What is a Field Watch?
Are you thinking about buying a Field watch? When I think of field watch, the first word that comes in my mind is “Rugged.” Field watch first came out of World War I. It was initially called “trench watches” and was designed for the soldiers or military officers. They were made to do one thing, and that was telling time accurately. It also had a hacking second hand so all the people in a group could set the exact time, which was very useful during the war. Field watches are durable, dust, and waterproof.
History and Evolution of Field Watches
In 1876, the first German emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm, commissioned 2000 watches for his naval officers. He wanted them to be durable and functional. He realized the importance of his soldiers knowing their time during the war. Over the next 50 years, we see the evolution of field watches. They wanted to ensure that these watches had few specific details. So, when it comes to the band, they wanted easily replaceable canvas nylon or leather bands. They wanted something light but sturdy for the case, so the watch inside could be more durable and deal with getting knocked around. They also wanted to ensure the soldiers could quickly tell the time. So they added high contrast dial with white numbering and glare-proof glass to the watch. The most exciting thing about the field watch is the transition from a pocket to a wristwatch. In the military, during World War 1, people realized the practicality of having a watch on the wrist that they could flip over and see the time instead of reaching into their pockets.
Features of Field Watches
The typical classic field watch had specific functions, and some have been changed over time. So, what characteristics can we rely on when it comes to the quintessential field watch? Most field watches are quite simple. They are small, low-profile, and lay very flat on the wrist. They don’t have any external sharp rotating bezels like the dive watches so they don’t get hung up on any of your straps or your equipment or any gears, especially when you are in the military and on a mission. So, in a nutshell, a field watch is a simple low-profile watch with no real bells and whistles, and a durable wristwatch that you can rely on.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 20 best field watches that are available on Amazon. I have listed the watches under four tiers – $100, $500, $1000 and over $1000 to fit everyone’s budget.
Best Field Watches Under $100
Citizen Watches Men’s BM8180-03E
For a rugged look with a comfortable fit, this military-inspired timepiece fits the bill. with a day-date indicator, luminous hands, 37mm screw-back case, and 100M WR. The black dial provides a backdrop for simple Arabic numerals, housed in a stainless steel case along with a woven green strap with patterned stitching and a buckle clasp. Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery. Caliber number E100.
Specifications
Size | 37.2 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Covert any light (natural or artificial), into energy
- Energy is stored in a permanently rechargeable cell
- No battery change required, Ever
Seiko Men’s SNK805 Seiko 5
The Seiko 5 SNK805 men’s automatic green dial green strap watch is ready to accompany you on your next outdoor adventure or casual evening on the town. It features a stylish and durable green fabric strap that closes with a traditional buckle. The watch’s green dial matches its strap and boasts easy-to-read Arabic hour and minute markers. The dial also features silver-toned hands and a date window at the three o’clock position. Hidden behind this watch’s dial is precise 21-jewel automatic movement keeps this watch functioning without a battery. It is powered automatically with the movement of your arm.
Specifications
Size | 37 mm |
Movement | Automatic |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 300 m |
Features
- Military-inspired watch featuring green dial
- Luminous accents
- Day/date functions
Victorinox Men’s 249087 Original XL Black Stainless-steel Watch
All Victorinox Swiss Army watches are designed for maximum utility. Functionality is a focus for every aspect of the timepiece, from the dial, which should be easy to read, to the most sophisticated professional functions. All design details are based on their practical application. Functions are never mere additions or embellishments.
Specifications
Size | 42 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Nylon fiber case with aluminum bezel
- NATO-inspired, fabric strap with buckle closure
- Three-hand analog display
- luminescent hands and hour markers
Timex Men’s Expedition Scout 40 Watch
Sometimes you just need a trusted companion who’s up for anything. The Timex Expedition Scout Watch is a well-crafted update to the classic field watch with twelve or twenty-four hour time settings, date, and a distinct arrow second hand. Everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Specifications
Size | 40 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 50 m |
Features
- Adjustable green 20mm nylon strap
- Black dial with date window at 3 o’clock
- Indiglo light-up watch dial; luminous hands
Momentum Watch Men’s Atlas Ti Cordura
Momentum offers a great selection of Men’s models that combine style and performance creating a wide array of colors and styles. They use high-end materials including titanium, 316L steel, rubber, and ceramic, to help everyone find the perfect watch. Lightweight, heavy-duty performance guaranteed. The Atlas features an ultra-lightweight case with over-sized super luminous numbers that ensure unparalleled legibility. A locking screw-down crown ensures rock solid water resistant performance.
Specifications
Size | 41 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Titanium case
- Green-sunray dial
- Day function
Seiko Men’s SNE095P2 Stainless Steel Watch
Seiko Men’s SNE095P2 has a stainless-steel case measures 40mm diameter by 10mm thick. The watch is very Sturdy and rugged green nylon strap includes a convenient stainless steel buckle. It’s Simple black dial has luminous hands and hour markers. The date display at the third hour. The scratch resistant Hardlex crystal protects the water resistant (100m) case. Seiko Men’s SNE095P2 is solar powered with Quartz movement, that means it collects any available light to store power.
