Hamilton’s Khaki Navy Scuba auto is a casual and low-key value proposition that now is being offered in the color of the moment: green. The Khaki Navy Scuba packs a lot into the $695 price tag as a classic diver in an olive green color scheme that hits the right notes and will age pretty well, even when green isn’t so on-trend. The collection was introduced a few years back in 2017 and has flown under the radar somewhat, but I’m glad we are finally going hands-on, since I think this Hamilton really is one of the better deals out there.
Measuring 40mm-wide and about 12.95mm-thick (though more with the matching green NATO strap seen here), the case is done in steel and sized pretty ideally with a lug-to-lug of 50mm. The 100M water resistance isn’t going to put this in the serious diver category, but it’s absolutely fit to be an everyday or weekend watch that you don’t need to worry about.
The hands and indices are lumed and highly legible, and I believe Hamilton has dual AR coating on the sapphire crystal. Hamilton kept the dial simple and utilitarian with the date window between 4 and 5 o’clock, a 24-hour track, and a red-tipped seconds hand. The aluminum unidirectional bezel has a nice tactile feel to it, as well, though sadly the pip is not lumed, which is an easy improvement for Hamilton to make in the future.
At the end of the day, the images really do speak for themselves. It’ an unfussy, classic diver from a respected brand that checks all the boxes for the price. It’s built solid and done with parts that a brand without the powerhouse backing of the Swatch group couldn’t likely pull it off at this price.
Hamilton chose to use an enclosed steel case back rather than an exhibition caseback, which I am more than okay with. The H-10 movement, which is a modified ETA 2824, has a very good 80-hour power reserve.
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba auto comes in a few varieties with this green model being the latest. There’s an all-black model, black with orange accents, black with blue accents, blue with white accents, blue with orange accents, and now this green version. They are all available on matching black or blue rubber and fabric straps, as well as on bracelet. There is no matching green rubber strap, so this version is available on the fabric strap or bracelet for $50 more.
Price for the Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba auto is $695 on fabric strap and $745 on bracelet. You can learn more at hamiltonwatch.com.
