The Khaki Navy Frogman by Hamilton seems unaffected by the passage of time, and continues to inspire emotions in a new version with a 41mm case. (Here all our posts about Hamilton)
An 80-year history
This watch’s fame dates back to the 1940s, when it was issued to the members of the Naval Combat Demolition Units, a special US Navy team whose task it was to clear the waters ahead of landing operations. It was nothing new for Hamilton.
Hamilton and the chronometer for the U.S. Navy
It was during this period that the company received an invitation from the American navy, which shortly before the outbreak of WW2 had issued a request for accurate, reliable marine chronometers.
America’s entry into the war then accelerated the process and Hamilton succeeded in conceiving, developing and delivering a marine chronometer whose precision was certified to within 30 seconds a day, well below the one minute 55 seconds specified by the navy.
The official entry into the world of the sea
Known as the Model 21, this instrument marked Hamilton’s official entry into the marine world, a process marked by other important events. During the same period the brand presented its Model 22 – it was a more compact marine chronometer than its predecessor but it provided US Navy frogmen and commandos with accurate, reliable wrist watches whose most significant feature was the protective crown that led to their being nicknamed “the Canteen”.
Hamilton and the Frogman
This experience was the background to Hamilton’s decision to launch the Frogman onto the watch market. That was in 1951, and it proved to be only the start of the watch’s eventful story. It played an important role in The Frogmen, a war film directed by Lloyd Bacon.
A new version
Following the success achieved last year after the presentation of the Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic with 46m case, Hamilton is once again in the spotlight with a new version of this iconic model with a 41mm case. That’s the most substantial difference, as otherwise the new Frogman’s identity remains unchanged, relaunched in a look that makes it an ideal companion in everyday life as well as for divers.
Its distinctive feature is still the unmistakable “canteen” crown – not just a design frill but a system designed to prevent water entering the mechanism. Finally, the bridge-shaped crown cover provides water resistance to a depth of 300 metres. The case is surmounted by a unidirectional bezel with numbers and indexes in relief to enhance the grip. The new Khaki Navy Frogman Automatic has an automatic H-10 movement with 80-hour power reserve and Nivachron® balance spring that is resistant to shock, variations in temperature and magnetic fields.
The Navy Scuba in green
This year the Khaki Navy Scuba collection is joined by two new versions with green dial. The Khaki Navy Scuba Quartz has a 37mm case and the all-green look is completed by a unidirectional aluminium bezel and green fabric NATO strap. Water resistant to 100 metres, it’s powered by a Swiss-made quartz movement. The 43mm Khaki Navy Scuba Automatic features a ceramic bezel and deep green gradient dial. The 43mm version is powered by an automatic H-10 movement with balance spring in Nivachron™, a special alloy the ensures precision even when subjected to magnetic fields and temperature swings.
Matteo Zaccagnino
