house, I tell ya.
😅👍
Which is best .?
@@louisvuitton56 I wear the Khacki King most often, but that is because I am retired and spend most of my life in t-shirts and jeans. But I like the viewmatic for golf shirt occasions and the silicium for when I need a tie.
Great review. The reflections are a HUGE issue almost no one talks about!!!
Love your channel. Great review as always. I was trying to decide between the Kahki and Kahki King, but the shot of your reflection in the crystal was enough to make me pass altogether. Thank you.
Good comments. Appreciate your honesty. I'd prefer the numerals around the bottom of the dial be obliterated by the day information than up at the 12. Good video. Keep at it!
Had a Khaki King with a champagne dial. Was mesmerized by the color and detail of the dial, loved the full day and date placement at the top of the dial. Didn't like the polished bezel and the crown guards. Ending up selling the watch because I wasn't wearing it very much. I do have a 38mm Khaki Field mechanical with a black dial and date, the older version with the ETA 2804-2. That one is only 9.5mm thick, so if you like thin field watches then you'll love this one. I'm getting a Seiko SRPE61 in today and probably only one of these two will stay in my collection.
I love my Khaki King! I know it has flaws but for 370 U.S I couldn't go wrong for what this watch has to offer. I find it very comfortable and for me personally a joy to wear. Thanks for the video
Where the fuck did you get it for 370?????
@@dariot707 I bought it 3 years ago!
I second that purchase. I too purchased it on the bracelet from Jomashop. This was about 4 years ago.
Great video. What makes the Hamilton a great deal in my opinion is, that you get a model with a long history, with a great high end movement and the over all great finish on the case and dial. Also you have a great service network with Hamilton beeing part of the Swatch Group.:)
Had the field auto in 38 for a few days and for the cost its a nice watch for daily work straight onto nato its great and yes lack of ar is a pity and lume is poor.
Great review. I am never a fan of cutting off the numerals to fit a complication. Leave them off or adjust the complication. The 11 and the 1 are a no no for me. Would like to see that tip of the second hand a different colour..red or blue, etc. Polished bezels also do not win favour with me...hate the fingerprints.
Your new Hamilton is beautiful! I have had and automatic Khaki for about 15 years and it is perfect! It keeps excellent time ( I compare with my Apple Watch time)…I get compliments on it all the time after all these years. I can dress it up or down…Much more versatile than my Rolex…How could you not like it? My watch is good to 100 meters water resistant…but really I have never been in water more than 10 feet, therefore not an issue for 98% of the owners
One thing to bear in mind with water is the pressure. Watches are submerged with minimal movement when they are leak tested i.e. static pressure. If you *dive* into the water (dynamic pressure): the water pressure experienced at the crown could easily exceed the pressure experienced at a (static) depth of 50m or 75m. Also when you swim (move your hands) the pressure will be higher than the pressure at rest. So - you want some multiplier more (in WR) than the depth you dive. So 5 Bar/50m is more like shower proof++ or for gentle swimming; its more than enough for hand washing etc. For diving into water from outside a pool (let alone off a diving board from on high) then 100m is a sensible minimum.
Then for diving (and swimming hard) down to say 50 or 100m, you want 300m of WR to be safe.
Hope that helps.
Mine is my every day watch, but it has a black leather strap. Looks good, easy to read, keeps time. Ticks all the boxes of a good watch. I also have a Jazzmaster for dress up and a Navy Pioneer for sailing. All do their job. It's a good brand name.
Shane's Champagne dial version sold me on this watch - fell in love with it as soon as I saw it ... just bought it and it is on it's way.
Congrats on the new watch Dave, looks great on you. Hamilton is a quite decent brand and for the past decade they've come up with many great watches. For the cash you're paying for this watch with a reliable Swiss movement and a solid build is a value for money piece. Enjoy it in good health:)
Yes! Me too Dave. I just don’t quite get this watch. The Khaki King was one of my first quality watches. There are bits I love (the dial, the thinness, the Swiss quality) but it took me ages to work out that the 50mm lug to lug was a minus (it is deceiving considering the size of the dial) and I just don’t wear it much. It fills the gap in my collection for a watch I should like but I don’t really. It was a family gift so it will stay.
