Wristwatch Shootout: Three Solar Japanese Field Watches

I love Japanese watches, solar quartz, and field watches. So I bought a bunch to compare!
How do the Seiko SNE471P1, Citizen BM7390-14E, and Casio MTP-S120L-3AV compare? Which is your favorite?
In my haste to keep this under 10 minutes I forgot to show the Citizen and Casio lume or wrist shot! Anyhoo, the Citizen only has lume on the hands, as does the Casio, though the Casio has a teeny tiny amount of lume on the seconds hand.
Note that all three have different colorways out there. So dig around for them if you like the style but want a different flavor!

[@aneas7]

Came in specifically for the Casio’s dimensions lol 😅

[@DanRC69]

That Casio looks superb, easily the best looking of the 3.

[@chriskelly509]

Especially being solar

[@markhansen8078]

I went with the Casio solar field watch. I am wearing it now. It is presently my go-to every day watch. It is easy to read, day/date function, maintenance free, reliable and accurate. I also acquired an after market band. I have a larger wrist and needed a longer band. I would not hesitate to recommend this watch. TY MH

[@jeffreylebowski1240]

How has the Casio been holding up? I’m a Casio guy and torn between the Citizen and the Casio.

[@markhansen8078]

@@jeffreylebowski1240 Very good. My only issue was the original wrist band we too small. I replaced it with a bigger band. It has performed flawlessly.

[@jeffreylebowski1240]

@@markhansen8078 I ended up ordering the Casio. Just got delivered about 6 days ago and man I couldn’t be happier! I replaced the band too as it was pretty small for me as well. I went with a khaki canvas band for now and am waiting on a grey/herringbone nato and a leather band as well.

[@bvhomestead3361]

​@@jeffreylebowski1240does it have Lume on the hands or numbers? I need a watch I can read at night

[@John-fy7hx]

I like the simplicity and clean look of the casio

[@im-oc4jr]

Thanks for the video. I considered those 3 for my solar field watch and ended up with Casio. Date and time more visible compared to Citizen. Citizen looked unnecessary complicated in my opinion for a field watch and date is very small. Seiko is good but numbers too big for my taste. Also the watch is a bit bigger. Casio has a green second hand which helps with quick arm location identification. Minute and hour arm are white and can be identified quickly at dark but I wish they were as large as one on Seiko. For Seiko I stick with my SKX009 automatic. I like Citizen eco movement but I do not understand why they make so small date numbers.

[@grahamarcher2729]

Thanks for sharing you video! Three nice watches. I'm a big fan of field watches too. I wish that Seiko came in a smaller size! Regards from the UK!

[@TheCK84Project]

I have the same casio, I just wish it had loom at the hour markers, the factory strap that came with was not very good and I replaced it after several days. Those are the only two issues I have with the watch

[@jackochainsaw]

That Citizen really stood out. I often find field watches a little plain, I know that's the point, but that Citizen looked good. The Casio was pretty classy too. Your strap choices were great on all three.

[@Jeet-_-]

Loved all three

[@Matt_Barnes]

This is a real squint-worthy shootout! The Seiko's simplicity with that discreet coin edge bezel as a small accent is so tempting. Always a fan of Citizen's eco-drive movements (and type B field watches) and you're right -- the domed crystal is just right. And I'm very pleasantly surprised by the Casio, definitely a watch I'd be proud to give (and receive 😁) as a gift, as I can see it fitting nicely on my dad's wrist. Great video, you got me saving these model numbers for later!

[@lookatwrist]

I'd rank them Casio, then Citizen, then the Seiko. But if the Seiko were 38mm it would be #1. The coin edge bezel looks great against the dial.

[@roastbeefy0weefy]

That Citizen is sick. Love the look but the fixed compass seems hard to defend

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

I'm also a fan of quartz watches, especially solar as field watches. So grab and go, durable, accurate and priced where they are replaceable if they get damaged. I'm a big fan of the citizen titanium tough watches for field use, or a 5610 G-shock.

[@Harold710]

I wear a Citizen day/date but my favorite one is the Omega speedmaster automatic-date, black dial steel body

[@RampartPh]

i have a solar alba field watch paired w/ a distressed leather nato strap. surprisingly, it gets some compliments.

[@sn5669]

Hi I just came across with your video. Nice comparison and a good surprise to see the Seiko SUS reissue appearing in the video. I used to have the Casio OV-100D-1AJF, a solar powered field watch taht looks like the Hamilton Khaki field mechanical but with screw down crown for 100 m water resistance and a case diameter of 36 mm. I still sometimes wonder why I sold it but probably to fund another watch. I totally agree that field watch, analogue one in particular, should be small and unobtrusive.

[@TheDenzel2012]

Nice! The Pulsar PX3221X1 is my favourite one but not any longer in production 😕.

[@WATCH-4U]

late to this but wow the seiko n casio are fantasic offerings...

[@TheWtfnonamez]

I need to stop watching videos like this because I will end up as a watch collector. Great perspective all round. I just bought a Seiko SNK809 and I am very happy with it, but you are almost tempting me to buy another field watch. I only have two arms.... I dont need three watches. Well done.

