Buying Your First Swiss Watch? - Why Hamilton Is The Best Under $500 + Unboxing The Ultimate Khaki
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- Whether you're looking to buy your first high quality, Swiss-made watch, or searching for something unique, historically or horologically important, or simply in the market for something cool, new or vintage to add to your existing collection, Hamilton tops the list for watches under $500. So what do they offer compared to the many heavyweight Swiss brands in this price range? In today's video I share my top picks from Hamilton's new collections, including the Khaki Mechanical 38 Manual Wind, the Khaki Automatic, and the Khaki King, and why I believe these are the perfect affordable, Swiss made, everyday, do-it-all watches. I discuss the rich, illustrious history of Hamilton, their many horological innovations and vast array of designs, and sweet spots in the vintage market. I also share an unboxing of a rare vintage watch I managed to score for a bargain (just under $300) to highlight the kind of lost gems you can still find in 2022, and why it's one of the ultimate field watches out there-and an absolute strap monster. Join me for a Hamilton extravaganza and personal love letter to a brand that's very close to my heart.
Get your #wristwatchcheck tee and more Urban Gentry official merch:
the-urban-gent...
Check out The Urban Gentry Amazon storefront for items featured in my videos. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases:
www.amazon.com...
Follow The Urban Gentry on Instagram:
/ theurbangentrychannel
Join us on Facebook to get your watch or Gentry related questions answered, and engage with some of the community beyond RUclips:
/ 1503241666636531
Thank you to Watchsteez for images of the Hamilton Thin-O-Matic:
watchsteez.com
Thank you for watching The Urban Gentry channel, home of the #wristwatchcheck and # seikosaturday! Check out my other videos for more watch and lifestyle content.
#unboxing #watches #strapmonster #hamilton
As a guy who has spent close to thirty years as a logistics guy for the DOD (23+ years Air Force and 6+ years with DLA), LOVE seeing the national stock number on the back of that gorgeous watch!
Think I’ll ask my unit to order one for me!
Man I love Hamilton, in fact, my family owns a mirror which was made out of a window pane from the old Hamilton factory in Lancaster! And now, attending college in Lancaster, even though the factory no longer stands, it is really cool to be in a town with such American watch history. (And of course, there is a watch shop right down the road which sells Hamilton watches… and omega :))
Hamilton is easily my favorite and most sentimental watch brand. I remember as a fresh into the world, 19 year old, seeing a Hamilton Ventura at a mall jewelry store and it catching my eye. It was the first time a watch really caught my attention. It was the first time I had that pining for one and it sparked a lifelong interest in watches and horology. My biggest passion is for film, so I have always appreciated Hamilton's cinematic ties. Aside from that, they seem to have found the perfect balance of heritage, quality and timeless style, without being gaudy, unobtainable expensive, over-indulgent or pretentious. My first automatic, which is still my most worn watch, is my Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic, (on a black and gray NATO, of course), which is an absolutely perfect time piece. Presently, I am setting aside some money to buy an Intra-Matic as my first chronograph.
The Intra-Matic is absolute class. So glad there are Gentry out there who adore cinema as much as me.
Thank you for the comment and support, onwards and upwards my friend!
Best regards,
TGV
I’m 20 here, and I was finally able to save up and get my first watch…The Khaki Field Auto! Haha. Got it last month. Currently on the bracelet but in 2 weeks I’ll get a khaki nato and a gray one 😁
Nailed it. The Hamilton Khaki was my first Swiss made watch and if I didn’t have the watch bug, it would have been easy to stop there. Great recommendation and great new addition to your collection.
I just got the 36mm Pilot Pioneer Mechanical. The W10 reissue. What a beautiful watch. Very happy with it.
In my bumpy journey 'hunting' for a vintage Hamilton Khaki mil-spec GG-W-113, and after a few bad experiences,
I was able to find a Benrus GG-W-113 from 1967 which is the military-Vietnam-war version of the Steve McQueen Bullitt wristwatch. 😎
... and for just a bit more than 500 €.
