Remembering D-Day: Hamilton’s Role in WWII and the Modern Khaki FIeld

Among the companies that played a pivotal role in supporting the Allied cause was the Hamilton Watch Company. With a rich history dating back to World War I, Hamilton had already established itself as a trusted supplier of precision timepieces to the U.S. military. As the demand for reliable watches grew during World War II, Hamilton rose to the challenge of providing essential timekeeping devices for naval navigation, along with other military operations. Hamilton delivered more than one million watches to the military from 1942-1945.

From battleships to transport vessels, U.S. naval ships relied on Hamilton marine chronometers to keep accurate time and navigate, including those that crossed the English Channel to support the Allied invasion of Normandy. Chronometers are used in celestial navigation to determine longitude. While more advanced navigation systems were developed and used during WWII, such as LORAN, celestial navigation was continually used through the war, and even up until the late 70s when satellite navigation systems were being created.

Hamilton has continued to innovate, producing watches that honor their military heritage while incorporating modern advancements. Let’s look at a popular timepiece from their current lineup, the Khaki Field 42mm. This watch is a modern take on the original soldier’s watch. Powered by the hand-wound H-50 movement, it has an 80-hour power reserve. The 42mm sandblasted stainless steel case, paired with a black dial for increased readability, draws from its military roots. The green textile NATO strap adds to its durability and comfort. It does not have a screw-down crown which limits the water resistance to 5 bar (50 meters).