Specifications
Size | 40 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Hardlex |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Black dial with luminous hands
- Nylon band with buckle closure
- Arabic numeral indices
- Day/date window at 3 o’clock
Casio MDV106-1A Men’s Black Analog Anti Reverse Bezel Watch
Casio MDV106-1A is inspired by the sea. This watch’s black resin band and stainless-steel case give it a classic look while its anti-reverse bezel adds classic dive functionality. Simple 3-hand analog with date display for an easy-read. Black resin band analog watch with a black & white face. This watch has all the characteristics of a field watch such as easy to dial, big markers, water resistant and durable. It was originally designed for sports but looks like a field watch and the price is also very reasonable.
Specifications
Size | 44 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Features
- Black Stainless-Steel case and Resin Band
- Date display
- Luminous markers and hour hands
- Anti-reverse bezel
Seiko Men’s Beige Nylon Strap Watch SNE331
The Seiko Men’s SNE331 Beige Nylon Strap Solar Watch is a versatile accessory for day or evening wear. A black dial with large luminous hands and markers is protected by a durable crystal for a longer lifespan and the solar-powered construction eliminates the need for battery changes. The watch is completed with a comfortable nylon strap. This watch is very stylish as well as practical.
Specifications
Size | 43 mm |
Movement | Japanese quartz |
Crystal | Hardlex |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Solar-powered
- Day/date window
- 10-month power reserve once fully charged
- Nylon band with buckle closure
Orient Men’s “Defender” Multi-Eye Function Field Watch
Orient “Defender” is probably the most underrated field watch, but this watch has got unique rugged styling. It is a great watch, and you can expect that excellent build quality from Orient. From a utility standpoint, the day, date and 24-hour dial couldn’t be more useful, and at the least, practical for this kind of watch. Stylistically, the high contrast in the dial really brings out this military-inspired motif. At 42mm wide and 12mm thick, the Defender won’t be intrusive to most. The case is rated to 100m of water resistance, which is reinforced by a screwed-down crown. Again as far as field watches go, it is one that you should have in your field watch collection.
Specifications
Size | 42 mm |
Movement | Automatic |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Automatic, self-winding movement
- Day and date display
- 24-hour display
- Screwed-down crown
Best Field Watches Under $500
Glycine Incursore Automatic Stainless-steel Mens Watch
Established in Bienne, Switzerland in 1914, Glycine has maintained through the years a selected line of timepieces, based on the strong foundations of the brand and reflecting their times. Glycine Incursore Stainless Steel Mens Automatic Swiss watch Model# 3874.11 LB / 3874-11-LB is crafted from Sandblasted stainless steel 316L and is presented on the brown genuine leather strap. Silver dial set with black hand indicators, Arabic Numeral & index hour markers. Date display at the 4 o’clock position. Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal, Swiss Automatic self-winding movement, ETA 2824-2, Caliber No GL 224, 25 Jewels, 11 1/2” lines, 38 Hour Power Reserve, Hz: 4/28’800 vibrations per hour. Ruthenium coated oscillating weight on ball bearing decorated special Glycine engraving.
Specifications
Size | 46 mm |
Movement | Swiss automatic |
Crystal | Scratch Resistant Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Feature
- Brown genuine leather strap
- Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
- Swiss Automatic self-winding movement
Hamilton Men’s HML-H70455533 Khaki Field Black Dial Watch
Hamilton khaki field watch this is the Submariner of field watches what I meant by that this is the watch that comes to mind when you think of field watches. This model is styled after their 1940s military hack watch that made it through World War II and also Vietnam. It is a proven badass military field watch. 38 millimeters diameter and only 9.5 millimeters thick. Super thin sapphire crystal, ETA hand wind movement. 50-meter water resistance rating. It also has some great loom and faux patina on indexes, but it glows very vibrantly. Hamilton khaki field watch is a sturdy and durable watch.
Specifications
Size | 38 mm |
Movement | Automatic |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Luminous hands
- Arabic numeral hour markers
- Automatic self-wind movement with analog display
Seiko Mens Automatic Alpinist Field Watch SARB017
Most people don’t really consider Seiko Alpinist a field watch which is just ridiculous because it is absolutely a field watch through and through. The green dial will remind you of the forest and the trees and those gold indexes just pop. It got beautiful Seiko bright loom, threaded crown, 200 meter water resistance rating and shock resistance. It also got an internal rotating compass. This watch is just as beautiful and elegant as it is tough and rugged.
Specifications
Size | 39.5 mm |
Movement | Automatic |
Crystal | Synthetic sapphire |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Features
- 50-hour power reserve
- Rotating Compass Ring
- LumiBrite hands and markers
Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch
The I.N.O.X. collection is engineered to endure a truly adventurous life. I.N.O.X. watches can handle extreme conditions such as a fall of 10 meters, being driven over by a 64-ton tank or a dive down to 200 meters. They are also designed to please the eye. Day or night, in the office or on a mountain, nothing beats the durable, versatile look of the I.N.O.X. collection. A sober and functional aesthetic, mixed with rich details, authentic and understated, the I.N.O.X. Collection pays tribute to the history and Brand heritage Stainless steel.
