I have a 42mm day/date variant and it’s just stunning. Wish it had a screw down crown but that is in no way a deal breaker. It’s my daily driver at work.
Now you’re talking, Jody! I own a number of these Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanicals, of different vintages. My favourites are the ones with the ETA 2824-2 movements due to the smooooth sweep of the seconds hand. They offer great value on the used market, where you can still pick them up sub $300 (even though they are becoming harder to find). I am currently wearing my black dial on a vintage green NDC elastic strap and it looks like a million bucks. Thanks for the review!
I finally got this one last weekend. I love it. A lot of charm, so far very accurate (like a half a second off per day, seriously half), long-lasting lume. Very legible and simple. I'm recommending this on every video review. If you want a classic field watch with a long history, and if it's in your price range, get one.
100% true about the accuracy - my one runs at 1 second slow per WEEK! It’s way more accurate than my Rolex’s, Omega’s and the same accuracy as my Casio digitals. Possibly my favourite watch.
Weird about the accuracy, mine is spot on. I've had it for months and I'm not sure if its slow or fast. The weird part is that I put mine on a timegrapher and it ran awful, +30 in some positions, -20 in others, I think the average was +16 but somehow it doesn't matter in real life.
Thanks for this review video of this latest Khaki Mechanical which incidentally is the exact field watch I had picked up sometime in the summer of 2019. It has returned a steady -2s/d accuracy and the lume typically, in my experience, could lasts through out the night with no issue distinguishing neither the hour markers nor the hands. Additionally, with the extremely practical 80-hour power reserve, this military field watch makes a very decent daily wear.
I'm a Hamilton fan, they offer great finishing and quality at a reasonable price. Other watches cost less, but I've found finishing, and feel suffers because of cost cutting.
I’ve really gotten into the field watches. I bought a Timex Expedition Scout 2 days ago and my gf got me the one with the 42 mm Chrono for Christmas. Also got a Seiko one coming from Japan.
I totally agree with you on the strap. I also live at a country with hot climate and that is why i got it on the green nato.. i wanted to add in my collection the best (for me) field watch and i went with that beauty.. i put it on my wrist once every couple of months and i always fall for it.. Keep up the awesome vids
I have SNZG15J! I do love its double-deck dial! For 35USD I have swapped the 7S movement to NH36. I just can't be any happier! I have a complete automatic mechanical watch with hacking and hand-winding! it also has 45 hours power reserved for less than 160USD!
I got this about one month ago. It’s a great looking watch. It’s very accurate, love to be able to stop the second hand. Easy to read. I am however, not seeing the 80 hrs power reserve. I enjoyed winding it every night before going to bed.
Got this one a month ago on super sale at JimaShop - it had a tiny scratch in the case back - and I love it. I got the anodized in brown, so it's super stealthy. Sucker for hand crankers and this one is nice. I love the style, love the history and the vintage size. The only down side are the lugs. I have it on a leather 2 piece strap and there's a but if a gap between the strap and the body of the case. Less an issue with a NATO, but a little startling for a 2 piece. That said, it makes using a NATO much easier. This is a perfect field watch.
Great, honest review, as ever, Jody. Since you asked, I’m pleased with my smaller Seiko SNK809 as my mechanical field watch as well as my tan 40 mm Timex Expedition Scout (TWC001200) as my quartz field watch. For a little pizzazz, I purchased the awesome Timex Allied LT field-style chronograph (TW2T33100VQ) (gave the band to my daughter) and now I have three, great go-to field watch options, in three sizes, for any day instead of one that’s so expensive that I’d be afraid to take it into the field. Thanks to your channel, I’m always on the lookout for value options. ...and I always check Joma Shop first!
Love the style ! However... I went with the Glycine Combat AM GL0239. Black face with the faux-tina hands/markers for 279$ through Drop. They had me at crown guards...
Field watches are my favorite flavor. It's hard to beat the legibility and classic style. I started with the timex expidition the jumped to the Seiko SNZG. I recently picked up a Citizen bm8180 as kind of a winter beater watch since my gshock 5600 doesn't fit under the cuff when wearing several winter layers. The Hamilton sure is nice, but those four watches I mentioned together cost less than this little hand winder so I don't have any regrets and I doubt a hammy is in my foreseeable future.
The Seiko SNZG 11 I've had over 2 years and is still gets the most day to day wrist time. The Hamilton is a classic but the Seiko is the King for me and you can replace the crystal if you can't live without sapphire and still spend less. Thanks for the sharing!
I went directly buying this field Hammy, I’ve got not much experience of other field watches, but I really loving this Hamilton Khaki Field. The fantastic powerreserve and other complications makes this watch a great value watch, it really belongs among the entry level of swiss made luxury watches!👌🏻😉 Great video Jody, you have a fantastic concept!👏🏻🤩
Great watch. I own the earlier version without the 80hr power reserve. Mine comes on the green fabric nato. I would just add that if your planning on wearing this on a two piece strap, the lugs are quite long, and the lug holes are a long way from the case, so you end up with a big gap between case and strap, which won’t be to everyone’s liking.