Speaking of Hamilton, well I was also lucky to put the hand on a vintage Lancaster Hamilton Automatic Chronograph, Ref. 9304.
Those are two of my best watch experiences. Beautiful pieces... and their values continue to increase.
Looking back what a journey... with a happy ending.
As an owner of 3 Hamilton watches, I must say, that I agree with you. I would say Tissot is a close 2nd. What’s your take for 2nd place?
I have owned a Hamilton Khaki Field 42 auto on the brown leather strap for over a year @ £365 discounted and it's my regular beater watch. Maybe I'm lucky, but it keeps excellent time being rarely more than +1 secs a day overall in a rotation on my wrist, a watch winder or laid static for a day or two crown up. Highly recommend.
Hamilton was my first Swiss watch and fell into it without any real knowledge of their history. This was 3 years ago. I now own four Hammies and love each and every one of them. Such value and variable style with tremendous history(which I am now aware of). Truly a great stepping stone into horological market.
My nomination for best Swiss watch under $500 is the Tissot PR-100, I love that watch.
Just ordered one!👍
Hamilton is an excellent recommendation. I'm surprised you haven't looked at the Khaki Team Earth Harrison Ford edition, it's a Khaki with elements from the Hanhart pilot watches that you like.
WOW, I have never heard of this, this is AMAZING!!!!
Thank you so much for the heads up.
Best regards,
TGV
I JUST received my Hamilton H70455553 (seen @ 19:36 ) today! Wearing at work as we speak. Wanted a do it all tool watch with a date for work. I was hesitant about the silver dial, but not wanting to get a typical black dial, I sprung for it. I must say, the photos do not do this silver dial justice. 80hr power reserve to boot!
Can’t do better for under $500. Definitely a certified strap monster ;)
Here in Blighty, if you're willing to go vintage, I think the greatest Swiss bargains are classically-sized 9ct gold dress watches. You can pick them up all day long for £200-300, factor in £120-200 for a service and the total price is still under £500. Rotary and Accurist are probably the most competitively priced as they have solid Swiss movements, often AS, but lack brand prestige because they've gone so far downmarket today.
These watches were often given to employees as long service gifts by companies so supply is abundant. I have and love two which are from the 70s, both with subseconds and such conservative styling they could have been made in the 60s. A Longines with a champagne dial and a J.W. Benson with linen dial (Queen Victoria's jeweler later acquired by Garrards). I also love the personal history of the inscriptions on the back and the nostalgia for an age where people worked for one company and the company valued them, albeit in a paternalistic way.
Hugo continues to massively crack me up every time he makes an appearance. In his voice and attitudes he bears an uncanny resemblance to an awful guy I was as school with. It may come as a surprise to some viewers but Hugo really isn't much of an exaggeration - there are people out there just like him!
My father received a Ventura he had ruminated on forever for his 30th anniversary, I hope to pick up an Intra-Matic when our 1st child is born, our family loves Hamilton.
My favorite Swiss watch under $500 is without a doubt the Glycine Combat Sub. Although if you do a little searching,there are several nice Tissot watches in that price range ( I bought a brand new Tissot luxury powermatic 80 for under $300 ! )
Where from 😳
@@miniganguly6072 I think it was from Ashford , it was a little over a year ago check their prices they constantly change but they have some really good deals on discontinued watches
My combat sub bronze broked, the sellita movement brokes inside without any cause.
Came for the Hamilton and stayed for the Mobb Deep!
Totally agree with you on Hamilton at this price! I love my brown dial, green strap version and I got it on Jomashop for only $375!!
New to Watc h collecting . 14 watches the first year. Then I discovered t this channel. I watch you morre than .most channels. Just ordered my first Tissot, and a better seiko 5 . Love the reviews...I've learned a lot the last few months. Tha k you for helping me make better choices .
Keep them coming.
All the best...
4 months ago a bought my 42mm Kakhi field Auto and I'm loving every tick of it.
My favorite watch k own is my Hamilton khaki field mechanical. I bought it my grandpa said he had one almost identical to yours in Vietnam so it has that sentimental value too. Great video as always TGV thanks again.
