Is This AFFORDABLE Hamilton a Good Purchase? | Watchfinder & Co.

[@watchfinder]

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[@eagleosen]

I live in Lancaster, PA, about 2 blocks from the Hamilton watch factory. My Dad had worked there until the watch factory closed. Sadly, he passed away 3 months ago. I have his vintage Hamilton super compressor which I will cherish forever, as well as 4 other Hamilton’s, as they are my favorite watch brand. Thanks for making this video.

[@stavrosmaiden]

Sorry for your loss Mike. I also keep my grandfather's watches as reminders of him and his success!

[@ryansruns5338]

Hi Neighbor! I'm a few blocks down from the old factory myself. Been wanting to go inside and see if they have anything left over now that it's a condo complex. Neat to see WF&Co do a video on something so close to home.

[@patricklogan8327]

I'm not quite as close, I'm near Harrisburg, but I get into Lancaster often for work. A couple weeks ago, I stopped by the old factory and took some photos of my Khaki King at the old site. Sorry about your dad. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@NFournaridis]

Have you ever visited Brent L. Miller Jewelers? I bought my Grand Seiko there. They have an awesome Hamilton selection, too!

[@ryansruns5338]

@@NFournaridis Been there many times! They have a Pelagos LHD too I've been eyeing. I think they're the only certified Hamilton dealer in Lancaster anymore - which is kind of neat considering the town's history.

[@Bhethar]

I got gifted a Hamilton Field Khaki with manual winding and its an amazing tool watch. Just so simple yet functional and reliable. Hamilton has some great looking watches and really set the standard for quality at a reasonable price.

[@sameagle988]

My father once held up his USN issue Hamilton watch and commented that it got him from Guantanamo Bay to Tokyo Bay in WW2. I love the vintage watches and the newer watches are an outstanding value and more importantly; true to themselves. Great movements, great heritage, great design.

[@humanitech]

Glad to see that so many makers are doing classic historic reissues...as there are some designs that are simply... timeless!

[@jasperfk]

The finishing on those hands could give some luxury brands a run for their money. Fully polished on the underside, tight and smooth edges, clean luming.

[@RobbieKhan]

Absolutely every part of this watch case is finished sublimely and is every bit worth its price and puts much more expensive luxury brands to shame. Even the double domed box crystal has AR coating. It might be mineral, but it is extremely good quality and mine has yet to scratch.

[@gunner678]

I have my hamilton which has served with me through 25 years of army service and 20 years after retirement it still works well. It lays in my watch drawer next to my Brietling Crosswind and Seiko Kinetic. Great watch, several wars, injuries and wounds, blown up, shot at, but the watch still works.

[@keysncoffee7733]

Thank you for your service! I’d like to see someone like yourself do a video on these watches. Surely there are great stories to go with it.

[@kevinmccalister8197]

Been looking at a Khaki Field for a few weeks now. Now i realize this Pilot Pioneer has shorter lug to lug. Even better!!

[@truebluemiata]

My daughters are in for Father's Day. Coincidentally I was trying to explain to them this morning why I *respect* Rolex but I don't *own* one. Then I start this video and voila, our friend here does it perfectly. I'll be sharing this one with them!

[@IansModRite]

I love Watchfinder videos that feature ultra luxury timepieces but I must say that is nice to see a watch covered that us plebs can actually afford 😂

[@nicolacruzado]

same

[@BabyJesus66]

Agree... It'll be nice if they keep mixing in some reality watches along with the dream watches.

[@billymania11]

Watch prices have accelerated beyond reason. It's whatever the market will bear now. My most expensive watch is a bronze Hamilton Khaki field watch. It was actually a gift and I love it. That is my upper limit on pricing. Anything above that is just making watch executives and shareholders rich.

[@AlkQubit]

@@billymania11 How the patina coming along on the bronze version?

[@billymania11]

@@AlkQubit It has hardly changed. Only the crown has gotten darker.

[@domokun938]

the hamilton khaki field mechanical has everything you need in an explorer 1 except the Rolex brand at $500.

[@kylec7924]

Rolex brand and water resistance

[@domokun938]

@@kylec7924 you're right and automatic winding. I had meant to say hamilton khaki field automatic on a bracelet.