That multi color strap is nice I ordered a khaki king from jomashop today I like the leather but the strap in your video is catching
I love it. Its one of my all time favorites and a keeper for life.
instablaster.
Same here. It is the perfect watch for me.
Same. Love everything about it
Me Too...
Wow. I think the black is a bit more reflective than the champagne, I don't remember having too much of an issue with mine. Even when I took it hiking in Utah. One of the great things about the Khaki Kings is that since they are rather popular they do go on sale for cheaper than some other Hamiltons. Or at least they used to, I haven't been tracking the prices recently. I think I picked up mine for a little under $300.
The Lug to Lug is a bit long, and I noticed it more on the stock strap. Where it was so stiff it was hard to get a good feel on it, but after switching to a nice flexible leather strap I never noticed it again.
The thing I really love about mine is the versatility, which combined with the 80hr power reserve makes it great for traveling. You have a watch that can look casual, and look good at a nice dinner.
300 USD? That would be an amazing deal. Been looking at them for about a year and the best price I saw new was 379 on joma shop, joma is now asking 425!
Sorry 389 is for the black dial with bracelet. I've never seen the champagne dial sold on a bracelet. Not sure why they don't offer it that way. Joma has champagne dial for 399 on leather
@@jacksantoro9858 Unfortunately they don't sell the champagne on a bracelet, and because of that, they are sometimes less. Although from the sound of it, I'm not missing a lot.
I picked mine up from Joma but off their eBay store.
I was a little lucky and Joma put it on sale for about $300 at the same time eBay had a 10% off coupon. So it was probably around $270, and for that, I'm very happy with it. It's pretty amazing how much watch prices fluctuate at times. In fact, looking on Amazon US right now my champagne one is $440, but someone is selling the black dial without a bracelet for $270.
Totally agree on the versatility, that's one of my favorite aspects of it too.
I have been interested in this watch and this detailed review was very helpful. Fabulous camera work. Well done Sir!
I had the same experience with my Khaki King. You touched every point of what annoyed me of it especially the unnecessary 50mm lug to lug, it makes the watch overhang on the wrist when moves slightly upward on downward when wearing it. It also makes the watch look and wear too flat, a bit disproportionate length to height ratio.
The polished bezel is indeed a scratch magnet and the lume should be better.
I wanted to love this Hamilton KK, I know many people swear by it. The design of the dial is definitely the strongest part but ultimately I ended up selling it. Maybe the same will happen to you.
Great review!
My favorite in the khaki line is the pilot day date (Interstellar) very interesting and beautiful dial . Better bracelet also 3 micro adjustments. The applied indices have milled grooves in them , that reflect the light in different ways . Depending on the angle the light hits it . It has anti reflect on the inside . It does a decent job . It is super legible, with those big beautiful hands . Similar to the hands on an Onega , Seamaster. The lume is decent , better than the khaki king . But not in Seiko territory. It is a little bigger at 42mm , but the lug to lug is a manageable 48mm . It fits well on small and large wrist IMO. With the awesome bracelet, it's my most comfortable watch. It's one of Hamilton's most popular watches , for good reason .
Had my Khaki (just date dial, red pointer on the second hand)for over 10 years, it looks well used... One thing to mention though, the ETA movements are quite expensive to service when it is time to do so....keep that in mind and also, on the older ETA mvnt, the manual winding mechanism can be quite fragile. Other than that, still love the watch...
Yup to the fragile winding gears. Even on one of my Sellita SW 200 (copy of 2824) movements, I've experienced a winding gear with the teeth stripped off. I can't see that I had mistreated it in any manner. The watch manufacturer repaired it at no charge, and were pleasant about it, so no complaints on my end. They even sent back the old parts to me! Just as I've done for the better part of 30 years with customers' cars and bikes.
I bought the Khaki Field Automatic for 2 main reasons. 1) I love the Rolex Explorer and I would never spend the money and this is a great alternative 2) I have been wearing big watches the last few years and wanted to try a 38mm and I absolutely love it… The Khaki King is 40MM and that was the reason that I went with the Field Automatic …
I love Hamilton! Almost bought one yesterday. This watch looks good and looks good on you.