I bought this watch yesterday after having my eye on one for a couple of years. It doesn't disappoint and I could still read the lume at 5am. I'm on the last hole on the strap so if you're under 6.5" you might have to make another hole. Well recommended 👌
Working on getting one of these soon. Really like the look of the leather nato as well, and will likely order it with that. Looks like it could use some leather dressing, and likely darken it. Over time that leather will patina nicely along side the watch itself. Lovely! One of my favourite channels. Thank you for the excellent content!
Love the brand. Love their watches, I have the regular version of this watch that has non-yellowed lime, a black dial and the H50. I snagged it when Jomashop first introduced them for $283! Now they’re going for $348, so glad I got one early! I’m about a year away from graduation from college and would love to work for Hamilton!
If you’re immune to brand snobbery (I’m not, I must admit) this Hamilton plus a few spare straps can be your only Monday to Friday watch for many years.
Nice video and you make an important point on the "no glare" aspect. A true field watch, imho, must have a curved crystal, and a non-shiny case. A flat crystal can reflect the sun and give away your position to the enemy. We used to wear our g-shocks on nylon/velcro straps that covered the entire watch when not in use. One drawback, to read the time you need to peal the velcro back, usually making enough noise to wake your enemy.
was going to go for this one a while back, specifically the earlier model with non modified ETA movement and nicer 4Hz sweeping seconds. Ended up with microbrand Timefactors PRS 29A Smiths watch, similar aesthetic with some improved specifications (100m water resistance, more antimagnetic, C3 superluminova).
I have the ETA Hamilton, and a Smiths PRS 29 as well - the white dial Air Ministry version which has the same case as the 29a. I like it but having got used to the superbly comfortable-to-wind crown on the Hamilton, the Smiths feels terrible, and a chore to wind!
@@dustycups that is true that the winding of the PRS 29 is a genuine drawback, I never know when it is fully wound. would have liked the air ministry version, the blued hands look great.
Agreed, owned several Khaki and have no complains. 80 hrs reserve, saphire, E.T.A mov., classic style and excellent accuracy. A 40mm mechanical would be just in the middle.
Great video Jody of a truly classic field watch. I have the brown dialed version with the ETA 2801-2 movement and I love this watch. I am very much the field watch kind of guy as I have 4 of them that fit that category and one diver, but I always trend towards the smaller field watch. I purchased my Hamilton from Jomashop for an insane price of $309.00 which you can't beat anywhere I have looked and love their service. Thanks again, Brian.
I had a version of this. The one supposedly with the same lugs as Seiko Alpinist. It's good but for some reason I didnt click with it. And the lugs arent the same. Ended up giving it to my dad since his seiko 5 is old and has issues. This should be solid for several years
I have this watch and it's one of my faves and I don't find it too small on my 7.5 inch writs. Hamilton were one of the brands chosen to provide field watches to the US military, and this is essentially a "reissue" of one of those Vietnam era watches. There are differences of course (slightly bigger, sapphire, movement) but the spirit and design is very close to the original. Yes, it's a resold brand, but the brand still has heritage and it's nice to have a field watch made by the brand that made the originals (like Laco and Fleigers). Mine runs much better than COSC, so I lucked out there. The winding feel and sound is lovely. It's a great throw-on watch; accurate, long reserve, discreet and if it does need setting, it doesn't have a date window so it's quick. If it gets nicks in it, it will just add to the vintage look.
I want a Hamilton someday, think I'd go for a Jazzmaster. Funny enough though, I do have both the Seiko and Timex that you recommended as substitutes. Love them both! The Seiko is my daily for work, and I haven't scratched it yet. ... *knocks on wood*
I have the Hamilton Khaki Auto 38. Its quickly becoming one of my favorite watches. Slapped it on a Strapcode Super Oyster and it just made it leaps and bounds better. Thanks for the video Jody!
I love these watches. I have the Black PVD variant. It’s amazing. I’m pretty sure that these don’t have any AR coating as much as I really want that to be the case. I can still read the time just fine on mine no problem. I feel like getting this variant hahaha
Don’t blame you. I have a 42mm day/date variance and it’s by far my favorite watch. Still...I keep circling this manual wind. Just so clean and timeless.
Go Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California! Well done.. now I went to New York Institute of technology.. but spend lots of time in SLO. Beautiful! Frank in Colorado
I love my Hamilton Khaki Field Watch. It is a great value for the quality. I have a Seiko 5, like you showed at the end of the video, and it is nice, but I love my Hamilton Better! Keep up the great work and keep the Videos coming.
I’m certainly eyeing one of these to add to my collection at some point but not as a field watch.... maybe as a faux field casual Friday office watch..... my true field watch is a $40 Timex expedition....predawn hunting or fishing in the cold or muck it’s a much more sensible choice really.....
You can get Khakis for a lot less than MSRP, so they can be a bargain if you take the time to shop around. (I got a mechanical w/ date for $300, half of retail.) Check the specs before you buy: they don't all have the same power reserve, don't all have AR, don't all have the same lume, etc.
i bought a gray market hamilton automatic watch on jomashop some years back tempted by the huge discount (almost $300). i have no regrets. watch is still running strong and looking good. i sometimes wonder about "too good to be true" discount but i figure i'll give them another shot with the watch presented in this video (or similar).
Likely a silicon escapement with a larger mainspring barrel. I have a Powermatic 80 (automatic version). The power reserve is pretty cool... They’ve also got cheaper Khakis, starting at roughly $250...
