Revisiting The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition

I still can’t usually remember how to use a compass bezel, but the prospect of a tougher, even more versatile Hamilton Khaki is tempting. By offering two of the subjectively best-sized case designs, the Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition covers most bases.

We covered this release late last year, but it slipped under my radar, and I have recently rediscovered these rugged Khaki sports watches. By name and nature, this is a field watch, and as you can see from Nacho’s sharp shots, it’s a natural fit.

What makes great versatility in a sports watch?

In 2024, the wave of vintage-inspired wristwear is still as strong as it was two or even four years ago, and the Khaki line has become very important for Hamilton. In the €800–1,500 price range, the watches offer a tempting and multi-angled flavor with a retro lean. But with the great legibility and clean-cut design, the Khaki Field is pretty close to being a one-for-all and the first good Swiss mechanical watch for many. This is undoubtedly a field watch, but as a general sports watch, it’s also a genre-busting winner.

With beige lume and crisp white numerals, the smaller 37mm versions of the Khaki Field Expedition, like the blue dial above, are supremely versatile. I even feel that this field watch works just as well across a few genres. Sure, the compass bezel is there, but with a 44mm lug-to-lug, 10.45mm thickness, and exquisite details, I’d wear it with a formal shirt. Am I being blasphemous? The dress watch is dead, and this is not a replacement, but I have grown to love sub-38mm sizing to see past the rugged image. And while the compass bezel denotes an outdoor tool watch, it simply tells your friends that you’re tougher than you seem. Plus, a 37mm watch sure slips under most cuffs.

Crisp monochrome and steel

I’d feel a strong kinship to the tough but small nature of the 37mm models, but there is a reason the 42mm Rolex Explorer II is way too popular. It might be a Rolex, but its fly-under-the-radar vibes are strong. How does the 41mm Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition compare? Well, for one thing, its value is superb, with €1,195 price on the three-row steel bracelet. It might not have a coronet or the cachet of a quietly spoken Rolley, but I’d prefer it.

I do not need the affirmation of the Crown among friends, and to be frank, this Khaki Field Expedition, with its 41mm diameter, 48mm lug-to-lug, and 11.15mm thickness, is smaller and more comfortable. The H-10 automatic caliber with 80 hours of power reserve and a Nivachron hairspring is one of the best Swatch Group movements ever created. What’s not to love?

With the recognizable 24-hour inner circle of Khaki Field numerals gone, these watches are supremely legible and have an almost IWC-like pilot’s-watch feel. That might be unintentional, but it makes it even more of a GADA (go anywhere, do anything) tool watch. No, it doesn’t have a GMT function, but even so, this has the makings of a favorite watch. Adding the solid 100m water resistance rating only increases its useability.

Choices, choices…

The black dial has the toughest look on the steel bracelet, though I also enjoy the crispness of the white-dial version. The choice is not easy for the diehard Hamilton fans out there who have been waiting for a compass bezel. For me, I have equal love for the small-cased 37mm model on the classic contrast-stitched leather (€1,115) as on the bracelet (€1,195). But despite my love of colored dials, it’s hard to go wrong with a black one and a bracelet for everyday wear.

A GADA conclusion

I have been trying to avoid explaining the compass bezel and its useful function. I know we all have GPS functionality on our phones, but we tend to forget that the range is anything but infinite. So, if you have a map and get lost, here’s how it works: keep the watch flat, and find the Sun in the sky. Turn the bezel to set the South tab halfway between the hour hand (pointing towards the Sun) and the 12 o’clock marker. The North marker will now be pointing you that way!

If you’re still lost, check out Nacho’s deeper dive here. I will be honest and admit to having never used a compass bezel, and I might not in the future. But it provides the same feeling as knowing you could dive to 1,000 meters (only 100 with this watch, sorry) but will never do it. In other words, it’s good for peace of mind. And even if I’m a big Seiko fan, this beats the OG Alpinist easily (I’m ready for your wrath) and is less polarizing. Yes, Hamilton, the Expedition is a great version of the Khaki Field, and big kudos to you for offering two sizes. With versatile styling and solid specs, it’s also a rather good field/sports/everyday-exploration buddy. Pick your genre, size, and strap or bracelet, and this Hamilton is up for it. Visit the brand’s official website to see all 18 variants.

What about you, Fratelli? Are you field-watch fanatics or up for some genre-busting wristwear? Let me know in the comments below.