The 7 Best Field Watches

[@khairyalonto]

Gshock should now be standard issue for military. These mechanical / automatic field watches are beautiful but they’re not as tough as Casio Gshock.

[@seanthomxx2694]

They are for unit ls authorized to be issued such items.

[@F.haique]

Cheap with expensive toughness

[@solidus1995]

Sure but if the field gets hit by an emp the gshock will be useless

[@seanthomxx2694]

@DJJoeyEm any watch would be useless after EMP, but that would be the least of your worries on that situation

[@F.haique]

@@seanthomxx2694 ahhh i see

[@seanthomxx2694]

That Citizen is underrated. I went on deployment but accidentally left my daily (Seiko Astron) back home. My ship pulled into Sasebo and i went to the Navy Exchange to find this for around $80. This was back in 2012. I got Breitling, Christopher Wards, Frederique Constant,Tissots, and Seiko, but still find myelf wearing this more often than most of them

[@geometrist_]

Especially with the eco drive!

[@ivanbrownflower9828]

Yeah, I was considering the hamilton, but I'd just never feel comfortable actually taking a watch of that price out in 'field conditions'. The citizen has been on my wrist for months now, looks great and only cost £100.

[@MrSeedi76]

​​@@ivanbrownflower9828there was a time when you could find a Hamilton Khaki Field for about 170€ used. Sadly, no longer the case.

[@roadgent7921]

One of the best watches I've owned. 👍

[@timothyfoley3000]

Benrus DTU 2A . The original Vietnam era Military watch.

[@meilyrwilliams9280]

I’ve owned the Citizen watch in this review for 14 years. It still keeps perfect time. The power reserve isn’t as good as it used to be: I leave it on a windowsill to absorb sunlight each day, although it will last a few days in the dark. I swapped the strap immediately for a dark brown leather item, it’s on another (even better quality) identical one now. I bought it in 2009 when I finished college. I love it. I only wear two watches regularly; this one and a cheap Casio F-108W for work. I’m a welder, it gets abused! The Citizen just feels and looks like a watch 5 times its’ price. The lume is great too. I still want to own the Hamilton in this review one day though…..

[@pentachronic]

FYI, Citizen can replace the battery and reseal it at their service centres.

[@meilyrwilliams9280]

⁠@@pentachronicthanks, I spoke to someone in a citizen dealer a while ago. Once the power reserve becomes a bigger issue I’ll get it sorted out.

[@Jeff-ne1lh]

I have my Timex expedition since 1998 it still keeps perfect time and I'm always getting complements' on it

[@RedwoodAggie]

That was an excellent list. I particularly enjoyed the honorable mentions as well. Speaking of the Alpinist, the "Baby Alpinist" 38mm models SPB155, SPB157, and SPB159 are particular nice pieces and also skip the sometimes divisive cyclops.

[@gyges5495]

Great video - I agree that G Shock should be in there for sure, especially the GA-2100 casioak

[@bestboy897]

that weiss is phenomenal

[@shawnvegavelez121]

Excellent video! All the pieces look and sound like winners. The Nodus Sector Redwood really stood out for me

[@xeticus5435]

Wow, that Nodus looks great.

[@ruperttmls7985]

Quite expensive

[@spikefcast1892]

The details of the dial is far above the others and alone justify this price

[@RagnarHoff]

Since you brought Tudor and Omega prices into the mix i have 2 others that comes to mind. Damasko's DK30 and DK36. Also Sinn 856. They are the essential field watches. Sinn 856 has all the Sinn tech with tegimented steel, magnetic resistance to 80.000 a/m, Ar-Dehumidifying Technology. Everything you can ask for really in a field watch. The 2 Damasko's is the same minus the Ar-Dehumidifying Technology, but they have the edge over sinn in terms of the movement. They took an Eta and modified it to decrease friction and some components in the movement is hardened as well to withstand abuse. I believe they use a silicone spring as well, but not sure which of the current models that had it.

[@briggm]

When he said that the Marathon watch can stand up to shocks, for a second there I thought he said sharks. I was thinking, 'damn, that's one tough field watch'.

