Dan's Watch Collection

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Hamilton Khaki Navy Frogman

Date Purchased: June 1, 2005

• An homage to a 1940s diver forged out of a 21st century material.

  • Model# - H77415133

  • Case and bracelet material - Titanium

  • Case size: 40mm without crown

  • Thickness: 12mm

  • Bracelet clasp: 2-button flip clasp

  • Movement: ETA 2895-2; 27 Jewels; hours, minutes, small seconds, date; 28,800 vph

  • Sapphire crystal

  • Mineral crystal display back

  • List price: $595.00

  • Street Price: $400.00 - $450.00

This watch was designed as an homage to the Hamilton frogman canteen watches of the 1940s, and the big thing here is, of course, the crown. Back then a large crown that screwed over the regular watch crown was a way of insuring the water resistance of the crown. This watch has the large crown, but it's made of titanium, as is the entire watch. I think that makes this model a step above a simple homage to the original.

The crown here is a very large 10mm in diameter, and is finished with a matte sand-blasted finish and a large letter "H." It screws onto the crown tube smoothly and easily. Although the crown is large, it's less obtrusive than I thought it would be, and it doesn't get in the way or feel funny at all.

The crown gives the watch a vintage look, and the rest of the case works to continue that feel. Although a large watch at 40mm, it is slim and forms to my wrist very well, making it feel very streamlined and comfortable. Combine that with the light weight of the titanium and you have a supremely comfortable watch. I, for one, like the lightness of the Ti. This is my second all Ti watch, and I have to say that I'm extremely impressed with the material.

The finish on the case and bracelet is flawless! This model has a polished bezel and polished center links on the bracelet. The Frogman is also available in an all-matte finish with a matte finished bracelet, but the red second hand is only available on this model, and I needed the red second hand.

The polished surfaces have a beautiful mirror finish, and from what I've seen so far it is more scratch resistant than stainless steel. The surface treatment used by Hamilton must work great. There are no small hairline scratches on the polished surfaces, as there is on a polished SS surface after a few weeks. The entire surface of the watch looks like the day I got it, including the brushed/polished clasp.

The dial and slightly domed sapphire crystal continue the vintage styling, with bold white arabic numbers and the contrasting seconds subdial. The lume on the hands and markers is OK, but nothing spectacular. After a good charge they glow pretty well, but the hands are considerably brighter than the numbers. The glow doesn't last very long. Not a deal breaker for me.

The bracelet is all solid Ti, with solid end links, and is extremely comfortable. The clasp is one of the most beautifully finished pieces of metal I've ever seen. If you have the chance, check it out. My pictures can't do it justice.

The ETA movement is working well, as is to be expected. The watch has gained less than 20 seconds per week so far, so it's one of my best watches for time keeping.

Overall this is a great addition to my Hamilton collection. If you're thinking of buying one don't hesitate.

Where I bought this watch:

Metals in Time