Hamilton deploys a platoon of more complicated Khaki Fields for September 2025
Tom Austin- Hamilton has added nine new references to the Khaki range, including two striking blue-dialled Mechanical Chronographs, three mechanical 3-handers featuring textured eggshell dials and four new mechanical Khaki Field models.
- The 40mm Chronographs come in stainless steel and feature a sunray blue dial paired with either a brown leather strap or a stainless steel mesh bracelet.
- With more variation across the Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical and Khaki Field models, there are 43mm bronze and 38mm stainless steel Pilot Pioneers, along with new 40mm Khaki Field Power Reserve models.
Several brands have heritage lines in their ranges, drawing styling cues from past models or inspiration from a bygone era, and with good reason, because as watch collectors, we love them. As a result, many of these models are highly successful; some brands have built their entire identity around the concept, but Hamilton manages to strike an excellent balance instead. As a brand, they offer models that are either outdoorsy or military-inspired, featuring a contemporary feel or a distinctly traditional design without feeling old-fashioned. Hamilton’s latest batch of releases embodies this balance, bringing together everything you need from pilot’s watches and field watches, and delivering them in a package that is respectfully heritage-looking, while not feeling old and played out. The Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer and Khaki Field collections just got a little larger, and it looks like there’s something for everyone.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph 40mm
In the early 1970s, British Royal Air Force pilots were issued chronograph wristwatches, all made to exact MOD specifications, featuring a Valjoux 7733 movement, as well as an identical dial layout and case sizes. Four brands took part in this exercise: Newmark, Precista, CWC and, you guessed it, Hamilton. The watches have stood the test of time well, with their larger 38.5mm case still looking great today. Hamilton is one brand in particular that has taken these historical watches and introduced modern iterations in their current lineup, and did so a while ago. Previously, this model was incredibly faithful to the original watch, but for some, its ‘fauxtina’ was perhaps a little too much. For 2025, Hamilton has introduced a slightly revised model, removing the fauxtina and replacing it with a fresh and crisp look, while retaining its chunky, handsome aesthetic.
Despite being 1.5mm larger in diameter than the original 1970s watch, the brushed stainless steel case is about as faithful to the old design as you’re going to get. Its asymmetric, typically 70s layout remains the same, with the right side of the watch being noticeably chunkier than the left, to balance out the chronograph pushers and offer the crown a little protection. At 40mm, it’s not an overly large watch, but at 14.3mm thick, it definitely has some heft, which is not unusual for pilot’s watches of this category.
Functionally, it’s a solid tool as well, with every surface of the case being brushed to keep scratches at bay, and a thin, unobtrusive bezel sealing in the crystal. The watch also boasts a 100m water resistance rating, which is significant considering the chronograph pusher design, and is partially thanks to the double-layered, anti-reflective-coated box sapphire crystal up front.
If the previous watch was supposed to be an accurate depiction of the vintage RAF-issued watches, this new model is far more relaxed and contemporary. No faux yellowed lume and dial print here, as the new Pilot Pioneer Chronograph is treated to crisp, white dial text and printing, along with a gorgeous sunray blue finish. Being a pilot’s watch, it’s, of course, incredibly legible. To keep things simple, there are just two chronograph subdials: a 30-minute timer at 3, and a running seconds at 9, which is enough, really, and keeps the traditional look alive. The white dial stands out against the contrasting deep blue dial, complemented by the Super LumiNova-filled hands and the 70s retro Hamilton logo.
Talking of keeping things retro, Hamilton has opted to stay with the hand-wound mechanical H-51-Si chronograph movement as featured in the watch before. The ETA-based calibre offers a 60-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring which beats at 28,800 vph, keeping things as accurate as they need to be, while remaining happily reliable and servicable. Thankfully, while it’s a perfectly good-looking movement, Hamilton has continued to keep it hidden behind a tasteful solid case back.
