Swiss Military Watch Heritage – A Hamilton Khaki King Review
Hamilton is an old legendary American watch company and today’s post is about Hamilton Khaki King review.
The Khaki king (Model No. H64455533) is made as a homage to Hamilton’s Military watch (the company made military watches for American Army during World War II) but with some modern twist in it.
It’s very beautiful to look at, very rugged and tough (and also manly!) – as expected of a military watch, and last but not least (though could mean the world to some of us) it’s Swiss Made. Let’s get on to the Hamilton Khaki King review for a closer look at this watch.
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Hamilton Khaki King Automatic Watch H64455533 Specification
Diameter: 40 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Case: Heavy duty stainless steel with brushed finish
Strap: 20 mm leather strap with contrast stitching and buckle.
Bezel: Fixed bezel without decoration
Dial: Black dial
Watch Crystal: Anti-reflective Sapphire crystal dial
Hour Markers: Numeric markers with 24-hour numbering at inner dial
Hands: Sword shape luminous hands
Movement: ETA Cal. 2834-2 Swiss Automatic self-wind movement with 25 jewels
Accuracy: up to +-15 seconds per day
Power Reserve: 38 hours
Water Resistance: 50 m or 165 feet. Not suitable for swimming or diving.
Other Features: Crown at 3 o’clock, crown guard, day and date display at 12 o’clock, exhibition caseback showing decorated movement
Where To Buy: Amazon where we can get it for a cheaper price than its MSRP.
A Homage To Hamilton’s Military Watch History
Hamilton watch company was founded in the US around 1900s in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It began by making and selling pocket watches, and later wrist watches to the public. The company was famous for being assigned with producing accurate and durable timepieces for the American army during World War II.
Around the 1980s, the brand was sold to the Swatch Group, and later it was moved entirely to the Swiss. It’s quite sad to know that a once popular American watch manufacturer was sold to another country. But hey, look at the good part. Now all Hamilton’s watches are Swiss Made =)
The Hamilton Khaki King is a homage to their military watches, but with some modern styling twist. Hamilton still preserved the big and very readable hour markers. The watch was made using heavy duty stainless steel, an absolute must for the maximum protection and durability for any military watch.
It’s slightly bigger than it’s older brother, at 40 mm diameter and 11 mm thickness – though that’s actually just the right size with the current trend right now for men’s watches. With the size, it will look balanced on any wrist.
Traditional military watches used Nato straps, but Hamilton opted for a 20 mm leather strap on this watch. A good move I would say as the leather strap with contrast stitching make the watch look much elegant and manly, not to mention very comfortable to wear too.
Look at how gorgeous the watch is. The usage of polished finish on some parts of the watch make it less rugged but still a tough watch nonetheless =p
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Simple, Rugged and ManlyMilitary Watch Styling
As mentioned earlier, the Hamilton Khaki King took some design cues from it’s older brother. The dial is black, with combination of 12-hour markers at the outer dial and 24-hour markers at the inner dial – classic design of military watches.
There are minute markers around the edge of the dial. Day and date display are at located 12 o’clock, a quite unique position as most watches would put it at 3 o’clock.
But then the day is displayed in full e.g “Saturday” instead of just “Sat” like normal watches as they have more space. It depends on the people really, but I found it quite interesting and like it.
The hands are simple sword style luminous hands. The dial window is anti-reflective sapphire crystal, normal for watches at this price range. It’s scratch resistant and a must for a durable military watch.
The watch also has an sapphire crystal exhibition caseback, where we can see its ETA 2834-2 movement. The movement has been engraved with the Hamilton signature and shows some of the 25 jewels it has.
Check out this awesome review of the Hamilton Khaki King
Hamilton Khaki King (H64455533)
On the dial, we can see the signatures “Hamilton”, “Khaki” and “Automatic” on it. The crown is positioned at 3 o’clock, with crown guards.
There is an H emblem on it signifying Hamilton. The bezel is not decorated, and fixed in its position.
The finish of the casing is a combination of polished and brushed surfaces that makes it looks totally gorgeous and yet still look as a military watch.
Overall, the watch is very rugged and tough looking watch. I certainly love its manly feeling. It’s made of high quality material and craftsmanship.
Some people would say the watch can be wore with dress shirts, but I beg to differ. It’s a handsome watch for sure, but it’s just too rugged to be used with a dress shirt. For me, this watch fits perfectly when I’m going out in my casual wear, jeans and all.
