This week is the return of the challenge episode with Jason and James each looking at a $2000 budget to spend at the famed sporty, easy-wearing, and lovable brand – Hamilton.
I would add the Pilot Pioneer Mechanical--the tonneau shaped case reissue of the W10 in the 70's. However, it has garnered some criticisms due to its price point of $845 compared to the Khaki Field Mechanic. But if mineral crystal isn't an issue for you and you have small wrists like mine, this is perfect. AND you can get it cheaper these days with sellers giving them out with 30-40% off.
As for Bond themes, yes they open and welcome artists and songwriters to pitch in. As a licensed songwriter, I had the chance to write and arrange one for Skyfall before they settled with Adele. My band's approach harks back to the 60's and 70's. An upbeat chamber pop ala Scott Walker with explosive bits like McCartney's Live and Let Die. As much as I appreciate slow ballad Bond themes, I think an upbeat thing suits the film better.
P.S. As a Radiohead fan, I think it's better than the guy who ended up doing Spectre. I feel like it's missing something the same way as Eilish's own, which sounds awfully like the one before it. She may be the hot ticket right now but I don't think she's earned that spot to do a Bond theme.
Totally agree on the Hamo W10. If you’re more of a vintage collector, You can still hunt down original, MoD issued Hamilton & CWC W10s. In fact Jos from Sumac Watches would make a very interesting Grey Nato guest as an authority & restorer of collectable military watches, mainly mechanical British/Swiss models.
I contact them via sumacwatches in IG. Responds quickly to DMs on there. If you like the modern Hamilton Khakis in all their iterations, it’s like their family album!
Great episode again gents! Despite the humility James, you got a shout out from the Bark and Jack channel for your product photography (wrist shot) upstaging the pros from Tudor... Keep it up!
Hamilton was my first mechanical watch many years ago when I bought a Jazzmaster. Great entry into the hobby. Thinking about getting my boys each a 38mm Khaki Mechanical when they get older.
I was excited to see another challenge episode! This discussion motivated me to dive into Hamilton again to research some future purchases. My twin nephews graduate high school soon and Hamilton would be a great option for them to start their watch journeys. Here's what I came up with:
Nephew 1: Military future, sports nut. Khaki Field Auto Black Dial
Nephew 2: College future, more fashion foward. Khaki Field Auto Silver Dial
Me: Always looking for an excuse to buy another watch. Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze
Nice selection by you both. I just want to give an honorable mention to the Khaki Field Titanium Auto H7055733, stealth black. I really don't have any dark watches not counting bezels and this was always a favorite of mine.
Great episode. Hamilton is a brand I find myself coming back to. Great watches and great value. I've never been disappointed with a Hamilton. There is a reason they are so frequently recommended. My favorite Hamilton is their Khaki Chrono that was released in 2016. Great size, highly legible, classic design, Valjoux 7750-based movement. There's a lot to like.
Great show, although I really really wish you had set the budget at $2500. Hamilton has so many great watches in the $800-$1000 range and it's a real challenge fit three great watches into $2000.
My three:
Hamilton Ventura Quartz H24411732. This is the modern version of an OG electric watch, famously worn by Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and numerous others. It's funky, different, and quintessential Hamilton. Spendy at $845, but oh so cool as a dress watch. By the way, I just can't see buying an automatic version of this watch - an electronic movement is the essence of the futuristic Ventura concept..
Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Mechanical H76419931. This is the re-edition of the tonneau-cased RAF model from the early 1970's. I have the CWC version and it's an awesome throwback to both military style and the 1970's. It's also spendy at $845....
And I guess that's it at $1690 - two not three. See my $2500 budget thought above.
One other interesting note - as of 11/11/21, there are still Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono H76456435 watches available for a hare under $900 from a reputable US retailer with both an online and a brick-and-mortar presence. This is the automatic version of Jason's asymmetric inspired-by-the-fab-four chrono selection. H-31 movement is a 7753 that has been given the Swatch Group update treatment - 60 hour power reserve and nice decoration. This has to be the best deal going in a new chronograph. I own one and I love it.
