The history of the field watch goes back many years, with the traditional purpose for battle. Although they have evolved in style over time, field watches will always remain rugged and reliable. Typically, a good field watch has a stainless steel case, canvas or leather band, and quality movement. It must be easy to read with glare-proof crystal, a high contrast dial, luminous hands, and large numerals. Above all, the field watch is built to withstand tough conditions. Incorporating modern design and new features, the field watch today takes many forms. From rough to military-inspired timepieces, we’ve rounded up the best field watches that are built to last.
1. Citizen Eco-Drive Field Watch
For a rugged look with a comfortable fit, the military-inspired Citizen Eco-Drive Field Watch is the way to go. A round black dial and mineral crystal window come together with a buckle closure to create this classic stainless steel timepiece. Harnessing a Japanese Quartz Movement, the watch is water-resistant up to 100m and charges in both natural and indoor light.
2. Luminox Atacama Field Automatic 1907 Men’s Watch XL.1907.NF
This rugged and utilitarian field watch from Luminox comes with all the requisite bells and whistles. The iconic design includes a strong stainless-steel case, 660ft of water resistance, and a nylon strap. You’ll always be able to see the dial clearly thanks to the sapphire crystal face with an anti-glare coating. Plus, it has Luminox Light Technology on the hands and hour markers for an always visible glow, so you can see at night. The style blends the functionality of Swiss watch technology with a retro design that has a day/date and 24-hour display. Despite field watches like this being initially for use in the trenches of war, this style is now a perfect choice for daily wear.
3. HAMILTON Khaki Field Automatic Men’s Watch
Canvas field watches can have a casual feel, so if you’re looking for something a bit dressier, go no further than this option from Hamilton. It’s made from brushed stainless steel in a classic bracelet style. Of course, it still has all the other features required of a field watch. This includes an easy-to-read dial with luminescent markers, an automatic movement, scratch-resistant Sapphire crystal, and water-resistance of 330ft. It also has a skeleton back on the case, so you can see the inner workings of the Hamilton caliber H-10 automatic movement. Finally, on the front, you’ve got three hands for hours, minutes, and seconds, as well as 24-hour time and a date display.
4. Luminox Atacama Field Day Watch
The Luminox Atacama Field Day Watch boasts a relaxed sense of style. This timepiece pairs a brown leather strap with a 45mm stainless steel black brushed case and features a sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating. Built for endurance, the watch harnesses a Japanese Quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 200m. It is also suitable for day and night wear, with self-powered illumination for up to 25 years.
5. Seiko 5 Automatic Field Watch
Durability meets style with the Seiko 5 Automatic Field Watch. With water resistance up to 30m and scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, it is designed to survive. This timepiece is perfect for those who seek style in the every day, pairing a stainless steel case and black dial with a black canvas bracelet. In addition to these durable features, it has luminous hands and Arabic numeral markers, with approximately 40 hours of power reserve.
6. Hamilton Khaki Field Watch
The ultimate companion for the rugged and edgy man, the Hamilton Khaki Field watch is designed for the adventurous, active wearer. This timepiece pairs a black dial with a black calfskin band, and features luminous hands, Arabic indices, and a date window. A 38 mm stainless steel case with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal promises protection and style. With Swiss self-winding automatic movement and water resistance up to 100m, this watch is suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
7. Tudor Heritage Ranger Field Watch
The Tudor Heritage Ranger Field Watch is a classic timepiece that oozes elegance. This watch pairs a stainless steel case with a timeless light brown leather strap. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a fixed stainless steel bezel come together with water resistance to 150m for strength in style. The watch harnesses self-winding mechanical movement and features a black dial with luminous hands, index hour markers and Arabic numerals. It also harnesses a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.
8. Timex Expedition Scout Field Watch
The Timex Expedition Scout Field Watch is the perfect accessory for the outdoorsman seeking casual style. Pairing a slip-through 20mm strap and Indiglo light-up dial with a mineral glass window and luminant hands, this no-fuss field watch is sure to please. As well as telling time, this beautifully crafted watch comes in many different colors, is water-resistant up to 50m and features an easy-set QuickDate function.