[@adudas5735]

Damn, shark was the reason for me to go for the marathon

[@04laurixio]

I bought that Seiko SPB117J1 for just under 500€ and I've loved it! Great watch!

[@TheSuperlativecritic]

Smiths PRS-29A - antimagnetic core, sapphire crystal, 100m, small and slim, and handwound. Beiing handwound, there's no rotor to constantly strain the movement and increase the wear and tear on the gears - perfect for rigorous field activities. Also has official NATO markings and a real heritage based on the Smiths W10 issued to British infantry.

[@Bhethar]

Timor is quite the watch! I am intrigued now!

[@speaklowww5747]

that seiko does look good

[@pedrothevenard]

I love my Seiko SNZG13, I also have an 8 inch wrist and I'm pretty strong built rugby player guy, and I just like to wear bigger watches, the 42mm works just fine, I sometimes wish it was 43,5mm or something like that, but 42 works fine since it has no bezel and it is around 12mm thick with decent l2l. I love almost every watch in the list, but they look tiny to me when I try it, I know it is personal taste, and if you have 8 inch wrist and like wearing 36mm great for you, you'll have far more lovely options, but it just looks off to me unfortunately.

[@RobinsWatchJourney]

Nice list and informative video. I have owned 4 of the watches mentioned and your description of each was right on point.

[@ouwle6618]

Just ordered the Expedition North Field Solar 36mm with the black textured dial and i'm so excited to get it!!! Perfect for my small wrist and screw down case back & crown, 100m water resist, luminescent hands/dial markings, eco strap, great dial, anti-reflective sapphire glas and solar powered with 4 month power reserve at full charge. What more do you need??

[@vincent67239]

That denim dial Omega Railmaster is a banger

[@whereRbearsTeeth]

Banger??

[@magnanova]

The Seiko SSC081 is a gorgeous field watch if you can find one. Solar, chronograph, mecha-quartz & dual time with a domed hardlex crystal.

[@Spurdospaerde692]

I think that's a too complicated watch with a too busy dial to qualify as a field watch.

[@dariostabletopminatures]

Love The Garrison! Thank you!

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Huge fan of field watches. I bought an Omega Railmaster and haven’t purchased another one since.

[@FredHenry1850]

I wore the Citizen field watch everyday for three years. I was surprised how small it was, which is the reason ultimately why I stopped wearing it. If it was a couple mm larger, I would have worn it until I died. Apart from the size, it was a phenomenal watch. It has great lum on it. Even at its small size I never had difficulty reading the time in dark environments. I prefer watches around 40mm give or take a couple mm in either direction. The Citizen field watch sat just outside that range on the small side. I still have it. It is keeping perfect time as I write this.

[@Agant.]

If you would have to do this video again, would you add Boldr watches? (I have the Venture in my head) It was tough for me to choose a watch that fit my small wrist, and have a nice "field spirit" to it.

[@ProviantoWibowo]

right now, I have a solar powered Seiko SNE095 attached to my wrist yeah, it's not as expensive as the Seiko Alpinist, but its specifications are roughly equivalent to the Citizen BM8180 I've been wearing it for daily use for the last 10 years, and it keeps time perfectly

[@tk423b]

Finally a reviewer with my wrist size.

[@cartesian_doubt6230]

Wild that you don't have marathon on this list.

[@regalmedia9487]

bro your channel name is super awesome. subscribed without even watching the video just for the name. haha

[@bestboy897]

the seiko 5 military watch should have been here

[@timclifton5951]

I havee the citizen promaster super tough ray mears , BN0118-55e (titanium). I ordered from the UK since citizen doesn’t sell it here in the U.S. I love it.

[@derekcrymble9085]

I love my Tag , Targa Florio . Issued by the Mercedes Racing Team , in the mid 50s to their driver Juan Manual Fangio .

[@robcameron9351]

The case on the Nodus is super interesting

[@williamjc7195]

I have the Citizen Eco-Drive. Nice watch. And as it's a non-bracelet watch, I change the 'look' of the watch by swapping the strap with a nato/zulu strap from my strap collection. I usually don't change bracelets because I buy bracelet watches for the look of the watch with that specific bracelet. I have 4 Citizens in my collection, and like them all; no problems and good time keeping, good value.

