Watches of the Month for August 2026: The Hamilton Field with Character & The Energetic Tissot Tour de France

This time, “Watch of the Month” will feature two models that, at first glance, showcase their own distinctive style and confident presence. Each one sets its own pace and needs nothing else to capture your attention.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Power Reserve embodies a understated, robust style that exudes confidence and discretion. The Tissot PR 100 Tour de France 2026 adds racing energy and a light, lively flair. Two distinct atmospheres that coexist with surprising ease.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Power Reserve in olive: This is exactly how I picture a field watch

When Hamilton unveiled the Khaki Field Mechanical Power Reserve a while back, it was clear that they’d hit upon something that fans of military watches had long been missing. Manual winding, a power reserve indicator on the dial, authentic field character, and yet modern craftsmanship. Even back then, the concept caught my attention. But it wasn’t until the new olive green version that I finally saw exactly what I think these watches should look like.

I admit that when it came to the black and white versions, I hesitated for a long time over which one was actually better. They both had their charms. But then this new model came out, and the decision was made. I have a favorite.

More field. More Hamilton

The olive dial paired with a NATO strap doesn’t come across as just another color variation meant to spice up the lineup. On the contrary. This is exactly the combination that evokes the military roots of the entire Khaki Field collection.

They aren’t as versatile as the black or white versions. I wouldn’t wear them with a suit. But honestly—I don’t even want that from a field watch. I want them to have character. I want it to be clear at first glance what they were designed for. And that’s exactly what the olive version delivers.

The NATO strap only adds to the overall look. It doesn’t look like a strap the manufacturer just threw in the box. It’s exactly the kind of strap that makes this watch truly shine.

A surface that is not only beautiful but also practical

One of the things I’ve always appreciated about Hamilton is the case finish. This model is no exception. The matte sandblasted finish of the case perfectly highlights the watch’s utilitarian character.

I’ve never been a fan of highly polished watches. Matte finishes have always appealed to me more—not just aesthetically, but also practically. They don’t reflect light, they don’t draw unnecessary attention, and during everyday wear, they’re much more forgiving than mirror-polished surfaces. When I imagine a field watch in actual use, there’s definitely no place for a shiny case. This finish simply makes sense.

And when I’m in the mood for a little extravagance, I’d rather channel it into the strap. Even a pink one. Let the watch itself stay true to its purpose. And even then, it doesn’t look as over-the-top as those polished models do.

Wearing Impressions: Finally, a Hamilton That Fits

As I mentioned in my previous review, the case—which is 40 mm in diameter and 12 mm thick—fits the wrist really well. Of course, the comfortable fabric NATO strap plays a part in this, but the main reason is something else—the overall length of the case.

I’ve pointed out one thing about Hamilton several times now. For some models, the brand wasn’t afraid to use longer cases, which often stuck out on smaller and medium-sized wrists. Not only did this look a bit awkward, but it also wasn’t very comfortable—at least on my wrist.

The new case seems to have taken this criticism to heart. Thanks to its sharply beveled lugs and a lug-to-lug length of 48 mm, the watch hugs the wrist beautifully and appears much more compact than its 40 mm diameter alone would suggest. It’s also interesting to compare it to my all-time favorite Khaki Field. Although that model has a case diameter of just 36 mm, its length is nearly identical. As a result, the proportions of the Power Reserve model appear much more balanced and logical.

It’s clear that Hamilton didn’t just focus on references to historical models when designing this watch, but above all on comfort for everyday wear. I’d go so far as to say that the brand consciously prioritized ergonomics over historical accuracy here. And in my opinion, they made the right choice. Field watches are meant to be practical above all else. Plus, when they look great and you barely notice them on your wrist after a few minutes, that’s exactly the kind of evolution that makes sense.

A Mechanical Foundation That Makes Sense

Hamilton is once again banking on what works: manual winding, the modern H-23 movement with an extended 80-hour power reserve, and a power reserve indicator right on the dial. It’s a combination that will delight anyone who wants to develop a more personal relationship with their watch. Manual winding still has its charm. You come into daily contact with the watch, reminding yourself that you’re wearing a true mechanical timepiece on your wrist.

And when I think about the price tag, it actually seems almost unbelievable to me. For a relatively affordable price, you get a watch from a renowned brand with a rich history, a modern movement, an 80-hour power reserve, high-quality craftsmanship, and a design that exudes charisma.

Hamilton is winning me over more and more

It’s strange to say, but over the course of the latest news, I’ve somehow quietly become someone who’s really looking forward to the new Hamiltons. And yet, just a few years ago, I never would have expected to say something like that. The brand is taking a direction that resonates with me more and more. Less flash for flash’s sake. More functionality. More history. More character.

