The Best Field Watch For 500$ | Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38 and 42 Review

Telling you all you need to know about the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic!
BOTH SIZES, 38mm and 42mm in this video.
Finally an american (not really though) watch on my channel :-D! I was really surprised about the sizing and honestly did not think I would like it that much!
Sweet lil' disclaimer: I bought these watches with my own money. This is not sponsored by Hamilton, I am also not affiliated with them.
Let me know what you think about this one in the comments down below; really curious to hear what you think about this sort of american field watch classic by Hamilton!
As always, thank you so much for watching!
Jenni 😘
0:00 Intro
0:25 #1 Hard facts & history
2:45 #2 The Fit - 38mm and 42mm comparison
4:00 #3 The bracelet and clasp
5:20 #4 The movement
6:32 #5 Prices & alternatives
8:11 Likes & Dislikes

[@palmersolga]

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[@richiegiggs]

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[@gregstrachan5043]

The 42mm Khaki Field watch was my first foray into mechanical watches about 10 years ago. Since then I’ve added many more “premium” watches to my collection (Omega, Cartier, several Oris, and 4 Tudors), but I still keep coming back to this one. Been wearing it one a gray & black striped Nato strap for years and still find it ruggedly handsome. Glad to see others appreciating this classic timepiece!

[@Hrodd2..]

Hi Fan Thanks for the feedback and expect more videos soon. Send me a text above 🔝🔝🔝I have a prize for you...

[@RudyVisuals]

I have the 38mm with a black leather strap and it looks stunning. Can't go wrong with any of the Khaki Field watches really. It's definitely one of my most complimented watches at work! Great review Jenni!

[@bobbyayala9190]

What do u do for work?

[@MakerInMotion]

I liked the black leather strap but it was super stiff and I didn't have the patience to break it in.

[@marufio]

@@MakerInMotion so far all of the Hamilton straps are no good and have to be changed out

[@Dani4Style]

I love this video. The combination of history, the editing, the pleasant voice-over and the enthusiasm are stellar. Congrats 👏🏼😘

[@brianpercival1829]

I always look forward to your watch presentations, well done. Love this watch too and a long time Hamilton fan.

[@weeks55]

This watch in 38mm is one of my favorite casual watches. It took me quite a few flips to realize I wanted it over the (many) competitors that can beat it on specs at its price point. For me, it hits an aesthetic sweet spot for me between “pure function” of a matte dial, and a sparkly “elevated” field (C63, Noble, Explorer). I usually prefer bracelets, but this one is so good on any kind of strap - especially perlon or leather.

[@Lawrence64]

Thanks for putting these two together. I have the 42mm and am fery happy with it. I bought it with leather band and ended up ordering the metal bracelet. You are right, people should go to metal first and then buy whatever they would like to try.

[@Mike.thiswatchthatwatch]

As always, great vid and love that you focused on a more affordable watch

[@andywilliams4887]

Hi Jenni, great video as always. I bought a 42mm version on the stock brown leather strap over a year ago at £395 on special offer. It's my go-to beater and I prefer it on the leather or a NATO strap to retain it's Field vibe. Marvellous quality at this price point and keeps an incredible +1/+2 secs per day in a rotation with several other watches - the 80hr power reserve helps. A very attractive, if busy dial, but highly legible and I like the varied textures; however the lume is dreadful and there's no AR coating. Nevertheless highly recommended.

[@stevea2639]

Very cool to see this review. I just picked the 42mm on steel for 25% off last week. It's running at +2 sec/day and looks great. I have some high end watches but this is one of the best buys I've made and this is my go to casual watch. Thanks for the review. Cheers!

[@BeeCee-xr7wb]

Awesome video! I was looking for a comparison video from a women because my wrists are quite small so thank you! Fell in love with the look of the khaki field watch because it reminds me of a watch my mom had when I was younger, can’t wait to get my own!

[@armidas200]

I have the silver dial version and it's an absolute strap monster: looks magnificent on any strap and every strap changes the look and feel of the watch completely! The only little niggle is I would've loved a pop of colour on the tip of the seconds hand but otherwise, magnificent watch!

[@longobardialfonso8376]

Hi Jenni! Congratulations for the double review... because it specified very well the difference between the two 42mm and 38mm Khaki Fields. Because 4 mm seems small, but it makes a big difference. In fact, I find the 38mm much more compact and pleasant to wear. In addition to being in the first place of my thoughts ... for my next purchase!

[@CaptainRon956]

I have the 38mm on the bracelet as my daily wear. I recommend getting the bracelet version. You can always buy straps to dress it up or tone it down. It’s a real strap monster! As for me I did get the bracelet version and later purchased the brown leather straps from Hamilton for dressier occasions. Great time piece!