[@KMV007]

Everything but a highly accurate movement with dozens of patents, 10 year service interval, one of the best bracelets on the market, solid gold indices that will never tarnish or stain, twin lock crown with 100m of water resistance, antimagnetic hairspring, full bridged balance wheel, sapphire crystal, all this on top of being the most desired and recognised brand in the world, with instant money back if ever in need. So yes, apart from all these, they are basically identical.

[@domokun938]

​ @Kato MV not gonna deny those but, the 100m water resistance is covered, the movement though less advanced and susceptible to magnetism has held up to 2secs a day consistently (also free sprung), the bracelet not as good but pretty solid. everything slightly less good than the explorer for sure, but the basics in terms of power reserve, water resistance, sapphire crystal, decent movement all covered. ie everything you would need. the explorer 1 is a refinement and a bonus. not a need.

[@mad0uche]

@@KMV007 I’m all for the 42mm Hamilton’s but comparing them to Rolex is objectively retarded, as if the name Rolex is 98% of the price tag - which is false but also a dual edged sword.

[@LAVA1980]

This is my 1 and done Hamilton.....sums up everything I want in a field watch.....that dial is just killer... great watch to wear on a canvas strap.

[@SinnerAndSaint]

That dial looks phenomenal on this one! Never did see this before in such details and now I know why it's quite a substantial amount of money more expensive than the beloved Khaki Field Mechanical. Nevertheless it's a great offering from Hamilton! They released some great watches during the last years. Original designs, reasonable pricing - that's where Hamilton really shines nowadays!

[@SimonSpenny]

I’ll lloprk n joint in my pocket with the little ones and I’ll mkkknjko

[@soap.333]

As a super proud owner of this little watch, I am very happy to have seen this video. I really love it more than any watch I’ve owned on my journey so far. It’s definitely a keeper that I will pass down to my children when I’m an old man!

[@OwynDavies]

A lovely watch and one I've almost purchased a couple of times but at twice the price of a Khaki without sapphire I don't see it as the bargain my guy here does.

[@BabyJesus66]

It is odd they didn't use sapphire considering they also didn't use the original crystal material. Not like they were going for 100% accuracy so didn't use sapphire.

[@ozmondos]

I have this one, absolutely love it!

[@mattys1467]

I have to say I still find it incredible that I don't have a Hamilton in my collection. It is such an iconic brand with some awesome value for money. One day, no doubt.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Just bought this. It's worth EVERY pound / dollar! That dial has a lot of character...it is almost grey and really can't see the grain, its very subtle and has a multi coloured sheen in the light... Its very beautiful. The finishing is lovely.. great quality brushed steel..The watch wears so comfortably. Its like a little dense pebble on the wrist with good weight, lovely smooth curves.... mine running +3 seconds per day which is brilliant. Love the hand winding action too.. a real mechanical click that's a joy to operate.. I put it on a bulang and sons brown leather strap. It is so good that I'm actually selling my IWC Mark 16 (for a few other reasons to be fair), and this little beauty feels even more comfy , retro and unique... For anyone choosing between this and the normal khaki field , I recommend save for a little longer and get this... 100% And on the sapphire glass vs mineral , I actually prefer the mineral. It's less smudgy and less reflective. It has a lovely distortion at an angle and so clear and vintage looking. It's a plus in my book

[@iamnew7545]

Agree completely. Got this because I was initially interested in the Mark XII. It’s been good enough to replace my Explorer.

[@ftir1450]

Hamilton is the brand that got me into mechanical watches. I bought a Khaki Automatic in Hong Kong in 2013 and have loved mechanical watches ever since.

[@windlesSpice]

ugh at the mineral crystal. sapphire never scratches and acrylic is easy to buff out. mineral is the worst, easy to scratch and not easy to fix.

[@sowhat8087]

Hamilton has some great designs, but on many of their watches the L2L is way too long which keeps me from buying

[@BrittPearceWatches]

Oh this was fantastic! Loved this! Such a handsome watch.

[@BabyJesus66]

Hamilton makes a great watch. I feel they are at least close to the top of the best bang for your buck watches that exists.