Was thinking of saving this episode for my commute tomorrow, but couldn’t wait. Along with a SKX, a Hamilton should be part of everyone’s watch collection. Great review.
I agree with the SKX in every collection. I do not have one yet. Since its been discontinued though, I have been heavily eyeing the LIW Islander to take up the spot the SKX would have taken up.
You can also replace a SKX with an Orient Ray/Kamasu
Haha, I save these videos for when I'm working on excel or PowerPoint haha. I agree with your watch picks too. I want to add the G Shock to the list of must haves. Yes it is digital but the price point, the design choices, the history of it and it's power as a brand make it a great addition to any collection.
Yes, and it stays faithful to the SKX case design but with some nice upgrades.
Absolutely, and both part of the house of Seiko.
I just added the new version of the Pulsar to my collection. What a fun watch! I find myself needlessly checking the time because pushing that button so cool. Also love my Mil-spec Khaki which reminds me of my late ‘80s Army service. Another great review TGV!
Right on!!! I have several Hamilton field watches, 3 newer mechanicals, an automatic and two military issues. Great watches all!
The mention of the problems with the post office reminded me of a situation from a few months ago. I had ordered a Casio, and it was shipped in an envelope similar to the on yours came in. It was marked as delivered, but never made it off the truck. It showed up the next day, obviously opened, and badly re-sealed. I guess the mail person thought they had a score, but were unpleasantly surprised.
I've been collecting watches for some time. I really don't research them, i just buy what I like. I bought my first Hamilton. I bought the Intra-Matic Chrono men's H38416160. it's not a $500 watch. But I've waited for this watch for some time. Green face polished band and casing. it's such a beautiful piece. I've never been happy. It's also caught attention when I've worn it out. Everyone seems to love this watch. your opinion on this watch. Either way I am so happy with my Hamilton.
One of my clients last week was wearing a Hamilton. I complimented him on it. He had it over 25yrs, wore it just about every day, the thing looked gorgeous.
My first “real” watch was a Khaki King in 2013. I’ve since bought several vintage ones, and a Ventura for my wife. They are the true workhorses of my collection. Even the vintage ones, including a ‘70s automatic, are reliable.
My Hamilton khaki pearl harbour edition is probably my most worn watch. Dress up or down always looks good.
I'm wearing the Hamilton Viewmatic (H32515555) shown at 10:20 right now! I got it about two years ago and it has served me well. I don't see it featured in much watch content online so this was a welcome surprise!
I was just thinking about picking one of these up, when on youtube to see if you had made a video about it, and discovered that you did today🤣 Sounds like fate to me!
Absolutely Not going too far matching the outfit with the time piece, I do it all the time and to be honest IDC what other people think. I love your channel and I hardly ever comment but I think you are an asset to youtube. Thank you for your dedication and keeping us up to date on the watch world. I recently watch one of your videos on ten things not to do to a watch and I really appreciate it I have a bad habit of winding my watches while they are on my wrist but will not do that anymore after watching your video it was an Eye opener. God bless.
These vintage Hamiltons are still incredibly undervalued. I picked up a full set, new-old-stock, 9415A for only 120 usd !!!
Glycine remains my goto pick for under 500$. My Airman GMT is one of the most reliable and dare I say good looking watches I own to this day. The value proposition is simply unbeatable imho.
YESSSSSSSSSS!!! Deffo high on my list, hence the little nod to them during the logo montage shot.
I will return to them hopefully next year, Excellent nomination, thank you!
Best regards,
TGV
I purchased the "Interstellar" a week after your presentation on your channel, sold or exchanged many watches but that one is a keeper, live long and prosper
Absolutely LOVE my 42mm auto. It's my only Swiss made watch, but I'm damn proud of it!
I've still yet to get my first Hamilton. I think the Khaki Auto 38 is the way to go. The Khaki King is also a safe pick, but contrary to my general taste I'm not a big fan of the crown guards on this one.