Great review of one of my favorites in my collection. With a 6.75”/17cm wrist, I would actually prefer a 36mm version, but I doubt that it will,happen…I can’t believe that everyone considers these small at 38mm!…the original Khakis were 33mm!
The best value field watch, admittedly quartz, is the Lorus RXF41AX7 LNP, which is still on sale from one of my favourite UK ebay sellers for £23 delivered; 100 metres water resistance, Lumibrite, dimensions of 37mm x 44mm lug to lug and a superbly reliable watch. Probably the most under-rated watch available anywhere -Cadisen Conquest at £30 delivered excepted, of course. Given the above I cannot see me ever venturing towards a Hamilton. Certainly the watch matches its brief but always seems to lack "Wow." For a few pounds more I think I would be looking at the Christopher Ward C65 Trident Vintage - now that really ticks the boxes. Lovely review as always. Thanks.
Beautiful little watch if a little pricey. Manual wind is a draw for me but would prefer 8 beat version as you have the pleasure of winding more often! San Martin provide better value imo with their pilot watches which to be honest can double up as field watches as v similar dial design. $151 for a 39mm with NH35 or $219 for the 42mm that you reviewed with a new high beat Chinese PT5000 - apparently Chronometer tested by Glashutte!
Nice to hear from you Jody. Clear #1 Aussie watch reviewer. No doubt you've heard of Horology House issues. Glad we have you around to keep things on track.
Yeah this watch. Have my eyes on it for at least six months! But price (430€ in 🇦🇹) is an obstacle for me. I already have a tiny (as I call it) Seiko SNK in my collection, which looks better (blue dial!) The leather Nato strap on this Hami looks really good though!
I got a seiko SNZG for $75 during the black friday sale and i like it better than the SNK, slightly larger and 100m water resistance. the lume is better than the SNK as well
Seiko SNK803, SNK805, SNK807, and SNK809 are 36mm running on a 7s26 and can be purchase for under $100.00 I bought my SNK805 on Ebay for $54.00 a few years ago. Still ticking!
I got myself the Hamilton Khaki King Scuba and have worn it every day for just about 3 years now! Although the dial still screams field watch, I think it's one of the best dive watches for $400. I definitely expect it to last me another 4 years at least before I want something more!
Hey Jody, great Video! The first watch I bought roughly 3 years ago was one of those Seikos you showed at the end of the Video. Last year, I decided to upgrade to the 'real deal' Hamilton Khaki field mechanical (white dial) with the 80h power reserve and I love it! The water resistancy is my only real complaint, but otherwise it's a great choice for under 500€. Continue the great content, and greetings from Germany!!!
I was in the US Army from 1/67 to 12/69, including a tour in Vietnam as an infantry sgt. I was never issued a field watch, nor do I even remember wearing one while overseas. We got our time from the command post on our PRC-25 radios. So where did the idea that troops were issued watches come from?
This was a ww2 watch and plenty of Vietnam vets picked up seikos while in SE Asia. In fact I believe that’s when seiko started to have a connection with America culture
I got the 38mm khaki field auto as I preferred the look of it. It’s a great watch apart from the bracelet just can’t get it to fit comfortably. It has a large clasp but with only 2 adjustment holes for some strange reason when there’s plenty of room for another 2 or 3. Maybe it costs a fortune to drill holes in Switzerland?
Recently picked up the Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical watch with date function.. I picked the olive green dial as at times the dial looks black, other times grey, and other times olive green. One of best “value” watch out there. Hard to find a better watch at this price point!
Jody costing us money again.. I've been going through Jody's Hamilton videos :P. Noticed this Khaki Field watch now ships from joma with a nato nylon strap which looks the goods and more suitable. Haven't gone up too much in price, $390 (but have a 20$ off voucher). May just pull the trigger, the Pilot Day Date (coop) is great too but would prefer more AR coating & matte finish like the IWC. I don't have any field/pilots, but love the simplicity, legibility and fauxtina on this one.
This is not just a field watch. It's a remake of the GG-W-113. A military watch produced in the 1970's. I know because I own one. The only difference is mine has a sterile dial and a smaller crown.
Cédric Conter : If my experience is anything to go by, you are going to love the Hammy. I own three Khaki Field Mechanicals (different vintages) and they are my favourite daily watches. They are amazingly accurate, and so easy to set and go. Any nicks and scratches just add to the military vibe and they just look better for it. The PVD version is definitely on my radar as well 😊. Enjoy your new watch!
And now another option is the new Timex Expedition Field North. They have 38mm hand winding with sapphire for half the price of the Hammy, and solar quartz offerings in the mid-100s... all with sapphire and 100M of water resistance w/ screw down crowns.
Nice review. I have an older version from about 2 years ago. It’s really a great watch. It has a long lug-to-lug for a 38mm so it wears larger. Personally, I like the dial on mine better, it’s has BGW9 like so it’s white in daylight. Mine also has the high beat ETA with date.
