The newest addition to the Hamilton Frogman lineup is a modestly sized diver with professional-level specs. Reigning in on last year’s the mammoth 46mm Frogman–with much more wrist-friendly proportions–the 41mm Khaki Navy Frogman Auto is sure to be a popular package.
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Steeped in history–both real and imagined–the Frogman speaks to Hamilton’s lengthy relationship with the US military and also with Hollywood. The first Frogman was issued to the US Navy Bureau of Ships (Buships) during the Second World War; however, it also made its on screen debut in 1951’s eponymous TV series, The Frogmen. In 2016, when Hamilton reissued a contemporary version of the watch in a 46mm titanium case and a 42mm iteration in stainless steel, the watch featured a canteen-style crown guard closer in design to the original.
Hamilton revised the watch in 2022, equipping it with a more modern–and less finicky–“bridge-style” crown protection system. This latest incarnation follows suit. In fact, other than being decidedly smaller, the 41mm Frogman is largely true to last year’s configuration. What makes the 46mm version wearable, though, is its relatively short lug to lug dimension. As such, and proportionately, this newest model has an extremely short lug to lug of only 44mm, making it seem–even with the large crown protector–like a much smaller watch on wrist.
The case is largely brushed, with a slim chamfer of polish along the edges. It’s a true tool watch and it looks the part. The black aluminum bezel has embossed minute markers that are burnished silver. It is 120-click and unidirectional with circular graduation plots between zero and fifteen. It adjoins the sapphire crystal with a matching camber. The knurling, like the chamfering, is polished. The crown, of course, is screw down, as is the case back. The latter is decorated with the engraving of a scuba mask and regulator. The watch is rated to 300m of water resistance.
The olive green dial is subtly textured with orange highlights in the dial text, minute hand, and arrow-tipped seconds. The hour markers are baton-style and applied; however, there is an Arabic numeral in the twelve position whose font is reminiscent of that you might find stencilled on the outside of demolitions crates. The dial elements, including the bezel pip, are treated with BGW9 Super-LumiNova.
The watch is also available in a black dial with the option of a steel bezel and bracelet. Between the two colourways and various strap options, there are four references in total. The watch featured here comes standard on a textured, accordion-style rubber band with two keepers and a sturdy brushed steel buckle with a broad, robust tang. The buckle is signed by way of a cutout H.
The Khaki Navy Frogman Auto is powered by Hamilton’s H10 calibre. It is based on the ETA C07.611. It has 25 jewels and a 3Hz beat rate with an anti-magnetic Nivachron balance spring. It provides up to 80 hours of power reserve.
SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41mm Diameter 43mm Lug to Lug 13.1mm Thick 20mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 120-Click Unidirectional Bezel 300m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal /w AR Textured Dial Applied Markers Custom Handset BGW9 Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | H10 Calibre (ETA C07.611) 25 Jewels 21 600bph 80-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Textured Rubber /w Stainless Steel Hardware or Stainless Steel Bracelet |
Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto 41mm
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Of Interest
While Hamilton can trace its military history back to the earliest trench watches, it is possible the watchmaker’s involvement in moving pictures has contributed just as much to the brand’s iconic status. Hamilton watches, like the Frogman, have appeared in numerous movies and television shows, dating back to The Shanghai Express (1932). The X-01 debuted as a prop watch in 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968); whereas the Ventura was chosen for Men in Black (1997). Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar (2014), rather famously featured the “Murph.” Hamilton’s Boulton stars in The Dial of Destiny. And, of course, Nolan’s most recent project, Oppenheimer, runs the gamut of vintage Hamilton’s.
Quibbles
I’m not sure that this is a quibble so much as a wish, but I’d like to see drilled lugs here. It seems that such an otherwise “toolish” watch would do well with them for quicker strap changes.
Final Thoughts
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto is a testament to the brand’s commitment to combining functional design with impressive aesthetics. As part of the renowned Khaki Navy collection, the latest Frogman model dives deep into the world of professional dive watches, offering a blend of rugged durability, exceptional water resistance, and a touch of utilitarian charm. In addition, the dial of the Khaki Navy Frogman is a study in legibility. The sharp, luminescent hour markers and hands also provide exceptional visibility in low-light conditions. The simplicity of the baton-style indices, coupled with the dateless dial, bring a sense of symmetry. And the smaller dimensions ensure that the watch is discreet, yet functional–making the Frogman a versatile everyday wear.
The Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman Auto retails for $1245USD ($1660CAD). For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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