Just a great looking watch especially for everyday and weekend wear....can dress it up too. And your go-to beater watch also.
Great watch picked one up on a strap ie the House watch. Costf around £300 for ETA movement with 80hr power reserve. Agree could use more lume and better water resistance would be nice but not deal breakers
Excellent review! Looking forward to taking delivery shortly and adding it to my collection!
Bought one for my friends 50th, wore it for a couple of days & was impressed with the quality for the money. It switched me on to the company, so much soI bought a Khaki X Wind automatic (my most expensive purchase to date) & love it. I'd buy myself a Khaki King if that niche wasn't already filled with an Alpinist, but I certainly see more Hamiltons in my watch box in the future. Cheers 👍🏻
Wait... so you bought yourself a watch for your friends 50th?
@@wakawaka1976 no bought it for him, tho I wore it around the house for a couple of days to suss it out. Nice watch, he loves it.
I think it's worth it at $425. At that price, it holds its resale value fairly well. At $600, it is overpriced.
Yeah, when I bought mine over 5 years ago I was TRYING to talk myself into a black 'sandwich' dial Panerai, but just couldn't justify spending 10X the price for a watch with the EXACT same SWISS ETA manufactured automatic movement!
And if it's good enough for Doctor House, then it's good enough for me!
I also just noticed that they have updated the dial design since I got mine.
This version has concentric circles cut into the dial where the numbers are printed, while my older version just has a 'dull/matte' black look, compared to the rest of the dial which is 'polished' black...
Also, the lume wasn't great when the watch was new, and now the lume is nearly non-existent. So maybe skip this model if you love lume...
I send praise for the review. I've had the Pilot Dan Datum "Interstellar" for about four months. It is a model that has the same mechanism as the H-40. Yes, the number of vibrations is reduced, but I have to praise its accuracy. I don't know how the original Eta 2834-2 performs in terms of accuracy, but I'm happy with the 2.5 seconds plus per day that the H-40 achieves on my watch. On the other hand, the reduced number of vibrations, which I believe has no consequences for precision (for me, that's the most important thing, more important than the smooth rhythm of the movement of the hand), brings slower wear of the mechanism. Overall, I'm very happy with my Hamilton.
I have a khaki field and the glare from the crystal is horrible so I rarely wear it.
i own one with the bracelet. love it, the lack of AR coating for me not a problem at all. the only downside is you must be very careful not to scratch the polished bezel, it's really shiny lol. i've got a small wrist, it fits really fine.
Would love to own a hamilton, but can't get past that poor lume. Thanks for the review. Very nice
Just picked one up at the AD Special one day sale 35% off $400 ZERO Complaints at that price!!!!!!!!!!! ZERO! HOLY Smokes is this thing Accurate! 48 Hours +2 Seconds! More accurate than some of my more Expensive Pieces!
What’s a AD?
@@Sb631flex Autorized Dealer
Reminds me of my SARB017, only less special. I considered this very watch at the time I bought the Alpinist, but the price difference was too big at the time. Gone are those days... If I'd get ever one, and I've been eyeing this for ages, it would have to be the Champagne dial.
Thanks for the review, I am going to get this on a used market with great condition and affordable as a beater watch.
I din't want to get one due to the 50mm lug to lug, the "no AR" and c"heap" lume, ......BUT! I'm Sooooo Glad I pulled the trigger on this one. Im using it with a black vanguard rubber strap for a rolex explorer, just had to bend the springs a little and wala! magnificent! idk, i think my bb58 is going to stay home for a long while.....
Adjust band after you have been awake 4 hours - you retain water when you first wake up or if you sit all day -
Wow, I was just doing some serious research on this watch. Wish it had a glide adjust on the bracelet. May have to go aftermarket.
Hamilton lugs immediately disqualify them for me. The few watches of theirs I've seen are all around 50mm despite having 39 or 40mm dials.
I think I feel the same, have an almost 8 inch wrist so its not a meat to metal ratio thing, just a height to width thing relative to my tastes.
I might be a little more forgiving of those dimensions for a nice vintage piece.