The movements H-XX are ETA based movements that are slowed down and also increase in power reserve. Other than the specs, the only difference to the H movements has a free-sprung balance wheel instead of the usual movement with a regulator. The hamilton W10 offers better finishing and build. And it also has a double AR and 10 bar of WR too. However, it has a flawed design. It uses a boxed K1 mineral crystal because sapphire is too bulky and expensive. The faithful reissue made it to 36mm size so it is not for everyone. As it has a 'unique' design unlike the KFM, they are around $650 after the AD discount. Everything else is the same.
Such a shame that both Khaki Field & Khaki Pilot Pioneer (W10) stops just short of reaching excellence. Khaki Field could use a better lume & at least 100 WR as well. W10 could use sapphire crystal, boxed or not. Both are more than possible even on much cheaper watches.
A Bertucci field A2-T is a great alternative. About half the price. Quartz, so not quite as much charm, but the same look, rugged as hell. Sapphire, 200m, titanium, Swiss movement. Has a lot of character. (Note: this is not a paid endorsement.)
My Khaki Field (black dial) has incredible accuracy. I'm experiencing +/- 1 second a day (yes, ONE second). I know it can vary watch to watch, and have read that winding it fully can produce more accurate results, with diminishing results as it winds down. I don't know if that's true but it sounds reasonable. I put it on a mellow brown calf strap offered by Hamilton, and it's a stunner. On another point: I know it's Swatch, but I have a thing about America and original American brands, whereever they may be these days. It's a little soft spot in my heart, for my own dear country and its heritage.
I should add that I also have a couple of Timex Expedition watches, and as Jody mentioned they're good looking, rugged, and cheap alternatives, and with the Indiglo feature. They're superior weekenders when I don't want to violate my Hamilton.
HALLLLLOOOOO Jody...I know it’s a *gasp* quartz, but what about a Citizen Promaster Tough? Check out the BN0217-02E. Amazing value ($208 US from your friends at Jomashop) and great specs. Keep up the good work man!
I have two Khakis, a 38mm black with bracelet and a 42mm blue with a blue canvas/leather strap. Both are very well done but I definitely prefer the Cincinnati Watch Company Cincinnatus Field watch and esp the Swiss Watch Company Bunker. The Bunker is titanium so probably not quite as robust as the Hamilton or Cincinnati if you really work in a rough environment, but otherwise, I like the microbrands more in pretty much every way. The Bunker has crazy AR and even more crazy lume. The Cincinnatus has more vintage details in the dial and hands. They both have a more casual vibe so you can 'dress up' the Hamilton a bit more with a nice leather strap but most of us will have at least one more dressy watch For daily use, I'd go with one of the microbrands... if you are sure you are going to keep it for several years. The Hamilton will have better resale.
I see the second hand sweep; This must be their new 3hz movement? I bought the previous model which has the 28,000 bpm 4hz movement. It has a beautiful smooth sweep
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I have the white dial. Can’t image ever living without this incredible watch!
Same here. I love it!
@@Schnuppi67 guys 38mm is small, isnt it? i dont know!!!
I’m just about to buy that 😊👍
I have a 42mm day/date variant and it’s just stunning. Wish it had a screw down crown but that is in no way a deal breaker. It’s my daily driver at work.
Now you’re talking, Jody! I own a number of these Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanicals, of different vintages. My favourites are the ones with the ETA 2824-2 movements due to the smooooth sweep of the seconds hand. They offer great value on the used market, where you can still pick them up sub $300 (even though they are becoming harder to find). I am currently wearing my black dial on a vintage green NDC elastic strap and it looks like a million bucks. Thanks for the review!
I am wearing this watch right now, it changes character depending on the color strap it's on. I LOVE THIS WATCH!!!
Know how to make an AD hate you? "Well, on Jomashop, this is on sale for..." 🤣
I finally got this one last weekend. I love it. A lot of charm, so far very accurate (like a half a second off per day, seriously half), long-lasting lume. Very legible and simple. I'm recommending this on every video review. If you want a classic field watch with a long history, and if it's in your price range, get one.
100% true about the accuracy - my one runs at 1 second slow per WEEK! It’s way more accurate than my Rolex’s, Omega’s and the same accuracy as my Casio digitals. Possibly my favourite watch.
Weird about the accuracy, mine is spot on. I've had it for months and I'm not sure if its slow or fast. The weird part is that I put mine on a timegrapher and it ran awful, +30 in some positions, -20 in others, I think the average was +16 but somehow it doesn't matter in real life.
I knew it was Joma's. Did my drooling over it for more than several times now. Still on the verge though. Thanks Jody!
Thanks for this review video of this latest Khaki Mechanical which incidentally is the exact field watch I had picked up sometime in the summer of 2019. It has returned a steady -2s/d accuracy and the lume typically, in my experience, could lasts through out the night with no issue distinguishing neither the hour markers nor the hands. Additionally, with the extremely practical 80-hour power reserve, this military field watch makes a very decent daily wear.
I'm a Hamilton fan, they offer great finishing and quality at a reasonable price. Other watches cost less, but I've found finishing, and feel suffers because of cost cutting.
I’ve really gotten into the field watches. I bought a Timex Expedition Scout 2 days ago and my gf got me the one with the 42 mm Chrono for Christmas. Also got a Seiko one coming from Japan.
I’m a fan of the “faux-tina” helps break from the “stark” white text on black dial. Almost increases the legibility IMO.
I love the "Old Radium" look too.