[@lookatwrist]

Yes if it helps I no longer have any of these watches. I only need one good field watch. Keep the Seiko if you like it. I found a different Seiko field watch that I wound up sticking with.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

@@lookatwrist Thank you brother. I appreciate the insights.

[@vladspb_]

My solar Citizen stopped working after about 2 years. They said that solar element needed to be changed and it would cost about $70. Ok, I understand that, but it was just too early, Usually, it needs to be changed after about 10 years any way, according to them. In this case, I prefer just a battery that I can change by myself. See my point?

[@edwardfletcher7790]

They aren't replacing the "solar element" Vlad, they're replacing the rechargable battery. You've hit on the exact reason I've hated these solar/kinetic watches since day one ! They're designed purely to keep watch retailers profitable ! Give me a Casio "10yr battery" model and a 50c CR 2025/16 any day ! What was your warrantee ??

[@vladspb_]

@@edwardfletcher7790 my warranty was either one or two years. I don't remember. They told me that it was "solar element", but, yes, actually the meant my battery. They also said that my capacitor might be bad and in this case they would charge even more. In my opinion, the simpler - the better

[@P_Ezi]

I will never buy another quartz watch unless it is solar. I have had very good results with both Casio and Citizen solar watches, with several models still working well past 15 years. One of those being an analog chronograph that would have chewed through several battery replacements with all the features actually being used. I have also bought a couple of second hand solar (Eco drive) Citizens that are about 35 years old that are still functioning.

[@vladspb_]

@@P_Ezi one of my 10 year battery watch still runs on the original battery after almost 14 years

[@normanhunter7]

Also a big fan of Japanese solar quartz, I have the Casio one in this video, the other variant with the dark strap and red arrow tip on the second hand, and a Citizen BM8180-03E, two great watches and super time keepers. My wife bought me a Citizen Eco Drive, a black dress watch 16 years ago and still going strong which prompted me to go solar quartz again.

[@lookatwrist]

The BM8180 is such a classic - I have a video on the Railroad Approved version a few vids back. I wanted all three vids here to be watches that you don't see people talk about that much. I think I too preferred the Casio.

[@pupportemomote4939]

Which do you prefer more? Citizen BM8180 vs Casio MTPS120L? Aside from straps.

[@normanhunter7]

@@pupportemomote4939 I think the Casio as it has a nicer handset and face

[@rabadabadoo491]

All look good to me, just snagged the casio overland

[@user-yn6xc7zz5z]

Все представленные часы достойны внимания и своих покупателей.Просто универсальные часы.РЕСПЕКТ компании "Саsio".

[@skorpain]

Мені однозначно більше подобаються Casio, дякую вам за огляд❤

[@adsagp]

Good video! For me the Casio wins the day as it is my favourite watch brand

[@lookatwrist]

Mine too!

[@natesportsfanatic4670]

i love the topic of this video iv been on the hunt for a solar day date field watch with 24 hr markers but i havent found one with a sapphire crystal

[@lookatwrist]

Let me know if you do. I really like the Citizen tough line, which is basically a super durable field watch, there are some 38mm variants and they all have sapphire. But they are just date.

[@natesportsfanatic4670]

@@lookatwrist I can't find one that's got day date sapphire and 100m of water with 24 hour markers

[@CatGPT_]

What model is that zuludiver strap on the citizen? Love the pattern. Can't seem to find it on the website.

[@lookatwrist]

That was a long time ago. I dug through email but couldn't find a name. I think it was something they had on clearance, sorry.

[@JulianM_Col]

New subscriber here, your videos are really interesting and well made, and your taste for watches is very similar to mine. Congrats on the seiko metronome video, you really hit one out of the park there, and will give you a well deserved visibility. I have been tempted by the mtps120 for a while, now I want it even more. Can you please measure the case diameter? The information onlinea about that measurement is very variable. Thanks for sharing!

[@lookatwrist]

Thank you for your kind words! I wish I could measure the Casio, but it has since left my possession (like most watches I show, just who I am). You're right, most dimensions online are all over the map. Casio dimensions include crown - they measure things the same way any normal product gets measured. They're still in many ways an 'electronics' company and not a 'watch' company. So it's 42mm side to side with crown, and that's what I felt wearing it. I'd guess it's a proper '40mm'. A fantastic Casio, I miss it!

[@JulianM_Col]

@@lookatwrist Thanks for your answer. In my opinion 40 mm is the right size for that style of watch being solar. By the way, your collection of casio batteryless is impressive, I came back to the hobby only a couple of years ago and miss that wonder selection of models. Thanks again

[@nickjames4497]

I’ve had my Seiko solar field watch for years. Im a gardener digging holes and cleaning out ponds etc the watch takes a battering every day, it works perfectly..but cloth strap stinks.

[@lookatwrist]

Nice. Solar field watches work in so many situations, especially with strap changes.

[@straubroli]

Does the bezel move on the Casio MTPS120L? Or is it just for show?