[@WarpFactor999]

Had several Hamilton watches many years ago. Had completely forgotten about them. Rugged workhorse watches. No frills, no razzel dazzel, no fluff. Just worked.

[@aragon1r1]

Hamilton is one of my favourite brands, the most precious piece in my collection is a Hamilton X-01 Odyssey, a limited edition reissue of the watches worn by the crew of the Discovery in my favourite film, 2001: a space odyssey

[@ThePlaiibox]

Hamilton has one major flaw imo. A lack of AR on some of their khaki models and the inclusion of domed crystals which are SO reflective. I've sold 2 on just because of this one problem. I like the 38mm pilot pioneer released fairly recently. Might pick it up because the size, lug to lug and AR on the crystal make it a better proposition.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Just bought one. Honestly it's incredible in person. Do consider it . By far my favourite watch now. And I've owned Omegas and IWC .. this thing is a beauty

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

I love it when you guys carefully explore some of the great, affordable watches that are out there! It keeps things interesting!!!! Love my Hamiltons!!!!

[@myvideos2715]

I love the simple and uncomplicated designs of the pilot/field watches.

[@XShotokanX]

I'd rather take acrylic over mineral glass any day.

[@stuartcole4845]

Absolutely, I have no understanding of peoples aversion to it. It looks amazing optically and is so easy to polish out all but the deepest scratches. It’s one of the things that draws me to a micro brand like Lorier.

[@RobbieKhan]

You have to see the mineral in this Pioneer Mechanical in person to appreciate it. All the comments about "oh no mineral, do not want" are by people who have never seen this watch in person. It is actually a very well executed mineral crystal, double domed with AR coating and plenty of vintage distortion from the boxed shape, something that the sapphire crystal does not have on the Khaki Field watches. It also has some scratch resistance, but won't scratch as easily as acrylic which means you won't need to be concerned about buffing scratches out which you do need to do more often on acrylic...

[@giusepperocchi2979]

@@RobbieKhan Problem is once it’s scratched there’s no turning back, that’s what I hate about mineral crystal.

[@Daavi85]

Love my Hamilton Khaki Field Auto, always wanted a field watch from Hamilton and as a PA native myself it was a must for me as a watch lover that I don't regret at all. Hamilton offer great quality and cool heritage.

[@Slimecrazy234]

"Not about status and excess but sentiment" "not about nostalgia" "simple case design" "mineral glass crystal" over $1000 CAD. Hmmm. I'll stick with my $470 Seiko Alpinist.

[@h2611]

Better looking, tougher & you don't need to wind it...you've done alright

[@gavanmitchell9095]

Yep. First I heard mineral crystal, then heard the price. Yeah nah. Nice looking watch but there are sooooo many better spec'd watches these days for that price point.

[@namaguitar]

Please do review on IWC Pilot 36, black on the bracelet!

[@noelkallu2306]

Them imperfections, are just esthetically perfect! 🖤

[@robertjohnson9971]

I've always liked Hamilton's designs. I must get around to buying one.

[@dylvasey]

I offered a luxury watch to this company and they offered me £660. A watch I sold just a few days later for £2500. If you want to buy an ''affordable'' watch - These are not the fellas to buy them from.

[@etebol]

Thanks for bringing one of my favorite brands to the spot light for a minute.

[@finnandrei5745]

I love my Hamilton Jazzmaster!

[@nomanmcshmoo8640]

My Hamilton JM Veiwmatic 36mm is a BEAUTY. I have an NOS one with the 2824-2 at 28.8kHz....love it!!!!

[@richjustin06]

Really wish I picked this up instead of the Tissot PRX. This watch is gorgeous

[@Tevosilverfox]

Hamilton Khaki pilot GMT was my Very First Swiss Watch and I love it!

[@KC-bv9kf]

My Sunday morning meditation. Good to hear about good and/or memorable watches, regardless of price. A good watch collection should have no prices for entry point.

[@jd4062]

I love the way the video makes you feel as though the 3rd hand is guiding you along the train tracks.

[@opticalecho119]

Hamilton makes a great watch, and I was considering a few of their options but I chose the Mido Ocean Star. I absolutely love the Ocean Star. It’s very well made, has a nice movement, I think it looks excellent (especially in the blue and titanium versions), and it punches well above its weight class in terms of value (especially if you’re willing to go grey market).