9. Bertucci Titanium Field Watch
For the man who loves a sporty look with a classic, polished finish, the Bertucci Titanium Field Watch is the ultimate accessory for the outdoors. White sword hands with luminous accents and red sweep seconds come together with applied white Arabic numbers and a rugged screw-down case back. The sandblasted matte finish solid titanium case ensures extreme strength and lightweight comfort. Scratch-resistant hardened mineral glass crystal and a heavy-duty two-ply black nylon strap offer unmatched longevity and style. This timepiece also features a Japanese quartz movement and is water-resistant to 100m.
10. Marathon Mechanical Military Field Watch
The Marathon Mechanical Military Field Watch is a versatile timepiece that will accompany you through all of life’s adventures. A nylon sage green band and black dial come together with a clasp buckle to create the military-inspired timepiece. Features include a dual winding movement and resin case made from a high-impact fiber shell, which is both durable yet lightweight. Tritium tubes glow on their own with no need to be charged, making it the perfect design for nighttime wear. The crystal lens is made from sapphire, promising the highest possible scratch resistance and overall durability.
11. Orient Defender Field Watch
The useful and practical Orient Defender Field Watch is the refined timepiece that’s been missing from your collection. Features include in-house Japanese automatic movement, day, date and 24-hour functionality and water resistance to 100m. The pebbled-leather strap sports a smooth, matte case finish and comes in a range of different colors. The watch also features a mineral crystal dial window, buckle clasp, and stainless steel 42mm case.
12. HAMILTON Khaki Field Automatic Old Paper Dial Men’s Watch
Enjoy a vintage vibe with this field watch from Hamilton. The old paper look on the dial is what gives it a historic feel, along with the non-nonsense, easy-to-real numbers. A thick brown leather band adds to the ruggedness, while still fitting comfortably and adjusting easily. Get an insight into time with the skeleton backed case, made from a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal surrounded by solid stainless steel. The 25-jewel movement is a Hamilton caliber H-10 automatic style. Other functions include a date display, 24-hour time, 330ft water resistance, and luminescent hands and markers. Together this makes for a very stylish, very practical field watch that’s perfect for everything from a day at the office, to adventures on the weekend.
13. Seiko Stainless Steel Field Watch
The Seiko Stainless Steel Field Watch is a timeless classic perfect for everyday wear. It features a black dial with luminous hands, a green nylon band with buckle closure and Arabic numeral indices. The Hardlex dial window and stainless steel case promise high levels of durability. As well as analog display, the watch harnesses a Quartz movement.
14. Bertucci A-T2 Field Watch
Function and durability are two things that went into the creation of the Bertucci A-T2Field Watch. The brushed finish stainless steel case is durable, while the two-ply nylon band is unrivaled when it comes to comfort. You do not have to stress about scratches when wearing this piece either, as the hardened mineral glass crystal is designed to eliminate this problem. Perfect for all your outdoor activities and adventures, this field watch is also water-resistant up to 100 meters.
15. Weiss Automatic Issue 38mm Stainless Steel and CORDURA Field Watch
If you’re looking for something different in a field watch, the Cordura watch from Weiss is ideal. Unlike other designs, this comes with a unique skeleton case that features durable, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass on both the front and back. This allows you to see the time, as well as marvel at the caliber 2100 movement that keeps it all running. However, it still maintains classic field watch elements such as the army-green canvas strap, 330ft water resistance, and solid stainless steel construction. It’s self-winding so you don’t need to worry about consistency and has easy to read Arabic numerals and a sub-dial for seconds. Plus, it comes in a stylish presentation box, making it an excellent gift.
FAQs
What is a field watch?
A field watch is a simple and durable timepiece, originating with the military in the early 20th Century.
What makes a good field watch?
Field watches are all about functionality. A good field watch tells time very accurately, can be read easily in any light, and able to withstand tough conditions – including being dustproof and waterproof.
Who makes the best field watch?
Luminox watches are some of the most durable on the market and have been endorsed by the likes of the US Air Force and adventurer Bear Grylls. When it comes to the lower end of the budget, Seiko and Hamilton make some of the best high-quality, affordable field watches.
For more than 20 years, US Navy SEALs have relied on Luminox watches during their toughest missions.
Alexandra Feiam is an experienced fashion writer who holds a degree in journalism. She has an impressive portfolio and expertise working as the Editor at Power Retail and Commercial Content Editor at Newscorp. Ally has been writing for The TrendSpotter since 2018, and her work has been featured in notable publications such as The Herald Sun, Arirang TV South Korea, Kidspot, The House of Wellness, and The Daily Telegraph.
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