Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38mm vs 42mm - Which is the best one for your wrist
Thinking about buying the Murph, but not sure which size fits you best? In this article we put both sizes side by side and help you decide which one will look (and feel) right on your wrist—grounded in simple, wrist-size specific guidance.
Side-by-Side Comparison

Khaki Field Murph Auto 38mm
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto 38mm is a compact field watch with a black dial and Hamilton H-10 automatic movement. At 38mm wide, 44.7mm lug-to-lug, and 11.1mm thick, it wears balanced and cuff-friendly. Best for wrists around 14–18cm; use our virtual try-on to confirm your fit before you buy.
- Case Size
- 38mm
- Thickness
- 11.1mm
- Lug-to-Lug
- 44.7mm
- Movement
- Hamilton H-10

Khaki Field Murph Auto 42mm
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto 42mm is a rugged field watch for daily wear. With a 42mm case, 52mm lug-to-lug, 11mm thickness, black dial, and H-10 automatic, it wears long but slim. Best for wrists 16–20cm; use virtual try-on to confirm fit and overhang.
- Case Size
- 42mm
- Thickness
- 11mm
- Lug-to-Lug
- 52mm
- Movement
- Hamilton H-10
Wrist-size guidance
TL;DR Sizing Cheat-Sheet
- 5.5"–6.25" wrists: 38mm (balanced, classic field-watch presence)
- 6.25"–7.25" wrists: Either (understated = 38, bolder = 42)
- 7.25"–8.25"+ wrists: 42mm (fills the wrist, more cinematic presence)
Quick rule: if you want a watch that disappears under a cuff, go 38mm. If you want a pilots watch vibe. In doubt smaller usually is better. Also important one big difference between 38mm an 42mm, is that only the 42mm has the morse code on the seconds hand, so its more truthful to the Interstellar movie version.
What Changes Besides Diameter?
“Eureka” Morse code on seconds hand, only available on the 42mm version.
- Morse code on seconds hand: Only the 42 mm version have that.
- Proportions & presence: The 38mm leans traditional and tidy; the 42mm reads bolder and more “hero shot.”
- Lug span & overhang: Smaller wrists benefit from the shorter lug-to-lug of the 38mm (less chance of overhang).
- Comfort & cuffability: The 38mm slips under sleeves easier; the 42mm is sportier and more visible.
- Strap versatility: Both take straps well; 38mm sings on slim leather/NATOs, 42mm loves thicker leather/canvas.
Which Is Best for 6-Inch Wrist?
Recommendation: 38mm Murph
- Why it works: On ~6" wrists, the 38mm centers nicely with no lug overhang, preserving the tidy field-watch silhouette.
- Look & feel: Elegant proportions and excellent daily comfort.
- When to still try 42mm: If you want a statement piece and don’t mind near edge-to-edge coverage—check the side profile for overhang first.
Styling tips for 6":
- Two-piece leather (brown/black) for a subtle cinematic nod.
- Slim NATOs (olive/khaki/charcoal) keep it purposeful without bulk.
Which Is Best for 7-Inch Wrist?
Recommendation: 38mm or 42mm (pick by personality)
- Neutral zone: A 7" wrist can comfortably wear both.
- Choose 38mm for classic proportions, easy cuff-fit, and a low-key vintage vibe.
- Choose 42mm for cinematic presence—the more on-screen “hero” feel.
Tiebreakers for 7":
- Wear fitted shirts a lot? 38mm.
- Prefer tees/hoodies and more presence? 42mm.
- Own many 40–41mm pieces already? 38mm adds variety.
Which Is Best for 8-Inch Wrist?
Recommendation: 42mm Murph
- Why it works: The 42mm fills space properly on larger wrists, keeping the dial legible and proportional.
- Presence: Bold without looking oversized; cathedral hands and numerals feel “right” at this scale.
Styling tips for 8":
- Thicker leather or canvas straps complement broader wrist real estate.
- Consider longer strap lengths for comfort and clean tail management.
Comfort, Wear, and Everyday Usability
- Weight & balance: Both are all-day wearable; the 38mm feels lighter/“forget-it’s-there,” the 42mm feels more substantial.
- Legibility: Both are excellent; the 42mm gives slightly quicker at-a-glance reads.
- Cuff compatibility: If you frequently wear fitted dress shirts, 38mm is safer.
Strap and Wardrobe Matching
- 38mm: Slim leather (vintage brown, distressed tan, black), single-pass or thin NATO; can dress up surprisingly well.
- 42mm: Padded leather, canvas, thicker NATOs; leans more tool-watch for casual wardrobes.
A 30-Second Fit Test (At Home)
- Place a ruler across the flat top of your wrist (bone to bone).
- If the flat area is < 50 mm, you’ll likely prefer the 38mm.
- If the flat area is ≥ 50 mm, the 42mm will sit naturally without lug overhang.
- Check straight-on and side profiles—no lug overhang, no wobble = good fit.
Final Recommendations by Wrist Size
- 5.5"–6.25": 38mm
- 6.25"–6.75": 38mm (or 42mm for bigger presence)
- 6.75"–7.25": Either (decide by style/cuff needs)
- 7.25"–8.25"+: 42mm
Wrap-Up
If you want classic, versatile, all-day comfort, go 38mm—especially for smaller to average wrists. If you want the bold, cinematic take—especially for medium-large wrists—go 42mm. Either way, you’re getting a modern classic that wears its field-watch roots proudly.
Side-by-Side Specs
Specification | Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto 38mm | Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Auto 42mm |
---|---|---|
Case Size | 38 | 42 |
Thickness | 11.1 | 11 |
Lug-to-Lug | 44.7 | 52 |
Lug Width | 20 | 22 |
Movement | Hamilton H-10 | Hamilton H-10 |
Power Reserve | 80 hours | 80 hours |
Dial Color | Black | Black |
Price | 950 | 1000 |