Have worked? It could then have had the shape of the original with greater scratch resistance. I used to have a Panerai with a dome shaped sapphire crystal. Would that be too fancy for the field watch aesthetic?
I'm a total acrylic apologist, but I find most plastic crystals just feel slightly 'warmer' than sapphire, no matter the shape, and match the vintage aesthetic better. i've had a few watches with domed sapphire (Tudor Black Bays come to mind) and I find the look just slightly more modern.
Yeah but if you attempt so much as some light weeding the crystal is toast. A $700 "tool watch" needs to be *at least* as durable as Tim Apple's wares or it's nothing but a cosplay accessory for dilettentes. How is it ever supposed to develop "patina" or a "tropical dial" if it has to be protected from cufflinks?
It's 2026. Amazon can get a 32mm sapphire crystal to my house by 8am tomorrow for $10; what's Swatch's excuse?
After spending a lot of time looking for a quality long term field watch, I eventually plumped for the Benrus DTU-2A/P. Pretty faithful to original specs, but doesn’t make the compromises that the Hamilton does (i.e. has double domed sapphire with ar / has the screw down crown / has an automatic ETA). I personally love the notion of the smaller case size for these pieces.
That said, I think you’ve offered a great review and argument on why the Hamilton is nearly perfect. 👍
Could a domed sapphire crystal
Have worked? It could then have had the shape of the original with greater scratch resistance. I used to have a Panerai with a dome shaped sapphire crystal. Would that be too fancy for the field watch aesthetic?
I'm a total acrylic apologist, but I find most plastic crystals just feel slightly 'warmer' than sapphire, no matter the shape, and match the vintage aesthetic better. i've had a few watches with domed sapphire (Tudor Black Bays come to mind) and I find the look just slightly more modern.
Yeah but if you attempt so much as some light weeding the crystal is toast. A $700 "tool watch" needs to be *at least* as durable as Tim Apple's wares or it's nothing but a cosplay accessory for dilettentes. How is it ever supposed to develop "patina" or a "tropical dial" if it has to be protected from cufflinks?
It's 2026. Amazon can get a 32mm sapphire crystal to my house by 8am tomorrow for $10; what's Swatch's excuse?
I don’t think it’s an excuse, it’s just a heritage-driven design decision. Swatch also sells modern Speedies with hesalite.
After spending a lot of time looking for a quality long term field watch, I eventually plumped for the Benrus DTU-2A/P. Pretty faithful to original specs, but doesn’t make the compromises that the Hamilton does (i.e. has double domed sapphire with ar / has the screw down crown / has an automatic ETA). I personally love the notion of the smaller case size for these pieces.
That said, I think you’ve offered a great review and argument on why the Hamilton is nearly perfect. 👍