You don’t need to be a member of the military to feel the need to invest in a reliable and heavy-duty watch. Though there are many watch designs available in modern times, when it comes to a timepiece that won’t let you down, even in the most challenging of situations, a field watch is the way to go. That’s why it’s a smart idea to consider the 5 best military field watches currently in play.
Top Field Watches: A History
Before you begin to explore the best 5 military field watches, it’s important to know where this style of watch originated. Think back to World War I and even before, and ask yourself how soldiers were keeping time on the battlefield. If you’re picturing digital watches in black and white, you’ve seen too many movies!
Pocket watches were the timepiece of choice for soldiers until the late-nineteenth century when German officers took note of the wristwatch, a common women’s fashion trend, and adopted it as a battlefield must-have.
Think about the difference it made for soldiers to have their watches ready at any given moment. Not to mention, that the original military field watches were made to be rugged and durable for the wear and tear of battle.
The modern field watch has evolved and developed a great amount since its conception, as you can imagine, and has morphed into a practical accessory for anyone looking to stay on top of things, especially when engaging in any type of expedition.
Though field watches are marketed for use by everyone, military or not, they retain their rugged durability and are made to withstand even the harshest of survival conditions.
Choosing the Best Field Watch
As you embark on your search, you will discover that not all field watches are made the same. No need to worry, you simply want to be prepared beforehand. Here are a few factors to consider which will help you find the right field watch for your needs:
- Casing Material: field watches are meant to be rugged, so you want your watch to have a strong casing. You will come across casings made from various materials including stainless steel (your best bet) and titanium.
- Readability: make sure that the color contrast of the watch’s face and numbers works so that you can read it even in the dark.
- Band Material: while metal bands may be more aesthetically pleasing, canvas or leather bands are more practical, in terms of durability and easy changes.
- Watch Face: when you look at different field watches, make sure that you choose one with glare-proof crystal, easy-to-read numbers, and luminated hands, if possible.
- Size and Movement: while the original field watches were usually around 36mm and worked with hand-wound movements, modern models tend to range from 38-44mm with either quartz or automatic movements.
- Price: know your budget and stick to it. Save time by searching only within your price range.
Thinking about these factors ahead of time will lead you on a smooth and productive field watch search.
5 Best Field Watches
Enough talk, it’s time for you to take a look at your 5 best field watch options:
1. Timex Unisex Weekender Analog Quartz Watch
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When you choose the Timex Unisex Weekender field watch, you get quartz movement with the readable analog display, along with your choice between various band color combinations. The round, silver face of the watch helps you keep time in both 12 and 24-hour formats, for your ultimate convenience.
When it comes to durability, this Timex will have no issues in rugged situations, as it has a protective crystal to ensure you can always see the time and is water-resistant up to 30 meters (99 feet). The canvas band is made with a buckle closure for flexibility in terms of wrist size, and this field watch has a built-in night-light, so you will be on track at all hours of the day.
2. Seiko Men’s SNK809 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Black Canvas Strap
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This Seiko field watch can take hard hits, as its casing is made from strong stainless steel. This, in combination with its canvas band, provides comfort and convenience for all your expeditions. At a reasonable price, you get a tool which displays the date, hour, minute and second clearly.
With luminescent hands and scratch-resistant crystal, there’s no need to worry about having difficulty telling the time. Though not meant for diving, this field watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters.
3. Citizen Men’s BM8180-03E Eco-Drive Stainless Steel Watch with Green Canvas Band
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If you often find yourself in situations where you’re submerged in water and worry about your field watch holding up, this Citizen Men’s model could be the right pick for you, as it’s water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet). This field watch is eco-friendly, as it boasts Japanese-quartz movement, which charges in natural or indoor light.
The analog display includes date, hour, minute, and second, and is illuminated for easy night reading. The stainless steel case and canvas band with a buckle closure make this field watch comfortable and simple to wear in all conditions.
4. Casio Men’s Black Analog Anti Reverse Bezel Watch
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An aesthetically simple model, which packs a lot of punch, the Casio Men’s Black Analog Watch is water-resistant for up to 200 meters and can be considered a dive watch, as well as a true field watch. Your display shows you the date and time clearly, with seconds marked in numbers for timer purposes.
The mineral glass and luminosity make reading in all lighting possible, so this watch makes a good companion for survival purposes. When it comes to the band, it is made of resin, which dries quickly but may feel slightly uncomfortable.
5. Luminox Men’s 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch
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Just looking at this Luminox watch tells you that it is heavy duty. Another option which is water-resistant up to 200 meters (660 feet), this watch won’t need a second thought whether you’re caught in heavy rain or swimming.
The case and band are made from polyurethane, and the display is analog with Swiss quartz movement. Reading the date and time is easy with this field watch, as the numbers are bold and large in both 12 and 24-formats.
Final Thoughts
When you find yourself in nature and isolated from organized society, one of the most important tools to have is a watch. You need a timepiece that can withstand the test of rugged conditions over a long period of time. Investing in a field watch will change the quality of all your expeditions!
