If you are looking for a truly excellent field watch, Hamilton is a name that should be on your list. Hamilton knows field watches. With 14 designs available in the Khaki Field collection, you can bet the company has expertise in this area.
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While the H70455533 field watch reviewed today is an entry-level Hamilton, it is not short on refinement or features. The well crafted, no-nonsense aesthetic serves two main purposes: ruggedness and legibility. It doesn’t hurt that the design also happens to be stylish and elegant. This watch is not trying to be overly technical or posh, it’s just a simple, casual design that looks gorgeous and will hold up to everyday use. It’s no surprise then that field watches like this are so popular – what guy doesn’t want a ruggedly handsome timepiece? Let’s find out what Hamilton has put into this design.
Dial
The rather simple black dial appears to be expertly crafted, something that you might not notice as much from the pictures as when you have the watch in front of you. The slightly domed, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal sits flush with the bezel, reducing the likelihood of scratches or catching on articles of clothing or belts. With no anti-reflective coating, glare can get in the way of telling time, so if that sort of thing bugs you, be warned. The date is displayed in place of the 3 o’clock numeral, its white background providing a nice contrast to the black dial; again, this design is focused on simple, easy to read features.
Crisply detailed white Arabic numerals stand out against the dark dial, with the 24-hour markers situated right under the 12-hour numerals. These hour numerals have a nice luminescence and are easy to read in the dark as well. Minutes are displayed in small font atop each 12-hour numeral, and sub-second markers ring the outside of the dial.
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The silver second hand features a small red arrow tip that sweeps by just outside of each hour marker. Most of Hamilton’s field watches don’t have this red-tipped second hand, and I think I actually prefer these watches without it. Red or silver, however, these second hands move with a gloriously smooth sweeping motion that any watch lover will appreciate. The hour and minute hands feature a good amount of lume within the silver case of the hands, so they are very easy to see in the dark.
Case & Build
The brushed stainless steel case is 38 mm wide and 11 mm thick, which puts it on the smaller end amongst today’s fashionably large watches. Hamilton also offers a larger 42 mm example if you appreciate the design of this watch but desire something larger, although keep in mind that the 38 mm is the more traditional size for a military field watch, if that’s important to you. A simple fixed bezel is neither inconspicuous nor ostentatious, but it looks great and complements the vibe of this watch well.
A large sapphire crystal window on the back of the case proudly displays the watch’s automatic movement. 100 mm of water resistance provides reassurance that this watch will hold up to most water encounters short of scuba diving. The crown is probably not all that big compared to other watches, but it looks fairly large set against this 38 mm case. It can be used to wind the watch if the self-winding needs a little assistance. The substantial lugs curve gently towards the leather band.
Band
A high-quality dark brown calfskin leather band features contrast stitching and a buckle closure stamped with the Hamilton name. At 20 mm wide, this band also has a light interior which matches the stitching. The band looks fantastic on this watch, but the simple design should go well with most types of bands if you like to change yours out.
HML-H70455533 Movement
The H70455533 makes use of the ETA 2824 movement, a time-tested design that has proven to be superbly accurate and reliable. It uses 25 jewels to keep vibrations to a minimum.
As stated earlier, this movement is on display via the window on the back of the case, with Hamilton’s name stamped on the rotor.
Final Thoughts
I have always admired Hamilton’s field watches, with their excellent craftsmanship and durability. While the name Hamilton might not hold the same weight as the more glamorous Swiss companies, they still produce some very high-quality watches. Knowing that these field watches were originally designed for military use should reassure you that the H70455533 is as tough as it looks. With an enticing MSRP in the $500usd range, that plenty of retailers are knocking significant amounts off of, this field watch is perfect for someone looking to buy their first entry level luxury watch, or for anyone looking to add another great piece to an existing collection.
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