The back of the watch is an open caseback so that its lucky owner can see the ETA 2834-2 movement. Open caseback has always been a favorite watch element to me. There is something satisfying to see the wheel balance oscillates in swift manner as if the watch itself is alive =)
Swiss ETA 2834-2 Movement
Underneath the brushed stainless steel casing of the watch, there is a Swiss ETA Caliber 2834-2 automatic movement, a powerhouse and commonly used in many watches under the Swatch Group brand. The movement has 25 jewels with some of them can be seen from the exhibition caseback.
The rotor has also been engraved with Hamilton’s signature and can be seen from the case back. This movement is accurate up to +-15 seconds per day, though most watch owners out there report that it has a much higher accuracy, only +-5 seconds per day. The movement has 38 hours power reserve, pretty standard for automatic watches.
The watch is water resistant up to 50 m or 165 feet. This means that it is not suitable for diving, snorkeling or swimming. Though some splash of water here and there would be fine.
Where To Buy Hamilton Khaki King Automatic?
If you are looking to buy the Hamilton Khaki King, check out Amazon as the online company usually has discounts for the watch, reducing its price from an MSRP of $545! Click the link below to go to Amazon to check on this amazing deal.
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Conclusion
Hamilton Khaki King is a tough and rugged watch, taking its cue from Hamilton’s American military watches during the World War II.
But even then, the design is stylish and handsome. Combined with the tough look of the military watch, it’s definitely a “manly” watch =)
It has a sturdy construction and build that will guarantee you this watch will be able to take any beating. As a made in Swiss watch, you can also rest assured that it has the highest quality and technology the Swiss has to offer.
“American spirit, Swiss precision“ – that is the tagline from Hamilton, and this watch fully embodies that tagline truthfully.
I hope this article on the Hamilton Khaki King review is beneficial to you guys. Should you have any comments or questions, feel free to ask me about it.
Drop your comments below and don’t forget to subscribe to my site =)
Cheers!
Isaac
The Hamilton Khaki King and the Interstellar are my sentimental favorites.
The Khaki King as it has the 12 and 24 hour Arabic number markings plus the 60 minute markings as well as the day date complications has me won over.
You may have to update your article as the ETA 2824-2 movement within Hamilton have been replaced by the inhouse movement that gives you 80 hour power reserve (H10 or H40?). To get the large power reserve, they had to do some watch movement changes (slower beat?). I really wanted the ETA, but hey, 80 hour power reserve is awesome.
The ETAs are likely to be sold on ebay and the new movement is sold everywhere.
It is a great bargain considering it is Swiss made.
I have owned the Khaki King Auto for 3 years. Great watch. As always I chose the steel band. In the price market of $1000 or less Hamilton watches, in my opinion, are a value. Look distinctive and feel great. You can tell the difference when setting the time, how the wheels are seemless. With some other brands you can “feel” the clinking. Recently purchased the Khaki Navi with the small seconds dial. Also great watch.
Go ahead and get the Hamilton.
Hi JC. Thank you for sharing your experience on the Khaki King Auto here. Thanks for dropping by buddy =)
Hello. I have the watch. It does not have anti-reflective coating on the crystal. With a curved surface and black dial, it really could use it. Otherwise an accurate review.
Hi Louis. Thanks for the feedback! What’s your opinion of the watch?
Cheers!
Hello. Nice watch and nice review! Would you happen to have the lug-to-lug measurements of this timepiece?
Hi Dan. Unfortunately I don’t have the exact measurement of lug to lug distance. But looking at the 40 mm diameter, I believe the lug-lug distance won’t be over 2″ or 50 mm. That’s just my assumption based on similar watches =)
Regards,
Isaac.
Thanks for the review Isaac. I have been stalking Hamilton watches for some time. I just got the silver dial Hamilton Kahki king today. I flat out love it. Since most of my other watches are divers for me the khaki has a much higher level of refinement. The 40 mm size works and feels good on. Mine has she silver dial however everything else is exactly the same.
Hi Justin. Glad that you love the Khaki King. Well, a style change from your diver’s watch will do wonders lol!
Cheers!
I’m so glad I came across this review as I am looking for the perfect gift for my brother’s graduation! He adores watches and I get a bit overwhelmed on what to by him. I like the design of the Hamilton watch, there is balance between its casual and rugged style. I would assume that it has a genuine leather strap?
Hi Cherie. I’m sure your brother will love this watch.
The strap is genuine leather and look rugged especially with the contrast stitching. But don’t worry, a simple strap change will be able to make the watch look dressier and more professional – since your brother is gonna step into the working world =)
Cheers!
Wow, Thank you for your review for Hamilton Khaki King Automatic Watch. I really like its rugged style for a man and elegant leather strap. Through youtube video, it looks even great.
There is many rugged watches in the market, but from the C/P( cost–performance ratio) I will definitely take this one into consideration next time.
Hi George. Really sorry for the late reply. Have been very busy these days.
