The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition reminds that NATO straps are an outdoorsy must-have
Buffy Acacia- The most adventurous Khaki Field gets a NATO strap makeover in khaki, grey, or blue.
- It’s still available in both 37mm and 41mm sizes, outfitted with a bi-directional compass bezel.
- Still a leader for power reserve in its class, the Khaki Field Expedition is powered by the H-10, 80-hour power reserve movement.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition is a recent diversion from Hamilton’s fan-favourite field watch, with some rugged upgrades to better handle outdoor adventuring. Let’s be real, who wants to trudge through a muddy rainforest path with a heavy bracelet or a sweaty leather strap on their wrist? I’d hazard a guess that many who bought an Expedition and wanted to use its features immediately slapped it on a NATO, but now Hamilton have eliminated the need for an aftermarket option.
If you missed the release of the Khaki Field Expedition, here’s an overview. The stainless steel cases are available in versatile sizes of 37mm or 41mm to suit almost every wrist, and each with a slightly different personality. The lugs are slightly longer and more elegant on the smaller model, while the larger one looks a bit stockier. They’re water resistant to 100 metres, which is perfect for splashing through river crossings and cooling off in rippling creeks. As a textile, NATO straps are absorbent and much more comfortable when you’re sweating. They also allow for better ventilation and heat exchange, making rashes less likely to develop. Of course, the compass bezel is the star of the show, and it can legitimately help you navigate if you get stuck without reception or GPS. Point the hour hand towards the sun, and the halfway point between the hour and minute hands will point South in the Northern Hemisphere, or North in the Southern Hemisphere.
The dials are about as classic as they come for field watches, but the broad arrow hour hand does give the design a bit more of a midcentury twist on the style which was born during the World Wars. There are also some fresh colour options, with matte white and navy blue joining the classic black. There are also three colours available for the new NATO straps, with the white dial available on a khaki green, the blue using a matching navy, and the black dial on either khaki again, or a slate grey. The NATO straps themselves look to be much higher quality than the generic ones you’ll find for a couple of bucks online, with the edges bound and sewn in leather, and using leather retaining loops for a more cohesive appearance.
Using a NATO will cover up the display caseback, but behind it is still the tried-and-tested Hamilton H-10. It’s an automatic movement based on the architecture of the timeless ETA 2824, but with its beat rate reduced down to 21,600 vibrations per hour. An upgraded mainspring extends the power reserve out to 80 hours, and the only real sacrifice is that it’s more difficult to regulate the movement for accuracy. Thankfully, these calibres have a great reputation for accuracy out of the box.
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition NATO pricing and availability
The Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition NATO is available now. Price: US$945. Browse Hamilton in the Time+Tide Shop
| Brand | Hamilton |
| Model | Khaki Field Expedition |
| Case Dimensions | 37mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) 41mm (D) x 11.5mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Matte blue, black, or white |
| Bracelet | NATO strap in khaki, grey, or blue |
| Movement | H-10, ETA C07 base, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 80 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds |
| Availability | Available now |
| Price | US$945 |