Bruce reviews a 40+mm watch everyone complains it should have been smaller. Bruce reviews a beautiful 36mm watch and everyone cries it should have been 40mm. Can't win. Thanks for the review Bruce. I would love to own this watch as it would pair nicely with my CWC G10 Fatboy from 1984. At 34mm it looks a little small on my 7.25" wrist. The longer you wear it you appreciate and love the size more and more.
I definitely agree. A watch brand can make the so called perfect watch with all the specs that we are looking for in a timepiece and sure enough, someone is going to complain about it.. you will never be able to win in these fields.. but at the same time, it’s what makes little pieces like these so much lore special to those who do enjoy truly what this watch offers! I def am one of those. This watch makes me feel amazing inside. Knowing that I have this brings a huge smile to my face bc it’s one of my grail pieces and I am damn proud of owing this! Cheers to you mate.
What is so often overlooked by watch manufacturers is that 1 mm makes a huge difference. If a watch is currently 36 mm, they will jump to a 40 mm! Ridiculous! This watch is, for me, too small as well. 37 mm and I would buy it.
Hamilton knows how to do these mechanical field watches. I've had one of the 40mm Khaki Officer's Mechanicals for about 8 years now. Despite so many other watches coming and going out of my collection, and owning much more expensive timepieces, that Khaki Mechanical gets more wrist time than any other. Happen to be wearing it today as I type this :-) As usual, great review Bruce.
Great to know - I also have a 6.25" wrist and was really debating buying this watch (or the CWC Mellor-72) but wasn't too sure about the size. Thank you!
I agree, same wrist size. I was so bummed when i learned the lug to lug of the khaki mechanical.. it's barely wearable for me. If those models would have had a lug to lug of MAX 46, it would have been perfect for me personally. So this peice with the almost too short 42, it'll work perfect for me. Besides, most of my watches are 36mm, Datejust, date-day ( tudor ) they wear perfect for me. So.. yay! :d buying this! ;D
@@aodghostwalker8226 Indeed, the Khaki Mechanical lug-to-lug is way too big and makes it look as a 40-42 mm watch. As a militar, I love using the Khaki Pilot Pioneer as my everyday watch, as it looks good with my OCP uniform.
I really really love this watch. It’s the only one that I really truly wear on an everyday basis! I’m deeply in love with this little guy. I have this for a year and 3 months now and I’m still very happy to have it
I would have preferred to see a plexi/plastic/hesalite/acrylic glass over mineral. It looks better and would have gone better with the vintage aesthetic + it can be polished.
You said it - the watch has a lot of charme! Really love Hamilton for going their own way and releasing lot's of watches with traditional designs and proportions. Same goes for Longines because they also offered a lot of very interesting re-issues the last years. Kudos!
Great review! Hamilton did a superb job with this one. The design and size are great, and the execution looks good, judging by your macro shots. I just struggle to see how it's worth the RRP, unless you're a big fan of the design.
I own a 1973 vintage 36mm Certina Argonaut ( almost the same case ) and it never did look awkward, we just need to get used to it, hockey pucks are on their way out 🤔
Just bought this watch - it's great. Hugely well executed and a modern large power reserve. The size and shaping is perfect too. It's light, comfortable and accurate. I love it.
I don't think that Sapphire should be used because of its AR coating. Box sapphire crystal would give a milky ring like the sapphire sandwich Omega SM. K1 mineral is fine for me because it will scratch less and if you wipe out the acrylic, The AR coating will be gone. So there is nothing too much wrong with the mineral. And 100m WR is a big upgrade to the KFM.
I like it. A little pricy for a Hamilton mechanical but I like it. I am considering one but I am going to wait for the hype to die down like I did with the Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono.
I have been watching you since you started and have enjoyed your content. In my not so humble opinion, smaller watches like this one look best on your wrist. Take it for the free, unsolicited comment that it is. It just looks right! --Michael
I love the look, but because of the vintage size, would prefer a vintage piece. I know those are hard to come by in decent condition and don't have some of the nice modern tech, but just my preference. I am still glad they made this reissue though. Really appreciate the aesthetic!
Great video Bruce. I am a huge Hamilton fan especially the Khaki Mechanical models and I really like this model but I think the price is just to high, even with a discount it comes in much higher than the Khaki mechanical in 38mm, although I do like the 36mm better I am really not enthused about 16mm lugs and no drilled lugs at that and like you mentioned no Sapphire crystal. Thanks again, Brian.
It's your review, so I completely respect your opinion, but I think they got the sizing spot on. It's amazing on wrist. It still doesn't impress in a spec-to-price ratio, but the Khaki King is for people who want that.
