Are you ready to push the limits of the price / performance ratio in the world of mechanical watches with Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical?
Brands, models, cases crafted with fine workmanship, dials, movements that fascinate with details and of course increasing prices… We always want more so, they want more from us. It is impossible to talk about an ending in the world of watches. There is no end to this hobby, and even worse, it becomes increasingly difficult to advance after a certain level. Even if the level does not increase, the charm of the new is often enough to tempt the consumer.
Especially if you are in the business, it becomes even worse. “Playing” with eye-wateringly expensive timepieces as a part of your job leads to numbness after a while. The solution is very easy, go back to the point where you started. Starting from the beginning to change your perception, at least for a while. As a result of all these searches, I met with Hamilton Khaki Field. This was not the first time we met as I had the opportunity to see it before, but this time I started to think “seriously” about it.
Hamilton positions itself among the watches in a category that can be called entry and mid-level due to its brand strategy. I chose this segment as the starting point. The point I came to as a result of my search for a model suitable for both beginners and those who would do it from the beginning without hurting my budget, created a sense of satisfaction far beyond my guess.
The Khaki Field series is a family that has been in the American manufacturer’s collection for many years. With the latest update this year, the Khaki Field Mechanical version has reached such a “right” level in terms of specs and design, which is impossible not to admire. Although the military origins of the watch contradict my anti-militarist personality, it is unlikely to be indifferent to the simple and solid presence of the model.
So, why do I think Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is so special between the brand’s product range and the other watches? Although tastes differ, I don’t like oversized watches, except for a few brands. They should leave this to Panerai, IWC Big Pilot, and AP ROO, if possible. With a diameter of 38mm, Hamilton Khaki Field feels exactly as it should be. The watch, which has a sapphire crystal and a solid case back, is water-resistant to 50 meters. A value that will not be a problem unless you dive into the depths. While I was thinking 100 meters would be a better figure in terms of durability, I immediately gave up considering the thickness and cost that would be added to the watch.
Khaki Field Mechanical is available in two different case options, stainless steel and brownish PVD coated stainless steel, and four different dials as black, brown, white and green. The dial is designed to be extremely easy to read and can be seen in all circumstances, ensuring that you have no problems with legibility.
The model is powered by the hand-wound Caliber H-50, which is produced exclusively for Hamilton by ETA (owned by the Swatch Group). The only word that can be said for the 80-hour power reserve of the caliber running at 25200vph is “impressive”. The movement does not have date function and is easy to synchronize with an external time-source thanks to its hacking-second feature.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is available in both leather and fabric NATO-style straps produced in brown and green tones.
Now let’s come to the most important part. Hamilton set list prices for this model ranging from 475 to 585 CHF. I think the amount being asked for timeless, unique and characterful design and an extremely robust in-house movement should be described as more than fair. Whether you are just entering the delightful world of mechanical watches or just wanting to make a change, I think every watch enthusiast should see this model closely.
