A new Frost-Inspired Edition of the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

Without a doubt one of the best value propositions on the market, the Khaki Field Mechanical collection has grown drastically in recent years. Inspired by vintage field watches made by the company – the Hamilton “Hacked” watch – it combines cool military looks with a fair price and undeniable flair. In addition to the base steel model, there are dozens of variations in bronze or with aged PVD coatings. Now, part of a series of location-inspired timepieces, Hamilton releases a new Zermatt-only version of the hand-wound Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm equipped with an ice blue, frost-textured dial. 

Let’s start with the basics, which remain unchanged compared to the classic edition of this watch. A compact, simple, straightforward field/military watch, the Khaki Field Mechanical measured 38mm in diameter and 9.5mm in thickness. Nice proportions, yet it exudes a certain presence on the wrist with its elongated lugs, measuring 47mm in length. Still, wearable by most. The case, to keep it stealthy, is bead-blasted stainless steel, making it anti-reflective and toned down. It features a sapphire crystal on the front, and the caseback is screwed solid steel.

Inside the watch is a hand-wound version of the Powermatic 80, the Swatch Group’s modernised take on the classic ETA 2824 and ETA 2801 (the manual-winding counterpart). As such, it has a slower pace of 21,600 vibrations per hour but stores a weekend-proof 80-hour power reserve. It’s also equipped with a magnetic-resistant Nivachron hairspring.

So what makes this edition special, besides the fact that it will only be available from one specific store? Well, it’s mostly about the dial and the colours. This Zermatt-only model pays tribute to its place of origin with a dial inspired by the Swiss Alps, particularly the unmistakable near-symmetrical form of the famed Matterhorn. The watch features a striking frost-effect dial that evokes the icy, glaciated high alpine terrain. The rest of the dial is what we’ve come to expect from a Hamilton Khaki Field, with large lumed Arabic numerals and hour markers, and lumed blackened hands. The additional 13-24 hour track still sits in the middle of the dial.

This intricate texture is complemented by a specially designed blue and white striped NATO strap, reminding us also of the military origins of this collection. The caseback features an engraving of the Matterhorn’s distinctive silhouette. The Zermatt Exclusive Edition comes with a secondary blue NATO strap option.

Available exclusively from the Zermatt boutique, this Frost-Inspired Edition of the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm is priced at CHF 595. For more details, please visit www.hamiltonwatch.com.