When I hear the name Hamilton, dive watches aren't the first thing that comes to mind.
The Swiss brand with American roots is primarily known for its military field watches. Classic models like the Ventura and Intra-Matic Chronograph are also among its most recognizable offerings. Nevertheless, the Khaki Navy series has been a stable part of Hamilton's collection for many years, perfectly reflecting the brand's adventurous side. In 2026, Hamilton refreshed the Khaki Navy collection. The Khaki Navy Scuba Auto and Khaki Navy Scuba Auto GMT models received new dials and color schemes. Being skeptical about the Khaki Navy series, I decided to check how much the collection has improved.
Why Hamilton is Interesting: Personal Experience with Khaki Field
I have a special relationship with Hamilton. The Khaki Field line is one of my favorite affordable watch series, and I've been lucky to wear several models from this line. The Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze and Khaki Field Murph come to mind first. However, the most impressive was the collaboration with Engineered Garments - the Khaki Field Titanium Limited Edition. This model was one of my favorite reviews of 2024 and still pops up in the list of memorable watches I'd be willing to repurchase.
Updated Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Series: Review of Changes
Honestly, the Khaki Navy series seems less relevant to me. This is due to the abundance of affordable dive watches on the market. Khaki Navy models compete with offerings from other Swatch Group brands - Certina, Mido, and Tissot offer some of the best divers in terms of price-quality ratio. Hamilton stands out by positioning its watches more as adventure watches and choosing a design that differs from competitors.
Hamilton decided to link the Khaki Navy Scuba design with the Khaki Field by adding a 13-24 hour scale to the dial. This is a signature element that sets them apart among the many dive watches. However, it was this element that made me less inclined towards the Khaki Navy Scuba series and more towards the Khaki Navy Frogman Auto - a more classic and concise dive watch. Perhaps the situation will change with the updated design Hamilton has introduced for the Khaki Navy Scuba. I managed to test four new three-hand models and two new versions of the Khaki Navy Scuba Auto GMT. The former received new dials, while the latter got new colors.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto: Technical Specifications and Design
Let's start with the classic dive watch model. The updated Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto retained the stainless steel case of the previous generation with a diameter of 40 mm, thickness of 12.95 mm, and a length of 50 mm from lug to lug. The case has a matte finish and water resistance of 100 m. The unidirectional rotating bezel is equipped with a blue or black aluminum insert with a 60-minute diving scale. The font on the bezel has been updated - it now looks more modern and is easier to read.
Updated Dials: Wave Pattern and Design Unification
The main update is the new dials. All models now feature a stamped, lacquered dial with a wave texture - a pattern familiar from the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M, adding aesthetics to utilitarian divers. Additionally, regardless of the color, all dials are now identical in design. Previously, the series included colored models with rectangular indices, differing from the standard ones.
Unified Design of Indices and Hands
All new dials feature round indices and wedge-shaped markers at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. These four markers start inside the rehaut ring, which contains the minute scale, while the round indices are closer to the center. Inside the rehaut is the signature 13-24 hour scale. The date window is located between 4 and 5 o'clock.
The hands remain the same: a seconds hand with a red tip on models with black, blue, and white dials, while the turquoise version's tip is unpainted. All hands and hour markers are coated with Super LumiNova luminescent material, glowing blue in the dark.
Hamilton H-10 Movement: Reliability and Autonomy
Inside is the Hamilton H-10 caliber - a version of the popular Powermatic 80 used by many Swatch Group brands. The automatic movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and provides a power reserve of up to 80 hours. For dive watches, this is an optimal solution, and no update to the movement was required.
Straps and Bracelets: Comfort and Quality
The watches are offered on a steel bracelet with a folding clasp or a rubber strap. Models with a blue bezel are available with a dark blue or white dial, the black version on a rubber strap (there is also a bracelet option), and the version with a black and turquoise dial is equipped with a turquoise rubber strap.
The 20 mm wide bracelet is in a three-row style with a matte finish and polished bevels on the central links. However, it does not taper towards the clasp, making it look bulky and feel heavy. The bracelet quality is average, and the clasp is very simple. In a market where even small brands offer more modern solutions, an update to the bracelet would have been beneficial.
Wearing the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto: Impressions
On the wrist, the watch feels reliable and ready for any challenge. Due to the lack of bracelet tapering, I preferred models on a rubber strap, which tapers to 18 mm at the clasp, providing comfort. The 20 mm bracelet without tapering seems too massive, so I was more attracted to the black and turquoise versions.
