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First Auto: Hamilton Khaki Field or Oris BC3?

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BillATX

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Greetings fellow WUSers! I am new to the world of watches, but the more I learn, the more interested I become. I appreciate all of your knowledge expressed in postings on these boards. I currently have 2 watches - a Citizen (Eco-Drive Ti) that I absolutely love and wear nearly every day; and a Timex Ironman for sports (swimming, coaching my kids, etc...).

I would like to try an automatic watch without breaking the bank. I will wear this watch to work and out socially (likely business casual and casual attire)

I like the look of the Oris BC3 and the Hamilton Khaki Field They appear to be pretty similar. The Oris uses a base ETA movement (ETA 2836-2) as does the Hamilton (ETA 2824-2); they are similar in size (40mm v. 38mm). The Oris is slightly more expensive than the Hammy (approx. $700 v. $500 new), but I would probably buy used and the Oris does have a display back that I think I would value since this is my first automatic.

I have reviewed many watches online, but personally handled very few. Since I haven't seen either of these watches personally, I am interested in comparisons. Is one watch more durable? Is one finish higher quality? Are the movements of similar quality? Are the movements similar in accuracy? Any other distinguishing factors I should consider?

Thanks in advance for your comments and advice. I realize I have a lot to learn about this hobby.
 
#2 ·
I have very little experience with Oris, but can talk about Hamilton. I have three.
Most people will put Oris just above Hamilton as far as fit and finish goes. And while the 2824 is a workhorse, the 2836 is considered the superior movement. Like I said though, the 2824 is a nice movement. I have a couple and they are accurate enough and very reliable.
I am a big fan of Hamilton. But, I really want an Oris soon. Tough choice, but either way, I don't think either will disappoint.
 
#5 ·
I have two Hamiltons and they are among my favorites. You can find good deals on the sales corners and on various Internet retailers, albeit grey market (that's how I got my two, with no problems or issues whatsoever) on Hamilton watches.

I don't know much about Oris other than they are positioned above Hamilton, and a ChronOris is on my grail list.

I would say either will serve you well though personally I prefer the styling of the Hamilton.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Griff
 
#10 ·
It doesn't bother the Oris faithful, but consider that Oris has those horrid red rotors. <|
 
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#12 ·
niles316 said:
Actually i kinda like the red rotor..otherwise it's just lotsa silver on the back.
Click to expand...
Yeah, sorry. Looking back at my quote, it is a little harsh. I'm just a guy with a keyboard who has never even held an Oris.

EDIT: still I prefer silver to Crayola red. ;-)
 
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#13 ·
niles316 said:
Actually i kinda like the red rotor..otherwise it's just lotsa silver on the back.

Btw,why is Oris above Hamilton? Is it just a brand thing or is Oris' movement indeed better than Hamilton's?
Click to expand...
no, its not a movement thing. its because on average, Oris watches are more expensive. Ive owned both, and both are par in my opinion. Both great, and both underpriced. I would consider my Oris to have been a bit better made (lines, edges, case quality) but it also had a retail of about 2 grand where my Hammy (still got) retails for less than $500. :roll:
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Re: PRICING

FWIW -

I have done some additional research and I was off in my estimated pricing.

I'm being quoted $329 for the Hamilton (with brown leather strap) and $680 for the Oris (with black rubber strap) - both quotes are from ADs. I'll look at the used market too.

I handled the Hamilton yesterday, but I'm going to have to take a roadtrip to find the Oris.

Thanks for the input.
 
#18 ·
I've been through something similar to your dilemma recently. Here is my story:

Despite my sniping at the red rotor, I actually tried to buy an Oris recently. In photos, the dial does look a lot more refined. However, the closest dealer I could find was several hours away in a neighboring state. I wasn't overly impressed by my email/phone interactions with this jeweler. Aaannnddd, they didn't have the exact model I wanted in stock.

In contrast, there are multiple Hamilton dealers in my city. I visited my favorite several times, but always walked away feeling like it was too much of a compromise. The Hamiltons were solid; very, very solid. But nothing I was seeing was an exact match for the "slim-ish, non-quartz, gold" dress watch I was really trying to fill. (BTW, the Oris I was eyeing was an Artelier Date and the leading Hamilton was a plain Jazz Viewmatic--in either rose gold or SS.).

Ultimately, I decided that Oris was too "exclusive" for me. They were making me work too hard for it. But, the Hammy's weren't perfect either. So, I dug in and waited. After lots of research, I ended up with the following pair of watches for about the same price as a new Hammy.

Image


Sooo, I guess the moral of this story is ... no matter what you do, enjoy the process of the hunt. This is really one of the most rewarding aspects of the hobby. By working so hard for them, I appreciated them more, and I have nicer stories to tell about how they made their way into the fold.
 
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