Head-to-Head Comparison

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm vs Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Two field watchs compared — $500–$1,000 vs $50–$100

Quick Verdict

The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" ($50–$100) delivers Quartz (Battery) technology in the tier below the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm ($500–$1,000). The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" measures 40mm and is rated 50m (5 ATM). The Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm justifies its premium with Swiss Made heritage and Hand-Wound H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base). Both represent excellent choices in the field watch category.

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Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

Hamilton

Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

$500–$1,000

Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

$50–$100

Specifications Compared

FeatureHamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mmTimex Expedition Metal Field "Scout"
Price$500–$1,000$50–$100
Case Size38mm40mm
MovementHand-Wound H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base)Quartz (3-Hand, Date)
Caliber TypeHamilton/ETA Hand-WoundQuartz (Battery)
Power Reserve80 HoursBattery
Water Resistance50m (5 ATM)50m (5 ATM)
CrystalSapphire CrystalMineral Glass
Case MaterialStainless SteelBrass (Gunmetal Finish)
OriginSwiss MadeTimex (USA Design)

Category-by-Category Analysis

🎨

Design & Aesthetics

Edge: Draw

Hamilton's design language vs Timex's approach

The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm features a Stainless Steel case at 38mm with Sapphire Crystal protection. The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers Brass (Gunmetal Finish) construction at 40mm with Mineral Glass. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.

⚙️

Movement & Performance

Edge: Hamilton

Hand-Wound H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base) vs Quartz (3-Hand, Date)

The Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm runs the Hand-Wound H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base) (Hamilton/ETA Hand-Wound, 80 Hours power reserve) at 21,600 vph (3 Hz) frequency. The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) (Quartz (Battery), Battery reserve) at standard. The Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm edges ahead on power reserve.

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Wearability & Fit

Edge: Hamilton

38mm vs 40mm — different wrist presence

At 38mm, the Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm. Water resistance differs: 50m (5 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM).

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Value & Cost of Ownership

Edge: Timex

Timex sits in the lower tier

The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm sits at $500–$1,000 and the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at $50–$100. On the specs that outlast any price: the Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm uses Sapphire Crystal with 80 Hours, against Mineral Glass and Battery on the Expedition Metal Field "Scout". Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.

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Water Resistance

Edge: Draw

50m (5 ATM) vs 50m (5 ATM)

The Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm is rated to 50m (5 ATM) while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" handles 50m (5 ATM). Both offer identical water resistance ratings.

Our Verdict

Hamilton

Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

Choose the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm if you prioritize Hamilton/ETA Hand-Wound engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. At $500–$1,000, it delivers Hand-Wound H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base) with 80 Hours power reserve.

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Timex

Expedition Metal Field "Scout"

Choose the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" if you value Quartz (Battery) technology, Timex (USA Design) heritage, and 40mm proportions. At $50–$100, the Quartz (3-Hand, Date) with Battery power reserve makes it a compelling choice.

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The Bottom Line

The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm and Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" represent two distinct approaches to the field watch category — the Hamilton bringing Swiss Made tradition while Timex delivers Timex (USA Design) engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neither is objectively better — they serve different preferences. The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm ($500–$1,000) offers Hand-Wound H-50 (ETA 2801-2 base) with 80 Hours power reserve, while the Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" ($50–$100) features Quartz (3-Hand, Date) with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance. Choose based on your priorities: Swiss Made craftsmanship vs Timex (USA Design) engineering.
The Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" offers better upfront value, sitting a tier lower at $50–$100. However, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm may justify its premium with superior finishing, heritage, or resale value.
Both are suitable for daily wear. The Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm at 38mm with 50m (5 ATM) water resistance handles everyday situations. The Expedition Metal Field "Scout" at 40mm with 50m (5 ATM) is similarly capable. The Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm uses Sapphire Crystal while the Expedition Metal Field "Scout" uses Mineral Glass. Sapphire resists scratches noticeably better than mineral glass.

How This Page Was Made

Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.