[@brucechavez9535]

Few days ago,I just bought the 42mm one for $375 from a pawnshop here in Florida. I couldn't take it off my wrist 'cause I love this watch so much. I was even more happy when I found out that this watch costs from $700 to $800, brand new. I've had a very good deal for getting it for only $300+. Mine has some minor scratches on its bracelet, but I don't care I'm really happy I've finally owned this watch...😊😅

[@TimelapseComplexity]

Great review Jenni!! 🙌

[@robgat510]

Love this review! Hamilton is getting the attention it deserves. Hopefully, you can also feature Certinas!

[@MaximSupernov]

Funnily I was just about to purchase this watch and was deciding which size should be perfect, and here you just made a video! :)

[@donaldaustin1275]

I daily wear a Timex Expedition watch (thank you for including it), and I really like it! I do like the look of the Hamilton though, so you've given me something to think about.

[@dubOZ]

I love that the thumbnail is just both the 38mm. I personally got the 38 over the 42 even tho most people would probably say it's too small for my wrist. The date window placement not being adjusted to the 42mm proportion also bothers me. Also correct me if I'm wrong, but Hamilton changed the bracelet and the second hand markings from 2020 onwards

[@Cmdtheartist]

I love Hamilton. Most watch snobs do. It's a solid company. Thanks for the video!

[@Rhal63]

I’m hearing a lot about Tissot and Hamilton from some big watch collectors. Worth looking into. Thanks Jenni

[@ezee-e]

the more costly deep blue dialed auto titanium is amazing looking. love it.

[@RichardKoppinger]

Great video, Jenni. I own two Hamilton Khaki watches, a black dial 42mm and a silver dial 38mm. My favorite thing about them is the syringe hands. The minute hand hits the markers on the minute track perfectly, making setting the watch a pleasure. And I love the red tip on the second hand. The silver dial has a white tipped second hand, which isn't quite the same level of legibility. My Hamilton Khaki Field watches are favorites in my collection. Thank you for another great video.

[@yleexot]

Big fan of the syringe hands as well!

[@VivatChristusRex99]

My daily for 2 years now. Looks great, and keeps good time. Beat up, scuffed but well worn. Absolutely a great buy

[@georgmclaughlin9661]

It's one of the few watches left on my radar. Most affordable of any watch I'm considering. I have 4 Hamiltons now, been thinking hard about getting this one, but on a leather strap.

[@0xheshan]

Very interesting video! Especially useful to see the size difference - my wrist size is 180mm and I've been debating between the two sizes!

[@Crackers2549]

I too have this watch in 38mm with the black leather band as well as the Khaki King which I put a Fluco Casablanca olive band on and I love both the watches.... They are excellent, accurate, good looking watches.... I have a 7 1/4 wrist and the 38mm fits great, as well as the 40mm Khaki King.... The time they keep is chronometer like, as they run more accurate as any of my other mechanical or automatic watches.... I also have the Hamilton chrono Intramatic which is one of my favorites... Great video Jenni and I love Hamilton, great value for the money.... GG...IN

[@dennyterrio1942]

I'm pretty sure the polished bezel is there so you can fondly remember where all the scratches and dings on it came from when doing field-things. I have both and I know where all the scratches and dings came from.

[@TheTrueHasenfeffer]

Love Hamilton. Love their history. The fanciest watch I own is Maratac Pilot Watch. At the close of this fiscal year, if I get a decent bonus, this may be on my wrist.

[@josephs.7496]

The 38mm looks amazing. So versatile

[@charles_the_elder]

There was a time when I loved field watches. Now I prefer diver watches, but if I ever decide to get a field watch, I will probably get the 38. That's a great size.

[@devilgames2217]

38 > all Or at least for me.

[@stefanbollinger4808]

Great video! I would like to mention the absolutely fantastic accuracy of that pretty little watch! Mine loses an everage of 0.1 sec/day and shows quite consistent day to day performance. Better than some quartz watches! Would be very interrested in a video about watch accuracy, comparison of watches etc.

[@wongbryson]

I have the Hamilton Khaki Field Officer, it is hand winding and it’s been my most accurate mechanical piece in my collection!

[@davidinghram2494]

Just clicked on this one in 38mm from Amazon. My brother has a field type Hamilton, and in about 12 years it has kept good time and caused him no trouble at all, all while being treated fairly rough. I have a Casio Oceanus S100 and have been looking for a mechanical to compliment it, this will do just fine.

