The KING of field watches?
By now you've probably seen Hamilton's newest limited edition release with HODINKEE. (If not, it's here: https://limited.hodinkee.com/hamilton-khaki-collection-2022/
SO, I'm tempted to say that Hamilton is the king of the field watch. Their Khaki line stretches back over a half a century, with the aesthetics remaining very similar. It is arguably their best-selling line (anecdotal, not proof) and has led to collaborations with LL Bean and others. It has been from Vietnam to the silver screen. It's hard for me to think of another brand's field watch that is more iconic (pardon the cliche term).
What do you think?
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Andy
Watch enthusiast for 16+ years, lover of the outdoors
Setauket- East Setauket, NY, USA
Member since
Last active: 1 month ago
It certainly is a classic. Just wish the dials had AR coating.
It certainly is a classic. Just wish the dials had AR coating.
Definitely! Not easy on the wrist shots!
I concur, excellent field watches, but the lack of AR coating on the crystals is something I wish they would fix 💯
Right on! Khaki King
I’ve been asking myself since 10am on whether I should get the khaki field or not. I’m leading towards getting the automatic version but can’t decide. I like what they did with this version.
I’ve been asking myself since 10am on whether I should get the khaki field or not. I’m leading towards getting the automatic version but can’t decide. I like what they did with this version.
I think the mechanical version wears a little nicer. I understand it's slimmer, not as pancakey. :D
Hamilton is long dead to me. Their refusal to avail their watches of even the most rudimentary AR coating will keep me from ever buying another.
I love Hamilton and my Khaki King Auto!
There are a ton of other awesome field watches out there, but Hamilton definitely owns the sub-$1,000 price segment. I also like the Bulova Hack, but I think it's a distant 2nd to Hamilton's field watch. I agree that Hamilton field watches struggle with AR coating and lume, but all in all I still like Hamilton field watches.
In the above $1,000 field watch sector, I really like the Vertex M100. Importantly, the M100 has AR coating and way better lume than any field watch offered by Hamilton.
Hamilton is long dead to me. Their refusal to avail their watches of even the most rudimentary AR coating will keep me from ever buying another.
Fair. For me it's their case designs. They look fantastic on paper but for me, everything over 38mm is just flat and kinda awkward. For instance I love that aviation watch on paper, but trying it is HUGE. Just kinda cheapens it.
I love Hamilton and my Khaki King Auto!
There are a ton of other awesome field watches out there, but Hamilton definitely owns the sub-$1,000 price segment. I also like the Bulova Hack, but I think it's a distant 2nd to Hamilton's field watch. I agree that Hamilton field watches struggle with AR coating and lume, but all in all I still like Hamilton field watches.
In the above $1,000 field watch sector, I really like the Vertex M100. Importantly, the M100 has AR coating and way better lume than any field watch offered by Hamilton.
Good call on the <$1000 range. I'm not as familiar with field watches over that, but that Vertex is super. They get great reviews.
I’ve been asking myself since 10am on whether I should get the khaki field or not. I’m leading towards getting the automatic version but can’t decide. I like what they did with this version.
I’ve got the 38mm khaki auto and I’m thinking of grabbing the new titanium version. I couldn’t justify having both, but I’m hesitant to sell the stainless steel one because I love the darn thing 😔
Right on! Khaki King
I had the same watch and then picked up the 38mm khaki. At the time I couldn’t justify having both, but that’s one of the watches I regret selling the most. Long live the 👑
Agree that Hamilton is king here, but Serica's 4512 is worth checking out. In the same price range with better spec-ed and overall finish IMO (but a SOPROD vs. ETA).