New on-board! Seeking for advice on military watch 😉
Hi WC community!
I joined two weeks ago and I really enjoy this site/app and the community. I learn at lot from you guys, discover new watches and especially microbrands.
I'll briefly introduce myself. My name is Lans and I am from Geneva (Switzerland) Like many of you, I like nice things, cars, watches, clothes.. However, for the last years, I've been through the process of decluttering and got rid of many items that I was not using watches included. So I consider myself as a semi-minimalist because I know that I can get things when I really want without any remorse 😄
I own a few watches but mainly wear my Rolex Explorer II 40mm on a daily basis. However, since covid, I often work from home, have a few activities and I'm at a stage where I feel I should give my Rolex some rest. Also, I want my Rolex to be special like it was the case before and not wearing it to buy groceries.
So I was looking for a daily robust watch that I could wear on all occasions and looked for military style watches. That's how I ended up on WC as it was the only place where I could find comments about the "California Watch" brand that I found interesting for the price. Then, I could repitively see post about Hamilton Khaki and I'm almost convinced that I should get the basic mechanic one. A few other brands caught my attention but being from Geneva, I have a different tastes toward Swiss brand in general as many are bought by tourists only and people living abroad. So long story short, would you consider a Hamilton Khaki as a must have for a military watch? There are many brands but the khaki seems the one people like to love (or hate.)
I would definitely get a "Swiss watch Company"watch because I find their watches amazing but I love the style of the Khaki that I've tried last week. What are your thoughts?? How does it look when it has been really used?
Many thanks!! 🙃
Always loved watches. Coming from Geneva, I always had Swatches watches around when I was a kid and then received a Sector for my 18th birthday... some time ago. As a student, I bought a Certina DS po...
Can't really go wrong with a Hamilton IMO. But there are 1000's of great options for the same money or less.
The Khaki Mechanical is what I have, and I love it!! It looks amazing with any strap, dressy or casual, nato or 2 piece and has great history. I love winding mine up to wear it, just feels like it doesn't depend on anything but the gears (minimalist). Lots of great options out there, but as an owner of one, I would highly recommend!
Hello and welcome too WC.
Whether or not the khaki line is ‘the’ essential military watch is very subjective. Another option could be a flieger which is both military and aviation. However, for a military field watch, I would say the Hamilton khaki line is the standard.
I believe my 38mm automatic still looks good after several years (on a strapcode bracelet). An advantage of the new auto is the 80 hour power reserve which would allow wearing it all week, wearing the explorer on weekends, and the khaki would still be running on Monday.
Good hunting!
If you’re a bit hesitant about getting the more mainstream Swiss watch brands, I’d recommend checking out a microbrand. In Switzerland there’s the brand Ollech & Wajs that specialise in millitary style watches like my P-101
There’s also Echo/Neutra in Italy that have some great field watches in their Averau line. I got this one with a moonphase complication for around the cost of a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic.
Of course Hammys are the standard for field watches and you can’t really go wrong there but those are 2 good brands you won’t see as much.
I have a few military and military inspired pieces in my collection. I definitely recommend you check out Benrus, CWC, Hamilton, Marathon, and even Timex’s MK1 line! Another brand I recommend is G-Shock if you don’t already own one. A lot of military versions of their watches for cheap that make fantastic beaters!
Hey, welcome to WC! I agree with the other posters that say you can’t go wrong with a Hamilton. Very rich in military history. Solidly made.
IWC Spitfire ? 🤑
First, welcome to the WatchCrunch site! Second you certainly couldn't live in a better place to be a 'watch guy'.. Enjoy the hobby...
Welcome to watch crunch. #welcome I am not a fan of buying something because you "should." I thinka better strategy for satisfaction is to buy it because it excites you. I hope that helps.
Yeh love my KFM. It's ace. If I was in your boat looking for a daily robust watch, I'd get a g shock.
Hamilton field watches are not a “must” but I don’t think you would ever regret buying one. They are super popular for good reason.
If you’re a bit hesitant about getting the more mainstream Swiss watch brands, I’d recommend checking out a microbrand. In Switzerland there’s the brand Ollech & Wajs that specialise in millitary style watches like my P-101
There’s also Echo/Neutra in Italy that have some great field watches in their Averau line. I got this one with a moonphase complication for around the cost of a Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic.
