The struggle is real. Decisions, decisions!
This is my first automatic. Decided to start off with a field style watch. I think I will wear it more than a dive watch for example.
I’m stuck between the older Seiko Field (SNZG15K1 42mm) and the Hamilton Field (also 42mm). I am a bigger dude and need a little larger case diameter, in my opinion.
The real issue I’m having is the jump in cost between the two. I can get the Seiko for $150 and the Hamilton for $500.
One day I’ll say to myself that the Seiko will be just fine and it will scratch the itch. The next day I can’t fathom not having the nicer spec and fit and finish of the Hamilton. I don’t know how to decide. Any ideas?
21 comments
Sort by
Hamilton! Can’t beat the ETA movement and 80 hrs of power reserve. Also the brand history is amazing
The Seiko is a good choice, but it ain't no Hamilton. Plus the Hamilton, with it's longish lug to lug, sounds like it'll be great fit for you.
Hamilton!! If you buy the Seiko it'll be fine but you'll still wish you'd bought the Hamilton. I've had the KFM 42mm and now have the Murph 42 mm and I'd recommend Hamilton to anyone.
Love a Seiko 5, can’t beat it… or maybe you can. Whilst probably a little more expensive, I think the Hamilton represents incredible value for money. You will not be disappointed. Not exactly fancy - but really solid and honest to the WWII archetype of an true field watch.
OR...
...you can get this 39mm Baltany that looks like the Hamilton, but with an NH35A, sapphire crystal and 200m WR, also for $150. I've been testing it out (some humorous, some serious) and posting the results here on WC. I love this watch.
Just a thought. Either of your choices would be good too. I understand you may want a bigger watch. Here it is on my 6.75" (17.1cm) wrist.
Let us know what you decide! 👍
Hamilton. If you can afford it. For sure. My Hamilton Khaki King goes anywhere. 👑🌄
OR...
...you can get this 39mm Baltany that looks like the Hamilton, but with an NH35A, sapphire crystal and 200m WR, also for $150. I've been testing it out (some humorous, some serious) and posting the results here on WC. I love this watch.
Just a thought. Either of your choices would be good too. I understand you may want a bigger watch. Here it is on my 6.75" (17.1cm) wrist.
Let us know what you decide! 👍
Looking good!
Hamilton! Can’t beat the ETA movement and 80 hrs of power reserve. Also the brand history is amazing
Yes. So many advantages in the movements and reserve etc..
Hamilton
The Seiko is a solid choice, however the old 7S36 movement calibre doesn't hack or wind which is a downside. Perhaps it could be inaccurate from time to time, but its 40 hrs power reserve is actually good. Movement calibre aside, it's still a pretty good watch with a 100m WR which is handy when compared to Hamilton's 50m WR (for me, makes no sense to have 50m WR for a $500 watch). In terms of crystal, handlex is good enough to say the least. I noticed the lug to lug on the Seiko is quite long (can't remember the measurement).
As for Hamilton, I don't have the watch so I don't have the hand-ons experience with it. The movement calibre inside is modern, hack and wind are included. It got a domed sapphire crystal with AR and the design is truly like a WW2 field watch. The WR however is the downside, 50m for $500 is too much to ask in my opinion.
Watches aside, I think the decision solely relies on you.
Both brands have exceptional heritage. Can’t take a thing from either one of them. Yet if the budget can accommodate, then the Hamilton is the clear choice. It just wears so well… It is the true timeless design that all other field watches are compared to. Definitely buy a Seiko in the future, but by a Seiko for what they are truly known for which is unparalleled dive watches.
The Seiko is a solid choice, however the old 7S36 movement calibre doesn't hack or wind which is a downside. Perhaps it could be inaccurate from time to time, but its 40 hrs power reserve is actually good. Movement calibre aside, it's still a pretty good watch with a 100m WR which is handy when compared to Hamilton's 50m WR (for me, makes no sense to have 50m WR for a $500 watch). In terms of crystal, handlex is good enough to say the least. I noticed the lug to lug on the Seiko is quite long (can't remember the measurement).
As for Hamilton, I don't have the watch so I don't have the hand-ons experience with it. The movement calibre inside is modern, hack and wind are included. It got a domed sapphire crystal with AR and the design is truly like a WW2 field watch. The WR however is the downside, 50m for $500 is too much to ask in my opinion.
Watches aside, I think the decision solely relies on you.
Truly appreciate your well-thought response!
Both brands have exceptional heritage. Can’t take a thing from either one of them. Yet if the budget can accommodate, then the Hamilton is the clear choice. It just wears so well… It is the true timeless design that all other field watches are compared to. Definitely buy a Seiko in the future, but by a Seiko for what they are truly known for which is unparalleled dive watches.
Funny thing…I had this exact thought….my first Seiko should be a dive watch.
Where do you guys buy Hamilton’s from? No local dealers for me. JS? Teddy? Amazon?
You know, I can’t say enough about Teddy Baldassare. What a class act.
You cannot go wrong with either.
I had similar thoughts with my first mechanical watch, HKFA vs Seiko, I opted for Seiko SRPG37. Now, looking back, it made sense: I tried a mechanical watch for about 200€ and knew what to look for and what I hate about it, so my next watch purchase was more informed.
Hamilton surely
Alright, I watched a review online and he pointed out that the date window is further inward than what it should be aesthetically because the movement was designed for the smaller 38mm version and slapped into the 42mm. This also pushes the ‘15’ inward and out of “alignment.”
Ever since this was pointed out, it’s all I can see when I stare at the watch. Maybe I can convince my mind that this is a good and can come to life that quirkiness! Lol
The Seiko is a solid choice, however the old 7S36 movement calibre doesn't hack or wind which is a downside. Perhaps it could be inaccurate from time to time, but its 40 hrs power reserve is actually good. Movement calibre aside, it's still a pretty good watch with a 100m WR which is handy when compared to Hamilton's 50m WR (for me, makes no sense to have 50m WR for a $500 watch). In terms of crystal, handlex is good enough to say the least. I noticed the lug to lug on the Seiko is quite long (can't remember the measurement).
As for Hamilton, I don't have the watch so I don't have the hand-ons experience with it. The movement calibre inside is modern, hack and wind are included. It got a domed sapphire crystal with AR and the design is truly like a WW2 field watch. The WR however is the downside, 50m for $500 is too much to ask in my opinion.
Watches aside, I think the decision solely relies on you.
I did some checking and the Hamilton 42 is actually 10 bar now. I think the 38 mm is the 5 bar watch.
I did some checking and the Hamilton 42 is actually 10 bar now. I think the 38 mm is the 5 bar watch.
Ah I see, they finally updated the Hamilton however that's for the 42mm, it should be a perfect fit I think for you, would be pretty nice if they also updated the smaller versions.
In case anyone ever stumbles into this post and wants to know which route I went…I went #seiko and I’m very happy. Maybe a Hamilton will make its way into my collection or maybe it won’t. Very happy so far!