Citizen Eco-Drive Tough. For me, best and toughest watch I've ever owned. No battery, no winding, seriously abused and still going strong after 10 years. Works off any light, can keep going for up to 6 months in complete darkness, 200 metre waterproof, excellent 5 year warranty, £110, military spec. Absolutely incredible.

My great grandmother lived in the now-former Hamilton Watch factory for 20 years. It is now a condominium building, but they retained a lot of the old architecture and there is a miniature museum in the lobby which displays the history of Hamilton Watch. She moved to a retirement home about 2 years ago, she is now 93, but I cherish the time spent there, I remember running down the halls to see her, and there is still a faint but distinct factory smell that lingers in the halls. The watch factory still stands on the outskirts of Lancaster city, PA. In fact I live about 10 minutes from there. If you ever find yourself in Lancaster, PA, be sure to take a drive past and see it.

Just sold a vintage omega from around 1963 , it had a plastic crystal. It was real .

This is probably my favourite style of video from you, Cody. Just you talking, sharing experiences, and spreading knowledge. Thank you.

Gotta admit in the beginning of the video, I was thinking best watch for the money, skip the Marathon and Omega, no thanks for the G shocks, especially the new models, they are so ugly and the rubber straps make you sweat like heck. Just buy a Hamilton. Back in 1981 I was Army SF and was issued a Hamilton field watch. Manual wind, no date feature. I wore that watch everyday for over 30 years before the main spring finally wore out. It still works even now, it just doesn't run as long, but is still accurate. I cracked the crystal during a parachute malfunction back in '89 and never replaced it. It was near the edge and didn't effect the time keeping so what the heck. It was going to be a $100 for a new mainspring and $75 for a crystal replacement, so I bought another Hamilton Khaki for $225 instead. It is the most reliable watch I've ever owned. Because of it, I began collecting antique Hamilton Pocket watches. The pride and joy is a 1907 924 movement in a rose gold case. It's 110 years old and keeps time as good as my iPhone. Original owner was a conductor on a railroad in Pennsylvania. I bought it from his granddaughter after his death. It's an amazing piece of machinery. And inside the back is so beautiful , a true piece of art. Love your channel, keep it up!

with the Zulu strap, try feeding it back through one of the double rings, like a motorcycle helmet strap, before putting around wrist and doing up. it transfers any wristband tension into that second strap and takes it off the main band where it is holding the watch.

A plastic crystal is probably correct for that model Seamaster. Why are you assuming it is fake?

Vintage Omegas have plastic crystals, It depends on what year it was made.

I like your reviews so much because I often go through the same issues while finding the ideal product for the job.

Cody, I have an older Timex Expedition and it is built different than the one you showed. It has two screws one on either side of the pin, It has served me well in the welding & fabrication shop for many long years. Love your videos, Thank You.

Read the title and immediately thought "Hamilton". Glad to see I was right. Hamilton Khaki Field was my first "expensive" watch. Glad to see them getting recognition from you. Hamilton gives you the best "bang for your buck" automatics/mechanicals I think. Except *maybe* Seiko, but those tend to be less accurate in my experience and most models don't have a sapphire crystal so they get scuffed pretty easily.

Call me old fashion but I prefer a pocket watch. I have tried, and broken so many wrist watches. Lost a lot money with wrist watches. Once I started using pocket watches I found that I preferred them for lots of reasons. All my pants, except my dress pants, have a 5th pocket on them. I believe the 5th pocket was originally called a watch pocket. So pocket watches work well for me.

NATO strap will prevent your watch from getting lost if a lug pin breaks.

Cody, great video. On a similar quest so thank you for sharing your opinion. Much appreciated.

While I was still enlisted in the U.S Navy as an aviation rescue swimmer I had a resco BlackFrog and loved it. The most exceptional watch iv ever had. Iv put it through everything and its still truckin. After I got out I bought a Nixon watch and iv had pretty good luck with those too.

Good video sir. I've been thinking about the khaki mechanical for a while. You have just convinced me.

Very nice watches. I have that same green band, and I agree, it's the most comfortable band I've had too. I also enjoy mechanical watches. I wear the Seiko Prospex Automatic diver watch (SRP585) with the day-date feature. It has hacking seconds and a manual winding feature (as well as the automatic self winder). It's heavy and big, but really durable.

