Field watches are, for good reason, among the most popular styles of watches, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. They trace their roots back to military necessity. That mother of invention led to a style of watches that can be both understated and luxurious, refined and utilitarian.
I love field watches. Among my collection, field watches are the timepieces that often accompany my most treasured adventures. They’re affordable, functional, and can stand up to the abuse that wilderness, mountains, and weather can throw at a tool that remains strapped to my wrist.
In this roundup, I focus on field watches that can handle real-world abuse. The majority of my selections are well below $1,000 because the reality is that those who actually use their field watch in the field really don’t have space to worry about a needlessly expensive object. Field watches are meant to be used, scratched, with dirt, water, blood, and all. I’ll also include a few more expensive offerings for the horological enthusiasts because there’s certainly space for beautiful, refined watches at the table.
So check out my selections here. Our team has used and enjoyed them. They’ve survived rough use, from climbing to travel to hunting. Every watch on this list is meant to take a beating, and some will look very good doing it. After perusing the selection, have a look at our spec comparison chart and read the buyer’s guide for more info.
The Best Field Watches of 2024
Best Entry-Level Field Watch
-
Reference number
TW4B01700 -
Case size
40mm -
Lug size
20mm -
Case Material
Brass -
Movement
Quartz -
Strap color
Brown or Black -
Water resistance
50 meters
-
Affordable -
Easy to read in low light -
Thin
-
Will require battery replacement -
Entry-level appearance
Most Durable Field Watch
-
Reference number
: 12723 -
Case size
40mm -
Lug size
22mm -
Movement
Quartz -
Case material
Titanium -
Strap color
Green -
Water resistance
200 meters
-
Very tough -
Excellent lume for low-light use -
Small and light
-
Face may be small for larger wrists -
Thick under sleeve cuffs
Best Tactical Field Watch
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Reference number
NA -
Case size
40mm -
Lug size
20mm -
Movement
Quartz -
Case Material
316L stainless steel -
Strap color
Various (comes with two straps) -
Water resistance
100 meters
-
Solar charging means nearly infinite lifespan -
Rugged -
Very water resistant -
Ships with two straps
-
Date window somewhat hard to read
A Versatile Solar Field Watch
-
Reference number
BM8180-03E -
Case size
37mm -
Lug size
18mm -
Movement
Solar Eco-Drive -
Case Material
Stainless steel -
Strap color
Green -
Water resistance
100 meters
-
Eco-drive provides unlimited runtime -
Affordable -
Durable
-
Rugged strap takes time to break in
Most Iconic Automatic Field Watch
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Reference number
H70315540 -
Case size
41mm -
Lug size
18mm -
Movement
H10 Automatic -
Case Material
Stainless steel -
Strap color
Various, leather and metal -
Water resistance
100 meters
-
Iconic design -
80-hour power reserve -
Deep historic roots
-
On the expensive end of utilitarian field watches
A Classy Yet Capable Auto Field Watch
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Reference number
SPB121 -
Case size
39.5mm -
Lug Size
20mm -
Movement
Caliber 6R35 Automatic -
Case Material
Stainless steel -
Strap color
Brown leather -
Water resistance
200 meters
-
Rotating inner bezel functions as a rudimentary compass -
Long power reserve automatic watch -
Dresses up or down
-
Leather strap is overly dressy for a field watch -
Somewhat busy face
Best Large-Face Field Watch
-
SKU
XL.1907.NF -
Case size
44mm -
Strap width
24mm -
Movement
SELLITA SW 220-1 -
Case material
Stainless steel -
Strap color
Green -
Case water resistance
200 m
-
Lume shines brightly all night -
Durable bezel, case, screw down crown -
Heavy duty strap -
Appropriate for use in harsh conditions
-
Too big for smaller wrists -
Heavy -
Too thick for dress shirts
A Nearly Perfect Dress Field Watch
-
Reference Number
ZO9712 -
Case size
40mm -
Lug Size
20mm -
Movement
STP1-11 automatic -
Case Material
Stainless steel -
Strap color
Various, tested in leather -
Water resistance
200 meters
-
Very simple and legible face -
Hackable secondhand -
Very slim
-
May wear too small for larger wrists -
30-hour power reserve
A Luxurious, Functional Field Watch
-
Reference number
NN1001SC1CA/BG103 -
Case size
