Hamilton Launches Khaki Field Auto 'The Odyssey' Limited Edition Ahead Of Highly Anticipated Film

Hamilton’s longstanding partnership with filmmaker Christopher Nolan has led to the brand’s reputation as “the watchmaker of filmmakers,” and the duo is back for another round. Nolan’s adaptation of one of the most enduring myths of all time, The Odyssey, is set to hit theatres on July 17th, and Hamilton just dropped a new take on its signature field watch line to accompany it: the Khaki Field Auto 'The Odyssey' Limited Edition. At once opulent and minimalistic in bronze hues with special motifs inspired by the film, this take on the Khaki Field might be the most epic yet. 

The Collaboration 

Composed during the Bronze Age and set during the aftermath of the Trojan War (around 1200 BCE), of course, The Odyssey is set way before mechanical timekeeping, or even watches, were invented. So, unlike the previous Hamilton and Nolan collaborations, this watch will not (and, really, should not) have an appearance on the silver screen itself. Instead, this collaboration draws from the world of the story itself. There will be just 2,112 pieces of the limited edition made, a number that is also significant to the epic in a multitude of ways: the Homeric epic poem is comprised of 12,000 lines, 12 ships were launched to Troy, and Odysseus has to prove his identity by shooting an arrow through 12 axe heads (none of these details are spoilers, by the way, since this story has been part of the cannon for centuries). 

Key Details

This watch takes on the larger, 42mm size of the Khaki Field Auto and, quite fittingly,  is done completely in bronze, aligning with the Bronze Age time period The Odyssey is set in. The case shape should be familiar to all Khaki Field fans out there, and features a circular brushed finish and a lug width of 22mm. The brown, grained leather strap features a color-matched central stitch, which feels very at home in the time period we’re working with as well. 

The dial is where things really get interesting and where many of the symbols from the film come into play. Immediately, the sleek black, vertically brushed dial stands out and is completely free of any hour markers or numerals. Instead, this is where Hamilton and Nolan have chosen to go with motifs that connect to the film’s central hero, Odysseus, specifically his signature helmet and sword. In lieu of a minutes track, the dial perimeter features a bronze-hued swirling pattern that is taken from the hero’s helmet. A circular, almost sun-like index sits at twelve o’clock, which the brand details as a reference to a rivet on Odysseus’ sword scabbard. While sword-hands are common in modern watchmaking, Hamilton has gone even more literal with them, crafting the shape and coordinating bronze hue after the hero’s own blade. 

But the details that connect this watch to the film (and myth) aren’t limited to the watch itself. The specialized packaging and box that the watch comes in is to be expected, but Hamilton and Nolan have gone one step further. In addition to the watch, each limited edition comes with a replica of the Athena pin used throughout the film, gifted to Odysseus by his wife Penelope before he sets out, and used as a protective talisman. Done in bronze tones that match the watch, this pin can actually be worn as a brooch or tacked onto clothes or bags. It’s a real piece of movie magic and a great addition since the watch itself won’t actually be on the silver screen. 

The Movement 

Aligning with similarly sized Khaki Field Auto models, this watch is powered by the H-10 automatic movement, which features a Nivachron balance spring and has a power reserve of 80 hours. Additionally, this watch has quite impressive water resistance with its 100-meter depth rating. But the specialized movie tie-ins aren’t limited to the dial. A flip of the watch reveals the titanium caseback, which is engraved with not only Odysseus’ helmet but also Christopher Noval’s signature. The helmet pattern seen on the dial’s perimeter has been carried onto the caseback as well. 

Final Thoughts 

In the continuous collaboration between Nolan and Hamilton, the brand has managed to establish one of the most significant and creative partnerships between watchmaking and the silver screen. This one in particular, given the ancient time period The Odyssey is set in, is one that I personally did not see coming, which makes it all the more exciting, and I really appreciate how far the duo has stretched their imaginations and the established Khaki Field format to create something truly unique.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Auto 'The Odyssey' limited edition is set to launch with the movie (and, once again, is limited to 2,112 pieces), but you can currently sign up to be notified at launch on the brand’s website here.