Classic field watches have been around for over a century, but that doesn't mean they can't be improved. Hamilton has done just that.
Hamilton was the first manufacturer of field watches since the genre's inception, and with the Khaki Field Expedition model, it's clear how far the humble field watch has come. With a compass bezel and five new design options, including a textile NATO strap, the Khaki Field Expedition is ready for adventure.
If you're in the market for a field watch, you'll likely first consider Hamilton's Khaki line. It features over 60 models, from divers to chronographs, but the core of the Khaki line consists of classic field watches. Featuring large Arabic numerals and focusing on reliability and legibility, Hamilton Khaki field watches maintain the vintage military design of their predecessors and are built for outdoor life.
The Khaki Field Expedition watches trace their lineage to watches like Hamilton's Officer's Trench Watch, worn by soldiers during World War I. Large numbers, simplicity of design, and above all, reliability were key to timing operations in the field. In the following decades, Hamilton continued to produce field watches for soldiers. When soldiers returned from service, many found that the features making these watches so reliable easily translated to outdoor leisure in peacetime.
First released in 2023, the Khaki Field Expedition model took the timeless Hamilton Khaki design and added a compass bezel, along with enlarged hands and indices, to create a version of field watches that are both reliable and adventure-ready.
For watches designed for outdoor enthusiasts, adding a compass bezel was an inspired choice. Following the old adage "two is one, and one is none," the compass bezel provides a backup compass on your wrist during backcountry navigation. If you're in the northern hemisphere, simply hold the dial flat and point the hour hand toward the sun. Then set the "South" mark halfway between the hour hand and the 12 o'clock mark. After that, you'll be able to roughly determine the direction to help you orient yourself - a great backup option for unforeseen circumstances.
Placed in a 41 or 37-millimeter stainless steel case, the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition watches are available in three dial color options: classic black, crisp white, and deep blue. Regardless of the chosen color, the hands and indices are coated with a creamy brown Super-LumiNova, adding a vintage charm.
Originally, the Hamilton Khaki Field watches were only available with a bracelet or leather strap, but now a range of NATO strap options have been added - an ideal choice for outdoor excursions. The new NATO straps add versatility, whether it's a white dial with khaki NATO for a vintage look, a black dial with dark gray NATO for an elegant and discreet appearance, or striving for a color-matching aesthetic - navy on navy.
Field watches have always been a reliable and versatile option for outdoor leisure, but the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition takes this classic design to a new level with a compass bezel and the new option of NATO straps for added comfort and security in the field. Prices for the 37 and 41-millimeter Field Expedition start at $995 USD. For more information on the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition, visit the brand's website.