NEVER liked their L2L, just doesn't make any sense. I believe if their L2L was around 44-46, it'd be spot on and worth a look, otherwise, I skip them....
H70455133 is a 38MM with 47MM lug to lug. I have thin wrist and it fits me perfect. It’s really a great well made, fitting and looking watch.
The 38mm Khaki watches have a lug to lug of 47mm. I've got 6 3/4 inch wrists & my Khaki field automatic fits me fine.
50mm l2l is so unnecessary on a 40mm diameter dial. Way too big for my tiny wrists. Those 38mm models with 47mm l2l sounds decent though. Too bad though, I think these Khaki King models are really nice.
i have the champagne dial version of this watch. it was my first swiss auto. I too have mixed feelings about this watch; i saw many videos praising it and thought I should love it too. after i got it, i watched one YTer who said he fixated on the numerals that were cut off by the day complication and that has ruined the watch for me.
Thanks for great content. Loved the tweed strap. Had not seen that before 🙂👍.
Perfect watch, sits great on the wrist, ultra legible with the day at the top of the dial it never gets obscured as happens when it's at "3". Mine is an older one, 28800 bph, I prefer it and the shorter power reserve isn't a problem. Had it a few years now and its my most worn watch and I have 20odd to choose from.
Would like it with a 6 or 3 o'clock date. Basically anywhere but where they've put it... Just looks off
I loved my Khaki King when I got it, but right when I took it out of the box the first thing i said was "This bracelet feels cheap". Its since been sold to a friend who wears it every day and is pretty much in love with it. So I guess its still a win.
I've own mine for over a year and I love it. It makes a great daily watch. It is frustrating though to have only two micro adjustments on the clasp. It's bizarre because there is plenty of room just to have drilled more holes which is something I've considered doing myself. And yes friend it looks like your date is misaligned. Mine does not have that issue. I don't find the lack of AR coating an obstacle but I do wish there was more loom . Great review as always!
I have 7.5 inch wrists, and I have 40mm watches. The case size is ok on this but the dial size was just too small for my liking. You certainly need macro zooming eyes to see the fine detail of the watch The khaki Murph at 42mm wears perfectly and that's the one I kept.
Dave, I think you are right about the other brands with better specs but what I feel that many people (including myself) sometimes forget to consider is the longevity of these watches (or any other product). Khaki king is no way near perfect but it is a tried and tested product that is known to last long. Also, it can be a good idea to give a long time ownership review of the microbrand watches.
I have the Champaign dial version on a bund strap, Fantastic watch. I hope to receive a knighthood soon, and this may be the watch I wear on the big day
I like the look of these Hamilton's but the lug to lug measurement is a deal breaker for me.
The watch looked amazing on those straps too! I'm sure they could shorten the lugs and make a perfect everyday watch. It's like a Day Date mixed with an explorer for me.
If you like it I say just go ahead and get it. On the bracelet you can barely notice the lugs
I was same with my khaki automatic was a grower, love it now my most worn watch
Got a Hamilton Khaki pilot (The Coop) and its my favourite watch. Got the Khaki Field King on my to buy list, but its a field watch, needs to be on leather strap not a bracelet.
The black version, H6445733, really hits the sweet point
This was my first Swiss automatic, have the older high beat movement, on a leather strap. Looks good on a nato too. Just don't like the crystal without AR. Haven't worn it in years.
Why not get the crystal swapped?
I have never particularly liked Hamilton.
Until I bought one. They’re very nicely made.
Ive had two different versions this one and now the 38 mm mechanical love the mechancal version way better, feels like it's barely on the wrist.
Lack AR coating is my one complaint about many Hamiltons. Still, my Blue Alpinist does not have AR and I still love it (though still wish it had some like the new Alpinists). I'd probably more likely wear it on a strap than bracelet, so the lack of many micro adjusts does not bother me. The 50m WR is annoying, but their regular field models have 100m WR, which is exactly what I want in a field watch. I don't need to dive, but I don't want to ever worry about it getting wet, nor worry if I want to swim with it. Maybe that's just me. Overall for the value, it's a pretty good offering, and the 80hr power reserves are just sweet.
