Khaki Field Auto Chrono Black Ref. H71706830

Hamilton has grown to become a prominent watch manufacturer that gained its reputation from producing robust and functional timepieces since 1892. Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania as a manufacturer of pocket watches renowned for their high accuracy and quality. This value carried on with them as they established themselves as a brand with deep horological significance in American history with the development of military watches, marine chronometers and aviation timepieces.

Here’s one for the chronograph lovers. Military inspired timepieces have undoubtedly been synonymous with Hamilton, coming from a brand with such a rich military heritage. Many of us are familiar with the legendary Khaki Field Automatic, a classic cult favourite in the watch community renowned as one of the most value-for-money Swiss made automatic timepieces in its price segment. This time, we explore another exceptional offering in the Khaki family of watches, spicing things up with an automatic chronograph bringing a touch of retro military charm of the classic Khaki Field in a strikingly bold package. 

Hamilton Khaki Field Auto Chrono Black Ref. H71706830

In contrast to other Khaki Field models which come with rather compact dimensions, the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Black Ref. H71706830 ramp things up with an eye-catching 44mm stainless steel case, expressing a strong adventurous appearance that certainly complements the tool-like nature of the watch. The utilitarian attributes are further emphasized with the case finished in an entirely sandblasted matte finishing, minimizing unnecessary glare in the field. While the case measures with a thickness of 14.1mm and a lug to lug distance of 53mm, the implementation of a bund strap here allows the watch to appear marginally larger, resulting in a fuller, more substantial presence on the wrist. 

The supplied 22mm khaki green bund-style nubuck strap admittedly introduces a unique look to the Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Black Ref. H71706830, portraying a famous strap style which was historically equipped by soldiers during combat operations in order to protect the wrist against burns in extreme cold or hot conditions with a protective leather backing. The pairing of a bund strap definitely adds a whole lot of military character to the piece — a fitting choice for a collection holding a great connection to the brand’s military roots. 

Khaki green bund-style nubuck strap introduces a unique look

Underneath the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, the matte black dial of the Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Black Ref. H71706830 feels vastly familiar with its distinctive numeric hour markers and syringe-style handset, traits that are evidently prominent throughout the Khaki Field line up. However, this time, the dial packs some really fetching details; the military-inspired Arabic numerals are molded with solid Super-LumiNova, raising them up to a height of 0.35mm for an added boost of depth to the dial. In addition, the hands and outer triangle hour markers are filled with old radium Super-LumiNova for that extra vintage appeal. Naturally, you can expect fantastic glow in low lighting conditions. 

The dial features two recessed sub-dials at the 12 and 6 o’clock position, housing a 30-minute countdown timer and 12-hour counter operated by the chronograph pushers at the side of the case. In addition, the running seconds are situated at the 9 o’clock position while the Hamilton logo rests at the 3 o’clock position, keeping the dial legible and well-proportioned. 

SuperLuminova for Superb Glow In Dark

The Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Black Ref. H71706830 is driven by the Swiss-made Cal. H-21 automatic chronograph movement, based on the tried-and-tested Valjoux/ETA 7750 movement. Here’s where it gets interesting, Hamilton ramped up the power reserve to an astounding 60 hours compared to the regular 42 hours we get on the stock ETA 7750, with the 25 jewel movement running at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour (BPH). Housed in a solid screw-in case back with Hamilton’s custom engraving, the watch is equipped with a water resistance of 100m(10bar). 

The Khaki range of watches packs a punch when it comes to military-inspired timepieces, the Khaki Field Automatic Chronograph Black Ref. H71706830 carries a modern twist to the timeless style of classic chronographs with the right blend of vintage elements and a robust Swiss-made chronograph movement. With the addition of a cool bund strap to the mix, this is a striking piece that embraces a unique appearance, and you’ll probably feel ready for just about anything with such a gutsy field-oriented chronograph on the wrist.