Finally, the watch is offered as two different reference numbers to denote the strap options; the first being a model with a tough-looking tan brown leather strap with an H-buckle, which looks fantastic against the blue of the dial. The second is something that seems to be gaining popularity at the moment: the stainless steel mesh Milanese bracelet. It complements the 70s retro look, and is secured by an adjustable folding clasp. The brown/blue combo is not to be overlooked, though, and while the bracelet looks great, personally, I think the strap option is the most versatile.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical Chronograph 40mm pricing and availability
The new Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Chronograph 40mm are available now from Hamilton retailers. Price: CHF1,995 (strap), CHF2,075 (bracelet)
| Brand | Hamilton |
| Model | Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Chronograph 40mm |
| Reference | H76409540 (strap) H764409140 (bracelet) |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 14.3mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Boxed sapphire crystal |
| Dial | Sunray blue |
| Lug Width | 22mm |
| Bracelet | Brown leather strap with H-buckle Stainless steel mesh bracelet with folding clasp |
| Movement | Hamilton H-51-Si, ETA base, manual-winding |
| Power Reserve | 60 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF 1,995 (strap) CHF 2,075 (bracelet) |
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical 43mm & Auto 38mm
Another model in the Hamilton Pilot Pioneer lineup that has received a minor refresh is the 3-handed Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical 43mm and Auto 38mm. Annoyingly long names aside, the range has been given some new, lighter dial options, paired with some subtle colour additions. The first is the large 43mm model, encased in bronze, and as such is probably the most ‘heritage’ looking model of the bunch. The 13mm thick case remains the same as the previous model, and while it’s a chunky wear, it pretty much should be, given its goal is to be an ultra-legible pilot’s tool. It retains the rotating bezel, which is also finished in bronze, along with the large bronze crown and wide lugs.
The previous model’s textured dial is carried over, this time in a creamy white instead of a charcoal black. The lighter dial now features crisp black Arabic hour markers, with a delicately printed black minute track. The 4N gold-plated hands complement the new dial well, and this model does feature beige Super LumiNova, which does clash with the dial somewhat, but I’ll forgive it, seeing as it’s on a bronze watch.
Two other models now share this creamy new dial of the larger bronze model; these are the smaller 38mm variations in stainless steel. At 11.4mm thick, these models are significantly more versatile and suitable for a broader range of wrists. However, bronze isn’t for everyone, so it’s nice to have another choice. These models also introduce a subtle hint of colour, which is an unusual departure for watches like this from Hamilton. The rotating bezels on the 38mm watches are available in either dark burgundy or dark green, and this subtle shift is almost playful from the brand. These colours also extend into the leather straps on each watch, sharing a closely matched hue of dark green or dark burgundy.
There’s a decent range of movement choice across the two different models, too, with the larger 43mm model featuring the ETA calibre 6498-1 hand-wound movement, and the smaller models being equipped with Hamilton’s sturdy H-10 automatic calibre. The larger hand-wound movement, although fairly basic and offering only a 46-hour power reserve, appears interesting through the sapphire exhibition case back, with its dark-coloured bridges and clean lines. Conversely, the smaller 38mm models also feature a sapphire case back, but the H-10 is somewhat less visually appealing; functionally, though, it has the larger model beat, boasting a Nivachron balance spring and a substantial 80-hour power reserve.
Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical 43mm & Auto 38mm pricing and availability
The new Hamilton Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical 43mm and Auto 38mm models are now available from Hamilton retailers. Price: CHF 1,455 (43mm), CHF 950 (38mm)
| Brand | Hamilton |
| Model | Khaki Aviation Pilot Pioneer Mechanical 43mm & Auto 38mm |
| Reference | H76709510 (43mm, bronze) H76265810 (38mm, stainless steel, burgundy strap) H76255810 (38mm, stainless steel, green strap) |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 13mm (T) 38mm (D) x 11.4mm (T) |
| Case Material | Bronze Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front and back |
| Dial | White eggshell finish |
| Lug Width | 20mm (H76709510) 18mm (H76265810 and H76255810) |
| Bracelet | Brown, green or burgundy leather straps with pin buckles |
| Movement | ETA 6498-1, manual-winding Hamilton H-10, ETA C07.611 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 46 hours (H76709510) 80 hours (H76265810 and H76255810) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, timing bezel |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF 1,455 (H76709510) CHF 950 (H76265810 and H76255810) |
Hamilton Khaki Field Power Reserve Mechanical 40mm
Finally, if the Khaki Field is more your style, Hamilton has just introduced a brand-new model that brings some subtle visual tweaks, along with an all-new exclusive movement. The case retains that much-loved field watch shape and finish, this time enhanced to a 40mm diameter to accommodate the new movement and add a bit more versatility for those who prefer a slightly larger watch. Understandably, the Khaki Field collection is beginning to feel a little overwhelming, with around 50 different variations; however, it’s true to say that it’s a successful range, and there really is something for everyone.
At 11.95mm thick, the new Power Reserve model is slightly beefier than, say, the 38mm Field Mechanical, but it’s certainly not unwearable by any means. The Field functionality remains, featuring a standard 50-meter water resistance and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal that protects the dial. As with the other models in the range, the stainless steel case is micro-blasted for a tough, rugged texture and feel, which aids in scratch prevention. Like all the Field models, this new Power Reserve model will stay looking fresh no matter what you throw at it.
There are two dial variations with this new release, and to keep things simple, they are either black or white. Each dial features contrasting dial printing and is, of course, extremely legible, thanks to lumed plots and large, contrasting hands filled with Super LumiNova. One significant change with this model, of course, is the inclusion of a power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, and despite it never having featured before, it doesn’t look out of place. One cool detail is that on the black dial model, the F and E indicators, presumably standing for “Full” and “Empty”, are highlighted in red, a detail that always catches collectors’ eyes.
As suggested by the watch’s name, inside sits a new manually-wound movement, the H-23 calibre, developed by ETA. It’s the first time this complication has appeared on a Khaki Field, and it is driven by a differential mechanism connected to the mainspring barrel. There’s even a system in place to prevent shocks from knocking the power reserve indicator out of synchronisation with the actual power reserve, which is a neat feature. Alongside these new advances, the movement features a substantial 80-hour power reserve and a Nivachron balance spring to keep accuracy in check. A power reserve is a great feature to have on a watch like the Khaki Field Mechanical, allowing you to focus on the task at hand rather than letting your watch run out of steam when halfway through an adventure.
Out of the two dial variations of the Khaki Field Power Reserve, each watch is available on either the fabulous Hamilton 3-link stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp or a green NATO-style textile strap with brown leather loops and a pin buckle. Both are great options, but the bracelet is probably the most versatile, as the Khaki Field is such a strap monster that you’ll want the option to swap it out for whatever style suits the occasion.
Hamilton Khaki Field Power Reserve Mechanical 40mm pricing and availability
The new Hamilton Khaki Field Power Reserve Mechanical 40mm is available now from Hamilton retailers. Price: CHF 765 (strap), CHF 845 (bracelet)
| Brand | Hamilton |
| Model | Khaki Field Power Reserve Mechanical 40mm |
| Reference | H69509930 (Black dial on strap) H69509130 (Black dial on bracelet) H69509910 (White dial on strap) H69509110 (White dial on bracelet) |
| Case Dimensions | 40mm (D) x 11.95mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 meters |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire front |
| Dial | Black or white |
| Lug Width | 20mm |
| Bracelet | Green NATO-style textile strap with brown leather loops and pin buckle Stainless steel bracelet with butterfly clasp |
| Movement | Hamilton H-23, ETA base, manual-winding |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, power reserve |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | CHF 765 (strap) CHF 845 (bracelet) |