Hamilton Expands the Khaki Navy Frogman Collection with a New, Black PVD Version

Originally an American brand with a long history, Hamilton gained real-life experience in waterproof watches from a model used by US Navy underwater demolition teams. Dating back to 1943, Hamilton’s diver with an unusual locking mechanism on the crown was part of the Naval Combat Demolition Units (NCDUs) gear and used on mine-clearing missions. The first civilian model of the Frogman appeared in 1951. Fast forward to 2022, and Hamilton introduced a revamped Khaki Navy Frogman collection, characterised by its powerful but sleeker design. This year, the brand brings a new edition that combines the stealthy look of the black PVD model with the legibility of the steel editions. 

Along with the bold and uncompromised Khaki Navy BeLOWZERO, the Khaki Navy Frogman is the most powerful dive watch offered by Hamilton. Solid, designed with action and protection in mind, sleek with an undeniable instrument-like shape and the signature crown-protection device on the right side of the case, it was entirely revamped in 2022 to arrive at its current design. Note that a more wearable version of this 300m dive watch, featuring a smaller 41mm case, is also available.

But today, we’ll be looking at the real deal, the oversized, ultra-focused 46mm version… A watch that will definitely look more suitable strapped around a diving suit than in the office. When it was introduced three years ago, Hamilton launched several versions – mostly in uncoated stainless steel – as well as a talking piece, a black PVD-coated version with a black bezel, black dial, black markers and hands and only some light touches of orange to stand out. Cool looking, but maybe not the best regarding legibility. This year, the stealthy Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic 46mm in black PVD comes back with the same dial as the classic steel versions, adding more contrast to the otherwise tool-oriented package.

Specs-wise, nothing changes. We’re still looking at a robust 300m dive watch with an angular, well-protected case, including a bumper-like element at 9 o’clock and, most importantly, a screw-down crown protected by a robust bridge-shaped structure at 3 o’clock. The sleek bezel matches the blackened case and features a 60-minute scale in positive relief, now with a white lumed dot to mark the zero. A sapphire crystal with AR coating protects the dial and the back is a solid PVD steel screwed element.

As for the dial, Hamilton opts for a classic, matte grained black background – good for contrast and reflections – paired with nickeled hour markers and hands, filled with white Super-LumiNova. As such, if the watch loses a bit of its edge compared to the full black model, it gains in real-life usability with stronger contrast and potentially more effective lume. Orange accents are still part of the lot, on the minute and seconds hands, as well as the markings at 6 o’clock. No date is included on this dial.

Like most recent time-only watches by Hamilton, this Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic 46mm relies on the calibre H-10, the internal name for the Powermatic 80. This upgraded version of the ETA 2824 runs at 21,600 vibrations/hour, stores a solid 80-hour power reserve and is equipped with a Nivachron hairspring. The watch is secured to the wrist with a vented black rubber strap.

This new edition of Hamilton’s Khaki Navy Frogman is part of the permanent collection and retails for EUR 1,445, CHF 1,275 or USD 1,345. For more details, please visit www.hamiltonwatch.com.