Here in the future- 2023- looking at the face on my recently-purchased watch, Hamilton has reduced the number of sub-markings between the seconds. It’s clearly 4 in the video, and 2 on my watch. So instead of 0.2 seconds, it’s 0.333 seconds. This brings the tick-marks into alignment with the beat-rate of the movement so the second hand actually stops on every single tick-mark. The precision of this watch is top-tier. Not only is the timekeeping on mine accurate to with 12 seconds per month in the worst case, but the multiple features of the dial and the hands, including hacking, enable the watch to communicate high-precision readings to the observer. Even the day and date change together with a snap at 11:59pm. This watch punches well above its weight.
That's a really honest and useful review! Thank you, Dave!
I got the Khaki Field King about a year ago. I haven't worn it more than a few times. Don't know why but it just doesn't look great to me
I ordered a champagne dial Khaki King on a leather strap. I'm really excited for it to come in
Hail to the king !
I love this watch, I really do.
I even like the "downsides"
Thinness (for an automatic), time keeping accuracy (again, for an automatic), bracelet (I've never had good luck with leather bands) and aesthetics sold me on the Khaki King II. If I needed an extra "micro adjustment hole" I'd have put a micro drill in my drill press and added them. Wasn't necessary. I have a Seiko Solar of around 2005 that keeps astonishing time (+4 seconds PER MONTH) that I wear if there might be scratching (i.e.: fence work, tree felling, log splitting, lumber sawing, etc.), and for wet work I still have my beloved 1973 Hanowa 23 jewel mechanical Waterproof/Shockproof/Tritium" that is designed to get wet . . . and occasionally deep (I purchased it new in Geneva). Though I only snorkel and kayak, so If I get deeper than 50M I a already in big trouble and the time may not be my primary concern. I'm a 1 ATM kind of guy. Not 5, 20 or whatever "200 Vacuum Tested" that the Hanowa states might be. When Kayaking/sailing swimming lately I have my
I tried that same watch and other models on at Macy's and they never really struck a chord with me. They are nice just not for me. I think the Hamtun Nanok watch is actually a better version of this design with better dimensions. I do like the increased power reserve though! It does look good on your wrist also! Shame on Hamilton for their Lume though, especially as a field watch! Thanks for your honest review!
That “grooved” look is known as Azurage I believe. As for the watch, it’s nice enough but doesn’t do it for me. I much prefer the classic manual wind 38mm Khaki Field Mechanical.
I have to agree. I’m a big fan of Hamilton but their l2l is too long for my 6 1/2 in wrist. Is really too bad cause they make some of the best dials for field watches. I hope to get that khaki pilot pioneer mech.
Recently collected a Hamilton Khaki with Crown Guard. Old model but worth the buy.
I feel the same way. I have an Orient Kano and a Casio that I LOVE. And I have a Tissot and a nicer chronograph, which I just can’t connect with. I thought I would live Swiss watches. It’s strange.
I like how you said you have nicer watches you can't "connect" with. I felt the same way, but didn't think to articulate it that way.
Congratulations bro it’s a nice watch and great review.
This was a mini grail for me but I was a bit disappointed with it once I had it. The dial had some dust on it, which is terrible at this price. And the crystal was SO reflective that it spoilt the legibility in certain lights. I really wanted the bracelet version and I missed the "12" so should gone for the khaki field with the red tip on the seconds hand
I am beginning to think that one has to be lucky for a bracelet to fit really well, even with micro adjusts. No one makes custom-sized bracelets, probably cost prohibitive. Most of us when wearing them go slightly loose. On the other hand, I have found Michael Knapp Leather makes micro sized leather straps, (I have no monetization with them), so, well you know what to do.
I have a Hamilton Khaki Officer mechanical with a 4697 movement extremely steady movement. I don't think it lacks quality in any way.
I have a khaki day date and I'm 6.5" on the wrist, I hear you on the lugs and the lume is quite sad. My preferred is my khaki Navy pioneer watch. Wire lugs, and a cleaner look for me.
I like the bracelet on this one. It doesn't have the cut in the center links like the 38mm does.