Same me, and I don't even know why. Just bough TAG, told myself it has to be Hamilton Aviaton, seems it has to grow bit more in me...
Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, the field watch reminds me of my first childhood watch and I've outgrown the look of the Hamilton field watch.
I can appreciate the history and the important part in the wars they supplied watches for although these watches aren't for me
Love the intro with Hugo the message behind it is nice. TGV is independent and his reviews are entertaining there's no one besides him in charge. Been a fan for a while. People who hate on the internet have are just ridiculous.
Hamilton is an absolutely killer first Swiss watch. Although over $500, but Khaki Aviation Pilot Day Date Auto (AKA "Cooper") is a brilliant watch and highly accurate, gaining only 61 seconds total in the first 2 months of ownership. A friend picked up the Khaki King as his first mechanical watch, and enjoys it, along with some other watches he's since purchased. My preference would be for the black dial Khaki Field Auto with its versatility/every day wearability, but the hand-wound Khaki Field mechanical is a great low key option as well. My father was gifted a Hamilton for his high school graduation by my grandparents in the '60s, so I am glad to have a Hamilton in the collection now.
Totally agree. I love my Khaki King champagne dial. It's fantastic on so many different straps. I even bought the bracelet for it separately which is nice but usually wear it on leather.
You called your knife the "Flint Lock"....I have the very same knife, but I'm pretty sure it was called the "Russ Lock" when I got mine, or did Case change the name perhaps? Oh, and I love my Hamilton Khaki field watch!!! I'm currently on the hunt for an SKX007 as my next watch purchase. I know they are outdated compared to today's models, but there's something about the SKX that just draws me in. Keep up the good work TGV!!!
I am loving wearing my Grandfather’s vintage Hamilton!
I bet its stunning, nothing like a family heirloom like that, and it being a Hamilton!
Pure class. Thank you for sharing that, enjoy!
Best regards,
TGV
Holy Mother of Godd, that Cartier piece looks divine Sire. Impeccable taste.
I don't know why but when I first started collecting watches I gravitated towards Hamilton Watches. I knew they were at one time an American co. and I loved all the different watches. I ended up owning five Hamiltons. I gave one to each of my sons and one to my wife. My favorite is the Khaki field mechanical. It is so cool to manually wind it and it keeps great time. It's a company with such great heritage. The Swatch Group is a good fit for Hamilton. Thanks for another great video. Don't turn your back on Hugo.
My 42mm Khaki auto has really gone to the ends of the earth with me and is still doing well. My Ironman went to war and back but it is now retired and resting nicely. The Khaki is almost as thick as the leather band that holds it together...fabulous
As a glasses wearer for 30 years, I have long used old glasses cases for watch storage, the cleaning cloths come in handy too! Love the history you cover in your videos, keep up the good work!
I do this too!
Hahaha loved the wall street sketch, my favourite film 😂 I’ve always loved Hamilton and my khaki king .
My first watch was Hamilton Khaki Mechanical, and its been a staple on my wrist ever since.
👏👏👏 What a classy place to start.
LOVE IT.
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
A good friend of mine's Father was presented with a white gold Hamilton upon graduation from the US Navel Academy at Annapolis back in the 1940s still runs and looks brand new.
I'm about 8+ watches deep into this hobby already, but just picked up my first swiss piece today -- A Hamilton Khaki King on bracelet.
👏👏👏👏 Excellent choice, congrats.
Thank you for sharing that.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry Thanks -- It is also funny with watches. I actually went in for the Khaki Field Auto 38, but after trying both of them on, there was just something about the King that spoke to me.
I'm wearing one right now and it's been my main watch for 4 months :)
👏👏👏
Thank you my friend.
Best regards,
TGV
Still loving that Santos, huh? For good reason...pure class!
I have several Hamiltons and I am a big fan of them. There are still quite a few I'd be happy to add to my collection.
My Khaki Mech is by far my favorite watch in my collection. A true icon!
TGV, this video caught me wearing my Khaki F Mechanical. Which I bought on account of seeing your review of it with that awesome pacific theatre intro blasting Starship Troopers soundtrack.
