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MILITARY HERITAGE

Discover how Hamilton's unmatched precision and innovation earned it five Army-Navy 'E' Awards and a legendary place in military history

Hamilton is known for its signature military-inspired timepieces from the Khaki Aviation, Khaki Field and Khaki Navy collections.

Hamilton is known for its signature military-inspired timepieces from the Khaki Aviation, Khaki Field and Khaki Navy collections.

This is the story of how Hamilton’s proud military heritage continues to influence today’s new timepieces.

This is the story of how Hamilton’s proud military heritage continues to influence today’s new timepieces.


The Origins of Precision and Innovation

When it comes to military history, the Hamilton story is one of absolute precision.

It was the superior quality and accuracy of Hamilton’s early pocket watches, as well as the ability to innovate and act quickly while maintaining high standards that first caught the attention of the American military back in 1914.

The Origins of Precision and Innovation

When it comes to military history, the Hamilton story is one of absolute precision.

It was the superior quality and accuracy of Hamilton’s early pocket watches, as well as the ability to innovate and act quickly while maintaining high standards that first caught the attention of the American military back in 1914.


Hamilton ventured into the men’s wristwatch market after World War I, transitioning from its renowned pocket watches to meet soldiers' practical needs in the trenches. Initially hesitant due to concerns over cannibalizing its pocket watch sales, Hamilton adapted by repurposing its existing movements, introducing the Grade 983 and 985 “Gent’s Wrist Watch” in 1917.

This innovation balanced affordability, quality, and the changing demands of the era, marking Hamilton’s entry into a burgeoning trend that ultimately redefined modern timekeeping.

Hamilton ventured into the men’s wristwatch market after World War I, transitioning from its renowned pocket watches to meet soldiers' practical needs in the trenches. Initially hesitant due to concerns over cannibalizing its pocket watch sales, Hamilton adapted by repurposing its existing movements, introducing the Grade 983 and 985 “Gent’s Wrist Watch” in 1917.

This innovation balanced affordability, quality, and the changing demands of the era, marking Hamilton’s entry into a burgeoning trend that ultimately redefined modern timekeeping.


A Legacy Forged in Wartime

Hamilton’s dedication deepened during World War II when the company shifted its focus entirely to military production.

Over a million watches were supplied to Allied forces, alongside 19,000 marine chronometers that played a critical role in naval operations, ensuring unparalleled timekeeping accuracy for navigation.


A Legacy Forged in Wartime

Hamilton’s dedication deepened during World War II when the company shifted its focus entirely to military production.

Over a million watches were supplied to Allied forces, alongside 19,000 marine chronometers that played a critical role in naval operations, ensuring unparalleled timekeeping accuracy for navigation.


Hamilton’s commitment to quality earned the brand five Army-Navy ‘E’ Awards for manufacturing excellence. An extraordinary recognition of its contribution to the war effort.

These achievements underscore Hamilton’s pivotal role in helping to shape military strategy and success.

Hamilton’s commitment to quality earned the brand five Army-Navy ‘E’ Awards for manufacturing excellence. An extraordinary recognition of its contribution to the war effort.

These achievements underscore Hamilton’s pivotal role in helping to shape military strategy and success.


Many of our most legendary designs were forged in the heat of wartime innovation.

Many of our most legendary designs were forged in the heat of wartime innovation.



Yet our legacy doesn’t only rest in the past...

Yet our legacy doesn’t only rest in the past...



Continuing Excellence for Modern Challenges

At Hamilton, we proudly carry our military heritage into the present with the Khaki collection, blending timeless design with cutting-edge innovation. Crafted with input from servicemen and women, these watches are built to handle the demands of modern missions while honoring their roots.

Whether worn by military professionals or history enthusiasts, each timepiece embodies reliability, resilience, and a seamless connection between our storied past and the advancements of today.

Continuing Excellence for Modern Challenges

At Hamilton, we proudly carry our military heritage into the present with the Khaki collection, blending timeless design with cutting-edge innovation. Crafted with input from servicemen and women, these watches are built to handle the demands of modern missions while honoring their roots.

Whether worn by military professionals or history enthusiasts, each timepiece embodies reliability, resilience, and a seamless connection between our storied past and the advancements of today.

Hamilton’s military legacy extends beyond the battlefield to the big screen, where its iconic designs, like the Khaki Field Mechanical, have played starring roles.

Featured in Pearl Harbor (2001) and worn by Capt. Rafe McCawley / Capt. Danny Walker, played by Ben Affleck / Josh Hartnett, these watches connect Hamilton’s heritage of precision and resilience with cinematic storytelling.


Hamilton’s military legacy extends beyond the battlefield to the big screen, where its iconic designs, like the Khaki Field Mechanical, have played starring roles.

Featured in Pearl Harbor (2001) and worn by Capt. Rafe McCawley / Capt. Danny Walker, played by Ben Affleck / Josh Hartnett, these watches connect Hamilton’s heritage of precision and resilience with cinematic storytelling.


Today, the Khaki collection bridges the past and present, celebrating its military roots while continuing to captivate both adventurers and film enthusiasts alike.

Today, the Khaki collection bridges the past and present, celebrating its military roots while continuing to captivate both adventurers and film enthusiasts alike.