[@blackwood3243]

I don't need a bulky dive watch to go swimming I just use this.

[@Sir99percent]

Fair warning to anyone actually planning to do this, though: 100 meters resistance means it can withstand water pressure of up to 10 bar. While in a shower, the pressure is usually somewhere between 4-10 bar. The impact of diving into the water from a hight might also put your watch at risk.

[@thorham1346]

100 meters resistance. Just good enough for the shower 🤣

[@blackwood3243]

@@thorham1346 100 meters resistance is fine for swimming, and I've had no issues, it's not like I'm going diving in the ocean. And yes, I know 100meters water resistants doesn't mean you can actually take the watch close to that depth.

[@nitroxlodd]

@@Sir99percent There is basically zero pressure on the actual seals during a shower......submerged in water aka swimming/diving at depth is a different story. 100m resistance is plenty for surface swimming.

[@thorham1346]

@@blackwood3243 I've heard this before, but I don't believe it and won't until I see it. It just makes no sense.

[@cirrusmckinney]

Every watchfinder video has that one line that will be forever etched in my skull, this one is "this is a watch for pilots not playboys".

[@jpjuliano2008]

Just got one. So very happy with it.

[@HaonProductions]

I love my Hamilton Khaki Pilot, it's the older model in 38mm which might be small for a pilot's watch but makes it a fantastic everyday wear. I might be tempted to trade it for an Explorer but I'd certainly keep it over an Air-King any day.

[@jameswong6590]

To me, Hamilton Khaki mechanical is even nicer.

[@ingeniousgenius9319]

I have the Khaki Scuba in black with white markers with black rubber band😍

[@domokun938]

cheaper too

[@julienlegris1]

Agreed!

[@Rajivrajan1]

Or the pilot day date automatic, the other Interstellar watch!

[@jameswong6590]

@@domokun938 yes

[@Feynman981]

Very nice watch! Thank you for taking your time to present it!

[@RichardHorpe]

for 700, tissot gentleman comes with the silicon balance spring.

[@christian36able]

No screw down crown though

[@Joeyczhu]

No history behind it tho

[@UGA.D]

And odd lug width

[@UGA.D]

@Ryder E Way to contribute intelligently to the conversation.

[@TommyRibs]

I actually have a US Navy model 1941 Naval Chronometer in the Mahagony Case on the Brass gimbals. Really cool piece.

[@chi1057]

I love Hamilton and have owned the khaki field automatic for years now. I'm at a loss to see why this model, with a mineral crystal costs £720?

[@fow7139]

Case, dial, hands, crown, movement

[@chi1057]

@@fow7139 not sure what your point is?

[@fow7139]

@@chi1057 these are why it costs more than a KF

[@chi1057]

@@fow7139 the movement is the same, the crystal is cheaper so I'm still unsure what you're trying explain?

[@fow7139]

@@chi1057 I don't think the crystal is a lot cheaper. And there are 2 movements availables on a KF, but I agree.

[@geoffbyrne9886]

I have a 1975 original w10 or g10 got it for the best price in the world Free. Its been everywhere with me Afghanistan to Bermuda its never skipped a beat . Definitely a keeper .

[@CaptainRambunctious]

£720 for a mechanical Hamilton with only mineral glass is a little steep when their field watches are less but with sapphire glass. They seem to have added £300 for it being smaller and a heritage watch. It's a shame. I'd spend £700 on a watch with a sapphire crystal but not mineral. My hamilton khaki pilot was a similar price, but it's an automatic movement and has a sapphire crystal. If it was a sapphire box crystal I'd buy it in an instant. How strange that it's only the crystal that is making me not buy it?!?! Lovely review, and thank you, as a fan of Hamilton watches, it was a pleasing video to watch. Tally Bally Ho!

[@Ray-gz4ut]

I almost feel like I would have preferred a plexy glass instead of mineral if I can't have sapphire.

[@Ray-gz4ut]

@Nigel Molesworth ag baie dankie man jou drol.

