VIDEO: From combat divers in WWII, the legacy of the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman continues to evolve

Time+Tide

The Frogman is a black and white film from 1951 that depicts the contribution the US Navy divers made to WWII.  Following the death of their superior officer, the men of the Underwater Demolition Team chafe under the strict rule of Lieutenant Commander John Lawrence, a rule-bound leader who tries to crack down on team discipline. Following a small-scale mutiny, Lawrence eventually wins them over with his derring-do after risking his life for his team.  The film was the first depiction of scuba diving on the big screen and so the film-makers were keen to get every detail right. Consequently, when they came to choosing the divers’ watches they plumped for the Hamilton “Frogman” .

There was, of course, historical veracity to this decision. Hamilton watches were part of the Naval Combat Demolition Units gear and used on mine-clearing missions. Subsequently the Frogman has become a key part of the brand’s diving range. The latest iteration is the Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic 46mm. Given that diameter plus a case height of 13.58mm, the new Frogman Auto 46 is an unapologetically big watch with a burly new bumper-like guard to protect the screw-down crown. Water-resistant to 300 metres, it’s a dive watch that’s very much built for purpose. The watch’s larger size is perfect for wearing over a wetsuit, and its solid build quality and excellent legibility make it a sturdy choice for any adventure. In fact, if you have any doubts about the real-world capabilities of this new Frogman, you’ll be reassured to know than it’s often found on the wrist of world champion freediver Pierre Frolla.

The watch is available in stainless-steel but with the added option of a stealthy black PVD finish as well. The untreated steel-cased versions get a highly legible black dial with silver applied indices (including a big ‘12’) filled with Super-LumiNova. Visibility is excellent, and it stands to reason that white-on-black is the most popular dial configuration for divers. If you opt to go for the clandestine option, the indices are black, yet still filled with a dark grey lume, although the glow will obviously be reduced. For a more in-depth guide to the watch and the Frogman’s heritage, check out the video above.