And to be honest, even today I don’t know which I’d choose first: the nearly perfect 36s that I had the chance to review, or these slightly larger 40s with an even more distinctive character.

Well…sometimes I just have a soft spot for higher numbers. And that doesn’t just apply to watches. 😏

Verdict

In my opinion, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Power Reserve in olive green is the most successful version in the entire model line. It isn’t the most versatile. But that’s exactly why they have the most character. They look more authentic, more military, and more self-assured than their siblings. This is exactly how I imagine a modern field watch—solid, mechanical, functional, and without unnecessary frills.

Hamilton has long since stopped making just good field watches. It’s starting to make field watches that make me wonder if I might need another pair for my collection. And for me, that’s probably the best compliment I can give the brand.

Pros:

• Value for the money
• A Brand with a Rich History
• Great, versatile dimensions
• Manual-winding watch with an extended power reserve
• Operating Reserve Indicator
• Water resistance: 100 m

Cons:

• Not such a versatile color
• Weaker luminescence

Tissot PR 100 Tour de France 2026: The Thrill of the Race on Your Wrist

Tissot is a traditional brand that has long been associated with major events. For decades, it has been present wherever time and performance are measured—from the World Hockey Championship to the NBA to MotoGP. For these sporting events, the brand often introduces a watch model that embodies the spirit of the occasion, and the edition dedicated to the 2026 Tour de France naturally follows in that tradition. 

The Tissot PR 100 Tour de France 2026 watch proves that even a precise Swiss timepiece can have a racing spirit. It builds on the proven PR 100 series but adds a dose of dynamism and boldness inspired by the Tour de France. The result is balanced, technically impressive, and infused with an emotion that evokes the tension of the final stretch. 

Wrist Tour 

Tissot often keeps things low-key with its sports models, as was the case, for example, with the PR 100 Chronograph IIHF. This time, however, it took exactly the right amount of liberty. The asphalt texture of the dial isn’t just for decoration. It’s a visual reminder of the surface that cyclists see for three weeks during the race. Even the yellow accents aren’t just for show. These are the official colors of the race, which have their place and a reason. Nothing extra, nothing unnecessarily flashy.

The black PVD coating on the case gives the watch a sporty, confident look while also making it more durable for everyday wear. The Tissot PR 100 Tour de France 2026 is definitely not a watch you’d wear with a suit—nor is it meant to be. This model belongs on the move, on the road, and wherever time and performance are measured.

Decent features and versatile dimensions

The case has a diameter of 40 mm and a height of 11.3 mm. On paper, it sounds like a classic, but on the wrist it feels well-balanced and surprisingly comfortable. The fabric strap further enhances the comfort, and as a bonus, the package also includes a black rubber strap that gives the watch a cleaner, sportier look. The sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating protects the dial from scratches, and thanks to its 100-meter water resistance, the watch can handle both rain and the pool. No proper sports watch would be complete without luminescence—in this case, Super-LumiNova on the hands and hour markers, which ensures excellent readability even at night.

Quartz That Makes Sense

Sure, it’s not a mechanical watch. But with this special sports edition, that’s not even necessary. The ETA G10.212 inside the watch is a reliable quartz movement with a stopwatch, date display, and precision that’s perfect when you want to measure time, not philosophize about your winding routine. And yet there’s something extra here—a heart rate scale on the edge of the dial. For some, it’s a minor detail; for others, a practical feature that gives the model a racing character. 

Tissot and the Tour de France: A Partnership That Has Been Going Strong for Years

The race logo gleams on the case back, the dial features its colors, and the entire collection tells a story. Three weeks, 21 stages, and a history that is rewritten every July. Tissot has long since moved beyond making just sports watches. It creates timepieces with character. The brand knows exactly when to hold back and when to go all out. And it is precisely in the balance between technical precision and the emotion that is an integral part of the Tour de France that its strength lies.

Energy Every Second 

The Tissot PR 100 Tour de France 2026 models aren’t the most versatile PR 100s, but they’re definitely the most “Tour”-like. These are watches that won’t turn heads at a gala, but they’ll fit right in wherever time and performance are measured. They embody energy, rhythm, and a piece of the racing world. 

Pros:

• Authentic Tour de France Details
• Asphalt-textured dial
• Two straps per package
• Reliable ETA G10.212 quartz movement
• Water resistance: 100 m
• Pulse Measurement Scale

Cons:

• Less versatility due to its specific design
• A date a bit awkwardly between 4 and 5 o’clock