If you want a field watch, the default choice is the Hamilton Khaki. We take a look at their 1960s recreation edition.
Hamilton Khaki Field 1960s Re-Creation Mechanical Review
Sometimes I am sent samples of watches by manufacturers, but this time I bought the watch in this review from WatchNation with my own money – at the time of purchase it was on offer for £334.
At a glance |
Hamilton Khaki Field 1960s Re-Creation Mechanical |
Price |
£395 |
Case size |
38mm |
Thickness |
10mm |
Water Resistance |
50m |
Movement |
ETA 2801-2 |
The Hamilton Khaki comes in a surprisingly good wooden box. I am used to seeing microbrands at this price range in cheap cardboard, so I was pleased to see Hamilton providing a proper box at this price. It’s a super box that would make an ideal gift.
Case and Movement
The Hamilton Khaki is based around a manual-winding ETA 2801-2 movement. This makes it almost impossibly slim (just under 10mm). The case is exquisite, with exceptional finishing that would be good for a watch five times its price. The movement is buttery smooth to hand wind with the large crown, and although it’s a low-beat movement the small case size makes the hand sweep look very fluid. The lugs are drilled in case you want to use a more conventional strap.
The proportions of this watch are really superb: it never feels like a small watch, yet it slips under a shirt sleeve with aplomb and never draws unnecessary attention to itself. It “just works” in a way few field watches do in my experience. The negatives? I found the case back a little plain for my tastes. Of course, a watch like this doesn’t need anything as flashy as a display case back, but I’d have liked a deeper engraving at least.
Dial and Hands
The dial is a classic field watch design: Arabic numerals around the dial with 13-24 in a smaller font on the inside. The triangular markers at each hour are lumed with high-quality vintage lume that matches the hands. The lume is just the right shade of yellow to look aged without looking cheap, and the printing is crisp and clear.
The watch is remarkably easy to read in all light conditions, and although it’s a dial design I’ve seen a hundred times it just feels “better” on this Hamilton.
Strap and Buckle
The Hamilton Khaki 1960s comes on a leather-reinforced NATO strap. I am not usually a fan of NATO straps, as they can be bulky and make watches sit too high on the wrist. This is where that super-thin case comes into play, as even with two layers of nylon beneath it, the watch still wears beautifully.
The branded buckle is well-proportioned and securely fits the reinforced holes. There’s no excess strap to tuck at the end, and the watch balances perfectly on the supplied strap, becoming almost unnoticeable. This is a great choice if you want the comfort of a light watch but still need something rugged and legible enough to use in the field. I usually change straps immediately on watches, but this one is a keeper.
Hamilton Khaki Mechanical – Video Review
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Hamilton Khaki- The WRUK Verdict
I would say this because I paid for it myself, but the Hamilton Khaki 1960s re-creation is a beautiful watch. I picked this over its self-winding sibling thanks to the slim case which – I believe – takes it up a notch. The fit and finish is exceptional, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it over any of its competitors – even at its £395 RRP.
Buy a Hamilton Khaki 1960s Re-Creation Mechanical
I picked this watch up from WatchNation, or you can try your own preferred Hamilton Authorised Dealer.
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