The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 36mm and Khaki Field Mechanical 250

Founded in the United States and producing in Switzerland now, Hamilton returns to one of its lesser-seen military references with a new Khaki Field Mechanical watch, this time offered in two versions released side by side. On the one hand, the Khaki Field Mechanical 36mm is a globally available model that brings back the design for a wider audience. On the other hand, there is the Khaki Field Mechanical 250 limited edition with a more collectable angle, created to mark 250 years of American independence. Both watches share the same base in terms of form and function. They draw from the rare FAPD 5101 navigator’s watch from the 1970s, and are part of Hamilton’s 2026 line-up, with the US edition capped at 1,776 pieces.

The Khaki Field Mechanical has been around as a simple, easy entry into mechanical watches, and over time, it has been available in 42mm and 38mm case sizes. Both the new Khaki Field Mechanical 36mm and Khaki Field Mechanical 250 take it back to where it all started, with proportions that look more like the original. The 36mm stainless steel case, with its matte sandblasted finish, has a thickness of 10.2mm and an 18mm lug width. It is worn on a textile NATO strap with a pin buckle; the US edition also includes an additional calf leather strap and commemorative packaging.

Hamilton has also brought back details like fixed bars and an acrylic crystal, which give these pieces a more straightforward, tool-watch feel without adding anything extra. The acrylic box-shaped crystal comes with a hard coating and anti-fingerprint treatment. This is not something you see as often today, but it fits the watch well and gives it a slightly softer overall look than sapphire. Its dial is clean and easy to read, with a matt black base, clear white markings, and a 24-hour inner track.

There is also a dust cover inside, a small detail taken from watches like the original FAPD 5101, built for tougher conditions back when Hamilton watches were used by soldiers. The hands and dial use Super-LumiNova Grade X2. Built to handle everyday wear, water-resistance is 100 metres. Paired with simple hands and minimal text, it keeps the focus on legibility, which is exactly what this kind of watch is meant to do.

Inside is Hamilton’s H-50 hand-wound movement, offering an 80-hour power reserve and fitted with a Nivachron balance spring for greater resistance to magnetic fields. No automatic winding means you wind it by hand, so you get a more direct feel of a mechanical watch on your wrist.

We’re awaiting confirmation of the exact price for the US limited edition, but expect it to be around USD 700. The classic edition of the Khaki Field Mechanical 36mm, reference H69399930, will be produced exclusively in 2026 and is priced at EUR 675, while the US-only Khaki Field Mechanical 250, reference H89399930, is limited to 1,776 pieces. For more information, please visit hamiltonwatch.com.