May 10, 2023
A Good Looking Leisure Time Watch – Vintage NOS Hamilton Khaki Fields Now Available
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Imagine it’s an early Spring day in the mid-1980s. Ok, if are like me, you were a baby, but if that wasn’t the case, you’d want to go outside. You’d want to feel the sun on your face after the winter, but still enjoy a cool breeze. It would be a great day to throw on an L.L. Bean sweater, some comfy khakis, worn in boots, and a vest for those still slightly chilly temps. If you are the sporting type, perhaps you’d grab your gear, round up the dog, and head out to a nice fishing spot to relax for a few hours.

What’s on your wrist? Not a smartwatch, that’s for sure. In fact, it might be something quite simple, but tough. A watch that humbly tells the time with at-a-glance legibility. A watch that earned its keep on the wrists of soldiers for the past couple of decades. A watch as discreet as it is legendary. “A good looking leisure time watch” to use the brand’s own description. Yeah, that watch would be the Hamilton Khaki Field, and it would be 33mm of classic, understated, military style.

Today, we’re excited to announce the rare opportunity to pick up a vintage new old stock (NOS) Hamilton Khaki Field* from the 1980s, offered exclusively through the Windup Watch Shop. More details are below:

From the 1960s to the 1980s Hamilton manufactured watches that met the MIL-W-3818 specification issued in 1964. Issued to military personnel, these watches became the iconic mid-century “field watches” that have informed an uncountable number of watch designs since. In the mid-80s, once the military contract expired, Hamilton began producing its mil-spec field watch for civilians, and the Hamilton Khaki Field was born.

The civilian Hamilton Khaki Field maintained the same 33mm x 40.5mm case in matte blasted steel, with fixed 18mm lug bars and a domed acrylic crystal bringing the height to 10.6mm. Inside was the hand-wound 17-jewel Hamilton caliber 649 (ETA 2750). Held in place by a metal movement holder, it provided reliable timekeeping in the field and out.

The biggest changes came in the addition of branding. On the dial, just below 12, are Hamilton logos of the era, and just above 6, in bold text, is the word Khaki. Additionally, the crown has a large “H” milled in, and the case backs differ by not having military markings. On the wrist, the watch belies its small-size thanks to a wide dial and prominent sword hands. Timelessly stylish, though 40 years old they fit right in with modern attire.

We’re incredibly excited to announce that we’ve been able to secure a lot of 40 NOS Hamilton Khaki Field watches from the 1980s in unused condition with original boxes and accessories from a military surplus store that was closing out. The watches look perfect. The cases are minty and unworn. The dials are crisp, featuring tritium lume aged to a pleasant cream color. Please note, though NOS, some aging has naturally occurred, so conditions vary between each watch as well as the straps and packaging.

Each watch comes with two single-pass fabric straps, one green and the other tan. Additionally, each box contains an instruction manual, as well as a green canvas pouch with “Khaki” printed on the side. A solid kit.

All watches have been checked and are running, however, they have not been serviced. As such, we are offering these watches in two different ways. 1. they can be purchased as is for $599 shipped immediately, and without a warranty. 2. they can be fully serviced by Grand Central Watch for $1,099 with a two-year warranty, shipped in 4 – 6 weeks. As these watches are around 40 years old, servicing will include fully disassembling, cleaning, reassembling, relubricating, and regulating the movements.

Grand Central Watch, located in NYC’s Grand Central Station (though servicing occurs in a building nearby), is the city’s foremost service center, capable of working on everything including rare and vintage timepieces. Founded in 1952, it is still family owned and operated, providing a level of service that is hard to find. We want to thank them profusely for working with us on this project, and handling the service of these watches as requested.

Of course, this is also a great moment to consider the modern Hamilton Khaki Field as well. Relaunched in 2018, the new versions pay tribute to the iconic original models but are updated to modern tastes and specifications. Now available in both 38mm and 42mm, they feature 80-hour hand-wound Hamilton H-50 movements and domed sapphire crystals. Additionally, there are various dial colors, case finishes, and strap options to choose from. The full suite of modern Hamilton Khaki Field watches are available in the Windup Watch Shop as well, with a starting price of $575.

In rebranding the Khaki Field for civilian use, Hamilton teamed up with various outdoor retailers such as L.L. Bean™, Orvis™, and Brookstone™ to create co-branded watches for sale at their retail stores and through their catalogs. The messaging was pretty straightforward – the watches were built tough enough for military use, so they make great companions for an outdoor lifestyle. This legacy has persisted, with field watches being a go-to option for trail, sport, and general use thanks to their modest sizes, legibility, and general toughness.

Whether you choose one of the NOS models from the 1980s or one of the modern models, the Hamilton Khaki Field is a good looking leisure time watch you won’t want to take off.

*These vintage products are not being offered by, or sold in affiliation with, Hamilton Watches. When choosing the “Serviced” version of this watch, the product is refurbished and serviced by Grand Central Watch before shipping. The products are not covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. If a “Serviced” watch is selected, it is covered by the Windup Watch Shop Vintage Watch Warranty provided by Grand Central Watch which is detailed on the Warranties Policy Page.

If the non-serviced version of the watch is selected, no warranty is offered. The product has been tested by us to function but is not guaranteed to function on arrival to the final shipping destination. The Refund Policy Page further outlines the allowable reasons for return. These products are sold as-is.

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May 10, 2023