This watch gets the most wrist time the any of my others. The only thing that is a minor annoyance to me is that the day/date changes over at 11:45pm instead of closer to midnight. Besides that the movement is great. It's a perfect, very versatile, everyday watch IMO.
Get a Hammy Scuba. It's a gorgeous brick that tells time. LOVE MINE!
For just a little bit more, you could have had a Traska, Freediver with 200 meters of water resistance and a specially treated stainless steel finish for the band and case. The Traska, Summiteer looks closer to an Explorer but has the same stainless steel treatment and 100 meters of water resistance, both have screw down crowns.
Traska is another kickstarter with a Seiko movement (I think). You cannot compare it to Hamilton which has true heritage and history, is Swiss made and overall one of the best received, relatively cheap brands out there.
Hoping to get a Hamilton Pilot Pioneer... check it out. 36mm, hand winding, short lugs, only 10mm tall... love it
I hate the crown guards, to me it makes it too bulky for me and the lack of water resistance hurts it for me. I'm considering it in the 42mm to make both of the problems go away.
My love affair with the Hamilton began in the 80s when I was in the military. My unit was small and specialized, no special forces BS, just that we had a special purpose. I was ordered to go to Central America to support the grunts and my boss gave me a Hamilton Khaki 38mm manual winding with a nylon strap. The lume was not great as you find out in the Khaki King, but the last thing I needed was a Seiko lume shinning at night in the jungle. We used red light to check our maps and our watches. The Hamilton took a beat and keep on ticking. When I was relieved I passed the Hamilton to my replacement. That Khaki was used and abused for years. I wore it about 4 more times on my 3-6 months tour in Central and South America. I was so impressed that I bought one and is still ticking. I am planning on getting the Hamilton King because it looks so dressy and it looks amazing with that Nomad strap. The micro adjustment os not a deal breaker for me cause I wear my watches loose. Outstanding review my friend, keep them coming. Best regards from San Juan, Puerto Rico, stay safe.
That's a cool story.
I was never a big fan of the cut-away situation for the day-date here. However, I'm still a big Hamilton fan. My H70515137 was one of my first autos five/six years ago and remains one of my favorites; like you said, Dave, its a very mature design despite its shortcomings (the lume especially).
Great quality watch, never did care for the crown guards
The Khaki “King” of Field watches has no real weaknesses within its purpose. It is not a dive watch, but you can swim and even light skin dive with it. My polished bezel is covered in scratches which only adds to the aesthetics.
I love my Khaki King. I was on the fence buying it due to the low water resistance, lack of AR coating and minimal lume, but I pulled the trigger anyway. To my surprise I really love the watch, it's the only watch I've been wearing since buying it 8 months ago. Some mornings I wind up one of my other 30 watches, thinking today might be a Seiko day or a Steinhart day or an Orient day, put my really nice Seiko Tuna on my wrist and right before I leave my house I change my mind at put on the Hamilton instead. I've never had that happen before with a watch.
The lack of AR coating is a non issue in real life, doesn't bother me at all. The lume is minimal, but even in the dead of night I'm able to tell the time and for a field watch it might actually be a bonus not having a torch of a watch strapped to your wrist. My only real gripe is the crappy WR, I hate that I can't just get in the pool with the kids - maybe I can, but not without worry - I wish they had made it 10 bar instead.. So the watch I shouldn't like according to the specs, but in reality hogs all the wrist time.
I purchased my first Hamilton which is my first Swiss watch, it is the blue Pan Europ. The watch is beautiful, great two straps and nice finishing. I got it for around 800 Euro which is a relatively good price, however the bezel does not line up properly, WR is only 50m, it is a low beat 3 hz movement with 80 hours of power reserve, it has AR coating, compared with the Alpinist priced a little bit lower it feels very similar, with few sharp edges to be completely honest. But really compared to some Orients I had this is nothing specially better, in some areas even worse. I am not a Swiss movement snob so maybe this movement is better than what Orients have, it is still 15 second per day faster why my Orients were all around 5 seconds as I can regulate them myself. I believe we pay for the design we like.
The khaki field will be my next watch to purchase. I'll likely get the bracelet and buy a dark leather strap to switch.
Look at the 42mm pilot day date aka the cooper