A Hamilton Khaki Field for my marriage adventure

My Hamilton Khaki Field. Ref H704450, 38mm

By Josh Kranz

An Adventure.

When I was getting married, my then fiancé wanted to get me a gift and I knew that I wanted a new timepiece. However, this was not just any watch, this would be my wedding watch, a milestone piece. I had invested in entry level watch models from Citizen, Bulova, and Movado but these were quartz movements. I am in no way hating on quartz, but I felt this was my time to branch into mechanical watches and automatics made sense. I consulted a friend whom I would consider my watch “rabbi.” I learned a great deal from him and he immediately told me to no look no further than a Hamilton Khaki Field. 

“I chose this piece because it’s a field watch, and marriage is one of the best adventures you can embark on, so get a watch to tackle that adventure.”

I began to dive into the brand and its heritage, Hamilton was founded in Lancaster PA, and was primarily responsible for outfitting railroad workers and members of the military in WWI and WWII with its timepieces. The Khaki collection may get its name from the brands military heritage, however this collection now encompasses dozens of timepieces in different sizes, case materials, bands, and functions. Hamilton has its roots in America but in 1969 moved all manufacturing to Bern Switzerland after the acquisition of Buren Watch Company. The brand now had access to fine Swiss watch technology combined with American grit to bring the market the “Swiss Made, American Watch.” Hamilton can be found in many major motion pictures with 500 credits to their name some films like Interstellar, Tenet, Oppenheimer, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. 

I chose this piece because it’s a field watch, and marriage is one of the best adventures you can embark on, so get a watch to tackle that adventure. This reference comes in at 38mm, stainless steel case with an exhibition case back showing off the robust automatic movement, 10.8mm thickness, 20mm lug width, and 47mm lug-to-lug. The dial comes with a quickset date function, and a hacking automatic movement, a beautiful black dial with a seconds track on the outside and 24-hour time tracking on the inner sub-dial, a stunning contrast on the red arrow tipped seconds hand finishing off with lumed numerals and hands. 

On the wrist, the watch is incredibly light but still carries a presence for that perfect feel you want in a wristwatch. When I purchased mine it came on a brown calfskin leather band, however, you can get this watch on a stainless steel bracelet or other leather bands as well. The 20mm lugs allow for many band and strap options that are available on the market to personalize your look. I love that this watch can go from a casual day hiking to the office for work and even a more formal night out with my wife, seamless and simple. Coupled with its 40-hour power reserve you can take this off and have the movement still beating til your next wear with no worries at all.