Pre-Basel 2018: Hamilton Doubles Down on Its American Heritage

One of the unique things about the Hamilton watch brand is its undeniably American history and its heritage, even under the management of the Swiss Swatch Group.

This year and moving forward, Hamilton plans to leverage that history and heritage even more, as evidenced by one of its highlight products, the Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm.

This timepiece has everything that makes Hamilton special – it is inspired by military watches the brand made during World War II, it has a subtle, matt finished steel case that is a great size, it has a very legible dial, it is hand wound, which harkens back to a “simpler” time, and it’s priced so right, $475, that it is sure to become a best seller.

The watch just about screams American, which is exactly what Hamilton wanted.

Another key introduction for Hamilton this year at Baselworld honors the brand’s 100 years of work in aviation. Pilots flying the first airmail flights from Washington D.C. to New York in 1918 wore Hamilton watches, and to celebrate, Hamilton is introducing the new Khaki X-Wind, which is powered by the first Hamilton automatic chronograph movement (the H-21-Si) with a silicon hairspring.

“Baselworld this year is very exciting because we are releasing stronger products than ever. The American spirit infuses all the elements of the brand,” says Sylvain Dolla, president, Hamilton Watches. “From our New York loft retail concept to our new brand campaign and of course to our key new timepieces, everything breathes American Spirit. As we talk about rich and authentic history, we are proud to celebrate our “100 years of timing the skies”

As a former resident of Lancaster, PA, where Hamilton was founded, I have a certifiable soft spot for the brand. As a result, I am happy to see the brand continue to focus on its heritage, history and legacy as an American watchmaking pioneer.

And I can’t wait to get my hands on that sweet Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

Case: 38mm diameter – sand-blasted stainless steel – sapphire crystal on the dial side – closed back – 50m water resistant

Movement: ETA 2801-2 – hand-wound – 42H power reserve – 4Hz frequency – hours, minutes, seconds

Strap: Green fabric NATO strap with leather inserts – steel pin buckle – 20mm lug width

Price: EUR 420/$475

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