Perfect looking, but seeing it in person …it’s far to small for the money, also, no sapphire ? Why ? If it was 38 or 40 with 20 or 22 lugs and Sapphire with display case back I’d buy. Khaki field Auto all the way.
About the only thing lacking is an acrylic crystal, I can see that mineral glass or even sapphire being easily damaged during everyday use. Although at the listed price I wouldn't be wearing her everyday.
Without having tried it on, this looks so good in photos, but I do wonder if it would wear a bit small. I have the Khaki 38 mechanical field watch and that's about ideal, if not on the smaller size of ideal, and I don't even like big watches aside from my Turtle. I feel like another missed opportunity is the missing broad arrow. I'd much prefer that than the "Mechanical" wording. Those that know about this watch will already know it's mechanical (read NOT quartz which is what mechanical actually means to me) and those that do not know probably won't even care. I feel like it's a little bit of talking down to the wearer for it to read "Mechanical".
They can’t use the broad arrow as that symbol denotes a British government issued item. I know what you mean about the ‘talking down’ though. I also have the 2018 Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and one thing I’ve never liked about it or other military watches is the secondary 24 hour markers. Makes it feel like it was designed for little Boy Scouts who were still learning the 24 hour system.
@@dustycups Ah...makes sense. However, I see the broad arrow on other watches that certainly weren't issued by the British government...(The Smiths reissues, CWC watches, etc.) And actually, I don't mind the 24 hour markers on a military watch, I think it actually makes sense from that stand point (military time) , and in the case of the Hamilton, with the exception of case size, it seems they really nailed the vibe of the original, and yes that includes the 24 hour markers. At least that one doesn't say "mechanical" on the dial.
I just received mine. My wrist is 7.25 inches. The watch looks fine on me. But my wrists are muscular, not fat. I think this would look small on a fat wrist of the same size.
I don't know how much I would have complained if not for the Khaki Field Mechanical. I mean, the Field Mechanical has an equally classic design, the same movement and a sapphire chrystal - for almost half the price. Of course, it's not the exact same design and I understand some people will want it enough not to care - but still. Feels like it should have been the same price as the Field Mech.
Great review Bruce. I have a 7 inch wrist and to be honest I really like a 36mm watch and have 2 in my collection and nothing over 38mm but really find that sweet right around 36mm with a log to lug at no greater than 47mm. I know that you can now find them at less than MSRP but even then I believe that this is overpriced considering Khaki mechanical can be had for just over $300.00.
I love it but I will wait until the price drops to $300 range. It makes no sense it costs twice more than their Field Mechanical watch when it’s using a same movement. Especially when it’s not even using a sapphire crystal.
I don’t limit myself buy it’s just my opinion about the Hamilton , Hamilton company is fixing the price , in Japan Hamilton is quiet cheap I will check that model anyway I really like your review Bruce you explained very well.
Bruce reviews a 40+mm watch everyone complains it should have been smaller. Bruce reviews a beautiful 36mm watch and everyone cries it should have been 40mm. Can't win. Thanks for the review Bruce. I would love to own this watch as it would pair nicely with my CWC G10 Fatboy from 1984. At 34mm it looks a little small on my 7.25" wrist. The longer you wear it you appreciate and love the size more and more.
Oh man you are so right. The grass is always greener lol WIS are crazy
I definitely agree. A watch brand can make the so called perfect watch with all the specs that we are looking for in a timepiece and sure enough, someone is going to complain about it.. you will never be able to win in these fields.. but at the same time, it’s what makes little pieces like these so much lore special to those who do enjoy truly what this watch offers! I def am one of those. This watch makes me feel amazing inside. Knowing that I have this brings a huge smile to my face bc it’s one of my grail pieces and I am damn proud of owing this! Cheers to you mate.
What is so often overlooked by watch manufacturers is that 1 mm makes a huge difference. If a watch is currently 36 mm, they will jump to a 40 mm! Ridiculous! This watch is, for me, too small as well. 37 mm and I would buy it.
Oh you CAN win. The sizing of this watch is perfect for me. I’m glad more people won’t buy it at this size - don’t want anyone wearing my watch ;)
Hamilton knows how to do these mechanical field watches. I've had one of the 40mm Khaki Officer's Mechanicals for about 8 years now. Despite so many other watches coming and going out of my collection, and owning much more expensive timepieces, that Khaki Mechanical gets more wrist time than any other. Happen to be wearing it today as I type this :-) As usual, great review Bruce.