I totally agree with you on the strap. I also live at a country with hot climate and that is why i got it on the green nato.. i wanted to add in my collection the best (for me) field watch and i went with that beauty.. i put it on my wrist once every couple of months and i always fall for it..
Keep up the awesome vids
I have SNZG15J! I do love its double-deck dial! For 35USD I have swapped the 7S movement to NH36. I just can't be any happier! I have a complete automatic mechanical watch with hacking and hand-winding! it also has 45 hours power reserved for less than 160USD!
Does the nh35 day/date perfectly fit in the snzg dial’s date window?
Wearing my white dial version today. One of my favorites for sure.
I got this about one month ago. It’s a great looking watch. It’s very accurate, love to be able to stop the second hand. Easy to read. I am however, not seeing the 80 hrs power reserve. I enjoyed winding it every night before going to bed.
I picked up both one of this watch's many siblings, an H704450, and a Timex expedition over the Christmas break, and they are both great.
Got this one a month ago on super sale at JimaShop - it had a tiny scratch in the case back - and I love it. I got the anodized in brown, so it's super stealthy. Sucker for hand crankers and this one is nice. I love the style, love the history and the vintage size.
The only down side are the lugs. I have it on a leather 2 piece strap and there's a but if a gap between the strap and the body of the case. Less an issue with a NATO, but a little startling for a 2 piece. That said, it makes using a NATO much easier.
This is a perfect field watch.
I just bought one with the earth tone dial. Very nice watch!
Just bought one last night (beer played no small part) but I used the link 👍🏼 thanks Jody!
I used Vostok, for around $40.00 cnd. I put silicon grease on stem. And with stewed down I use in light water uses all them time
Great, honest review, as ever, Jody. Since you asked, I’m pleased with my smaller Seiko SNK809 as my mechanical field watch as well as my tan 40 mm Timex Expedition Scout (TWC001200) as my quartz field watch. For a little pizzazz, I purchased the awesome Timex Allied LT field-style chronograph (TW2T33100VQ) (gave the band to my daughter) and now I have three, great go-to field watch options, in three sizes, for any day instead of one that’s so expensive that I’d be afraid to take it into the field.
Thanks to your channel, I’m always on the lookout for value options. ...and I always check Joma Shop first!
Love the style ! However... I went with the Glycine Combat AM GL0239. Black face with the faux-tina hands/markers for 279$ through Drop. They had me at crown guards...
Field watches are my favorite flavor. It's hard to beat the legibility and classic style. I started with the timex expidition the jumped to the Seiko SNZG. I recently picked up a Citizen bm8180 as kind of a winter beater watch since my gshock 5600 doesn't fit under the cuff when wearing several winter layers. The Hamilton sure is nice, but those four watches I mentioned together cost less than this little hand winder so I don't have any regrets and I doubt a hammy is in my foreseeable future.
The Seiko SNZG 11 I've had over 2 years and is still gets the most day to day wrist time. The Hamilton is a classic but the Seiko is the King for me and you can replace the crystal if you can't live without sapphire and still spend less.
Thanks for the sharing!
I went directly buying this field Hammy, I’ve got not much experience of other field watches, but I really loving this Hamilton Khaki Field. The fantastic powerreserve and other complications makes this watch a great value watch, it really belongs among the entry level of swiss made luxury watches!👌🏻😉 Great video Jody, you have a fantastic concept!👏🏻🤩
Great watch. I own the earlier version without the 80hr power reserve. Mine comes on the green fabric nato.
I would just add that if your planning on wearing this on a two piece strap, the lugs are quite long, and the lug holes are a long way from the case, so you end up with a big gap between case and strap, which won’t be to everyone’s liking.
I bought this watch yesterday after having my eye on one for a couple of years. It doesn't disappoint and I could still read the lume at 5am. I'm on the last hole on the strap so if you're under 6.5" you might have to make another hole. Well recommended 👌
Working on getting one of these soon. Really like the look of the leather nato as well, and will likely order it with that. Looks like it could use some leather dressing, and likely darken it. Over time that leather will patina nicely along side the watch itself. Lovely!
One of my favourite channels. Thank you for the excellent content!
Love the brand. Love their watches, I have the regular version of this watch that has non-yellowed lime, a black dial and the H50. I snagged it when Jomashop first introduced them for $283! Now they’re going for $348, so glad I got one early! I’m about a year away from graduation from college and would love to work for Hamilton!
If you’re immune to brand snobbery (I’m not, I must admit) this Hamilton plus a few spare straps can be your only Monday to Friday watch for many years.
I got one for Xmas. I chose the brown dial and brown case. It’s a very unique look and it’s awesome. Keeping similar time to yours too.
FYI a year ago the old Khaki Field Mechanical (ETA 2801 high beat movement) was $250
Already a big fan of your channel. Great content and as a Cal poly grad, appreciate the excellent taste in shirts!
Nice video and you make an important point on the "no glare" aspect. A true field watch, imho, must have a curved crystal, and a non-shiny case. A flat crystal can reflect the sun and give away your position to the enemy. We used to wear our g-shocks on nylon/velcro straps that covered the entire watch when not in use. One drawback, to read the time you need to peal the velcro back, usually making enough noise to wake your enemy.
was going to go for this one a while back, specifically the earlier model with non modified ETA movement and nicer 4Hz sweeping seconds. Ended up with microbrand Timefactors PRS 29A Smiths watch, similar aesthetic with some improved specifications (100m water resistance, more antimagnetic, C3 superluminova).
