I Think I Found My New Daily Driver
Clearly this Baltany watch is trying to emulate the famous Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic, a watch that has been on my wish list for a while:
So when I saw this Baltany on AliExpress for $150, I didn't hesitate:
It gives the look for significantly less money and I love the reliable NH35A movement.
What I didn't expect though was how often I reach for this watch above all others in my 120+ collection. The size is perfect, the readability of its balanced dial is superior, it's comfortable and looks great. It has supplanted my previous default watch, my Shanghai:
I would even go so far as to say that if I ever entertained the idea of a one-watch collection, this Baltany may very well be my choice.
What is your go-to watch in your collection? Is there a watch that you purchased that not only met your expectations but well exceeded them to the point where you don't get tired of wearing it? Is anyone else in love with their genuine Hamilton or Baltany homage as I seem to be?
Cheers! 🍻
-Eric
~Father ~Christian ~Husband ~Gearhead ~Fisherman ~Ailurophile ~Woodworker ~Gun Collector ~Photographer ~Watch Collector ~Caribbean Traveler & Beachgoer ~IT Professional: MS-ISM, BA-COMM, SOC
I'm not sure Hamilton can claim that design as their own? 🤔
I'm not sure Hamilton can claim that design as their own? 🤔
You might be right, I don't know, maybe someone will chime in, but Hamilton's version is the one I think got the design spot on. 👍
You might be right, I don't know, maybe someone will chime in, but Hamilton's version is the one I think got the design spot on. 👍
I believe it's a US military specification design similar to the UK Dirty dozen design. 🤷
I favor the color matched date, as well.
I believe not one company owns this design. Its a request spec that was issued as a proposal to watch OEM's. If so, then everyone's copying everyone (wait, aren't most styles emulating one another😂)
US military spec MIL-W-3818/B field watch (1964) is the original for this design. Bulova, Benrus, Hamilton, Marathon and others made these watches.
The A-17 (1950) and 3818/A (1958) were similar but used a different handset and often had a coin-edge bezel. The WWII A-11 spec, like the British WWW, lacked the inner 24 hour scale, a feature seen in WWII but only on Seiko's field watches for the Japanese forces.
I believe not one company owns this design. Its a request spec that was issued as a proposal to watch OEM's. If so, then everyone's copying everyone (wait, aren't most styles emulating one another😂)
Exactly, except when smaller brands copy they are called homaging or clomaging. Big brands only 'reissue'...
Just like flieger watches, it's basically the same few designs with various dimensions but what Baltany does is to emulate the design, some witha twist, bring it up to date, add a NH35 + a Sapphire Crystal n most crucially, make it very affordable in the 150 - 200 range
Exactly, except when smaller brands copy they are called homaging or clomaging. Big brands only 'reissue'...
Just like flieger watches, it's basically the same few designs with various dimensions but what Baltany does is to emulate the design, some witha twist, bring it up to date, add a NH35 + a Sapphire Crystal n most crucially, make it very affordable in the 150 - 200 range
Exactly and good-on those small brands that build the same uni-directional clicky dive watches. Oh and field watches.
Looks like a solid watch for the price
Looks like a solid watch for the price
I recommend it 100% without hesitation for anyone considering this type of watch. 👍