Tom Austin Hamilton’s iconic Khaki Field Mechanical has received a chilly upgrade as part of a four-part series celebrating the brand’s boutique in its iconic location. In the 38mm variation, the new watch features a Matterhorn-inspired icy frost dial and a unique caseback featuring the legendary silhouette of Swiss Mountain. The Alpine-inspired watch is exclusively for the Zermatt Store and features a specially designed blue and white striped NATO strap.
If I was exploring the harsh alpine wilderness, I probably only have a handful of clocks by my side. You need something lightweight and easy to read when a snowstorms get caught. Ideally, you need something NATO for comfort and security, and above all, something reliable and robust. There is one watch that stands out as a solid choice by that standard. Of course, it’s Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical.
For more than a decade, Hamilton has partnered with Air Salmatt, the renowned Swiss air rescue team based in Zermatt, the village of Alpine, at the foot of Matterhorn. That long-standing collaboration includes a dedicated air rescue-themed Hamilton boutique that opened in 2023. Now, as part of an exclusive location-based series, Hamilton has launched a special edition of Khaki Field Mechanical to celebrate Zelmatt’s diplomat.
We are all very knowledgeable about khaki field mechanicals. It becomes an icon in itself as a solid and reliable field watch that is ready for anything. Based on the bestselling 38mm variation, this model comes with stainless steel and features a bead-blasted surface finish that helps protect the watch from minor scratches and scuffs. It is a thin watch, only 9.5mm thick, with a thinner, mainly manual winding movement, and its long lugs allow plenty of room for a variety of NATO style strapping options.
With a push/pull crown, the watch offers 50 meters of water resistance, which is sufficient for its size and construction, particularly considering that its main features usually focus on land-based activities. However, other models in Hamilton’s lineup offer more water resistance, such as expeditions. This model is more about being a traditional, versatile field watch than an out-and-out heavy hitter tool.
Hamilton’s Khaki Field Mechanical dialing options are pretty monotonous and are of course part of the field watch style, but the latest Zermatt edition changes things. The dial features a chilly ice effect. This reflects and refracts light as it passes through a bright blue surface, evoking the spirit of the ice wilderness. The themed watches can be a bit heavier on the exterior, but Hamilton did a good job of keeping them relatively subtle here.
The good news is that it doesn’t interfere with the function of the dial. The contrasting 24-hour markers and fine tracks stand out boldly against the matte dial, along with the bright leaf markers. The dial is slightly busy, especially at the small 38mm size, but the black hand filled with Lume contrasts with light areas and makes it easier to read.
As the name suggests, to match the rest of the range, the Khaki Field machine has a Hamilton H-50, that is, a Hamilton H-50. Based on the ETA C07.701, it is a sturdy mainstay horse that features a considerable 80-hour power reserve while losing at 3Hz. It’s a serviceable movement, but laser controlled. This means that if a problem arises, a factory visit will be required to regulate it. However, this is a rare occurrence as the H-50 is usually a very reliable caliber. This movement is hidden in a solid caseback featuring a powerful Matterhorn mountain carved silhouette exclusively for this special edition.
Another exclusive addition to this watch is the two strap options. Both are navy blue NATO style textile straps, one with solid white stripes in the center. They complement the new dial variations well, and the striped version stands out from other Hamilton products across its range. The strap is secured with an engraved pin buckle and features a leather keeper.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Zermatt Limited Edition Price and Availability
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Zermatt Exclusive Edition is available only for purchase at the Zermatt Boutique in Hamilton. Price: CHF 595
Brand Hamilton Model Khaki Field Mechanical Zermatt Exclusive Edition
H89459940
Case Dimensions 38mm(d) x 9.5mm
