Hamilton has a knack for creating watches that feel both historically grounded yet refreshingly modern. Their latest boutique-exclusive release continues this tradition with a Khaki Field Mechanical that transforms the brand’s military heritage into something decidedly alpine. Available only at Hamilton’s Zermatt store, this new 38mm timepiece trades the usual olive drab aesthetic for an ice-blue dial that captures the essence of Switzerland’s most famous peak.
A Respected Legacy
The Khaki Field’s lineage traces back to Hamilton’s extensive military partnerships, beginning with “trench watches” supplied to U.S. soldiers during World War I. By World War II, Hamilton had halted civilian production entirely in order to deliver over a million timepieces to American troops between 1942 and 1945. The modern Khaki Field Mechanical, reissued in 2017, directly descends from those ‘60s watches that met the U.S. military’s MIL-W-3818B specification. And regardless of any new variants, this philosophy and build dedication will always remain intact.
Alpine Inspiration Meets Military DNA
Right away, the standout feature on the Zermatt exclusive is the watch’s new textured ice-blue dial, designed to mirror the frost-covered terrain of the Swiss Alps. It’s a refreshing departure from the typical field watch palette, yet the execution works with visual depth brought by the frosted texture and a shifting appearance in different light.
Luckily, Hamilton integrated these alpine elements with the Khaki Field’s core ethos. The large Arabic numerals and central 13-to-24 hour track remain unchanged, preserving the utilitarian readability that’s made these watches essential military gear for literal decades. As another touch, the caseback features an engraved image of the Matterhorn’s distinctive silhouette.
Proven Foundation
At its core, this remains the same Khaki Field Mechanical formula that has made the watch such a legend in the field watch category. Returning are the 38mm stainless steel case, the elongated lugs that enhance wrist presence despite its smaller size, and Hamilton’s H-50 manual-wound movement. Known for its whopping 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron hairspring for magnetic resistance, this caliber is perhaps the best field watch movement in the game.
Adorned to the timepiece is a blue and white striped NATO strap, inspired by the interplay of light and shadow on snow-covered mountains. If stripes aren’t your thing, Hamilton has also included a secondary NATO strap in solid blue.
Spec Sheet
Model: Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Zermatt-Exclusive Edition
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 38mm
Case Thickness: 9.5mm
Movement: Hamilton H-50 manual-winding
Power Reserve: 80 hours
Water Resistance: 50m
Straps: Blue-and-white striped NATO and solid blue NATO
Limited Edition?: No, but limited to Zermatt boutique
Pricing & Availability
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Zermatt-Exclusive Edition is available now exclusively at Hamilton’s Zermatt boutique for CHF 595 (~$751). While not technically limited, availability is restricted to the single retail location, making this a destination purchase for collectors seeking something unique within Hamilton’s field watch lineup.
Recap
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm Zermatt-Exclusive Edition
Hamilton gave its legendary Khaki Field Mechanical an ice blue dial inspired by the Swiss Alps, but it’s only available at the brand’s Zermatt boutique store.