You are definitely right on the C/P. In fact, Hamilton watches are among the cheapest Swiss Made watches that we can buy.
Cheers!
This is amazing. am really in love with watches but I have not use Hamilton watch before.
I have always like chain watches and it look good in my hand. And I mostly like engine with automatic.
With your review I have come to know more about Hamilton khaki King leather watch. It very amazing.
Thanks for this review, it’s really helpful.
Thanks for visiting Collins. Cheers!
Hi, absolutely love these watches, I haven’t seen anything quite like these before. Im a little disappointed though as I have just recently bought my husband a brand new watch for his birthday a few weeks ago, he would have liked these im sure. Do you have these for women? Thanks again
Joanne
Hi Rob. Unfortunately Hamilton does not produce the Khaki King watches for women sizes since they think ladies won’t be interested with its design. They do produce women’s watches, but mainly with the dressy style (you can check out their women’s watch list HERE).
Cheers!
Hamilton Khaki King is a wonderful gift to honor our veterans who have served our country. This homage to the military watches of World War II appeals to my dad who served in the Army and was able to earn his college education through the GI bill. How does the Hamilton Khaki King watch hold up to sweat and any water exposure? ~ Tam
Hi Tam. Yes the Khaki King is a great gift to any veterans out there. I bet your dad would surely love this watch =)
In terms of sweat and water exposure, the Khaki King can withstand up to 50 m water pressure. With that, I don’t think there is any problem at all for some splashes here and there. It can even be used for swimming theoretically though I won’t suggest you to do so since the watch does not have a screw down crown.
I really like the look of this watch!
1) I like that the date at the top includes the day of the week instead of just the abbreviation.
2) The stitching of the band really gives it a quality look!
The Hamilton Khaki watch is something that looks like it can be worn for any occasion as well making it something that I would consider purchasing.
Yep Chris I also like the full day display of the Hamilton Khaki King. It’s very different that other watches and that makes it look cool! The contrast stitching really pop up on the brown leather band. Hamilton really knows how to design an infantry watch.
Thanks for reading Chris! If you have any questions to ask before making up your mind to buy it, just ask me buddy. I’ll be glad to help =)
I love this Article it is nice to see the precision of how these Hamilton watches are made very nice and has a lot of detail. Men’s jewelry you don’ t see to much. its nice to see how much detail is in it. recommend this to all watch and jewelry lovers all over
Hi there! The quality and craftsmanship of the Hamilton watches are very outstanding. Glad you love it buddy. Keep coming to my site as I plan to reveal lots more of gorgeous watches like this =)
Thanks Issac for reviewing this timeless and fashionable Hamilton Khaki King watch. Very stylish it is. Your information is nicely organized and clearly presented. I also know about a brand called Invicta that is high in quality as well and my father in law has a collection of those. I will have to reward myself or have my wife buy something of the like of Hamilton or Invicta in future.
Hi Andrew! Thanks for reading. Glad that you like my review. I’ve always try to make it as simple as possible to give my readers the best information without much effort. Clear and concise is what I always seek in my posts.
I agree with you that the Invicta is a high quality watch. Like the Hamilton, Invicta also sourced their watch parts from Swiss so you can expect their quality to be on par with each other. Good quality watches at reasonable price. Currently I’ve only reviewed the Invicta Pro Diver 9937 but I’ll try to add more reviews of the brand soon. Just let me know if you want to have my opinion on any specific watch buddy.
Hey there Isaac,
First off…Wow! I genuinely really like the look of this watch. It is stylish, elegant and manly all wrapped up into one great looking watch. Giving readers a bit history on the company is an excellent way of captivating them. I for one love history on items and this easily made me want to continue reading this article. Your take on the watch is informative and gave me a better understanding of the Hamilton Khaki King Automatic Watch.
Thanks Mate!
Hi Steve! Thanks for reading my site buddy! Glad that you like the watch. Hamilton Khaki King is one of those watch that will definitely give you that manly vibe for sure.
I’m also someone that loves history of things. These watch companies are very rich in history. It is very interesting to know about their progression through time and how they have evolved since then. I also would like to point out at another American watch company, Bulova that has existed for more than a century.
Anyway, thanks for reading Steve. Cheers!
Wow, its a great looking watch I must say. I like the Hamilton Men’s H64455533 Khaki King Series Stainless Steel Automatic Watch with Brown Leather Band. The contrast stitching on the band is stealing the show. Finally I got something as a gift for my husband that will go with his personality. Thanks for sharing
Hi Sangeeta! The contrast stitching on the leather band of the Hamilton is definitely a looker. I’m sure your husband will totally love this watch. Glad I can be of help to you 🙂