I love the size of that watch. 36 mm is perfect for my 6.25 inch wrist.
Great to know - I also have a 6.25" wrist and was really debating buying this watch (or the CWC Mellor-72) but wasn't too sure about the size. Thank you!
Actually, we are getting used to giantic watches, but 36mm is actually a classic sweet spot
I agree, same wrist size. I was so bummed when i learned the lug to lug of the khaki mechanical.. it's barely wearable for me. If those models would have had a lug to lug of MAX 46, it would have been perfect for me personally. So this peice with the almost too short 42, it'll work perfect for me. Besides, most of my watches are 36mm, Datejust, date-day ( tudor ) they wear perfect for me. So.. yay! :d buying this! ;D
@@aodghostwalker8226 Indeed, the Khaki Mechanical lug-to-lug is way too big and makes it look as a 40-42 mm watch. As a militar, I love using the Khaki Pilot Pioneer as my everyday watch, as it looks good with my OCP uniform.
I really really love this watch. It’s the only one that I really truly wear on an everyday basis! I’m deeply in love with this little guy. I have this for a year and 3 months now and I’m still very happy to have it
I would have preferred to see a plexi/plastic/hesalite/acrylic glass over mineral. It looks better and would have gone better with the vintage aesthetic + it can be polished.
You said it - the watch has a lot of charme! Really love Hamilton for going their own way and releasing lot's of watches with traditional designs and proportions. Same goes for Longines because they also offered a lot of very interesting re-issues the last years. Kudos!
Thank you Daniel!
As a woman, I love a good unisex watch so my husband or myself can wear it and I think this fits the bill
The dial and the hands are very unique. Great pick Bruce!
1:26 the watch appears much larger when the camera zooms out. Which is why it's great to have multiple ranges.
Love these small field/military watches.
I love it, but they should have done sapphire, or acrylic. Mineral is not going to hold up well with that high domed crystal. Great review Bruce.
Hamilton definitely knows how do a great reissue piece. I mean it’s a small case but nice so well done . Acrylic would have been spot on.
Yes! Why oh why mineral?! If it's vintage inspired, then acrylic. If it's not, the sapphire.
Great review!
Hamilton did a superb job with this one. The design and size are great, and the execution looks good, judging by your macro shots.
I just struggle to see how it's worth the RRP, unless you're a big fan of the design.
I own a 1973 vintage 36mm Certina Argonaut ( almost the same case )
and it never did look awkward, we just need to get used to it,
hockey pucks are on their way out 🤔
I'm leaning towards this as my next purchase. Only thing not sure of is the hardened mineral crystal.
I've worn it every day since Sept 5th, no scratches yet, and that's while trying to keep up with a new puppy so it's been bumped around.
@@dougng78 Thanks for the reply! That's good news. I take good care of my watches usually so I should be fine :)
That is also my largest complaint with the watch Gabriel. Beautiful though
There is nothing wrong with the mineral on this watch.
I really falling in love with Hamilton lately. Wish this was with sapphire tough. I have my eye on the Hamilton Spirit of Liberty line. 42 Mm
do you think the mineral crystal is a deal breaker?
Just ordered a Khaki Field Mechanical for $371 plus shipping with the code, Thanks Bruce!
Perfect size! I'm so going to buy this.
Just bought this watch - it's great. Hugely well executed and a modern large power reserve. The size and shaping is perfect too. It's light, comfortable and accurate. I love it.
Does the crystal scratches easily?
I don't think that Sapphire should be used because of its AR coating. Box sapphire crystal would give a milky ring like the sapphire sandwich Omega SM. K1 mineral is fine for me because it will scratch less and if you wipe out the acrylic, The AR coating will be gone. So there is nothing too much wrong with the mineral.
And 100m WR is a big upgrade to the KFM.
I like it. A little pricy for a Hamilton mechanical but I like it. I am considering one but I am going to wait for the hype to die down like I did with the Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono.
I’d love to see you review some CWC watches.
Cheers Bruce I just pulled the trigger and got 20% discount
I would pull the trigger if it had a different crystal material.
Yup. For me, sapphire or acrylic.
Nice review, I like the size and the 80 hr power reserve. Hate the mineral crystal and the price.
Do you trust a pull/push crown to be oceangoing even with a 100 meter rating? I'm not sure I do.
How long will the discount code be available?
Not a perfect modern interpretation but very well done by Hamilton. They do consistently good work with their retro series of watches.
It's not an interpretation. Hamilton literally makes these.
Why no Lume shot ?
Sure it is 16 mm lug width?
