Hamilton was founded in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1882 and initially specialized in producing pocket watches. The brand boasts a long and impressive history of breakthroughs in design and technology, andare probably best known for their military associations and fantastic field watches.

Case in point, this double-signed Khaki model from the ’80s, featuring the L.L. Bean name as the larger of the two on the dial. These Hamilton’s were offered in the catalogue of the astute yet rugged Maine-based brand as a civilian version of the military spec wristwatch, which they were. The “Khaki” was the branded name for the commercial version of the same watches that saw action in military operations such as Korea and Vietnam.It’s a highly-legible, eminently usable, no frills piece that exudes military cool, and would be the perfect addition to any collection.

CASE & BRACELET

The unpolished case retains its factory bead-blasted finishing and remains in exceptional condition showing no major signs of use. The bead-blasted smooth bezel also is in excellent condition and showsonlyminimal signs of use. The case retains its originalHamilton-signed bead-blasted crown. The case back retains all of its original markings. The watch comes supplied on an era-correct single pass nylon ribbon strap.

DIAL & HANDS

The matte black dial is remarkably well-preserved, showinglittle signs of age. The tritium lume plots have taken on a yellow patinawhile the original tritium hands have aged to a medium greypatina, both of which are in great condition and display no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The co-signed dial features the L.L. Bean logo under 12 o’clock, while the Hamilton name and logo reside lower down, just above 6 o’clock.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.