If ever there was a brand that exemplified the word ‘rugged’, it would be Hamilton. A watchmaker born on the battlefields and railroads of America’s heartland, Hamilton has fought its way to horological esteem the hard way, through unquestionable reliability and a trademark never-say-die attitude. Make no mistake, the journeyman brand has landed some serious hits over its more than a century of operation, however, its latest piece, the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition, is firming as a bonafide knockout.
A worthy continuation of arguably Hamilton’s best-loved collection, the new Khaki Field Expedition charts a new course for the Swatch Group-owned watchmaker. Releasing in September, the new field watch offers a range of upgraded functionalities and design elements, including a nifty compass design on the bi-directional rotating compass bezel that is as much a feature as it is a nod to the collection’s military heritage.
While small, this addition essentially allows you to use the timepiece as a compass, provided you have the time and inclination to do so. Importantly, Hamilton has dropped a bunch of dial and diameter variations, with the Khaki Field Expedition available in either a 37mm or 41mm brushed stainless steel case with a screw-down crown and 10 bar (100m) water resistance.
Design-wise, the new Expedition is certainly the most ambitious take on the classic Khaki Field watch, however, the finished product is undeniably Hamilton. All the traditional elements make an appearance and even the new additions manage to sneak in without muddying the effortlessly simplistic dial. In a sense, Hamilton has achieved what few brands have before – to create an enduring collection that doesn’t feel the need to reinvent itself each and every year.
On the dial, Hamilton has elevated the iconic collection with a few modern twists, albeit ones that we’ve seen before. The ultra-legible design features hands coated in Super-LumiNova, a major advantage for the adventure market, while inside, a new Nivachron balance spring helps minimise the effect of magnetism. Throw in an H-10 automatic movement that guarantees the Khaki Field Expedition’s precision while also providing a stellar 80-hours power reserve, and you’ve got yourself a rugged tool watch worthy of the Hamilton name.
There’s something strangely enamouring about a brand that continually refines its successes. In the case of Hamilton, that remains very much in its rugged Khaki Field watch collection. The updates may be many, but you always know exactly what you’re going to get from the adventure timepiece – minimalistic, ultra-legible and highly durable, there is a reason why Hamilton hasn’t toyed with the formula too much over the past few years. As the old adage suggests, if it ain’t broke…
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition 37mm
- Case: 37mm stainless steel case with screw-down crown
- Thickness: 10.45mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Dial: Black/White/Blue dial
- Hands: Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova, nickeled second hands with Super-LumiNova tip
- Movement: H-10 automatic movement with 80-hours power reserve and Nivachron balance spring
- Bracelet: Green or brown leather strap with pin buckle, Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 m)
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition 41mm
- Case: 41mm stainless steel case with screw-down crown
- Thickness: 11.5mm
- Lug width: 20mm
- Dial: Black/White/Blue dial
- Hands: Nickeled hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova, nickeled second hands with Super-LumiNova tip
- Movement: H-10 automatic movement with 80-hours power reserve and Nivachron balance spring
- Bracelet: Green or brown leather strap with pin buckle, Stainless steel bracelet with folding clasp
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 m)
