Addiesdive AD2048 Review – A Budget Hamilton Khaki Alternative Worth Wearing

I picked up the Addiesdive AD2048 because, at first glance, it looks almost exactly like the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic — a watch I both love and hate. The Khaki is supposed to be a rugged field watch, but the lack of a screw down crown has caused plenty of water-intrusion issues. Still, I’ve been wearing mine all summer and falling back in love with it.

That’s where the Addiesdive comes in. It isn’t pretending to be a fake, but it isn’t really a homage either. It’s basically a near-one-to-one field watch alternative, with a slightly busier dial and a different logo.

For around $60, you’re getting specs that are unheard of at this price point — sapphire, screw down crown, 200m of water resistance, and the reliable NH35 automatic. The big question is: can you get past the fact that it looks so close to the Hamilton? Make sure to read my Best Hamilton Khaki Alternatives Here.

Case and Specs

The case comes in at 39mm with a lug-to-lug of just under 48mm and a thickness of about 12mm. On the wrist, it feels lightweight at around 61g (without the bracelet), which makes it an easy daily wear. The case is fully brushed, which immediately sets it apart from the Hamilton Khaki that mixes polished and brushed finishing.

That difference makes the Addiesdive lean more toolish and utilitarian, while the Hamilton feels more refined and versatile — you can throw the Khaki on a leather strap and it becomes a dress watch. The Addiesdive never quite crosses into that territory, and that’s fine. It’s built as a field watch and it looks the part.

The screw down crown threads smoothly, the case back is solid, and the 200m water resistance gives you peace of mind. For the price, these specs are ridiculous. The crystal is flat sapphire — another win, since it cuts down reflections and keeps the profile slim and clean.

Dial and Lume

This is classic field watch DNA. You get the 12-hour scale on the outside, a 24-hour scale inside, and a framed date window at 3. The printing is sharp enough, though not as refined as the Hamilton. The dial sits a little deep under the bezel, which makes it feel busier, but not cluttered. The matte finish keeps it legible in all conditions, and the red-tipped seconds hand gives just enough pop.

The lume is another surprise. At this price you usually get weak, short-lived glow, but the AD2048 lights up evenly and lasts well into the night. It isn’t Seiko-grade torch lume, but it’s easily good enough for actual field use.

Bracelet and Comfort

Here’s where the budget shows. The bracelet has solid links and end links, which is impressive for the money, but it feels a little cheap and rattly. The clasp is milled and even has polished bevels, which is a nice touch, but I’m just not a bracelet guy.

The first link also sits a bit awkwardly bent inward, which looks off when it’s on the wrist. The good news is this watch works incredibly well on straps. NATO, leather, canvas — you name it, the AD2048 transforms with each swap and feels more comfortable off the bracelet anyway.

On wrist, the watch wears bigger than you’d expect for 39mm, thanks to the long lug-to-lug. Still, the lightweight build makes it easy to wear all day.

Movement

Inside is the Seiko NH35. It hacks, hand-winds, and has around 40 hours of power reserve. It isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable, easy to service, and exactly what you want in a daily beater. At this price, it’s hard to ask for anything else.

Hamilton vs. Addiesdive

Side by side, the Hamilton Khaki feels more refined. The mixed finishing, thinner case, and overall polish give it a versatility the Addiesdive can’t quite match. You can dress up the Khaki, while the Addiesdive always feels more rugged and utilitarian.

That said, the Addiesdive gives you way more features and specs above its price bracket when it comes to specs. It’s thicker, rougher, and less refined, but it has features the Khaki doesn’t — like that screw down crown and deeper water resistance.

The Hamilton is still the better watch, but the Addiesdive is the better value.

Final Verdict

So, should you spend your money on the Addiesdive AD2048? If you want the look of the Hamilton Khaki but aren’t ready to drop hundreds of dollars, this is the best budget field watch I’ve worn. It has real specs, not gimmicks, and while it doesn’t have the finishing of the Hamilton, it nails the tool watch vibe.

For $60, you’re getting sapphire, 200m water resistance, a screw down crown, solid lume, and the NH35. That’s crazy. It isn’t perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s rugged, affordable, and fun to wear. And let’s be honest — 99% of people you meet will have no idea it’s not the Hamilton.

This one’s a keeper in my book.