It's been a while since we introduced a version of the classic Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical to the Shop, and since then, the watch has undergone a bit of a makeover. While the H-50, the exclusive movement found inside the latest models, is attention-grabbing in itself – doubling the power reserve of the previous generation to a more-than-impressive 80 hours – what might be the most eye-catching development is in the outer aesthetics.
Hamilton has grown the Khaki Field Mechanical into a full family this year, with three new colorways that we're thrilled to share with you today. Additionally, Hamilton has allowed the HODINKEE Shop to be the very first place to offer the never-before-seen Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical with a black PVD coating. Yes, you read that right. The classic Khaki Field Mechanical is back in four new designs, one of which has never seen the light of day before, and all are available right here.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical In Black PVD
Ever since PVD started appearing on wristwatches in the 1970s, the look has had an unmistakably confident air to it. Maybe it was the forbidden aspect, as many Swiss companies deemed it sacrilegious to abandon established decorative techniques in favor of the scientific process of physical vapor deposition (PVD). Or maybe it was simply the stealthy nature of blacked-out timepieces, a look that gives off a devil-may-care attitude that is the antithesis of traditional Swiss craftsmanship. That forbidden factor has, of course, evolved over time and despite some prestigious brands staying away, many more have filled collections with blacked-out options using either PVD or DLC (diamond-like carbon) to great effect.
The matte black case and dial found on the newest Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical enhances the watch in a number of ways. It has a look that recalls everything from Tom Clancy novels to the Metal Gear Solid franchise – now distilled in the form of a wristwatch. Despite the dial maintaining the same overall appearance, the watch all the sudden feels sleeker, trading away the field in "field watch" for an all-around, all-the-time look. It's easy to imagine the watch strapped to the wrist of a clandestine commando in the dead of night, with the "old radium"-style lume glowing a faint green, just as much as during a weekend of celebration in Manhattan.
The Inherent Charm Of The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
We've said time and time again that the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is the standard to which all modern field and tool watches are compared. In fact, reviewing the spec sheet for today's Shop update reveals a checklist for the purists among us. 38mm diameter? Check. No date? Check. Drilled lugs? Check. Manually wound? Check. And about that price… Under $550? Check!
But if black isn't your go-to look, we're happy to present a trio of other Khaki Field Mechanicals, all new for 2019, for your consideration. Now available in a larger selection of colors than ever before, we have white- and black-dial variations in untreated stainless steel cases, and there's a model with an exclusive olive-green case finish that Hamilton is describing as "Earth PVD." It's that last option that is particularly noteworthy, as the muted tone does an excellent job of recalling the trends of the mid-1970s, when traditional military garb was beginning to transition into a broader fashion statement, with aviators, camouflage prints, and green army jackets all becoming menswear staples. In certain lights, the finish almost appears to mimic bronze tones, offering a patina- and hassle-free take on the metal, and the matching color of the textured dial brings it all together.
While the modern appeal of the Khaki Field Mechanical is fairly straightforward, it's worth making the effort to understand the watch's historical significance as well. This uncomplicated watch is based on the "MIL-W-3818B" specification set in place by the U.S. government in the early 1960s. Its aesthetics have rarely changed over time: this is basically the same design that has been worn and appreciated by countless numbers of servicemen, servicewomen, and civilians over the decades. While the design set by the "MIL-W-3818B" specification is what the modern Khaki Field Mechanical is most influenced by, that period wasn't Hamilton's first time working with the U.S. military. The relationship dates back to World War I, when the brand helped supply railroad-grade watches to soldiers under the purview of Gen. John "Black Jack" Pershing, in order to more effectively time troop movements. And in World War II, Hamilton ceased production of civilian watches completely, focusing solely on supporting the Allied forces with over one million wristwatches and timing devices.
More In The HODINKEE Shop
The modern Khaki Field Mechanical carries on the same sensibilities it always has with its purpose-driven dial that displays 12- and 24-hour scales in a rounded, easy-to-read font. And while hopefully you will be able to wear the Khaki Field Mechanical in less stressful situations than previous generations could, the watch can still take a good amount of abuse, making it an ideal choice for weekend wear – which is exactly how the HODINKEE staff likes to wear their Khaki Fields.
If we've learned anything about these honest-to-goodness tool watches over the years, it's that people can't get enough of them, and with the upgraded movement and a variety of new designs available, we've got a feeling our stock won't last long. Don't miss out, become one of the first people to own the Khaki Field Mechanical in black PVD by clicking here, or go ahead and try out any of the new releases. You really can't go wrong.