Specifications
Size | 43 mm |
Movement | Swiss Quartz |
Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Features
- Naimakka I.N.O.X. strap, durable rubber strap or high-grade stainless steel
- Carbon composite case, stainless steel case or sand-blasted titanium
- Removable protection bumper included
Citizen Men’s ‘Military’ BU2055-16E Field Watch
For a rugged look with a comfortable fit, this Citizen military inspired timepiece fits the bill. This Citizen field watch is featured here in black ion-plated stainless steel case, dark green Cordura strap and black dial. Added features include analog day/date and 12/24-hour time. Featuring Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, this watch is powered by light, any light. That means, you will never need a battery.
Specifications
Size | 43 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Mineral |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Black ion-plated stainless-steel case
- Dark green Cordura strap and black dial
- Analog day/date and 12/24-hour time
Best Field Watches Under $1000
Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Men’s Watch H70575733
Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium is made from lightweight titanium but definitely a functional heavyweight. The Khaki Titanium Auto does its job without fuss or fanfare. A simple, clear dial and a rubber strap make this a no-nonsense timepiece for men on a mission.
Specifications
Size | 42 mm |
Movement | Automatic |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Black PVD titanium case with a black textile bracelet
- Fixed black PVD titanium bezel
- Black dial with luminous hands
- Arabic numeral hour markers
Luminox Atacama Field Day Date – 1925
Atacama Field watches originated in the 1880’s, the field watch gained popularity during the First World War due to soldier’s demands for reliable and portable timepieces.
Trench fighting required quick, accurate timing so watches had to be small enough to be worn on the wrist. The battlefield environment also created a need for exceptionally water and shock resistant watches, and the Field watch quickly evolved a distinctive style – rugged and utilitarian with virtually no embellishment. Luminox offers a variety of field models in quartz and automatic rounding out our collection of the ultimate LAND series. Luminox Atacama Field Day Date – 1925 blends the functionality of a modern Swiss Made timepiece with an updated retro look. The ultimate incarnation of the Field watch, it is rugged and reliable, truly iconic in design and a terrific daily wear timepiece, suitable for the field, the office or the boardroom. The Atacama feature a solid stainless steel case, screw-down crown for added water resistance, and tritium-tubes for continuous illumination.
Specifications
Size | 45 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Features
- Day-Date function
- Stainless steel black brushed
- Fixed case bezel
- Genuine leather strap
Luminox Atacama Field Automatic – 1907.NF
Luminox Atacama Field Automatic – 1907.NF is another classic field watch. With a nylon green band and stainless steel case, this watch is a go-to accessory for any occasion.
Specifications
Size | 44 mm |
Movement | Swiss Automatic |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Features
- Swiss made
- Constant glow for up to 25 years
- 316L Stainless steel screw in case back
- Sapphire crystal, anti-reflective coating
Best Field Watches Over $1000
Salvatore Ferragamo Men’s FF3230015 Ferragamo 1898
The sporty design of this trendy Ferragamo men’s watch combined with its high quality and levels of comfort makes it your go-to piece for every day wear. Encased in grey IP stainless steel, its beautiful olive green dial conveniently features luminous hands and hour markers for easy timekeeping throughout the day and a date window at the ‘3’ position. A green aluminum rotating bezel surrounds the dial. Soft olive green canvas straps comfortably close with a tang buckle for safe and secure all day wear. Powered by reliable Swiss Quartz movement and water resistant to 200 meters, it is a great addition to your field watch collection.
Specifications
Size | 43 mm |
Movement | Quartz |
Crystal | Anti-reflective sapphire |
Water Resistant | 200 m |
Features
- Green aluminum rotating bezel
- Luminous hands and hour markers
- Stainless steel case with antireflective sapphire dial window
- Canvas band with buckle closure
Tudor Heritage Ranger
The TUDOR Heritage line draws inspiration from the most emblematic models in the history of the brand. While retaining their original spirit, historic models are modernized with small, subtle touches and new technical features to optimize their performance. Inspired by an Oyster Prince Ranger from the 1960s, the TUDOR Heritage Ranger is presented in a larger, more contemporary size than its predecessor.
Specifications
Size | 42 mm |
Movement | Automatic |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Stainless steel case with a light brown bund leather strap
- Black dial with luminous hands and index hour markers
- Minute markers around the outer rim
- Self-winding automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
The Oyster Perpetual Explorer and Oyster Perpetual Explorer II evolved from Rolex’s deep involvement with exploration. They go where few people venture. The brand was able to test these watches in real life by equipping polar, mountaineering and caving expeditions over many years. Some of the world’s most intrepid explorers, mountaineers and scientists took Explorer and Explorer II watches to places that tested their reliability in the toughest conditions.
Specifications
Size | 42 mm |
Movement | Mechanical (Automatic) |
Crystal | Sapphire |
Water Resistant | 100 m |
Features
- Oystersteel case
- 18 ct gold
- 24-hour bezel
- Self-winding mechanical movement
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