I have the ETA Hamilton, and a Smiths PRS 29 as well - the white dial Air Ministry version which has the same case as the 29a. I like it but having got used to the superbly comfortable-to-wind crown on the Hamilton, the Smiths feels terrible, and a chore to wind!
@@dustycups that is true that the winding of the PRS 29 is a genuine drawback, I never know when it is fully wound. would have liked the air ministry version, the blued hands look great.
Great review! I love the looks of the Hamilton and Seiko. The timex isn’t bad but those expeditions are loud with their movements.
I love the Hamilton but I just bought a timex weekender and now want the timex scout field watch I just love the indiglo!
Agreed, owned several Khaki and have no complains. 80 hrs reserve, saphire, E.T.A mov., classic style and excellent accuracy. A 40mm mechanical would be just in the middle.
Great video Jody of a truly classic field watch. I have the brown dialed version with the ETA 2801-2 movement and I love this watch. I am very much the field watch kind of guy as I have 4 of them that fit that category and one diver, but I always trend towards the smaller field watch. I purchased my Hamilton from Jomashop for an insane price of $309.00 which you can't beat anywhere I have looked and love their service. Thanks again, Brian.
I had a version of this. The one supposedly with the same lugs as Seiko Alpinist. It's good but for some reason I didnt click with it. And the lugs arent the same.
Ended up giving it to my dad since his seiko 5 is old and has issues. This should be solid for several years
I have this watch and it's one of my faves and I don't find it too small on my 7.5 inch writs. Hamilton were one of the brands chosen to provide field watches to the US military, and this is essentially a "reissue" of one of those Vietnam era watches. There are differences of course (slightly bigger, sapphire, movement) but the spirit and design is very close to the original. Yes, it's a resold brand, but the brand still has heritage and it's nice to have a field watch made by the brand that made the originals (like Laco and Fleigers). Mine runs much better than COSC, so I lucked out there. The winding feel and sound is lovely. It's a great throw-on watch; accurate, long reserve, discreet and if it does need setting, it doesn't have a date window so it's quick. If it gets nicks in it, it will just add to the vintage look.
David Stevens : Well said. I own three Khaki Field Mechanicals and they are amazingly accurate, all of them.
David Stevens : Absolutely. I own three Khaki Field Mechanicals of different vintages and they are amazingly accurate, all of them.
Hamilton is one of my favorite brands I own the Hamilton Khaki X wind chronograph watch
I want that one
Thanks,
The tip about online retailers is helpful.
I want a Hamilton someday, think I'd go for a Jazzmaster. Funny enough though, I do have both the Seiko and Timex that you recommended as substitutes. Love them both! The Seiko is my daily for work, and I haven't scratched it yet. ... *knocks on wood*
I have the white dial mechanical, no issues with it. Value for money, very comfortable nato strap. Gets more wrist time than my other watches.
I have the Hamilton Khaki Auto 38. Its quickly becoming one of my favorite watches. Slapped it on a Strapcode Super Oyster and it just made it leaps and bounds better. Thanks for the video Jody!
I love these watches. I have the Black PVD variant. It’s amazing. I’m pretty sure that these don’t have any AR coating as much as I really want that to be the case. I can still read the time just fine on mine no problem. I feel like getting this variant hahaha
Don’t blame you. I have a 42mm day/date variance and it’s by far my favorite watch. Still...I keep circling this manual wind. Just so clean and timeless.
Go Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California! Well done.. now I went to New York Institute of technology.. but spend lots of time in SLO. Beautiful!
Frank in Colorado
I love my Hamilton Khaki Field Watch. It is a great value for the quality. I have a Seiko 5, like you showed at the end of the video, and it is nice, but I love my Hamilton Better! Keep up the great work and keep the Videos coming.
I’m certainly eyeing one of these to add to my collection at some point but not as a field watch.... maybe as a faux field casual Friday office watch..... my true field watch is a $40 Timex expedition....predawn hunting or fishing in the cold or muck it’s a much more sensible choice really.....
You can get Khakis for a lot less than MSRP, so they can be a bargain if you take the time to shop around. (I got a mechanical w/ date for $300, half of retail.) Check the specs before you buy: they don't all have the same power reserve, don't all have AR, don't all have the same lume, etc.
i bought a gray market hamilton automatic watch on jomashop some years back tempted by the huge discount (almost $300). i have no regrets. watch is still running strong and looking good. i sometimes wonder about "too good to be true" discount but i figure i'll give them another shot with the watch presented in this video (or similar).
I picked a used 42mm auto mech for us $300 absolutely love the look the feel next max bill
Likely a silicon escapement with a larger mainspring barrel. I have a Powermatic 80 (automatic version). The power reserve is pretty cool...
They’ve also got cheaper Khakis, starting at roughly $250...
Great video. I picked up a tropic dial version from Joma for about 286.00 probably one of my favorites.
Love the simplicity of this Hamilton! Your reviews always bring a smile to my face! Take care brother!