18
Yep 18mm lug width not 16mm
Hi , would this watch be ok with casual swimming ?
This is the one! Acrylic distortion, 36mm, not tall... Just perfect! Will put it on a leather strap.
Awesome video. I was never issued a watch while in the military. We had to buy or own. Would be awesome to be issued a Hammy, IWC, Tudor
I have been watching you since you started and have enjoyed your content.
In my not so humble opinion, smaller watches like this one look best on your wrist. Take it for the free, unsolicited comment that it is.
It just looks right!
--Michael
Your comment about the mineral crystal is right on the money.
I love the look, but because of the vintage size, would prefer a vintage piece. I know those are hard to come by in decent condition and don't have some of the nice modern tech, but just my preference. I am still glad they made this reissue though. Really appreciate the aesthetic!
Great video Bruce. I am a huge Hamilton fan especially the Khaki Mechanical models and I really like this model but I think the price is just to high, even with a discount it comes in much higher than the Khaki mechanical in 38mm, although I do like the 36mm better I am really not enthused about 16mm lugs and no drilled lugs at that and like you mentioned no Sapphire crystal. Thanks again, Brian.
Great size. I don't know if I could do a 16mm strap though . . .
It’s 18mm
Should have kept the arrow and lose the mechanical.
Very much agree
Really? Ive seen catolog pics of a special edition seamster that will have it maybe it was a fake
@@samgrant83 Oh that may be it. I have seen the arrow on cwc watches
Freddie Turner the new seamaster has an arrow. I doubt they requested British military authorisation.
The queen owns the rights to the arrow as it the symbol used by the Royal Air Force.
This seems like a madly expensive watch, considering the specs and the price...
I agree. No denying it's a well designed and executed piece, but I don't see what it's got to justify the RRP.
Never pay full retail my friends 😎
@@BruceWilliams very true! I just got one of the new Bulova Oceanographers because it was 40% off 😂
Elijs Dima Never pay full retail for ANY Swatch Group product.
Yeah, I would get a Hamilton Murph before I get this. I'm not sure if this will be available for less on the grey market, unlike the Murph.
It's your review, so I completely respect your opinion, but I think they got the sizing spot on. It's amazing on wrist.
It still doesn't impress in a spec-to-price ratio, but the Khaki King is for people who want that.
People complaining about the size and lack of sapphire on a re-issue.....🤪
Re-issue would have acrylic and with it you can polis it :)
Bruce, see if you can check out the Marathon General Purpose Mechanical in 34mm and let us know how it compares to the Hamilton. 👍
Perfect looking, but seeing it in person …it’s far to small for the money, also, no sapphire ? Why ? If it was 38 or 40 with 20 or 22 lugs and Sapphire with display case back I’d buy. Khaki field Auto all the way.
18mm lug width.
Men used to wear 36mm watches now boys wear 40mm hockey pucks
not bad , but i wouldve preferred sapphire , a 38mm size , and lumed numerals considering the price.
Swatch group is way out of touch with their pricing. For common movements and basic features, they really ask a lot.
About the only thing lacking is an acrylic crystal, I can see that mineral glass or even sapphire being easily damaged during everyday use. Although at the listed price I wouldn't be wearing her everyday.
Is the lug width 16mm not 18mm??
18mm
16mm lugs?
18mm
Really nice vid! Love the look but man 16mm lug width is tiny. My gfs watch is also 16mm and that watch is waaay too small.
Its 18mm
Bruce Williams 18mm def doable than, might want to update your intro with the specs, has ‘16.0mm lugs’
Such a beauty.
Without having tried it on, this looks so good in photos, but I do wonder if it would wear a bit small. I have the Khaki 38 mechanical field watch and that's about ideal, if not on the smaller size of ideal, and I don't even like big watches aside from my Turtle. I feel like another missed opportunity is the missing broad arrow. I'd much prefer that than the "Mechanical" wording. Those that know about this watch will already know it's mechanical (read NOT quartz which is what mechanical actually means to me) and those that do not know probably won't even care. I feel like it's a little bit of talking down to the wearer for it to read "Mechanical".
They can’t use the broad arrow as that symbol denotes a British government issued item.
I know what you mean about the ‘talking down’ though. I also have the 2018 Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and one thing I’ve never liked about it or other military watches is the secondary 24 hour markers. Makes it feel like it was designed for little Boy Scouts who were still learning the 24 hour system.