I have the same band. It came with a Vostok watch I bought. Love it. It also distributes stress better. Your pins are less likely to fail.

Great timeline overview!

Cody, if I can address you by name, I really appreciate your videos and commentary, more than appreciate your videos, I value them! Thank you.

It's a hard road to the perfect watch! I love the Sinn watches, German watches using Swiss movement, best of both worlds, but for a real price it has to be the Seiko Orange Monster for me.

I have a Timex Expedition going on 5 years, my weekend driver, gardening, mowing lawns playing ball etc. not sure if you just go a lemon but man, my Timex is doing awesome.

What do you guys think about Seiko watches? I just got a Seiko 5 with a OD Green strap that has glow in the dark numbers on it. I've never wore a watch but got this as a gift and kind of like it, it's also automatic so I never have to deal with winding it or batteries.

I've had this watch for three years and love it! Seiko Men's SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch. No winding... but will only last 24 hours without wearing. No issues with it. I of course replaced the band with a velco leather kind-o-thing.

Nice hearing about your watch journey. You ended up in a good place with a couple nice watches. I have come to like only mechanical watches now too. Mostly antique US made Hamilton's, Elgin's, and Waltham's, from the time when who made the movement on the inside was more important than the case on the outside. Interesting thing about the Swiss Made marking, check it out and you will find there is room in the definition allowing for some imported components. Made in USA label is also legally defined even stricter than swiss made.

Is it possible the Timex was counterfeit merchandise? Amazon has been fighting that issue for quite awhile.

I had a Casio protrek prg250B-3 for 5 years now and I love it. Barometer, altimeter, thermometer, compass, tide, etc. It's solar powered so no worrying about the battery. Brilliant if you like digital.

I actually quite like pocket watches, even though they are a bit of an eccentricity. I find that having my watch in my pocket instead of my wrist while working lets my wrist get into places that may be too small for my wrist with a watch. It also helps me to prevent breakage, which has happened to me several times.

Another great feature of that Hamilton Field Khaki is that crown is large enough to grab easily. Most automatics have small crowns that can be tough pull out, especially if the watch has crown guards.

Great watches! I love the SAR and the Khaki. Funny how your progression through watches mirrors mine. I still have my Casio G-Shock DW5200 from the 80's. It's bombproof. Thanks for all the hard work and God Bless!!

Nice video... Il like both watches. The Marathon looks solid....I would be interested to find out how robust the movement is.

Cody, many early Omegas did have acrylic crystals! That watch may very well be an authentic watch. It is gorgeous either way. Thanks for the great video.

Just bought the mechanical for my birthday. Hamilton that is, takes me back to my first Timex some 40-45 years ago.

I bought the same Timex last August, watch still runs fine but the date quite working within days. Carrying a 30 year old wind up Westclock Pocket Ben pocket watch now

Hi Cody!, I may have missed it but are the hands and numerals self illuminating on the Hamilton for use during low light times? Maybe you could do a follow-up video on that watch in a few months to show what you think then...? Great channel, great videos! Thank You!

Thanks for the video! I agree with your feeling about digital and analog watches. One of the reasons I deserted watches is I didn't like digitals, and I didn't want to pay for an analog watch that I wouldn't tear up. I won a Garmin Fenix 2 and it's made me want to wear a watch everyday again for the first time in 15 years. I've worn it almost daily for almost 2 years. One thing I really like about the Fenix2 is it has a digital second hand and I can make the time large and readable. I'm rough on watches just because I'm clumsy and bang them on things all the time. I use the GPS waypoints and routing a lot when I'm hunting and hiking. I also run and bike so I do a lot of activity tracking with this also. The Fenix2 has a sapphire crystal face and it's held up well. As far as battery life 1-2 hours charges it fully. Just as a watch it lasts from 1-2 weeks, but if I enable phone notifications I only get a day. When I use it as a watch hunting and using it to navigate I still get 4-5 days. I live near the AT so I keep all the AT shelter waypoints in my watch just in case. It is large on your wrist, but the face and utility of it made it worthwhile to me, I think the Fenix3 is thinner. The buttons are large, but there is a key lock that works well and it still is readable when needed. www.jebiga.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/GARMIN_FENIX_2_002.jpg They have replaced the Fenix 2 with the Fenix 3. buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/f%C4%93nix/wearables/c10002-bBRAND473-p1.html You can still get the Fenix2 g.factoryoutletstore.com/details/182685/garmin-fenix2.html?category_id=29710

thank you in the storm this is a really nice video that hits close to home. My wife is actually a jewelry sales here in Switzerland and works with replacing bands batteries crystals and movements in watches. It's really nice to hear your information is spot-on. Her store deals in mainly Tissot, Hamilton, Certina, Swiss Army and Casio among others. Very nice video sir keep em comming. Enjoy your week and our best to you and your family.

