There are some watches that become instantly recognisable. The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph is one of them.
Originally introduced as part of Hamilton’s connection with Interstellar, the Murph has become one of the brand’s most distinctive modern watches. Now, Hamilton has given the best-selling 38mm version a new look, pairing its familiar design with a striking blue-to-black gradient dial and stainless steel bracelet.
The result is a watch that feels familiar, but noticeably more contemporary.
From American Roots to Swiss Watchmaking
Hamilton’s story began in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where the brand quickly built a reputation for producing precise and reliable timepieces.
Today, Hamilton is based in Bienne, Switzerland, bringing together its American heritage with Swiss watchmaking expertise. Over the years, the brand has become known for watches that combine strong design with genuine practicality, from military-inspired field watches to pieces that have appeared on the big screen.
That connection with Hollywood is particularly important to the Murph.
Hamilton watches have appeared in films for decades, including Blue Hawaii with Elvis Presley. But it was Hamilton’s role in Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar that would inspire one of its most recognisable modern watches.
The Watch Behind the Murph
In Interstellar, the Hamilton watch worn by Murphy Cooper plays an important role in the story.
The original film watch became known simply as the “Murph”, and Hamilton later created a production version inspired by it. The 38mm Murph quickly became a favourite among Hamilton collectors and fans of the film.
What makes the design so appealing is that it doesn’t rely on the cinematic connection alone. Even without knowing the story behind it, the Murph is a beautifully balanced field watch with classic proportions and distinctive detailing.
This latest version keeps those recognisable elements while introducing a completely new dial.
A Dial Inspired by Deep Space
The first thing you’ll notice is the colour.
Instead of the classic black dial found on the original Murph, this new version features a dramatic blue-to-black gradient. The blue is strongest towards the centre before gradually becoming darker as it reaches the outer edge.
Hamilton says the design was inspired by an interstellar comet, with the luminous blue centre representing the glow of ionised gases in space before fading into the darkness of the surrounding void.
It’s a subtle reference, but one that fits the Murph perfectly.
Look a little closer and you’ll also notice the grained texture across the dial. Inspired by stardust, it gives the surface an extra layer of depth, particularly when the light catches it.
Rather than being a simple blue dial, there is a lot more going on beneath the surface.
The Details That Make It a Murph
Despite the new colour, Hamilton hasn’t changed the details that make the Murph so recognisable. The slightly domed numerals and cathedral-shaped hands remain, giving the watch its distinctive vintage-inspired appearance.
These details work particularly well against the new gradient dial. The traditional design keeps the watch feeling connected to its original inspiration, while the blue and black colouring gives it a much more modern personality.
It’s a great example of how a small change can completely transform the character of a familiar watch.
38mm: A Classic Size
The watch retains its 38mm stainless steel case, which has become one of the reasons the Murph is so easy to wear. It’s large enough to have presence on the wrist, but compact enough to feel comfortable throughout the day. The proportions also suit the field-watch design, keeping the overall look balanced rather than oversized.
The stainless steel construction adds to its versatility, making this a watch that can work just as well with casual clothing as it can with something smarter. And for this new version, Hamilton has paired the case with a matching stainless steel bracelet.
The bracelet gives the Murph a more contemporary feel than the traditional leather-strap versions, while also making it particularly easy to wear as an everyday watch.
An Automatic Movement With an 80-Hour Power Reserve
Inside the watch is Hamilton’s H-10 automatic movement. As an automatic mechanical movement, it uses the movement of your wrist to help keep the watch wound, meaning there is no battery to replace. But one of the most useful features is its 80-hour power reserve.
That means if you take the watch off on Friday evening, it can continue running well into Monday before needing to be wound or worn again. It’s a feature that makes the Murph particularly practical for everyday wear, especially if you like to rotate between several watches in your collection.
Built for Everyday Wear
The Murph may have a cinematic story behind it, but it has been designed to be much more than a collector’s piece.
The 38mm stainless steel case is paired with sapphire crystal, which offers excellent scratch resistance and helps protect the dial from the knocks and marks that can come with everyday wear.
There’s also 100 metres of water resistance, giving the watch plenty of practicality for everyday activities and swimming.
So while the design might be inspired by a story set among the stars, this is a watch that is perfectly at home back on Earth.
A New Chapter for the Murph
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph has always had something that makes it stand out. Part of that comes from its connection to Interstellar. Part comes from Hamilton’s long history of producing distinctive, functional watches. And part comes from the simplicity of the design itself.
This new 38mm version adds another layer to that story.
The blue-to-black gradient dial brings a sense of depth and modernity, while the stardust-inspired texture and familiar Murph details keep it connected to the watch that collectors already know. Paired with a stainless steel bracelet, it feels like a natural evolution of the original rather than a complete departure.
For anyone who loves the story behind the Murph, it’s a fresh take on a familiar favourite. And for anyone discovering the watch for the first time, it offers a combination of cinematic history, Swiss watchmaking and everyday versatility in one very distinctive package.
The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Automatic 38mm Blue Gradient is available at First Class Watches.