[@kubipro5880]

Fossil defender really cool watch.

[@AliasHSW]

The khaki is no doubt one of the most photogenic watches out there and looks gorgeous when someone is sporting it in the wild - however I haven’t been able to pull the trigger on one because it doesn’t sing to me when I try it on at the AD. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Perhaps it has store’s lightings 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@ah-sf8kp]

Wooow the redwood nodus is a defo buy one day

[@snapfitness1]

Agree with a few but not all.

[@i_read_bad_reviews]

ima have to take a look at nodus .

[@dickb2128]

I love looking at these watches and I will spend a few bucks soon on one or more of them. My only negative about this video is that the narrator speaks too fast and is very hard to understand all of what is being said. Otherwise, thanks for introducing watch brands that are new to me.

[@PixelPatience]

Anybody have recommendations for a quieter or silent watch?

[@LOCO1LUCAS]

Beautiful selection

[@HansZarkovPhD]

I have a hamilton khaki titanium i really like. Power reserve is outstanding.

[@crux314]

Thanks for sharing. You got it wrong about the Marathon; it is rated to 3 atm (30m). Biggest quirk of it.

[@thebestoffools]

The Seiko Prospect sure makes a great war prize for the enemy that kills you on the battlefield! 😂😅

[@Robin6512]

Gshock with touch solar but with Safire glass would be my watch to go.

[@Hitithardify]

So the GWG2000 Mudmaster. Costs $800

[@roadgent7921]

MWC do two Dirty Dozen watches using Vh60 (sweep sec hand) and VD78 movements. Very good watches. I have both. A bit pricey but quality nonetheless. 👌

[@americanpaisareturns9051]

Victorinox Field Force Chronograph 241857 is the only field watch I’ll ever need.

[@sebastianwar7936]

Bertucci - you can"t not mentioned them if you are talking about field watch

[@samzerafa3185]

Can't understand why you've left out CWC G10s , ? Proven watches with miltary pedigree and excellent reliability. I have the Marathon and the Citizen along with a Seiko SNK381 but tge CWC G10s are far superior in build quality. I also have one of the first 100 issued 1980s G10 Fat Boy and its still working testament to the Swiss build quality

[@Anirossa]

A little hard not to giggle when talking about humidity resistance holding a Hamilton 😂😊

[@juder9434]

yeah it's bullshit. I had to have mine repaired because the inside rusted from water damage. it's a failure as a field watch

[@MrSeedi76]

The problem is the handwinding. Puts more wear on the gasket.

[@Anirossa]

No matter what it is, if they can't figure it out like everyone else, then maybe they should go make something else that they can figure out how to do right :p @@MrSeedi76

[@pb6839]

The prospex Alpinist is my daily

[@DanBollendorf]

How is the band on the Timex? It's actually my favorite looking of these watches but the reviews on Amazon talk about the holes in the band elongating and it needing a better band.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

I can't believe you didn't include the recent Patek field watch.

[@Jelloc]

nobody can afford a Patek so it would be pretty pointless

[@henryrweir]

What is your point?

[@Hiconsumption]

The Calatrava 5226G is a beautiful watch, but the ~$40,000 price point is why we didn’t include it here.

[@JandonGames]

You should review *Seiko 5 SRPH29K1* (my watch) or the black version (SRPH33K1). Oh my gosh they are so charming. Simple, elegant, a field watch you don't want to miss.

[@ChUcK2001]

I can't find the Timex Nort field green with the black date. It seems the date is white on Timex website. What is the model number in your review ?

[@marcushd5776]

Ray mears titanium tough solar (uk only)🎉

[@brocklanders6969]

My field watch is the Seiko SBTM313 (JDM). Solar quartz, sapphire, perpetual calendar. $300.

[@Person-di4fc]

we need the seiko srpg31 in this series

[@Raduldo]

Why do they need to be so small? Would love a field watch at 42mm, especially that Citizen and Alpinist.

[@eazyt84]

IN 42mm there is the Citizen BM8476-23EE and brothers

[@kenwhitman1055]

Citizens solar field watch with date is the winner, thought the g shock series takes most (field) to the wood shed, I’m a watch HO, several Rolexs I rarely wear. Armageddon: solar watches with compass barometer tide altitude and altimeter G shock

[@Alectrizo]

You forgot the Lum-Tec series.