Awesome!!! Thank you so much for the watch update!!

I just got the Bernhardt Corsair 2 for my college graduation present and it is pretty amazing. Give these American watches a look. So far it is rock solid and accurate.

Hi Cody. I was having issues with 24 hour time when I joined the military 30 years ago til my Sargeant taught me the trick of subtracting 12 when using 24 hour time or adding 12 to convert to 24 hour time. I like the simplity of the Hamilton watch and think it will be my next watch

I love that since I've seen this video, it is now labeled as "Watched" on KZfaq :D Perfect.

Wranglerstar making a watch video! My life is complete.

I've worn an identical Hamilton, every day, for just over a year. It really is a wonderful time piece. I have a few other watches, but the Khaki is the one I reach for most often.

Been looking for the perfect replacement watch band....this looks like it! Thanks!!

I loved this video! I own eight watches, but my two favorites are my Victorinox Maverick I received as my very first fathers day gift, shortly after my daughter was born. I will keep it forever, and hopefully pass it down. My other favorite is my G-Shock Solar. I purchased it at the beginning of my career, and have worn it everyday at work for the past nine years, without issue. A good watch is a special thing, and I may have to look into Hamilton for my next one.

do you still enjoy the Hamilton? I'm thinking of getting the 38mm field khaki. Any thoughts on automatic versus mechanical? Any insight would be great! Thanks!

Cody, my Breitling SeaWolf Titanium is a big chunky watch. Hugely robust and has all the style cues you seem to appreciate.

Thanks Cody, I've been through the same trials, and agree completely! I don't remember where I first read/heard it, but years ago I came upon words that rang so true and explained why an analog watch will always be my go-to. I, as a gear head, love digital watches and all their whiz bang functions. I like accuracy, I like thermometers and barometers and altimeters and GPS Lat/Lon. That's function, and that's bang for my buck. That's massive information. But that's not necessarily so good. As I access all the available digital data from my timepiece, I'm missing something much more daily important and comforting. Relativity. A digital display of 15:16 is only that display of what time it is. Informative, yes, but it lacks much of the relativity of the day. If I have an analog watch with a face and hands, and I look at it at the same time, 3:15 pm, I get the same time information, but... I also have a visual reference of how much of my day is gone, how much I have left. I have a chart of where I am in my day, and at least to me, that's comforting. It's nice to look at the hands and say/see that I'm half-way through, or to see the hands during a hard day graphically show me that I'm just a tiny bit away from being home in comparison to the whole day. Analog is just simply more organic, relevant, and relative.

Went through a similar progression but no high end watches. I settled on the Timex Expedition series. After a year of beating it up it seems to be lasting like my g-shock.

Love my hamilton khaki mechanical! Great choise but I wouldn't trust its water resistance too much. If you want great water resistance, toughness and lume in a smaller watch you may want to consider a seiko skx013. Ps: Just 50% of the value of the movement needs to be swiss made in order to get the swiss made label.

I really enjoyed that video. Thanks

My dad left me a Victorinox dive watch when he passed away several months ago. it's bigger than I would have bought myself but after a couple days I now don't notice it, and I haven't worn a watch in 4 or so years. Thanks for this video it fits well in my viewing today. I do have to say though I've heard a lot of bad stuff about Rolex not keeping time. I wouldn't she'll out at this point for one.

This video came out right after my luminox broke and boy was I upset. I spent a pretty penny on that watch thinking it would survive more than a year but I guess I was wrong. Live and learn. But I took your advice and got a hamilton and while I am only three weeks in I can already see the quality specifically in the glass. I have a bad habit of really putting my stiff through its paces and the glass on this watch is unbelievably scratch resistant. I think Ill only get hamilton watches from now on. The quality is unreal, the look is classic and clean, the movement is accurate and the morning ritual of winding the watch is a great way to start the day.

I love the Gshock AWG m100b. it has the analog face, and it has three small LCD faces but they aren't as busy as the gshock you showed. It is also atomic, and solar powered.

