Hamilton Expands The Khaki Field Legacy With Two New Sizes in Quartz

Hamilton has an extensive history of crafting field watches for tactical and military use that can be traced all the way to World War I, back when the watch was undergoing its great relocation from the pocket to the wrist. Since its initial release, the brand’s Khaki Field collection has been at the forefront of the vintage-revival boom that has steadily overtaken the watch industry at large over the past decade, offering well-crafted, attainably priced pieces that often pay tribute to designs that were not available to the general public. Now, Hamilton expands upon its quartz options within the Khaki Field collection, offering new 38mm and 33mm sizes complete with a new dial-design language referencing pieces originally made for non-military personnel within the British government throughout the 1960s.

It goes without saying that quartz movements are something of a contentious topic, and the brand seems to have focused its energy on offering more stylistic diversity within its automatic and mechanical options within the line. Until now, the Khaki Field Quartz has had a much busier dial design and typically features a date window at three o’clock (and it isn’t always color-matched, either). In comparison, this new update feels refreshing in its simplicity. This expansion includes eight new Khaki Field quartz models total – four in 38mm, and four in the smallest size the contemporary line has dared to try yet, in 33mm.

If you were to place one of the new Khaki Field models right alongside its vintage reference, the most distinct difference you would notice as far as the dial is concerned (other than some experimentation with color) is that the G.S. script, which indicated that this watch is meant for use for General Service members, has been replaced with the line’s ‘Khaki’ logo above six o’clock. Additionally, the Hamilton logo on the new models has been moved under the ‘H’ logo under 12 o’clock, which has also been updated to reflect its 21st-century design.

The railroad-style minutes track, along with the large and legible Arabic numerals and triangle marking the 12, are nearly identical to those of the vintage model – though the pips marking the hours within the minutes track have been updated to neatly sized squares, rather than a combination of circular and rectangular markings on the heritage design. Though this dial design is very similar to the brand’s Khaki Aviation Pioneer model, this marks the first time that this exact design has made its way into the Khaki Field line. 

All of the new Khaki Field models are crafted in stainless steel with a bead-blasted finish, and are available in white, blue, and black dial options, all paired with NATO-style straps. Among several of the models, Hamilton has opted for a healthy dose of "faux-tina" on the numerals, in shades intended to mimic the look of the old (and mildly radioactive) radium lume that the original G.S. watches would have had — but thankfully, this callback is purely aesthetic, and comes with no adverse health risks. As far as the technical specs are concerned, each model is powered by, you guessed it, a quartz movement and is water resistant to 50 meters. 

While the 38mm models are definitely firmly situated in the ‘Goldilocks’ dimension territory, for selfish reasons, I am particularly excited about the tiny 33mm options. I’m always happy to see watch brands scale things down closer to my preferred size, especially for designs that are more utilitarian. One thing I am wary of is the long lugs – which are on par with the vintage model – but I will have to reserve my judgment until I get to try one of these out for myself. All in all, it’s nice to see a brand extend an olive branch to its small-wristed fans, and if you can get past the quartz of it all, each model packs a punch in terms of its ability to take the best vintage design cues and channel them through a modern lens.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz in 33mm and 38mm

Case: 33mm; 38mm

Lug Width: 18mm; 20mm

Dial: White, blue, or black

Case material: Stainless steel

Crystal: Sapphire

Water Resistance: 50 meters

Movement: Quartz