Gruppo Gamma Vanguard SteelvsHamilton Khaki Field King Day-Date
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Measurements
Catalog photos are all shot at the same flattering size. These aren't: every case below shares one millimeter scale.
Vanguard Steel
Khaki Field King Day-Date
Diameter
42mm
40mm
Lug-to-Lug
49.5mm
lowest
50mm
Thickness
12.6mm
11.8mm
lowest
Water Resistance
100m
100m
Power Reserve
42h
80h
highest
MSRP
$790
lowest
$845
Movement
Miyota 9039
Hamilton H-40
Case
4 specsCrystal & Dial
3 specsMovement
2 specsPricing
1 specsReviews
Synthesized for each watch independently from owner discussions, enthusiast forums, written reviews, and video reviewers.
Owners widely praise the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel's aged steel case and cream sandwich dial. Some owners, however, note distortion from the sapphire crystal and a lack of minute markers. One owner found the crystal distortion problematic and mentioned difficulty with replacement due to hand fitment. The Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel is priced at $730 and features a forged carbon dial with 'Old Radium' Super-LumiNova. Overall, owners appreciate the Gruppo Gamma Vanguard Steel for its distinctive dial and aged case finish, despite some reservations about the crystal.
Movement accuracy is a notable strength, with one reviewer noting a -1.8 second per day deviation after initial testing. A weakness is the substantial price hike for the re-release model, which raises questions about whether the upgrades justify the cost. Reviewers disagree on the watch's originality, with one calling it "decidedly derivative" and the other not mentioning this aspect.
Owners widely praise the Hamilton Khaki Field King Day-Date for its classic styling and 80-hour power reserve, with many finding it an excellent value. Some owners report concerns about water resistance and potential long-term durability, while others have experienced no issues over several years and deem the 10 bar rating sufficient for daily wear and swimming. Overall, owners rate the Hamilton Khaki Field King Day-Date highly for its classic style and extended power reserve at the price.
The 80-hour power reserve from the H-40 automatic movement is a significant strength. The 50-meter water resistance is considered a limitation for a field watch.
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