@@dustycups Ah...makes sense. However, I see the broad arrow on other watches that certainly weren't issued by the British government...(The Smiths reissues, CWC watches, etc.) And actually, I don't mind the 24 hour markers on a military watch, I think it actually makes sense from that stand point (military time) , and in the case of the Hamilton, with the exception of case size, it seems they really nailed the vibe of the original, and yes that includes the 24 hour markers. At least that one doesn't say "mechanical" on the dial.
Uhhh no. This watch has to be the original size. Sapphire? Do you know how expensive it is to bend that into a dome?
I like the case shape. Looks to have faux patina.
Yes, it is old radium superluminova
I really can’t explain how much I would love this watch if it weren’t for the fake aged lume. Can’t this trend die?
Lol I must be one of the few that love the softer look of tan
Taylor W. Go and have a look at one and try it on👍🏼 it all looks and feels just right👍🏼
Nice , but but CWC general service automatic is also as nice . That has equal military provenance and a touch cheaper
It's a pity not a sapphire crystal!
I just received mine. My wrist is 7.25 inches. The watch looks fine on me. But my wrists are muscular, not fat. I think this would look small on a fat wrist of the same size.
I don't know how much I would have complained if not for the Khaki Field Mechanical. I mean, the Field Mechanical has an equally classic design, the same movement and a sapphire chrystal - for almost half the price. Of course, it's not the exact same design and I understand some people will want it enough not to care - but still. Feels like it should have been the same price as the Field Mech.
The dial is beautiful...but mineral glas on an 800 $ watch is a dealbreaker and leaves me scratching my head why Hamilton saved on this part.
Whatever their normal crystal is ...completely obstructs the dial with glare. So if this is not that ???? I say kudos.
I love it, watches are way too big now
It is gorgeous but I'd destroy that crystal and I agree that the size is a bit small.
Wowsers, price is a bit steep.
Nice watch.
Just buy the Pulsar G10 or CMC G10.
Actually the MWC G10 is only US$95
I clicked on this thinking it would be a nice Christmas gift, I'm not spending $1k aud for it, giving it a miss
It's not an Homage. Hamilton literally makes these.
Great review Bruce. I have a 7 inch wrist and to be honest I really like a 36mm watch and have 2 in my collection and nothing over 38mm but really find that sweet right around 36mm with a log to lug at no greater than 47mm. I know that you can now find them at less than MSRP but even then I believe that this is overpriced considering Khaki mechanical can be had for just over $300.00.
36mm hell yeah
Mineral glass, 36mm and a ferociously expensive price tag? Hamilton botched this one, I reckon.
I love the look and history but $800+ is a joke. Stick a good quartz in it and it's $200-300.
Change it to sapphire and this watch would be on my wrist ;)
Mathieu Vaillancourt Check out the CWC website, they have this watch in the original acrylic.
I vote 38.5mm with sapphire
LUG WIDTH 18mm
No sapphire is a deal breaker for me. Especially for that price.
❤️
This is the grail of field watches...its supposed to be small durable unoffensive and utilitarian
Its an undeniable homage piece, and you think Hamilton should "Bring it into the modern era" with a sapphire crystal? 🤔
Acrylic would be better, as you suggest 😅
Cool man.
38 would have been perfect
He's doesn't look small on your wrist become the shape of the watch
很漂亮的一块表。
Beautiful watch but this definitely should have been sapphire.
On my 7.5" wrist this watch just looks ridiculous. They should have compromised at 38mm.
Nice watch but the price isn’t justified. I’m not a fan of faux patina lume.
Priced to high lovely piece would want acrylic in it then would be true to history
I love it but I will wait until the price drops to $300 range. It makes no sense it costs twice more than their Field Mechanical watch when it’s using a same movement. Especially when it’s not even using a sapphire crystal.
You'll be in for a very long wait...
@@elsbethalithia I am not in hurry.
I think for $600 is expensive there are better watches for that price
I think you should not limit yourself to one 600 dollar watch
I don’t limit myself buy it’s just my opinion about the Hamilton , Hamilton company is fixing the price , in Japan Hamilton is quiet cheap I will check that model anyway I really like your review Bruce you explained very well.
Thank you Bruce I was checking Hamilton Japan that watch was not on sale in Japan still it’s a beautiful watch .
You could buy an original for cheaper...though there may be trouble ahead..... 😉
"slightly larger reissue" NO. no. no. no. no. no. no. this is the perfect size. stop it.
Over priced!
Agreed, i'd have no problem paying 500-600 for it tho. It's so nice.
Way too small. Looks like a watch for kids and I like Hamilton as a brand.
I got one, www.reddit.com/r/Watches/comments/dgfrsz/hamilton_khaki_pilot_pioneer_mechanical/
Looks great on me, i hate bigger watches