You can't get much more iconic than the ‘general issue,’ or ‘GI’-style field wristwatch.

Produced under contract for the U.S. military for decades, these simple watches were fashioned by a handful of American manufacturers for American servicemen. Many of these timepieces were used extensively — forged in the infernos by the heroes that wore them.

Due to their robust nature and clean lines, a demand was born for them in the civilian market. Brands such as Hamilton thus continued producing them through the 1980s for commercial sale under their "Khaki" collection with only minor changes from their ‘general issue’ counterparts.

This particular example was produced under contract for Avirex, an American apparel company famous for its military designs, and is essentially a civilian ‘continuation’ of Hamilton’s historically military-minded collection. With added dial text and a simplified screw back case being the only major differentiators, this is the perfect watch for...well, just about everyone! 

Housed in a 34mm ‘parkerized’ stainless steel case with an acrylic crystal and a stepped bezel, it features a matte black Tritium dial with printed 'Arabic' indices, a matching ‘syringe’ handset, the Avirex ‘winged A’ logo at 6:00, and 12- and 24-hour scales in white.

Powered by a hand-wound ETA 2750 — a hardy caliber with a large balance that can be regulated by any qualified watchmaker — this well-sized field watch is a stellar reminder of the place of outdoorsmanship in the American psyche.

Strap on this humble Hamilton to be transported back to a different time!