40mm -
Lug size
20mm -
Case material
316L stainless steel -
Movement
NORQAIN Manufacture Calibre (NN20/1) -
Strap color
Stainless steel -
Water resistance
200 m
-
Accurate -
Comfortable -
Unique -
70-hour power reserve
-
Understated -
Little-known brand
Best Premium Field Watch
-
Reference Number
224270 -
Case size
40mm -
Lug Size
21mm -
Movement
Rolex 3230 -
Case material
Stainless steel -
Strap color
904L Stainless steel -
Water resistance
100 meters
-
Resale value -
Rolex name -
Iconic design -
Legendary durability
Field Watch Comparison Chart
Why You Should Trust Us
There are a lot of watch experts, and there are a lot of outdoor writers, but there aren’t a lot of outdoor experts who also know much about wristwatches. I happen to fit both these categories. So when it comes to watches meant to be used and abused in the wilderness, I am one watch aficionado who also puts the watches through some real-world use.
I love field watches and use them for their real intended purposes. I wear them hunting, fishing, hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and more. My watches have been worn inside wild game animals during meat processing. They’ve been dunked in freezing rivers while I place duck decoys. And they’ve been whacked against granite while I scramble up scree fields on Colorado’s 14ers.
But I also care about the horology and details involved in wristwatches. I appreciate the beauty and precision of a fine watch, and consider factors such as fit, finish, and complications when looking at field watches.
Finally, I’ve been doing this a long time. As the former editor-in-chief of GearJunkie and one of its first employees, I’ve written about outdoor gear for more than a decade. My goal is to give you the best advice I can and help you make smart decisions with your hard-earned money. I hope this article helps you choose the best field watch for your needs.
The History of Field Watches
Field watches have a rich history rooted in military use. The origins of field watches can be traced back to World War I when soldiers needed reliable timepieces for coordinating maneuvers on the battlefield. Here are key points in the history of field watches:
During the First World War, pocket watches were the norm. But these watches, buried inside clothing, were impractical for soldiers. Thus, wristwatches became more popular for their convenience. This transition marked a significant development in the history of timekeeping.
During World War II (1939-1945), field watches boomed in popularity thanks to their design to be rugged, legible, and practical for soldiers in the field. Brands like Hamilton, Waltham, and Elgin emerged as leaders in the space with features such as luminous dials for low-light visibility, durable cases, and reliable movements.
At this time, military organizations began to standardize the specifications for field watches to ensure consistency and reliability. These standards included size, dial design, water resistance, and shock resistance.
After World War II, soldiers brought the habit of wearing a wristwatch home. Civilians picked up the practical useful tool and applied it to the largely agrarian society of the time. The simple, easy-to-read dials and robust construction made field watches a logical choice for anyone who worked outdoors or with their hands.
Today, field watches continue to be among the most popular styles of wristwatches. Many brands offer modern interpretations, with updated elements like solar charging, quartz movements, and backlit faces. But they all harken back to watchmaking history that goes back nearly a century rooted in the practical needs of soldiers in combat.
FAQ
A field watch is a durable, simple, easy-to-read, usually analog wristwatch based on the military designs of World War II.
Yes, you can wear a field watch every day. Thanks to their simplicity and timeless design, field watches make excellent everyday wear watches that can go from the forest to the office with no problem.
Field watches are among the most iconic watch designs. They provide accurate time in any situation and can be worn with nearly any clothing.
While a field watch is not technically a dress watch, many field watches can be worn in formal situations. Thanks to their slim design, they usually fit easily under shirt cuffs. And their simple, timeless design makes them a safe choice to pair with nearly any outfit.
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