Hamilton - Khaki - H704450 - Men - 2010-2020

Offered in this auction by Second Vintage The Hamilton Khaki series stands as a definitive icon in the realm of mechanical field watches, tracing its lineage directly back to the robust timepieces supplied to the military during the mid-twentieth century. This specific iteration perfectly balances that rugged heritage with modern mechanical reliability, offering a highly legible, purpose-built aesthetic that has made the Khaki line a cornerstone of contemporary watch collecting. With its perfectly proportioned case and utilitarian dial design, it remains an incredibly versatile daily wearer that honors its utilitarian roots. Brand: Hamilton Model: Khaki Automatic Reference Number: H704450 Movement: 25 Jewels Automatic Dial: Deep black military dial with crisp white typography, presenting in exceptionally clean condition Case Size: 38 mm (excluding the crown) Case Material: Stainless Steel Production Year: 2010s Condition: Excellent second hand condition with minimal signs of use Dial and Hands The dial of this Khaki Automatic is executed in a deep, matte black, designed for maximum contrast and legibility under all conditions. It features a classic military layout with a primary outer ring of stark white Arabic numerals from 1 to 12, complemented by an inner 24-hour track for military timekeeping. A finely printed minute track encircles the outermost edge, punctuated by luminous pips at each five-minute interval. The dial presents in exceptionally clean condition, showing no signs of moisture intrusion, spotting, print loss, or surface damage. The handset consists of polished syringe-style hour and minute hands filled with luminous material, paired with a sweeping seconds hand that features a distinctive red arrow tip, adding a subtle touch of color to the monochromatic display. A neatly framed date aperture is positioned at the three o'clock marker, displaying white numerals on a black background to maintain the dial's cohesive aesthetic. Case and Crystal The 38mm stainless steel case offers a masterclass in varied finishing, presenting a rugged yet refined profile. The gently curved lugs and case flanks feature a pronounced brushed finish, which contrasts handsomely against the high-polish smooth bezel framing the dial. The case lines remain sharp and well-defined, showing only light, honest superficial handling marks consistent with careful wear, with no deep scratches or structural impacts. The robust, oversized crown is heavily fluted for easy operation and proudly bears the embossed Hamilton 'H' logo. The watch is fitted with a flat sapphire crystal, as denoted on the caseback, which remains remarkably clear and free from any distracting scratches or edge chips, ensuring an unobstructed view of the pristine dial beneath. Movement Turning the watch over reveals a stainless steel screw-down exhibition caseback, offering a clear view of the mechanical engine within. The watch is powered by a reliable Swiss-made automatic movement featuring 25 jewels, highlighted by a custom brushed rotor engraved with the Hamilton signature. The movement components present cleanly, with no visible signs of oxidation or mishandling. Exhibiting remarkable accuracy and consistency, performing brilliantly for a vintage timepiece. The timegrapher results show an impressive -10 to -12 seconds per day with strong amplitude, confirming the robust health of the caliber. Strap The watch is fitted with its original Hamilton stainless steel bracelet, featuring a solid three-link construction with a brushed finish that perfectly matches the case. The originality is confirmed by the clearly visible Hamilton branding stamped into the folding safety clasp, as well as the factory reference code H605704103 stamped directly onto the solid endlinks. The bracelet is well-preserved, showing only minor desk-diving marks on the clasp, and is sized to accommodate a wrist up to 17.5cm. Condition This timepiece is graded in excellent condition. The case and original bracelet show only light, superficial wear typical of careful use, while retaining their factory finishes and sharp geometry. The sapphire crystal is immaculate, and the dial and hands remain pristine, free from any deterioration or damage. The mechanical performance is notably strong. Dimensions The stainless steel case measures a classic 38 mm in diameter, excluding the signed crown. The attached original bracelet is sized to fit a wrist of approximately 17.5 cm. Remarks This Hamilton Khaki Automatic is a textbook example of a modern mechanical field watch done right. Its combination of a highly legible dial, perfectly sized 38mm case, and a proven Swiss automatic movement makes it an outstanding candidate for a daily companion. The inclusion of its original signed bracelet and the excellent timekeeping metrics further elevate its appeal for both seasoned enthusiasts and new collectors alike. History Hamilton's history is deeply intertwined with American military and railroad timekeeping, having built its reputation on producing highly accurate, durable watches for demanding environments. The Khaki Field collection is the direct descendant of the legendary MIL-W-3818B specification watches produced for the US Armed Forces during the Vietnam era. Over the decades, Hamilton has thoughtfully evolved the Khaki line, transitioning from manual-wind, fixed-bar military issue pieces to refined, automatic civilian models that retain the unpretentious, functional soul of their ancestors. / Second Vintage SKU: HAM-HKH-0001