[@Faenwolf]

Since you talked about readability: I have the Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto 38mm (H76205530) with the same movement but very different look - far less busy and also without date window, but featuring a countdown bezel. Inspired by the Model 23 pocket watch, looking very classy on a leather strap. Reminds me a bit of the Hamilton Murph. Love it, except for the not so stellar lume given its higher pricepoint. Still the watch I wear the most, since it looks great and is very easy to read.

[@dustindodge5974]

I've had this khaki for so long, surprising to see videos still coming out

[@Hrodd2..]

Hi Fan Thanks for the feedback and expect more videos soon. Send me a text above 🔝🔝🔝I have a prize for you...

[@FootbagGuy]

Thanks for the great comparison! I have 38mm version on the bracelet and it's an amazing watch! It's a super quality and fits perfectly my 160mm wrist. It's also a strap monster - any strap of any color looks fantastic and I like changing them, sometimes getting back to bracelet. One thing that I don't like is white date window. I wish it was black, but still I adore this watch!

[@navinverma9448]

I have a wrist size of 6.25 ".. do you think it would fit Me ? Thanks,

[@FootbagGuy]

@@navinverma9448 Yes, it's close to my wrist size :) Despite not super small lug to lug size, 38mm version is excellent for small wrists. I highly recommend if you like the overall look

[@navinverma9448]

@@FootbagGuy ty 👍

[@Heavyaxel]

Ich liebe Hamilton. Für ein schmales Budget, schöne Uhren. Ich habe eine Jazzmaster Day Date und bin seit Jahren mega zufrieden. Freut mich sehr, hier mal eine Hamilton zu sehen 😉

[@AwkwardHorology]

I have the 38mm watch a great everyday watch! I bought the brown strap - but bought the strapcode bracelet. Would always recommend the full steel version!

[@justinlouismusic]

I own the 42mm titanium version with the blue dial and brown leather strap. I love this watch!

[@bobbyjocowpoke1057]

I have the 42 mm and I really like it. Thanks Jenni😁

[@Hrodd2..]

Hi Fan Thanks for the feedback and expect more videos soon. Send me a text above 🔝🔝🔝I have a prize for you...

[@davidleachman7916]

My daily is the discontinued khaki field auto 40mm, the dial is slightly different with red between the 10 & 12. The bracket/clasp is also much better quality with no line down the middle and has micro adjustment. If anyone can find one I 100% recommend. Love it!

[@ajf5324]

38mm on the metal bracelet here 🙂 But seriously I love it. I got it from Macy's on black Friday for $500 shipped and they recently went from $625 to $725 retail. Also mine is running minus 1/2 to 1 second a day so crazy accurate, so happy with it. Looks like a pilot watch in person

[@adamlevine2046]

Is it still running with that accuracy ? Or has it changed

[@reecesingleton4041]

I have the 38mm titanium black dial version and I love it!

[@thesilverpittie9632]

Glycine Classic Combat 40 is a nice alternative that is right in the middle as far as size. I feel it is of the same quality and currently own a blue moon phase Classic Combat 40 that I love. Have a great day.

[@sebastianvarela5658]

Great video! I almost don’t regret getting the 42mm, some days I’m happy I chose that, some days I wish I had gone for the 38mm 🥴🤣🤣 guess I need both

[@Hrodd2..]

Hi Fan Thanks for the feedback and expect more videos soon. Send me a text above 🔝🔝🔝I have a prize for you...

[@Conundrum191]

Was debating the 38mm vs the 42mm (wrist is 7" or 18cm). Personally felt the 38mm fit a touch better, plus the dial looks better (imo) with the date not being offset due to the larger diameter. That said, I also tried on the 40mm Khaki King, and decided to go that route instead.

[@res00xua]

I really enjoy your perspective and your voice is very pleasant.

[@Hrodd2..]

Hi Fan Thanks for the feedback and expect more videos soon. Send me a text above 🔝🔝🔝I have a prize for you...

[@neilandrei]

Great video Jenni! I think the 38mm would be better for me since it is only 47mm lug to lug. Also, the 20mm lug width would just feel better on wrist.

[@alanmentzer8756]

I thought the 38mm was too small on my 7 1/2" wrist. Very pleased with trading up to the 42mm and I like the bracelet.

[@jasonchungMD]

I have the 38mm on a bracelet for my dainty wrist and I love it. It's my daily driver👍

[@carlosranghel3290]

I loved this watch when I had it. Lug to lug is long on the 38. Scratches easily.

[@pompeylad1977]

Great review, thanks.