Of course Hammys are the standard for field watches and you can’t really go wrong there but those are 2 good brands you won’t see as much.
Thanks I can see 300m on the Ollech which means I could swim with it. Although the Khaki is an everyday watch, you have to avoid water. I'll have a look! Thanks!
I have a few military and military inspired pieces in my collection. I definitely recommend you check out Benrus, CWC, Hamilton, Marathon, and even Timex’s MK1 line! Another brand I recommend is G-Shock if you don’t already own one. A lot of military versions of their watches for cheap that make fantastic beaters!
Cwc was on my list as I'm looking for a small and light watch. Nice watches! Many thanks
Hey, welcome to WC! I agree with the other posters that say you can’t go wrong with a Hamilton. Very rich in military history. Solidly made.
Most of you seem to have the automatic, is it for the reason @SeahawkOG mentioned about the power reserve? I've tried the auto but I really feel it's a different watch than the mechanical one in terms of style
Nice but definitely too big for my small wrist. I like the vintage style of military watch 😉
I wear my Marathon GSAR the most. The watch wears smaller than the 40mm case and specs. The finish is brushed but the watch can be dressed up or down. I don't worry about scratches due to the finish. The wqtch has 300m of water resistance so it's good for swimming, diving, snorkeling, camping, hiking, washing dishes or cars etc. Even the factory band is great. If you don't have a tritium lume watch that makes the dial very interesting at night. I have the automatic movement version. There is a quartz model and many other models that are very tough field watch options from Marathon
Nice daily watch. A bit to bulky for me but if I can find a 37-38mm one with such bezel, I would definitely get one. I think I'll get two watches. This community is very dangerous
CWC?
Nice but crystal and quartz, I'll check their site. They might have auto with sapphire! Many thanks!
It seems that I need to consider this brand based on the comments I got. Will definitely have a look at the site. Thanks a lot!
Although Hamilton originated in the US, today they are a Swiss brand through and through.
Yes bought by Swatch group, that's indeed an interesting mix of US history with Swiss built. Nothing revolutionary in terms of movement but I'm more into the look than the tech at this price 😉
Pulsar g10 British mod issued
Pulsar g10 British mod issued
Very nice. It's a mod??
It seems that I need to consider this brand based on the comments I got. Will definitely have a look at the site. Thanks a lot!
I Have one of the Marathon Divers in 36mm. Tough watch. I believe that they are using Sellita movements. Sw200 depending on the model.
Cwc was on my list as I'm looking for a small and light watch. Nice watches! Many thanks
You’re welcome man, welcome to Watch Crunch! Looking forward to seeing what you end up buying 😁
Nice daily watch. A bit to bulky for me but if I can find a 37-38mm one with such bezel, I would definitely get one. I think I'll get two watches. This community is very dangerous
There is a 36mm Quartz option plus a steel Navigator watch that Marathon offers .
Hi Lana! My name is Jacob Roemer I run SWC with my father. I'd be happy to help you out with anything you need:) our Bunkers will be restocking very soon which are similar styles to the Khaki 😁 let me know how I can help!
Thanks. I'm glad to hear someone who went through the same process. I think I don't take much risks in getting the HKF mechanical. It's relatively affordable and although, I discovered many other brands in reply to me post, I still prefer this watch. Many thanks for comment 🤝
There is a 36mm Quartz option plus a steel Navigator watch that Marathon offers .
just checked Marathon's watch website. I was expected cheaper watches 😬. They are nice but I have to think about it before spending 1K on a quartz watch (that's the one I like: https://eu.marathonwatch.com/collections/36mm-sar-watches/products/limited-edition-medium-diver-s-quartz-with-white-dial-arctic-msar-medium-search-rescue?variant=42358343991483)
Thanks to my post, I have enough positive feedback about the HKF mechanical to get it. I wasn't sure it was a good choice and based on the comments, it's an interesting to have. Thanks @TimeJunkie!
The khaki is great and it’s so slim it’s a dream to wear! Get it ☺️
The khaki is great and it’s so slim it’s a dream to wear! Get it ☺️
Thanks. I made up my mind and will get soon!! Thanks for the advice!!
Thanks all! Perfect everyday watch!