Many people associate you with Seiko but for me this is channel is as much a home to Hamilton ❤️.
Never change!
An upper class T Rex, who would have thought how funny Hugo could be. Nice one TGV
hello again from Macau, history rich video once again, and reading the comment section it looks like you've hit close to the heart for this one. As pure as it gets in a world of growing watch snoberies and investment pieces.
I remember when a Hamilton watch caught my eye. I was working late and looking at watches as I took a break for dinner. I was already interested in watches and owned a Seiko 5 that I loved and still do love. I saw the Khaki King though (I think while watching one of your or Marc's videos actually) and it caught my eye immediately. The price tag was painful at the time, especially after I looked up watch service prices, but I thought that once I could get this watch, I'd know I had made it.
Well, a little while ago I got it! It's a stunning watch and it runs great. But more importantly, even though it's easy to get caught up in what I don't have or where I'd like to be, this watch reminds me to look back and enjoy how far I've come too.
Hasn't stopped ticking since I opened the box :)
Had one in titanium for a couple of months. More than 500 notes but I love it.
I bought your 39mm khaki auto that you sold a year it two ago. Still wear it all the time, it's a great watch! Need to add one of the mil spec ones to the collection soon for sure.
Almost bought a Hamilton field watch but in the under $500 category nothing beats the Switch Watch Company Bunker. It is titanium, SW200 movement and absolutely amazing lume. After seeing this video I may now have to also buy a Hamilton based upon the history of the company which no one can present as good as TGV. I love your term "horological punch!"
I love Hamilton. The first Swiss watch I ever bought (and one of the few) was a Hamilton Navy Pioneer in 41mm with an ETA 2495 movement. I had it for years, but traded it in. Then I had a 46mm pilot for a while (too large) and then a Khaki automatic field watch in 38mm.
Love the brand and the looks. But why do they always cock up their crystals? The new Pilot 36 that came out? Mineral. The Khaki automatic 38 that I had? A mirror. Much like the pilot day-date 46.
I wish they would ask 50 bucks more and put AR coated sapphire, domed, boxed, flat, on all of their watches. Or acrylic. But non-AR coated sapphire or mineral crystals? That's just not on.
So I'd love to have a Hammie field watch again, I'm waiting for one with the right glass.
Hamilton khaki king definitely on my radar, nice understated winner. Great video sir, thank you
I bought 2 Khaki Fields this year. One black dial with pvd case, one beige dial with silver case. My grandfather's watch battery on his casio died, so I gave him the silver case. He'll never run into the same problem and with a military history it wasn't too hard to get him to "rob" me for it lol. Great watches and perfect first buys for Swiss enthusiasts. You won't find a mechanical at a better price for the quality.
TGV, Just the bits with your lizardly friend are worth the price of admission. Following it up with captivating topics is just icing on the cake
After some time of buying my Khaki mechanical I went on buying remorse…then gradually my interest picked up again then comes this episode which made that at full 100% recharge!
Hamilton, Longines and Tissot are the best value for money brands out there.
Another option would be Tissot. Great vid as always!
Absolutely!
Maybe my second choice,
Thank you my friend,
Best regards,
TGV
Hamilton Khaki Auto was my first mechanical watch after agonizing for months at what I would get. I chose it 4 years ago for all the reasons mentioned here (and also because of TGV’s glowing endorsements over the years).
Great profile of the brand with a field watch focus. Awesome video.
Had to think about this for a bit, but TGV, I believe you nailed it.
I recently picked up the Khaki King in champagne dial and put it on a dark brown, Horween leather strap. It looks great with anything from a suit to shorts and T-shirt. It’s an incredible watch for barely over $400 new.
Excellent work TGV! Thank you.. by the way.. Marc is the maker of one of your travel cases.. very best to you!
Frank in Colorado
I remember that when the film Pearl Harbour came out in 2001 there was a big campaign for the Hamilton khaki as both Affleck and Hartlett wore it in the film.
TGV your research, editing and communication skills are brilliant! I always learn so much from your work!