[@brianmsahin]

A lovely watch, 42mm for my 8.1" wrist, 38mm for the slimmer wristed people. It's great to see the choice. I've reveled in the big 42-44mm watches that have been the trend but I have friends who love my watches but feel they're too big, particularly those long lug to lugs that overhang. It's about time they started thinking of the sub 7" wrists that represent most people! My wife has a 5.25" wrist and really dislikes the usual lady's watches on offer, much prefers watches aimed at men, from 36mm to 38mm. I myself have a 1960 retro Swiss 34mm and though it looks a bit too small on me, I can see the attraction of a small watch to fit under the shirt sleeve. I do agree with those who feel the dial on this is a little busy though with the 24 hr dial. I suppose it's meant to give a military feel to it, but it unbalances the dial.

[@JMNTN]

i wish they also made a 36mm version, the 38mm still wears pretty big on 6.5inch wrists. I got a few 36mm field watches and they wear perfect.

[@devilgames2217]

It's the lugs, they are too long.

[@giorno2505]

I also have the 42mm on my 6.5inch wrists. Barely pulling it off but I love it. Also switched the bracelet with a strap

[@alwayspooh1588]

I have the 42mm and I swapped out the leather for a Nato, and it is a great watch in every way.

[@jamesincharlotte]

Have the 38mm for 3 years. Got it for $285 American. Beat the crap out of it and it’s still +3 sec a day !!! phenomenal watch definitely get it with the stainless steel bracelet

[@iggodos]

Love that watch! In the meanwhile I get the Khahi Field I am using a Seiko 5 SRPG29. It is a real and affordable alternative.

[@xxxlutzify]

Glad to see more small watches reviewed. Could you do a video on watches with GMT complication that fit members of the itty bitty wrist committee? Lots of options from the likes of Tudor and Omega, but most are quite hefty on the wrist..

[@robcameron9351]

I have such a soft spot for Hamilton. The khaki field is an icon imo

[@benbryson6598]

Out of my 20+ watch collection my silver dialed khaki auto is worn the most

[@theshadowman1398]

Hamilton has a lot of cool designs. The two that are on my list are the: Ventura automatic and PSR

[@barryvercueil2346]

Stunning watch. Alternatively I would recommend the Christopher Ward C63.

[@Weakeyedominant]

This was my first automatic watch. Kicked off a very expensive addiction 🤣

[@SingleTrackMined]

The date wheel fits the 38 so that's the one I would go with. The 42 looks awkward to me. Thanks, Jenni!

[@jbjb-li2wx]

I own a similar model, the Khaki King II, which is a 40mm daydate. It's a great daily wearer.

[@flowremix]

It's not on a screw down crown. It's funny I watch this, made me wear my khaki field auto too. Cheers. Wonderful shots and review.

[@donkroh4986]

I agree. Go for a flieger. Stowa has all the heritage and reasonable prices.

[@anothersiguy]

I didn’t know about Hamilton until seeing The Martian, wanted one of these ever since lol. I can see why field watches aren’t for everyone but enjoy the no nonsense look

[@King_Kofi]

Excellent video!!!

[@andrewstorm8240]

Good summary

[@user-fp3gx2ow7p]

I think the silicon balance spring in the Hamilton is a massive plus point.

[@juliojimenez415]

I have the 42mm version, I wear it on leather and it looks great…… But my wife gifted me the Hamilton mechanical in 38mm and that is my favorite. Can’t go wrong with either in my opinion…

[@jordanhorstman2221]

38mm is the overall best watch of all time in my opinion. Swiss automatic movement. 72 hour preserve sapphire crystal less than 42mm (or 42mm if you want) 100m water resist under $400 at time of posting (on leather strap) 24 hr indices (underrated feature) decent lume, display caseback OK maybe it loses half a point for not having drilled lug holes (like other hamilton models) but COME ON. It's damn near perfect.

[@johnburgess6572]

Hamilton has such a great case shape !!!

[@ordinarygeek]

Great review 👍

[@Hrodd2..]

Hi Fan Thanks for the feedback and expect more videos soon. Send me a text above 🔝🔝🔝I have a prize for you...

[@Syrinx222]

I got the 42mm KFA on the brown leather strap about a year ago. I liked the watch but the leather strap it came with was mediocre to me, so it sat in my watchbox for a while. Eventually I decided to buy the bracelet in hopes that I would wear the watch more. Unfortunately due to the bracelet only having 2 notches of micro-adjust, I was totally unable to get a good fit. After that disappointment I bought a Horween leather strap for it and it instantly transformed it. I wear it so much more often now. I also got a rubber strap for it for swimming which is great! It really is a strap monster!