[@lookatwrist]

It doesn't move, but I wouldn't quite say it's for show. It's a just a minute track.

[@ic3man_2000]

Great video, was really interested with what you had to say, however you forgot to measure the casio in comparison to the other two. I prefer the citizen but its sold out so I'll probably get the casio. Its advertised as being 46mm that can't be right can it?

[@lookatwrist]

Yeah I don't really know what I'm doing here. The 46mm is lug to lug. 42mm width, including crown. I'm pretty sure it's a proper 40mm. I'd measure it but it's since moved on. What a great watch though.

[@ic3man_2000]

@@lookatwrist thanks, yeah it looks great, buddy I've subscribed to your channel anyways, you've got a knack for reviewing watches. Loved it 👍

[@lookatwrist]

I'd prefer to keep the bar *very* low. The next vid gets kind of rough.

[@TheTerryMarsh1]

What are the dimensions of the Casio? Each watch seems rather large for a field watch.

[@lookatwrist]

They're all a bit too large yeah. Im loving 36mm field watches, I have a 34mm Seiko that I wear often. I believe the Casio is a 40mm watch proper. Really great size great style. More people should know about it. The listing says 42mm but Casio always includes the crown.

[@_guillermo]

Whats the model of the seiko on your wrist?

[@lookatwrist]

That is the SCXP157! I'm pretty sure it's limited, but not sure how much. Full lume dial. It makes an appearance in my seiko roundup in a following video.

[@stormpsychore8246]

Hi, are there any field watches that offer solar and a sapphire crystal apart from Timex

[@lookatwrist]

Only a handful of companies do solar, though the list is growing. Citizen has a bunch. Seiko has a lot too. Casio doesn't really have many at all. There's Timex as you said. There's also a few microbrands like Vaer but I think their only solar watch is a diver. There are some small companies like solios and one eleven, don't know much about them. I'd dig through Citizens catalog and hope you find an Eco-Drive with sapphire.

[@stormpsychore8246]

@@lookatwrist thank you!

[@flybyguy1450]

Does the casio bezel not turn?

[@lookatwrist]

No, it's not a dive watch. It's a minute track engraved into the bezel.

[@rendered-papillon]

Does the Casio bezel rotate?

[@lookatwrist]

No, it's just a printed bezel, it's not a timer bezel.

[@TheWilferch]

Can you post a link of the "modded" BM-8180 you refer to in this vid?..... I looked at your entire video library titles and couldn't find it.

[@lookatwrist]

I think I'm referring to my railroad approved watch, it has a white dial and looks completely different. But it's the same watch.

[@TheWilferch]

@@lookatwrist Oh, OK....I thought it was a BM-8180 that you modded yourself....thanks

[@vgolovach2]

Newer seen that Casio, pretty nice. Still, the green colorway Citizen Chandler beats all 3.

[@lookatwrist]

This one? I was eyeing it for a while. www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/BM6838-09X.html I got to try it on and it's really premium. But, it's a big guy at 42mm.

[@chriskelly509]

I keep hearing that casio is discontinuing that model?

[@lookatwrist]

Probably, most Casios are only made for a year or two.

[@chriskelly509]

@@lookatwrist I ordered one. It's definitely an underrated watch.

[@19grand]

To: watch manufacturers I want an indestructible watch strap.

[@stavros_katsopr]

Don't ask me how i came across your channel, i don't even know myself! But loved it, great pieces and (so called, you even say in one you don't...) "reviews". So mate, i'm here to stay, if you don't mind of course! Liked, "subbed", "ringed the bell", did what i have to do. Nice to meet you then, be well, enjoy whatever you love mate. Cheers. PS Some aussies, well known tubers, (ok, not just "down under", bit all over!) call me a larrikin, love to tease and point out funny things/moments in vids, or "our watch addiction" habbits/quirks/stubbornness, but always for the sake of fun, aka FFS!!!! 😜😂 PS2 Brit? Or rest of Europe? (see, started again...) Anyways, salutes from the lowest pin of the map of it, Crete island here, Greece. Cheers.

[@lookatwrist]

The KZbin algorithm has done us well then! I plan on making at least one video a week, mostly interesting affordable Japanese quartz watches. But with a few nicer watches mixed in as I get them. Next video is a big one.

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

Let's add the Timex expedition north solar field

[@lookatwrist]

Bad news: I've sold all 3 of these watches. Good news: My solar Expedition North arrives Friday. I have a few other field watches, maybe I do another roundup.

[@ericdpeerik3928]

Without the pip you wouldn't know where things are? Why? Does your wrist change position at night? 🤔 I'm a simple Casio type of guy. If you think they don't have field watches, remember they have an entire G-Shock series. It's a modern field watch

[@lookatwrist]

Take a look at some of my gshock vids, I'm a huge fan. Agreed they really are a modern field watch by function. But that's not what people are saying when they talk about field watches, it's a totally different style.

[@ericdpeerik3928]

@@lookatwrist I'm totally a G-Shock owner. I recently bought a Timex. I'm really into the (affordable) solar thing.