I have one and mine hasn't lost a second in over 2 months.
Great review of one of my favorites in my collection. With a 6.75”/17cm wrist, I would actually prefer a 36mm version, but I doubt that it will,happen…I can’t believe that everyone considers these small at 38mm!…the original Khakis were 33mm!
Congrats on 200K subscribers! Very much enjoy the channel! Yeah, I know this is a year-old video so you may not see it, but oh well. 😄
The best value field watch, admittedly quartz, is the Lorus RXF41AX7 LNP, which is still on sale from one of my favourite UK ebay sellers for £23 delivered; 100 metres water resistance, Lumibrite, dimensions of 37mm x 44mm lug to lug and a superbly reliable watch. Probably the most under-rated watch available anywhere -Cadisen Conquest at £30 delivered excepted, of course.
Given the above I cannot see me ever venturing towards a Hamilton. Certainly the watch matches its brief but always seems to lack "Wow." For a few pounds more I think I would be looking at the Christopher Ward C65 Trident Vintage - now that really ticks the boxes.
Lovely review as always.
Thanks.
Beautiful little watch if a little pricey. Manual wind is a draw for me but would prefer 8 beat version as you have the pleasure of winding more often! San Martin provide better value imo with their pilot watches which to be honest can double up as field watches as v similar dial design. $151 for a 39mm with NH35 or $219 for the 42mm that you reviewed with a new high beat Chinese PT5000 - apparently Chronometer tested by Glashutte!
My best field watch is a Timex Scout camo dial leather nato strap £40.00 . My next two will be Bamford of London field watch & a GMT as well.
Nice to hear from you Jody. Clear #1 Aussie watch reviewer. No doubt you've heard of Horology House issues. Glad we have you around to keep things on track.
Yeah this watch. Have my eyes on it for at least six months! But price (430€ in 🇦🇹) is an obstacle for me. I already have a tiny (as I call it) Seiko SNK in my collection, which looks better (blue dial!)
The leather Nato strap on this Hami looks really good though!
I got a seiko SNZG for $75 during the black friday sale and i like it better than the SNK, slightly larger and 100m water resistance. the lume is better than the SNK as well
Seiko SNK803, SNK805, SNK807, and SNK809 are 36mm running on a 7s26 and can be purchase for under $100.00
I bought my SNK805 on Ebay for $54.00 a few years ago.
Still ticking!
7:20, nice reference and chuckle. Great watch, strap doesn't look too good tho...
I got myself the Hamilton Khaki King Scuba and have worn it every day for just about 3 years now! Although the dial still screams field watch, I think it's one of the best dive watches for $400. I definitely expect it to last me another 4 years at least before I want something more!
Hey Jody, great Video! The first watch I bought roughly 3 years ago was one of those Seikos you showed at the end of the Video. Last year, I decided to upgrade to the 'real deal' Hamilton Khaki field mechanical (white dial) with the 80h power reserve and I love it! The water resistancy is my only real complaint, but otherwise it's a great choice for under 500€. Continue the great content, and greetings from Germany!!!
I was in the US Army from 1/67 to 12/69, including a tour in Vietnam as an infantry sgt. I was never issued a field watch, nor do I even remember wearing one while overseas. We got our time from the command post on our PRC-25 radios. So where did the idea that troops were issued watches come from?
Walter Kuciej marketing!
This was a ww2 watch and plenty of Vietnam vets picked up seikos while in SE Asia. In fact I believe that’s when seiko started to have a connection with America culture
I got the 38mm khaki field auto as I preferred the look of it. It’s a great watch apart from the bracelet just can’t get it to fit comfortably. It has a large clasp but with only 2 adjustment holes for some strange reason when there’s plenty of room for another 2 or 3. Maybe it costs a fortune to drill holes in Switzerland?
Legendary field watch. I own this exact piece + the Bronze one.
It is 38 but wears like 39.
Cheers
I already have an automatic Seiko SNKN 25, which is visually almost similar to this watch.
Recently picked up the Hamilton Khaki Field mechanical watch with date function.. I picked the olive green dial as at times the dial looks black, other times grey, and other times olive green. One of best “value” watch out there. Hard to find a better watch at this price point!
I just got this watch and so far I like it a lot. We will see how far it will go. Really like the Seiko clock on the background wall.
It's just a wee little baby. Awwww look at the baby look at the baby.
Jody costing us money again.. I've been going through Jody's Hamilton videos :P. Noticed this Khaki Field watch now ships from joma with a nato nylon strap which looks the goods and more suitable. Haven't gone up too much in price, $390 (but have a 20$ off voucher). May just pull the trigger, the Pilot Day Date (coop) is great too but would prefer more AR coating & matte finish like the IWC. I don't have any field/pilots, but love the simplicity, legibility and fauxtina on this one.
And for under $20--get the casio forester. One of my favorites which I bought thanks to you.
Excellent non-jewellery hard knock piece, the Forester. Couldn’t agree more.
Looks like an old sekonda manual wind I had in the mid seventies, loved that watch.
Just bought the pvd version on sale 55% off from $495 ...was a great decision for sure.
