Keep the budget on point with an iconic military field watch! Few pieces can beat the affordability and practicality of the Hamilton Field Khaki Automatic. With the stainless steel bracelet and an automatic movement, it’s a beefed up version of what soldiers used to wear in combat. 

The Khaki Auto has a 42mm case and sits a comfortable 11mm tall on the wrist. It has a large crown that looks great and is easy to manipulate, but it’s push-pull so don’t go crazy in the water (even though the watch itself has a water resistance of 100m/330ft).

The black dial has Arabic markers for the main time, as well as inner 24 hour markers for military time. You also get 60 second markers for precise timing. It’s a busy dial, but the clean font and design makes it surprisingly legible and not overbearing. Falling in line with it’s intention to be a tool watch, the face is covered by a sapphire crystal for durability in the field.

The Khaki Auto is powered by a ETA caliber 2824-2 workhorse movement with a Hamilton branded rotor. The no frills finish on the movement matches the utilitarian satin finish on the case, and the exhibition back gives a nice view into the engine without a gap or glimpse of the movement holder. It’s basic, but still satisfying to look at.

The all steel bracelet model reviewed here is a reference H70515137, but if you prefer a leather strap, look for reference H70555533 (even lower price). The lug-width is 22mm if you want to swap straps. It’s nice to have options, but you can’t go wrong with the bracelet, especially with the double push-button clasp.

Conclusion: The Hamilton Khaki Field Auto is at the top of the list for the best under $1,000 watches, but despite its pure intention, it’s not a serious tool watch due to the lack of a screw-down crown. This is precisely the missing feature that stops many from buying one. Maybe Hamilton was trying to stick to the roots of what a field watch is, but for modern timepieces, enthusiasts usually include crown type as deciding factors for watch purchases. Despite that, we still think is a must have staple watch that looks great and won’t break the bank. Every watch collection needs one of these, just don’t take it surfing.