Just purchased a Khaki King yesterday. Thank you for the insight on Hamilton's history. I purchased a used one for just over 300 US. Excellent value
👏👏👏👏
Enjoy. Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
I’m gonna be sycophantic also and express my amazement at how professional your presentation has become! And what in the world odd you feed Hugo to get that big! Lol cheers TGV😅
Yes, I think that Hamilton is a brand that generates enthusiasm no matter how “upscale” a watch collector gets. I have the Dillinger pocket watch in the same case you showed plus to LL Bean variants of the field watch and the 7750 based chronograph. And a modern Pan Europ chronograph. Keep up the good work.
I still love my Hamilton 'Cooper Interstellar'. Hamilton's a great brand with great provenance.
Watching this episode made me dig in a box and dig out my dive watch given to me when I graduated Marine Corps Combat Dive School in Panama City Beach, FL in 1997. It is a Stocker and Yale P650 mil Spec H3. I was shocked to do some research and find out how rare and still valuable it is. It doesn’t work but needs a new battery.
Love my white dial khaki field mechanical. As you like to say, it is an absolute strap monster. Gains less than a second a day and looks great in most situations. It’s a keeper.
Excelent recommendation, love your videos, a fan from México here, i have so much respect for hamilton, love my khaki aviation.
I am THIS close to getting my first Hamilton. Can't wait. Thanks, TGV.
Do it, you won't be disappointed
I just saw the listing you where you bought this. Wow! You got such a steam! Congrats!!
Hamilton was my first ever Swiss Made watch.
I've always wanted a hand-wind field watch that can take some sporting abuse, so I've decided a Khaki H69409930 is affordable enough to scratch this itch without worrying on quality or if it will break.
I liked the video before you started talking about the watch. The T-Rex is such a good addition to your videos...
Well done, TGV. My everyday watch is a Hamilton Khaki Field King Quartz... incredibly accurate and unpretentious. Got it a little over two years ago for less than $250.
That intro😆🙌
I have the two interstellar models.. I love them both 🙌🏻
I have a Hamilton field khaki 42mm with brown leather strap. Very nice all around watch.
Hugo's intros are the best I swear 😂🦖
No doubt one of the best option. But I am glad I went the off beaten path. I got my first mechanical watch, and a Swiss made in that, a Serica 4512 WMB. Yes, a microbrand that I supported very early on, bought it during first batch. Was considering Khaki field, but immediately changed my mind once I stumbled upon this unknown watch from an relatively unknown microbrand. Love at first sight. Saving up to buy my first dive watch next, which is going to be Serica 5303 :D
Well, this is one hell of a coincidence. Yesterday (9/14) I'd just bought my first watch⌚️ ever....the Hamilton Khaki King Automatic for $345. This is the BEST purchase validation I could have ever hoped for 🤣
Great video. I often tell people that my Hamilton Khaki X-Patrol is the watch featured in the worst Die Hard movie in the franchise.
Also, irregardless isn't a word.
Buying k.king ,hope it' lives up to the hype
I have a 1988 Mil-W-46374D. I bought this model specifically last year as it is my birth year watch. I will be wearing it to work later!
Amazing find, what an excellent way to celebrate your birth year. Enjoy.
Thank you Stefus,
Best regards,
TGV
My first Swiss automatic mechanical was a second hand Mondaine Day Date Swiss Railway Watch on a Milanese strap costing £215 ($245), my second was a Hamilton Khaki Air Race GMT again an Ebay purchase £400 ($455) both with Box and papers.
Another great video TGV, I just recently bought my first Hamilton on a trip to Switzerland, I chose the limited edition Chrono Matic 50, my first automatic mechanical chronograph. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to purchase another example from this great brand. Cheers.
Couldn't agree more with your comments for this iconic brand. Still have my Hamilton Khaki (black titanium) in my collection ... great video!
I was changing the strap on my Hamilton "Murph" when this video popped up!
I stepped it up to a champagne dial Khaki King for my first Swiss, no regrets about the bigger spend
Love, ive just bought one for work, well impressed