A watch movement is considered Swiss if: the movement has been assembled in Switzerland and, the movement has been inspected by the manufacturer in Switzerland and; the components of Swiss manufacture account for at least 50 percent of the total value, without taking into account the cost of assembly. From 1 January 2017, the law set the minimum at 60 percent. If a watch movement is intended for export and will not be cased-up in Switzerland, but it otherwise meets the criteria to be considered a Swiss movement, the watch may say "Swiss Movement" but it may not say Swiss Made on the watch case or dial. A watch that says "Swiss Quartz" is considered to be a proper Swiss watch. However, it is often improperly used by foreign manufacturers to merely indicate that the quartz movement is of Swiss origin

When I was actively shopping for a nice watch 10 yeas ago, I decided upon two: The Chase Durer I wear now, and a manual wind Hamilton (with white face). I opted for the chronograph for a number of reasons - alarm, and stop watch features, both of which I used for my work. I really like that Hamilton, though. Great watch, and great history!

I have a Swiss Army Night Vision (version 1). I have worn it every day for 10 years. It has taken quite a beating but still going strong. I have only had to replace the 2 batteries twice and again 2 years from now.

I'm a fan of my Bertucci A2-T. Pretty low profile solid titanium case so it's nice and light, replaceable 1 piece bands, just a simple field watch with the date, but it's all I need.

im loving mind, plus the double buckle allows you to loop any excess band back through (if you have small wrists. still cant figure out the NFC chip embedded inside it. any help with that would be appreciated.

Im trying to decide between the Khaki in this video, and spending the extra $100 and getting the model with automatic movement. Do you have an opinion on Hamilton's automatics? I like the steel back bezel case The Zulu bands are nice, how bulky do they feel on the arm? I can see if you dive, and your watch could mean life or death, the Zulu is a must. But for every day use maybe not

awesome video. Im curious how long self winding watches last for

yes, i have been requesting this for a long time. But have you considered a Nato band on a skx007 or 009?

Thank you for showing me these bands. My band had just broke and I should be getting my Zulu band Monday!

I was thinking you would go with a Hamilton for some reason. GREAT WATCH! I have a Seiko SKX 009 and everyday I think wow this is a great watch for under 200. And it from the 90's and i put it on a green NATO strap and think it is just perfect size and has super durability and simple dial and cool looks.

My Timex is 20+ years old. Nothing fancy, but it tells the time.

Love watches, best video yet. Have an Omega Speedmaster, NATO bands are awesome. Bought the green one from your store.

Yes! I wasn't a watch wearer for a long time... I bought a Hamilton khaki automatic. I absolutely love it. Now, I leave my phone in my pocket a lot more. Fantastic watch, great video, love your channel. Take care!

Crown and stem just fell off my Hamilton Khaki 38 auto, hope yours stands up better. Back to the old cheap and reliable Seiko 5.

could anyone link me to the straps? now that the amazon store has gone down i cant seam to fine the authentic one...

Lol! I had the same original G Shock. Went into the Navy with it in 1987. Beat the hell outta hit and even depth tested it in the Persian Gulf using a leadline. I still have it on it's 4th band or so but don't wear it anylonger. I updated to the more modern version a couple of years ago but still prefer my old Luminox dial in a stainless steel case. Very rugged and still looks good.

I don't know Cody I have carried a timex for around 8 years and still keeps time amazing

Have you tried Bertucci watch bands? I like them for the same reasons you mentioned.

I'm right there with you. I love a nice simple hands watch with a real movement. I'm going to look into that Hamilton... Thanks for the heads up.

I have a Tissot pr100 automatic. It's a great watch. Going on three years with no issues or time deviations. The seiko monster is another sweet watch for the money. It's an automatic divers watch. Automatic watches are so cool. There are a lot of watches that are well over a hundred years old, and they're still working to this day.

i love those kinda videos! God Bless

i hear you on the timex went through 4 in 1 week before i picked a different brand. own a gshock but never wear it thanks for the videos keep it up!

Cody, I think your supposed to feed the band under and over the double to secure it to it? I may be wrong but just feed the band through both rings defeats the fastening ability of the double rings? Again i may be wrong, but take a look and let me know what you think?

Where can I get the correct Zulu strap for my new Hamilton? I was unable to find them in wranglermart.

