I would never buy a 38mm watch but on paper a lug to lug that long on such a small watch is insane.

 

I had to unload my Murph for this very reason. At least my books are staying on the bookshelf now, though.

 

Yes. Wait till you see what Longines is doing. They have super long lugs too. I think lugs that are too long just ruin the overall symmetry. That is a deal breaker for me.

 

I wanted this at 40mm I thought it would look good on my wrist, then I saw the 53mm lug to lug. So ridiculous to make such a neat watch in a decent size then make it unwearable.

 

Sold my khaki mechanical because of the lug length.
Thinking of getting a new Benrus instead.

 

I like the lug length. I think it gives the Khaki Field a unique look and character. However, I guess it could be a problem if you have a smaller wrist.

I don't think Hamilton will change it as it is part of the same design they have used for 50 years or more.

 

I agree it is a bit too long and would like to see it shorter. With that said, I love my 38mm Khaki Field and wear it regularly.

 

I’ve had quite a few Hamilton Khaki Field watches that were all 38mm except for 1 40mm quartz. The long lug to lug specifically on the 38mm never bothered me. But I do agree it’s unnecessarily long.

For most watches, I think 3-4mm lugs on either side of the case should be enough. Example: 38mm watch with 46 L2L, or 40mm watch with 48 L2L.

 

They still have a ways to go to catch Nomos.......

 

Do you think Hamilton should change that in the future? No.
Do you think they will? No.

 

I owned one of those about 5 years ago for 1 day. I put it up for sale specifically because of the lugs, which I don't think would be as obvious if the lug holes were closer to the case.

 

Nomos in that regard is a joke. Such beautiful watches ruined by totally insane and asymmetrical lug to lug. However as long as they are happy with the sales none gives a sh*t about what we think and say here...

 

I think they should shorten it. But as others have said I think it's a bigger problem with Nomos. Hamiltons look great on NATO straps, which help downplay the lug length. If I bought a Nomos I would want to wear it on a two-piece, and the lugs are just too big for that.

 

The KFA 38 and KFM 38 have the same lug lengths, but the KFA fits by wrist a lot better. The difference is that the KFA's lugs are more tapered, and the drill holes are closer to the main body. Having said that, I wouldn't mind if the lugs were a mm or so shorter.

 

Are they ? My 38 KFA and KFM lugs seem way different. My auto lugs seem shorter side by side.

 

I agree the lugs are generally longer than other brands, but I wouldn’t say “too long”. It just means a smaller diameter Hamilton will probably fit better. Just like the short lugs on an SKX allow a 42.5mm case to work on almost any wrist. Please see the indisputable proof below.

 

It's because they scaled up a 35mm (34mm?) watch and didn't re-proportion the ratios as well, it's one reason Rolex's have lost the nice look they once had etc.

 

Do you think Hamilton should change that in the future? do you think they will?

No, and no.

It's in the DNA of the watch design; it's how they are. Lots of alternatives are available with shorter lugs.

As above, casual buyers who don't like the authenticity of the long lugs can buy the slightly shoter automatic.

 

I can live with it as I don't really notice it much when wearing my PVD Khaki Field Mechanical, but if given the choice I'd prefer to see them 44-46mm.

 

I personally don’t buy any watch with a lug to lug over 47 as a rule, but highly prefer wearable ones, under 44-45. The whole “they have to stay true to their design” arguments are flawed by the fact that the size has drastically increased.

 

That’s why this is the best.

 

When I was thinking about purchasing the Khaki Field Mechanical, two things worried me: 1) the lug-to-lug length and 2) the lack of AR. But I pulled the trigger anyway. I've worn the watch for a month, and these things don't bother me anymore.

The lugs look perfect to me, especially on a NATO. Because of the very large crown, the watch would look strange with shorter lugs. The extended lugs have the effect of balancing out the overall design. Personally, I wouldn't change it.

As for the lack of AR, again, I wonder why I worried. Is the watch very reflective? Yes. Has it ever stopped me from instantly telling the time? No. Would I prefer some AR coating? No. I enjoy the pure sapphire crystal, which is exceptionally clear from every angle, thanks to the double dome.

 

When I check lug to lug on my Khaki King I find that the distance between one spring bar to the other spring bar is no more than what would be considered normal.
However, the lug tip does extend past the spring bar hole a little too much which makes it appear that the overall lug tip to lug tip is too long.

 

I changed the strap on my KFM to leather but couldn't deal with the gap between the springbar and the case so I put it back on the nato and that's how it will stay forever.

 

That's a major reason I don't like the manual wind Khaki. The Automatic Khaki does not have this problem.

 

Older thread but interesting discussion. Murph and Expedition both have short L2L. I think they are taking notes.

 

Do you (or does anyone) know the L2L length of the 38 Murph?

 

Yep

Do you (or does anyone) know the L2L length of the 38 Murph?

44.7mm

Yep, Murph 38mm with 44,7mm lug to lug and Expedition 37mm with 44mm lug to lug. Compact and comfortable.