HamiltonKhaki Field Auto | Swiss Made | 38mm Stainless Steel Case | Black Dial Analog Watch | Leather Strap (Model: H70455733)

I’ve had this Hamilton Field about a week now. I’d previously purchased the larger 42mm model and ended up returning it. I have other 42mm watches and don’t mind the size, but I wasn’t happy with the bigger Field. Now having worn both I’m very sure exchanging the 42mm for the 38mm was the right choice. For perspective, I’m 5’11”, 190 lbs. In light of the large crown (more on that later) and where I wear a watch on my 7.5 inch wrist, the 38mm is much better. A 40mm might have been perfect, but that size is not available in this style. I think because of the understated nature of this watch, going big is unnecessary. Although watches the size of saucers seem to be the current style, I think it’s important to remember this is a watch reminiscent of an era when watches weren’t huge. It is of course styled after the Hamilton military field watches from the last century. Those were functional, purpose built watches that didn’t come in 42mm plus cases. Pardon the pun but this is a timeless design. Long after ‘style’ decides that huge watches are passé, this watch will endure. Another word about the crown: Proportionally it is somewhat large, particularly on the 38mm case. This might be a turn-off for some, but I look at it in keeping with the nature of the watch. This is an automatic movement with a manual wind capability. That means it needs some form of human interaction in order to function. The crown provides the manual interface and in this case it’s easy to access and manipulate. Note it is signed with a large “H”. Love it or hate it, you won’t ignore it.Much has been written on the ETA 2824-2 movement used in these Hamiltons. I’ll not repeat it all here but it is without question a very successful and respected design. Hamilton claims an accuracy between -10/+15 seconds per day which is reasonable for an automatic not certified by the COSC as a chronometer. Checked against the U.S Naval Observatory time signal, mine is gaining 10 seconds per day. That of course may change as the watch “breaks in”. With a modicum of care and proper servicing the watch will last a very long time. Recommended service intervals of three to five years seems to be the norm. Ignore those who say “Just wait until it quits to get it serviced.” This is an example of precision mechanics and should be treated as such.Yes, a quartz watch, or even the clock on your phone, is more accurate. If atomic clock accuracy is paramount, don’t buy an automatic.A couple of minor complaints:Antireflective coating on the crystal would have been nice. So would a locking crown. Without that feature I intend to be cautious about getting the watch near water.As mentioned by others, out of the box the band is very stiff. But after only a few hours wear I can already tell a difference, and I doubt it will take long to break in. The texture is smooth with even, white stitching and the brushed stainless branded buckle is a handsome choice. The band is 80x120mm excluding the buckle and I am using the fourth hole from the tip. Personally I like the black band vs the brown, although I am considering swapping it out for something with more texture, like a distressed or embossed croc leather band. It would also look great on a NATO strap if that’s your style. At 20mm between the lugs, the possibilities are endless.The lume is very bright. The hands appear to be twice as bright as the numbers.Overall the watch is simultaneously subtle yet striking. There aren’t a multitude of dials, complications or buttons. It doesn’t clamor for attention, but once noticed it definitely holds the eye. If you like simplicity and character in your watch, you’ll find it here.

I bought this watch as a replacement for my Seiko Field Watch which I have used for years as a backup watch while my Rolex Submariner is receiving its regular service. Well , this time the Seiko was losing 6 minutes per day and the cost and time to have it serviced wasn’t worth the wait or cost.I decided to splurge on this watch because I liked the look of the Seiko which is similar to the Hamilton and I like the reputation of Hamilton and its roots in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Also, as a retired Navy officer I appreciate Hamilton’s service to our nation during WW2 in supplying the US Navy withincomparable chronometers for use by the fleet.Despite the fact that the company is now part of the Swiss Swatch group of companies I can report that this watch does the Hamilton company proud. Not only is it a rugged and good looking timepiece, it is almost unbelievably accurate for a mechanical watch.Because I’ve worn mechanical watches for over forty years, I decided to invest in a Timegrapher. This seemed reasonable considering the time and expense of having a Rolex serviced regularly. The first thing I did upon receiving my new Hamilton was to wind it up and put it on the Timegrapher. I couldn’t believe what the Timegrapher told me. It said the watch had zero beat and rate errors with an amplitude (balance wheel swing) of 285 degrees. I checked this by hacking the watch to the second against an atomic clock. After a week the watch had gained only 3 seconds against the atomic clock.I’ve only owned this watch for a month, but if it proves itself to be as reliable I hope, I may make this my go-to daily watch. This is not to detract from my Rolex, which is an old friend, but unfortunately the theft of luxury watches in my area is on the rise, and it has brought to my attention that I should not be wearing it when I go for a trail run or a long bike ride. Such are the times we live in.

I did a lot of research into the type of field watch I wanted. I wanted simplicity. I wanted a classic look that was understated. And I wanted good craftsmanship. This Hamilton Khaki meets all of those criteria. It is simple and barely calls attention to itself, except for the deep satisfaction I feel whenever I check the time. This is a watch for me and I live a very active lifestyle but one that does require a wrist full of data. The time stands out on the very easy to read watch face. The crystal is clear and slightly curved, which makes it feel classy upon closer examination. Sure, it is more expensive than some similar watches in this category, but the mechanism is quiet and there are no batteries to wear out. It has been something I've enjoyed everyday I wear it and that makes it worth the money in my mind.

This Hamilton automatic watch is of high quality at an exceptional value. The design elements are flawless and it's a perfect size at a 38mm diameter. There's nothing goofier than those gaudy, saucer-size watches with nonsensical and unnecessary dials, buttons, bells and whistles. This Hamiton watch is a no-nonsense watch that would be perfectly at home anywhere from the boardroom to the trout stream. I did replace the band that was supplied with the watch with a solid black, soft leather band. Everyone should have an automatic watch in their collection and if you were to only have one, this is it. It's an excellent, high quality automatic watch.