[@Valera_Scotland]

Just got the 36mm manual Pilot Pioneer. Now THAT'S a beauty I struggled with my old 38mm Auto.. really didn't like how shiny the dial is. No anti reflective coating... also the crown is chunky and the dial is busy....I definitely prefer the more simple and elegant manual wind pioneer. It's a retro beauty and so so comfy to wear P.s. it's thinner and smaller too, so it's a real winner for small wrists. I put mine on a bulang and sons 18mm black speedy leather strap and it's very special. The weight of the watch on strap is 50 grams which is great

[@finesse49]

I'd like one of those but the large price difference between it and the 38mm models puts me off.

[@Valera_Scotland]

@@finesse49 I got mine for £575 which is only £75 more than this 38mm Auto. The sale is still on at Chisholm Hunter. DEFINITELY worth it I appreciate there's a price difference, but it's a lot cheaper than my old Omegas, so I'm happy to pay a little more for a very nice little Hamilton

[@RobertML51]

hello jeni, good video, thanks, what do you think of the Hamilton khaki navy frogman, is it of better quality?

[@johnswatchjoint]

Really good review. I lusted after the 38mm on the brown leather...then after buying I sent it straight back. Turned out to be a marmite watch for me. In the flesh it just didn't do it for me, but that is watch purchasing for you !

[@DallenRex]

At 6:34 the 38mm and 42mm labels are reversed (Look at the date window location). Although this video is a few months old now, so I'm not sure anyone will see this comment.

[@geratkopfe]

Hamilton also has 40mm KF models. And their bracelets are much higher quality than Seikos: fully milled and the links articulate more.

[@Juanjo191]

I’ve had my eyes on a 38 mm, but the titanium version with the green dial. I’ll get one to celebrate for my promotion

[@THX-C]

I have the KFA38 but usually wear the Khaki Field Mechanical-38-Date instead. I like the bead-blasted case and the slightly thinner 9mm case better.

[@AleksiJoensuu]

I have the field manual (which they call just mechanical, silly buggers) and I do like it! My main gripe is the lume - it's just not enough. I mean it's fine if you are in sunlight and enter a dark interior or something, but if you spend your evening indoors and shut the lights - not much there. Ironically I feel it's nowhere near the best field watch in the modern era. I'll always pick my square solar G-shock for summer roughing out or the low-temp LCD mudmaster 9000 for winter. Instead the Khaki is at it's best when you want "just a watch". It won't look out of place with anything except dressy clothes, and it doesn't look ostentatious or expensive. Won't piss people off is what I'm saying :D

[@fazfaraday]

Cool watch. Someone's glowing underneath those lighting.

[@patrickcannady2066]

The date window at 3 with a white date wheel is an eyesore. A field watch should be time only!

[@nummer333]

Thank you again 👍🏼

[@seattlegrrlie]

I really want it in titanium. Rugged, tool, time no date. Thank you for putting it on your itty bitty wrist. It reassures me it will fit me nicely

[@ejames6431]

I have this in 42mm. I changed the strap to black leather. I was not a fan of the strap that came with it. That being said it is an all around great watch for sure!

[@Treetopflyer777]

I’m really really tempted to pull the trigger on the manual wind 38mm. Ugh.

[@peterlaurent9905]

You helped me make my choice went for the smaller

[@peterlaurent9905]

My wrist is big though lol I don’t know maybe I made a rookie mistake 😅

[@karlj1564]

I like my Laco Flieger watch for this sort of look. The dial is less busy.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

I have a nice 6" arm spot, so the 38mm is perfect for me.

[@andrei-cristianrailean9185]

jenni i’m about to turn 18 and i don’t know what to do,get a seiko gmt or this beautiful hamilton.please can you make a video with pros and cons with both and which is a better buy🥹

[@davidmccammon1766]

I’ve been thinking about getting one of the titanium versions

[@S-Ltd1000]

I went for a 38mm steel on a 7.25 inch wrist. It's a great watch if you can get a deal on it but it's pushing it at full price and obviously relying on the brand name. I like the split link design bracelet, it adds to the character. Personally I would trade the 80 hour power reserve for a hi-beat sweep but it's still a nice feature. One of the best field watches out there, I'm happy with mine.

[@oliverwilliamson6528]

The high power reserve is fitting for a field watch.

[@bonzostarr]

Just ordered the Hamilton khaki field. Thanks for the info! I’m a musician and my band just made our second vinyl album. The grooves on this watch look like grooves on a vinyl album and I didn’t notice this til after I ordered the watch. Think it’s a sign?

[@greenjihad3390]

A very good alternative to the Hamilton Khaki is the Seiko SRPG27. A lot less pricier but decent quality too.