Great selections from both. Oddly enough I have been really digging through Hamilton's catalog lately feeling like my collection is missing one. Timely episode!
I bought a previous gen Field Mechanical a number of years ago and hated it. It felt cheap, the winding experience left something to be desired, and the OEM NATO was so hard it literally drew blood when I wore it biking one day. Sold it, and swore I'd never own another.
Then the bronze version of the new gen came out. What a beautiful watch. The winding experience with the H movement is a lot more positive. The OEM 'leather' strap is terrible, but that was easily fixed. I don't have a lot of experience with bronze watches, but the Hamilton metal is a warm colour that is beautiful in the autumn sun.
How much do I like the Field Mechanical now? I bought another one last night - black PVD.
Great ep guys. I always wait for the inevitable "we're sorry for the sound" comment followed by some of the best audio quality on any podcast (or anywhere else for that matter).
I know it's pricey by Hamilton Standards but I really dig the Intra-matic auto chronograph with the sage green dial. Nice offering for the price and shouldn't be hard to find used? I might have to add that to my wish list. Pilot Pioneer in aluminum is a nice departure from the norm too. Overall, I'm impressed with this brad I hadn't really paid much attention too.
I would add the Pilot Pioneer Mechanical--the tonneau shaped case reissue of the W10 in the 70's. However, it has garnered some criticisms due to its price point of $845 compared to the Khaki Field Mechanic. But if mineral crystal isn't an issue for you and you have small wrists like mine, this is perfect. AND you can get it cheaper these days with sellers giving them out with 30-40% off.
As for Bond themes, yes they open and welcome artists and songwriters to pitch in. As a licensed songwriter, I had the chance to write and arrange one for Skyfall before they settled with Adele. My band's approach harks back to the 60's and 70's. An upbeat chamber pop ala Scott Walker with explosive bits like McCartney's Live and Let Die. As much as I appreciate slow ballad Bond themes, I think an upbeat thing suits the film better.
P.S. As a Radiohead fan, I think it's better than the guy who ended up doing Spectre. I feel like it's missing something the same way as Eilish's own, which sounds awfully like the one before it. She may be the hot ticket right now but I don't think she's earned that spot to do a Bond theme.
Totally agree on the Hamo W10. If you’re more of a vintage collector, You can still hunt down original, MoD issued Hamilton & CWC W10s. In fact Jos from Sumac Watches would make a very interesting Grey Nato guest as an authority & restorer of collectable military watches, mainly mechanical British/Swiss models.
Do you happen to have a web link or contact details for Sumac Watches? Thanks.
I contact them via sumacwatches in IG. Responds quickly to DMs on there. If you like the modern Hamilton Khakis in all their iterations, it’s like their family album!
I just love a challenge episode, so much fun. I'll play, my $2,000 with Hamilton:
American Classic Boulton Quartz AKA "The Dead Poet"-$625
Khaki Field Murph Auto (Intersteller) -$950
Khaki Field King Quartz on Bracelet -$425
I would love to know the 1 watch Jason had in mind to use the whole budget for.
Thanks guys!!
It was going to be this one: https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-us/h38429110-american-classic-intra-matic-chronograph-h.html
Great episode again gents! Despite the humility James, you got a shout out from the Bark and Jack channel for your product photography (wrist shot) upstaging the pros from Tudor... Keep it up!
Hamilton was my first mechanical watch many years ago when I bought a Jazzmaster. Great entry into the hobby. Thinking about getting my boys each a 38mm Khaki Mechanical when they get older.
2000 usd for Hamilton.
Easy.
Just one watch is needed:
Khaki field auto chrono H71706830
I was excited to see another challenge episode! This discussion motivated me to dive into Hamilton again to research some future purchases. My twin nephews graduate high school soon and Hamilton would be a great option for them to start their watch journeys. Here's what I came up with:
Nephew 1: Military future, sports nut. Khaki Field Auto Black Dial
Nephew 2: College future, more fashion foward. Khaki Field Auto Silver Dial
Me: Always looking for an excuse to buy another watch. Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze
Total: $1975
Cheers,
Jarek
A little over budget, but for me it would be:
- 42mm Khaki Pilot Pioneer Day Date (the other Interstellar watch) $945
- 38mm Khaki Field Mechanical black dial (I own and love this) $495
- 34mm American Classic Valiant Auto (just found this and it's very cool) $645
$85 over.. I can live with that.