My white dial is one of my favourite watches. The lug to lug length is a pain, but it is a fantastic piece! 😁👌
Probably my favorite Swiss Made watch brand. I have two The Elvis 80 ( Silver Bracelet version ) And the Interstellar. I would love the Hamilton X-01
This is not just a field watch. It's a remake of the GG-W-113. A military watch produced in the 1970's. I know because I own one. The only difference is mine has a sterile dial and a smaller crown.
just ordered the black pvd version. looking foward to it
Cédric Conter : If my experience is anything to go by, you are going to love the Hammy. I own three Khaki Field Mechanicals (different vintages) and they are my favourite daily watches. They are amazingly accurate, and so easy to set and go. Any nicks and scratches just add to the military vibe and they just look better for it. The PVD version is definitely on my radar as well 😊. Enjoy your new watch!
Eddie de Beer Thank you for your nice comment. Atm i own a Seamaster and an Explorer but I could not say no to that sexy looking thing!
And now another option is the new Timex Expedition Field North. They have 38mm hand winding with sapphire for half the price of the Hammy, and solar quartz offerings in the mid-100s... all with sapphire and 100M of water resistance w/ screw down crowns.
I quite like this particular hamilton, there's also a full black version. Not sure which colour I would pick.
Nice review.
I have an older version from about 2 years ago. It’s really a great watch. It has a long lug-to-lug for a 38mm so it wears larger.
Personally, I like the dial on mine better, it’s has BGW9 like so it’s white in daylight. Mine also has the high beat ETA with date.
I'd argue to jump up to the khaki automatic for a bit more. The H10 movement is pretty good and the dial has a bit more going on.
The movements H-XX are ETA based movements that are slowed down and also increase in power reserve. Other than the specs, the only difference to the H movements has a free-sprung balance wheel instead of the usual movement with a regulator.
The hamilton W10 offers better finishing and build. And it also has a double AR and 10 bar of WR too. However, it has a flawed design. It uses a boxed K1 mineral crystal because sapphire is too bulky and expensive. The faithful reissue made it to 36mm size so it is not for everyone. As it has a 'unique' design unlike the KFM, they are around $650 after the AD discount. Everything else is the same.
Such a shame that both Khaki Field & Khaki Pilot Pioneer (W10) stops just short of reaching excellence. Khaki Field could use a better lume & at least 100 WR as well. W10 could use sapphire crystal, boxed or not. Both are more than possible even on much cheaper watches.
A Bertucci field A2-T is a great alternative. About half the price. Quartz, so not quite as much charm, but the same look, rugged as hell. Sapphire, 200m, titanium, Swiss movement. Has a lot of character. (Note: this is not a paid endorsement.)
The Bertucci is etter in almost every way. Good choice.
Oh, and 40mm case. Perfect size for a field watch.
Jody! You should take a look at the new Casio DW-291H, not much stuff about it on the web yet, but I feel it could become a new budget favorite.
My Khaki Field (black dial) has incredible accuracy. I'm experiencing +/- 1 second a day (yes, ONE second). I know it can vary watch to watch, and have read that winding it fully can produce more accurate results, with diminishing results as it winds down. I don't know if that's true but it sounds reasonable. I put it on a mellow brown calf strap offered by Hamilton, and it's a stunner. On another point: I know it's Swatch, but I have a thing about America and original American brands, whereever they may be these days. It's a little soft spot in my heart, for my own dear country and its heritage.
I should add that I also have a couple of Timex Expedition watches, and as Jody mentioned they're good looking, rugged, and cheap alternatives, and with the Indiglo feature. They're superior weekenders when I don't want to violate my Hamilton.
I have the old pearl harbour edition with the seventies style text. Fantastic watch super legible and light.
Well... just bougt myself a almost unused 2020 model. As always your reviews helps with the dessisionmaking!
HALLLLLOOOOO Jody...I know it’s a *gasp* quartz, but what about a Citizen Promaster Tough? Check out the BN0217-02E. Amazing value ($208 US from your friends at Jomashop) and great specs. Keep up the good work man!
Graduated from Cal Poly Alma Mater! Mustangs. San Luis Obispo, California
I have two Khakis, a 38mm black with bracelet and a 42mm blue with a blue canvas/leather strap. Both are very well done but I definitely prefer the Cincinnati Watch Company Cincinnatus Field watch and esp the Swiss Watch Company Bunker. The Bunker is titanium so probably not quite as robust as the Hamilton or Cincinnati if you really work in a rough environment, but otherwise, I like the microbrands more in pretty much every way. The Bunker has crazy AR and even more crazy lume. The Cincinnatus has more vintage details in the dial and hands. They both have a more casual vibe so you can 'dress up' the Hamilton a bit more with a nice leather strap but most of us will have at least one more dressy watch For daily use, I'd go with one of the microbrands... if you are sure you are going to keep it for several years. The Hamilton will have better resale.
I dream of a Hamilton Khaki watch. It’s somewhere on my to buy list.
Love it, but for the price I've got my eye on the new Boldr Venture automatic.
I see the second hand sweep; This must be their new 3hz movement? I bought the previous model which has the 28,000 bpm 4hz movement. It has a beautiful smooth sweep
Very nice Jody-
This one is on the list!
Thanks Jody-
The Timex Expedition in my eyes looks fantastic, I know its veeery similar to the Khaki field but it's still a great little watch