Im loving my luminox series 3040 - rugged and decent dials - Plus has a really solid guarantee/warantee.

I love my Hamilton watch it's great for daily use or for a fancy dinner. I always get compliments on it and ask what brand it is.

I'm sporting that very same Timex right now and I've heard about the durability issues of it. So far mine has not kept accurate time. I used to have an original G-shock in black, that I inherited from my dad as a kid, and I'm thinking about getting another, but I have digital reservations too. I got a good zulu band, but it causes the watch to stand that much prouder from my wrist and my wrists are already big enough. I can't wear my Timex w/ my motorcycle jacket as it is. I have the same cut mark in my band from almost cutting that second ring off too! Thanks for the tip on the Hamilton. A smart looking watch, I'll have to look into them.

Hey Cody , love your channel ! i agree with your assessment on high quality affordable watches . i recently had the same mid-life epiphamy and begun searching for an heirloom quality watch that wouldn't break my meager account . i happened on a LaCo German Luftwaffe Pilots watch - hand wound swiss movement .... a very simple elegant watch for about $400 and its my weekender wear watch . My experience with the Luminox watch is very different from yours - i have worn mine everyday for work as an industrial HVAC technician for the past 12 years and its still rock solid ( i dare say that its been abused most of those years ) .

My Timex Expedition worked perfectly for about 2 weeks before the indiglo light went out. no big deal, the hands still were glow in the dark. then the cheap leather band broke while I was on a rope in a tree and it fell to the ground, shattering. My other watch was a $17 Army/Navy store watch that I expected to replace in 6 months max, lasted me 3 years. Both were simple analog and both were functional. However, I have found the need for a better higher end (for me) watch. Thanks for turning me on to the Hamilton Watch and the Zulu bands.

Maybe I got the one-off, but I have that exact Timex, and it's been going strong for 3 years. I do concrete work for a living. The strap gave up about a year in, so I replaced it with a black rubber one and haven't looked back.

How often do you have to wind the watch? I really like the clean look and reasonable price. I recently found your channel and have really been enjoying it!

I really like well made Swiss mechanical watches. Great video!

Seriously consider a G-Shock. I know that, typically, you go for the more expensive option, but I assure you that any G-Shock will outlive any higher priced watch all while being more accurate.

Hamilton does make some great watches. I would also recommend the Seiko SARB line. My SARB035 has been wonderful.

I have a Citizen Nigthhawk solar powered titanium watch. No batteries, analog and very light. Really like it, it's one of my favorites among all the watches I own. One thing I would recommend is a watch with a sapphire crystal, which is near indestructible. Sector makes pretty good, relatively cheap watches.

Finally! Thanks for doing the video! Great watches!

Thanks cody. I just ordered adapters, for my casio g shock to take this band.

I have been trying to get back into wearing a watch. I don't particularly like the feel of a watch on my wrist but they are nice for camping/hiking. I think I am more interested in finding a band I like before I look for a watch. I have to check out the band you are using.

When younger I ALWAYS had a watch but could only buy the $20 cheapos so I lost interest years ago. I lately have been thinking of getting a watch but had an image in mind. Low and behold you showed it to me with the Hamilton! Thanks! I think I'll pass this video on to my wife before Father's Day;)

Nice review! Check out the Seiko Sarg011, slightly over $300 but a classic look and incredible quality.

I bought an Invicta pro diver 9937 automatic with swiss movement about 4 years ago and I love it. basically a clone of a rolex pro diver. they run about $375 to $400. Hasn't let me down yet!

Thanks, great information.

Hats off to the Hamilton. Thought my Khaki quartz was crappin out when the second hand first began to jump in 5 second intervals. Yet it never lost a second of time... so i rocked on with it for a bout 2 months before i decided i might try replacing the battery. The technician @ Batteries Plus explained that the 5 second interval skipping was a built in design alert for the need of a fresh battery. -gilpin 6-27-16

Have you seen the smith and Bradley watches. I think they are pretty nice looking. Prices ranging from 200 to 1000

I like the older Seiko dive watches like the Orange Monster. Probably my all time favorite watch and I've owned Tags,Omega and one Rolex. I also like G-Shocks. They have plenty of models that are not like the red one in the pic in the video. I've had mine for 7-8 years and it's got a metal band and it still looks and works great. It was only $100.

cool watches may I recommend as well the casino watches and armitron. awesome video thanks