In 2018, Hamilton released a watch that attracted significant attention due to its cool design, excellent proportions, historical accuracy, and, as is often the case with the brand, a very decent price. The Khaki Field Mechanical watch became one of the brand's classic models and even evolved into a sub-collection with new styles and an updated manual winding movement. Inspired by vintage military watches, the brand had previously experimented with earthy tones using PVD coating. But today's edition goes even further, using one of the trendiest materials on the market. Meet the new Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical model is inspired by a watch called the Hamilton “Hacked,” released in the mid-20th century. This rather unusual name comes from the watch's ability to stop the second hand when the crown is pulled out - a feature that allowed military personnel to synchronize their watches, although it has now become almost mandatory on most modern watches. In terms of design, these models were close to the Watch Wristlet Waterproofs (WWW watches, or “Dirty Dozen”), although they were released later and had a central second hand. Everything is done in a typical military style with a double hour track and a clean display with luminescent hands and markers.
True to the watches produced for American, British, and other military forces since the 1940s, including the Hamilton W10 and its descendant, the Khaki Pilot Pioneer, Hamilton revived the Hacked watches in a slightly modernized case in 2018, and in 2019 - with a more powerful movement. Initially released in a steel case with a black dial, the brand later introduced models with brown or black PVD-coated cases.
The Khaki Field Mechanical watch, with a diameter of just 38 mm and a height of 9.60 mm, is a rather compact watch with a clear vintage inspiration. Now, the main update for 2021 concerns the case material, which is made of bronze (specifically, an alloy CuSn8 with the following formula: Cu = 91.78% / Sn = 8.18%).
Bronze has become one of the most popular materials for creating retro pieces. Not only because of its warm color and rough texture, which are in line with the concept of military or professional diving watches, but also because bronze is a constantly changing material. As a result of oxidation (exposure to skin or external elements such as water or acids), the material acquires a textured patina that uniquely manifests on each item.
Thus, each bronze watch tells its own story, combined with the nostalgic feel of wearing mechanical watches - especially with vintage inspiration. For obvious reasons, the case back is made of titanium. Sapphire glass protects the dial, and the case is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
Complementing the matte surfaces of the case, the dial of the Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze has a classic matte black color and retains the design characteristic of other releases of these watches. Contrasting and highly legible, it is equipped with large Arabic numerals indicating the hours and an additional hour scale (graduated from 13 to 24). The hands and triangular hour markers are coated with beige Super-LumiNova in a retro style. Naturally, this is a no-date watch, and the overall design is instrumental and simple, yet it has enough details.
Inside the case is the well-known Hamilton H-50 caliber with manual winding. Being an evolution of the ETA 2801 (which itself was based on the 2824), it altered the kinetic chain and reduced the frequency to 3 Hz, providing a comfortable 80-hour power reserve. This movement is exclusive to Hamilton and was developed for the collection of military manual winding watches.
To complement the rugged look of the case, the Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze watch will be supplied on a military-style NATO leather strap made of distressed brown leather. It closes with a titanium buckle.
Availability and Price
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze watch (reference H69459530) is part of the permanent collection and will not be limited. Priced at EUR 745, CHF 795, or USD 825, it is already available in Hamilton's online boutique or from retailers.
For more detailed information and to order, visit www.hamiltonwatch.com.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - HAMILTON KHAKI FIELD MECHANICAL BRONZE
Case: 38 mm diameter x 9.60 mm height - bronze case (alloy CuSn8, Cu = 91.78% / Sn = 8.18%), matte finish - titanium case back - sapphire glass - water resistance 50 m
Dial: matte black dial - painted indices and hands with beige Super-LumiNova - white lacquered second hand
Movement: Hamilton H-50 caliber (base ETA 2801) - manual winding - 17 jewels - 25.60 mm - 21,600 vibrations/hour - 80-hour power reserve - hours, minutes, and seconds
Strap: 20 mm brown NATO leather strap - titanium buckle
Reference: H69459530
Availability: permanent collection - now available on the brand's website and in retail stores
Price: EUR 745, CHF 795, USD 825