[@tdv10]

The only bone to pick on this watch for me is the flieger symbol at 12 o'clock. It seems to be quite small and placed a bit lower than where it should be. Everything else is perfect, especially the size of the watch

[@nathanielross8232]

Have 5 Hamilton’s. 3 Jazzmaster day dates and 2 Jazzmaster Slims. Best values in the watch world. Unsurpassed quality for the price. Never had a problem with any of them. Some of their designs a just a few changes from being perfect, and that can be acceptable due to the price points.

[@markgiles8527]

x1 Laco Paderborn. x1 GShock DW-D5600 Hoolywood. Don’t think I need another watch but I keep looking at this watch. Fairly sure I’m going to buy one. I like CWC’s version but I think this one is much better.

[@westpoll1]

I owned a few Hamilton railroad watches, 992B etc, they were a work of art!

[@gkm507]

what hamilton did you buy?

[@DCWilliam24]

I absolutely adore my Hamilton khaki pilot. The same day-date worn by Matthew McConaughey in Interstellar.

[@stevefox8605]

Nice- 38-40mm, sapphire and automatic and it'd be a must.... But I do appreciate that it's close to the original, but not for me. Cheers 👍🏻👍🏻

[@chun-sunchan6106]

At just over £700 is it really reasonable though? Especially when you can get a Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical at around £300 less. I love the look of this piece and the history behind it... but feel it is a tad expensive when compared with the Khaki Field Mechanical. The Khaki Field Mechanical has the same movement inside it and an equally as rich a military history.

[@iot1452]

that’s rrp .. saw this online for £575 a while ago

[@igormarinkovic1531]

And its not in house mech...

[@shaq6772]

So u don't say the world Rolex on the thumbnail but you talk about Rolexes on the video. Just great😂

[@deansusec8745]

Still alot, bro. No bracelet, no applied markers, no date, no display back. 700 pounds is like 1000 €. A little steep. Beautiful tho! Featured, I would like some STOWA, especially the Marine with silver dial and blued hands!

[@stw5130]

It's an attractive watch!

[@bonnsbee1527]

A really lovely honest little watch, i love the channels presenter and presentation and therefore put up with the inability to buy even this much more affordable offering than the norm.

[@ambc8970]

I love the Ventura.

[@BellTunnel]

Would buy if sapphire or hesalite crystal. Mineral crystal is a scratch-trap and a deal breaker. At least hesalite can be polished.

[@atanastsvetkov1530]

How is £700 odd quid a fair price for a mineral crystal watch in this day and age? Nice piece otherwise but this should be in the £300-£400 range max where the khaki field is.

[@UGA.D]

Fair enough point. But no one really pays retail for Hamilton. You can get it for much less.

[@craiganczelowitz7225]

Appreciate this piece and the Hamilton history although I (as seemingly most people in the comments) would only feel comfortable buying one if priced accordingly under $500 .....Like Seiko and many others looking to push away from Microbrands and Chinese clones - Hamilton is more and more banking on their storied history (and reissues) to raise their price-points and move into the "entry-luxury" market.

[@Valera_Scotland]

Strongly recommend you try it on. Definitely worth the price. For many reasons

[@carlosmcse]

I just bought this. It’s perfect.

[@DjRjSolarStar]

I have a Khaki Field Automatic with the 'old paper' dial and love it.

[@kashyapteja3447]

This is the watch review I didn’t know I had been waiting for. Thank you! Beautiful daily wear mechanical watch.

[@RelojesYRelojes]

You made the watch look amazing i have this watch and i love it. Haven’t use it in a while, i think i will put it on today

[@christopherliang6879]

Great watch but for the price mineral crystal is a bit disappointing

[@RobertOrtiz1015]

Love that watch but not at that price when i can get a kahki with sapphire

[@felipedieguez2703]

Wich Hamilton watch did he buy? I can't find the video :(

[@leoisforevercool]

I do think it's sad they couldn't give us a sapphire crystal for 850€

[@Valera_Scotland]

The mineral glass has benefits. I'm loving mine. Amazing watch and definitely worth the extra premium

[@igormarinkovic1531]

And no in house mech..