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Any Timex north expedition

[@greenerick]

That's not that good

[@F-Tier_Physique]

@@greenerick Depends. Readable + good value + decent durability. Is that not what makes a good fieldwatch? Its not a modern Rolex Explorer, but it does the job of a fieldwatch well.

[@MrSeedi76]

The only issue with the Timex Expedition North is the weak lume. The rest is pretty good. Seiko/Epson solar movement - I have more than one and they all keep great time. Better than most of my Casio watches.

[@jonilfc446]

Field watch is the best 👍

[@maxcontax]

Form must follow function, and if truly- you are in the field, the watch needs dependability. In my youth I was a prospector and would go into the field for months. Analog face watches, which hand wound, were everywhere because they worked in harsh conditions. They were not expensive because we had not discovered a gold mine yet. So my checklist on a Field watch isa bit harsh: 1. No batteries, they quit, cannot stand -30c,and when you replace them ,often the gasket is ruined and they are not waterproof, also they will fog up and quit in high humidity. 2. The face must be easily read day or night, high contrast, second sweep hand, no extras. 3. They must keep time. You don’t have a time check often to reset a watch that’s off, although 10 minutes a month is not big deal. 4. The strap must pass through both pins. If it gets hit or scraped, you will lose it if one pin breaks otherwise. It must not be metal, which can affect your hand compass, and are cold in winter. 5. The stem must screw in to prevent it from snagging on a packsack strap and breaking. 6. Mechanical or robust automatic movements, Only. If the field watch does not have these features I would pass. My current watch is a Hamilton Field, large size. The extra diameter is in the road sometimes but it is easy to turn into an emergency compass using 12 and the hour hand.

[@HotZTrain]

There are some nice Seiko railroad watches.

[@dashdigital5869]

what kind of solution can i use to clean and polish my watch?

[@aseemarora4668]

Nothing beats a Gshock. On field you want a watch that doesn’t crack.

[@Vincent13997]

Timex was sold in the PX in the early 80’s and most of my grunt buddies had them. The G-Shock was $300 when it came out in 1983 which almost a months pay for me. The original G-Shock was nice, but a light on a digital watch would get your ass kicked if used at night during an op. And with today’s night vision goggles, you can see that G-Shock light from two miles away. Now, I do have a Suunto and Garmin Fenix where I can change the light color for night vision goggles. Pretty cool but fantasy when I joined the Army. To be safe, automatic is the way to go.

[@srikanthadidamvenkata7422]

Love how I can afford these please don’t go high end

[@andrewallen9993]

No Vostok genuine field watch? As used by the Russian army to this day?

[@f.b.i9572]

Shouldn't Gshock also be here..?

[@xgford94]

@@Ktrb What an absolute load. Hamilton and Timex (Waterbury) are VETERANS of Two World Wars as well as Korea and Vietnam. Do some research before you flap your fingers. Marathon may well be a great watch, a Veteran and is the current supplier ( read lowest bid) . But let’s face it Most Soldiers wear G-Shocks these days. P.S. all of these 7 would easily pass MilSpec A11

[@JudoP_slinging]

Depends on your definition of field watch. Most consider it a more classic utilitarian military look and analogue layout.

[@Hiconsumption]

Love G-SHOCK, and you can’t ever go wrong with one! We stuck to analog picks for this guide.

[@MrBacchus18]

@@Ktrb let’s give Hamilton it’s due respect

[@MrBacchus18]

@@Ktrb Becsuse of the history the Hamilton is exactly what I picture a military use watch. 50m is a bit low but useable.

[@leoberg2390]

I wish the citizen was no date

[@AliasHSW]

The Weiss is a gorgeous watch. I spotted one in the wild and the dude let me tried it on when I said: Hey - excuse me - is that a Weiss? WIS recognize WIS! ✌🏼

[@choond]

Nice video

[@Braun30]

I'll stay with my 1951 Seamaster. Simple, durable and elegant.