The Khaki Mechanical is my first Hamilton and I'm blown away. It's Turtle-like value-for-money.
Nice selection by you both. I just want to give an honorable mention to the Khaki Field Titanium Auto H7055733, stealth black. I really don't have any dark watches not counting bezels and this was always a favorite of mine.
Great episode. Hamilton is a brand I find myself coming back to. Great watches and great value. I've never been disappointed with a Hamilton. There is a reason they are so frequently recommended. My favorite Hamilton is their Khaki Chrono that was released in 2016. Great size, highly legible, classic design, Valjoux 7750-based movement. There's a lot to like.
If I was to look at this from a strictly three watch collection stand point then I think it'd be something along the lines of:
Khaki Field Mechanical - Everyday
American Classic Boulton Small-Second Quartz - Dress
Khaki Navy Scuba Auto (40mm, Black) - Diver/Everything Else
Damn fine collection there for about 2K - I'm looking in Swiss Francs so got a little extra to play with 😜
For me at 2k it’s an easy choice with just one watch. It’s the Intramatic Chronograph H H38429110. Retail at just over 2k so there ya go.
Great show, although I really really wish you had set the budget at $2500. Hamilton has so many great watches in the $800-$1000 range and it's a real challenge fit three great watches into $2000.
My three:
Hamilton Ventura Quartz H24411732. This is the modern version of an OG electric watch, famously worn by Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and numerous others. It's funky, different, and quintessential Hamilton. Spendy at $845, but oh so cool as a dress watch. By the way, I just can't see buying an automatic version of this watch - an electronic movement is the essence of the futuristic Ventura concept..
Hamilton Pilot Pioneer Mechanical H76419931. This is the re-edition of the tonneau-cased RAF model from the early 1970's. I have the CWC version and it's an awesome throwback to both military style and the 1970's. It's also spendy at $845....
And I guess that's it at $1690 - two not three. See my $2500 budget thought above.
One other interesting note - as of 11/11/21, there are still Hamilton Khaki Pilot Pioneer Auto Chrono H76456435 watches available for a hare under $900 from a reputable US retailer with both an online and a brick-and-mortar presence. This is the automatic version of Jason's asymmetric inspired-by-the-fab-four chrono selection. H-31 movement is a 7753 that has been given the Swatch Group update treatment - 60 hour power reserve and nice decoration. This has to be the best deal going in a new chronograph. I own one and I love it.
ack. *hair not *hare
Great selections from both. Oddly enough I have been really digging through Hamilton's catalog lately feeling like my collection is missing one. Timely episode!
I bought a previous gen Field Mechanical a number of years ago and hated it. It felt cheap, the winding experience left something to be desired, and the OEM NATO was so hard it literally drew blood when I wore it biking one day. Sold it, and swore I'd never own another.
Then the bronze version of the new gen came out. What a beautiful watch. The winding experience with the H movement is a lot more positive. The OEM 'leather' strap is terrible, but that was easily fixed. I don't have a lot of experience with bronze watches, but the Hamilton metal is a warm colour that is beautiful in the autumn sun.
How much do I like the Field Mechanical now? I bought another one last night - black PVD.
Great ep guys. I always wait for the inevitable "we're sorry for the sound" comment followed by some of the best audio quality on any podcast (or anywhere else for that matter).
I know it's pricey by Hamilton Standards but I really dig the Intra-matic auto chronograph with the sage green dial. Nice offering for the price and shouldn't be hard to find used? I might have to add that to my wish list. Pilot Pioneer in aluminum is a nice departure from the norm too. Overall, I'm impressed with this brad I hadn't really paid much attention too.