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@igormarinkovic1531 "in house" really isn't important unless you're spending huge money on something unique. I would rather have this ETA that has quality and a proven track record that an in-house which is hugely expensive and not necessarily any better. My old IWC Mark 16 had ETA movement. It was running a few seconds slow after 11 years .... who needs in house when companies can modify movements to such a level

[@igormarinkovic1531]

@@Valera_Scotland After all its not about accuracy when you can have quartz, shall we say, its about name and history, therefore the price tag with no sapphire crystal people yap about so much... Its about real style.

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@igormarinkovic1531 fair point. At the end of the day it's just one of those personal things isn't it. I don't mind an ETA movement if I'm getting a lovely watch... and nobody really needs anything apart from a casio for £10! So it's all just luxury that we can do without...

[@lukerabin5079]

I a medium sized, huge fan of Hamilton watches. Such great value!

[@MC-yh9bw]

Was that the first wrist roll on watch finder?

[@deltropico7]

Not a bad argument for it, but I’d go for CWC’s equivalent. I like the fact that they all have fixed bars between the lugs.

[@jchong416]

You can make anything look appealing

[@NB-sq7ui]

Why not buy the Khaki ? Its cheaper and got sapphire ?

[@markbradshaw7753]

The best watch photography on the internet bar non.

[@savariaxa]

I have one new for only CHF 390 great watch to use for what ever you do swimming diving and sports !

[@HilmanRizaldi]

Can't wait to see your story with Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

[@tanguymollard7162]

I really hesitated between this one and the Khaki field mechanical. Eventually got the latter and I am very much enjoying it but man are these good propositions! Very glad to see simple and reliable timepieces in such sizes and at such prices!

[@jimlittle5769]

Yeah, I have the white dial Khaki Field Mechanical. Love it.

[@southerncountryboy8]

Great looking piece. I'm just not sure how I feel about a handwinding movement. I've never owned one.

[@geoffwatches]

They're kinda cool. 80 hours power reserve means you only have to wind it every 3 days.

[@rudiherisonputra3284]

I really like Halmilton products with small diameters because they suit my small arm circumference...

[@hitchhicker92]

Well, while it is a gorgeous watch, I would not consider a mineral glass at that price point great value...

[@Plougmann]

And with that 21600 movement.. no thanks, for 700 I'll get a vintage or like 10 look a likes

[@misterman1371]

Mineral glass has nothing to do with value. Look at the Speedmater with the acrylic

[@MoirSolace]

What's with the sapphire worship all the time? People want the same watch over and over.. Mineral crystal fits the aesthetic and time period of this piece. It's the better choice.

[@BabyJesus66]

Just wait 6 months and this will probably be on sale somewhere for much less.

[@MoirSolace]

@@BabyJesus66 Why would you say that? It's been the same price since it came out 09/2019

[@dannyg6592]

I really enjoy your videos, they are all superb. One comment: having experienced the 1970's personally, I can assure you that wearing any Rolex watch was most definitely a status symbol in America by the latter part of that decade!

[@billymania11]

You could buy a Rolex for a couple of hundred bucks in the early 70's. Now, not so much. It's amazing what persistent and top-notch marketing can do. To be fair, Rolex has upped their game too but still.

[@navajasrs2402]

I own 14 watches, most legacies from my entry into the hobby a few years ago and too many budget / value buys. While all are under $1000, a couple are very close. That said, my favorite watch remains my champagne dial Hamilton Khaki King that was a mere $330.

[@kavashaman7555]

Doesn’t have to be expensive to enjoy

[@christopherderrick3745]

I have loved this watch since the day I saw it. As soon as I graduate I am getting one.

[@scottlalonde2878]

Nice review, thank you, Watchfinder

[@Gearsandco]

would you be able to review the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic, thanks you.

[@jassimalali7036]

I really would love a episode about Louis monet tempo graph or any of there watch’s thank you for keeping this alive

[@simonrostron6626]

'Luxurize' is a neologism referenced at least as early 2008.

[@theshadowman1398]

I om torn. Can’t choose between this one and khaki bronze

[@peterholzapfel6912]

I keep asking: why don't you feature the MIDO Oceanstar GMT? To me me the best entry level luxury whatch. Even with a full GMT complication.

[@gjuttla704]

Is a nice watch, but I'd go for a CWC T20/Mellor in a heartbeat