The turquoise model stands out in particular - it has a charm that surpasses the design of the previous version. The updated dial looks modern and is a noticeable improvement. The watch is well-assembled, sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to its curved lugs. Setting the time and date is simple after unscrewing the crown, and turning the bezel is easy and convenient.
The wave pattern on the dial doesn't stand out - it serves more as a decorative element than attracting attention. In my opinion, this is the right approach, and the Hamilton designers have done well.
Of all the versions, I liked the bright turquoise one the most - it could easily make it to the list of 10 vibrant dive watches, recently published. The updated hour markers make it much more attractive than the previous model. Overall, the update looks logical and improves the appearance of the Khaki Navy Scuba series, which is a positive change.
Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto GMT: New Colors and Specifications
Two new versions of the Khaki Navy Scuba Auto GMT have also appeared. This line was launched last year. We covered the bronze version and the stainless steel model with ivory and black dials. Now Hamilton has added a model with a black dial, available on a rubber strap or steel bracelet, as well as a version with a dark blue dial and bezel. Unlike regular divers, these GMT models did not receive the wave pattern on the dial.
The case is made of stainless steel with a diameter of 43 mm, thickness of 13.9 mm, and a lug-to-lug length of 52 mm. Water resistance is 300 m. The bezel is bidirectional with a ceramic insert in blue or black, equipped with a 24-hour GMT scale. The second time zone is indicated by a bright red GMT hand.
Design and Functionality of New GMT Models
The first of the new models features a matte black dial and a ceramic black insert on the bezel. The second - a matte gradient dark blue dial with a blue ceramic insert.
The indices are styled similarly to the new 40 mm three-hand Khaki Scuba Auto models: round markers with wedge-shaped ones at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock. The date window has shifted to 3 o'clock due to the larger case diameter. The black model's date disc matches the dial color, while the blue one has a white disc with black numbers. The 13-24 hour scale is absent, making the dial more concise.
Strap and Bracelet of GMT Models
The watches come with a 22 mm steel bracelet or a black rubber strap. Like the divers, the bracelet does not taper, making it bulky. If a 20 mm bracelet is still acceptable, a 22 mm one without tapering seems too heavy.
Hamilton H-14 GMT Movement: Reliability and Autonomy
Behind the case is the Hamilton H-14 caliber - a GMT movement with a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and an 80-hour power reserve. This is another version of the Powermatic 80, also used by Certina and Tissot.
Wearing the New Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto GMT: Impressions
The models with a diameter of 43 mm and a lug-to-lug length of 52 mm are noticeably larger than the 40 mm divers. This size doesn't cause me discomfort, but raises questions about the necessity of such a significant difference between the models. However, Hamilton offers a 43 mm version of the standard diver, but with previous generation dials. In this context, the 43 mm GMT models seem logical.
I would prefer to see a 41 mm version - it would look better and be more comfortable to wear. In its current form, the combination of the case with a 22 mm bracelet affects comfort. However, the watches feel very sturdy and reliable. The new color options expand the collection, as black and dark blue are popular shades. Together with the existing steel models with white-black dials and the bronze version, Hamilton offers a diverse choice.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying the New Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto?
Overall, the updates to the 40 mm Khaki Navy Auto are a logical and beneficial step. The new dial design with the wave pattern and round indices looks better than the previous generation. I particularly liked the turquoise version - it offers a fresh, summer take on the 40 mm three-hand watch that I would be happy to wear myself. The question remains whether I would prefer these watches over models from Certina and Mido. Most likely, I would choose the Certina DS Action Diver or Mido Ocean Star over the new Khaki Scuba Auto. However, Hamilton fans and those who appreciate the 13-24 hour scale design on the dial will see the update as a significant step forward. Priced at €895, it's a great affordable diver.
Assessment of the New Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto GMT
The two new GMT models are a logical expansion of the series. The colors will be in demand among fans of the collection. Personally, I would like to see a more compact 40 or 41 mm version alongside these 43 mm models. We know it's possible, as similar mechanisms are used in smaller GMT divers by the Swatch Group.
If Hamilton releases a version with a white-black dial in a smaller size, I would become a fan of this model. It would be a great and affordable GMT. For now, the new models will appeal to those who prefer larger watches. There is a high demand for large watches, and I am confident that these models will be popular at a price of €1,445. Overall, Hamilton fans will enthusiastically accept these updates, and for those considering a wide range of brands, the new Khaki Navy Scuba will complicate the choice, offering an alternative to competitors.