[@stevehuffman7453]

one question: how can you STAND to wear the watch on your left, having the crown dig into your hand everytime you bend your wrist?!? I only have one modern "field watch": Casio FT-500W Forester. After 9 years I have had to replace the batteries once. It is due for a new strap. The original green nylon and black faux leather is looking a bit ratty at the "leather". I am also not all that fond of the velcro closure, although admittedly it has never given me any problems. As for accuracy, it MIGHT gain or lose a couple seconds every couple months. Not enough to worry about in retired civilian life ... or most civilian occupations.

[@GK-qc5ry]

I know this is an old watch but the Seiko 807/809?

[@warrenbeer2737]

No love for the Boldr Venture?

[@Hiconsumption]

It’s a solid watch! And it did make an appearance in our longer editorial guide on the website.

[@fwiffo]

Why are there field watches without numbers? Large, legible, high-contrast, sans-serif numerals are one of the essential aesthetic and functional requirements of the military watches upon which they are based. Remove the numbers and it doesn't even look like a field watch at all, and it's no longer easy to read in a low-visibility environment. Like, I just got a Seiko SPB289. Beautiful watch. Love it. But how is it categorized as a field watch? The only thing it has in common with a field watch is hacking seconds. Larger size? Sure, fashion has changed since WWII and larger is more readable anyway. Different colors? I guess, as long as it's readable and maintains the aesthetic. Bracelet? As long as it's durable, and you can always replace it with a NATO if you want. Removing the 24-hour numerals? Sure, less clutter, and the original A-11 watches didn't have them anyway. But removing the numbers entirely?

[@TomPlantagenet]

Check out the Wasson Automatic Field Watch!

[@georgecchouchlias2965]

Την πρώτα φορα το lens έδειξε τα στοιχεία του SSCT81P1 σήμερα όχι μα διπλό δίκτυο έχω η παγιδεύτηκαν μεσα σε αυτο,

[@tyarnold4088]

HAMILTON is king in field watches. For several reasons.

[@mixodorians12]

Well it isn't water resistance, or a screw down crown.

[@richardkent2200]

What about Elliot Brown

[@stavrique]

What about Lorus ?

[@northcountryflyfishing960]

Timor Heritage - 50m water resistance suitable for diving? What?🤔

[@theshadow1812]

Nivada Super Antarctic should be in this list!

[@JinKee]

No love for the Marathon GPM?

[@tlookste]

what about the bulova hack?

[@erdnadre7566]

cool video

[@casualsuede]

At this point, field watches are a fashion style than a real tool. That first Timex is a clear example. The grayish markers and arabics are hard to read in low light. It could be forgivable if it had timex's indiglo, but it doesn't even have that. The timex also has crown guards and a small crown, making it difficult to use with gloves. At least it doesn't use timex's cost saving brass case. And watches without Arabic markers and shiny metal bracelets? Sorry, I don't see those as field watches but more like sport watches.

[@jamesdc9595]

What, no Sangin Overlord?

[@stevestevensky]

Apparently you've never heard of Luminox? One of the leaders in the field watch category.

[@kubipro5880]

I dont have the seiko alpinist only the alpinist best field watch and casually.

[@szalaierik]

Nice watches and nice muscular arm :D :D I use a ChrisWard Sealander as my field watch and love it. Smashed against concrete twice already when we where moving and not a scratch (on the chrystal)

[@igorr.5500]

You forgot the german Brand khs

[@johnvelas70]

I had an issue Hamilton kept 32 seconds a year for 29 years. Got blown up. I have a quartz CWC kept 92 secs a year. Died no explanation after 12 years

[@vianouche1]

Where is the Explorer ?

[@hangman2513]

What size is your wrist in inches?

[@Hiconsumption]

Wrist size is about 7.75” 👍

[@jordongrant2782]

Bulova??????

[@davidoff702]

Nothing about Bulova Hack? It was the first field watch produced following the MIL-W-3818A specifications. Even before the Hamilton Khaki.

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Imagine a rubber outer case around some of these watches. Similar to a G-Shock. Wouldn't cost too much to make. But then again, a person could just get the G-Shock and not mess with the extra hassle. Casioak comes to mind if you like hour and minute hands. Plain and simple to read at a glance.