Hamilton Khaki Field 'Orvis'

You can't get much more iconic than the ‘general issue,’ or ‘GI’-style field wristwatch.

Produced under contract for the U.S. military for decades, these simple watches were fashioned by a handful of American manufacturers for American servicemen. Many of these timepieces were used extensively — forged in the infernos by the heroes that wore them.

Due to their robust nature and clean lines, a demand was born for them in the civilian market. Brands such as Hamilton thus continued producing them through the 1980s for commercial sale under their "Khaki" collection with only minor changes from their ‘general issue’ counterparts.

This particular example was produced under contract for the legendary mail-order and retail outfitter Orvis of Manchester, VT, and is essentially a civilian ‘continuation’ of Hamilton’s historically military-minded collection. With added dial text and a simplified screw back case being the only major differentiators, this is the perfect watch for...well, just about everyone! 

Housed in a 34mm ‘parkerized’ stainless steel case with an acrylic crystal, an unsigned crown, and a stepped bezel, it features a matte black dial with luminous ‘dart’ indices, a matching, lumed ‘syringe’ handset, the Orvis logo at 6:00, and 12- and 24-hour scales in white.

With an accessible price point, a bombproof ETA Calibre 2750 manual-wind movement, and spartan military styling that is always en vogue, this timekeeper is the perfect companion for everyday wear — and with the added Orvis provenance, it truly speaks to outdoors enthusiasts everywhere!