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. Theyre 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 dont have space to worry about a needlessly expensive object. Field watches are meant to be used, scratched, with dirt, water, blood, and all. Ill also include a few more expensive offerings for the horological enthusiasts because theres certainly space for beautiful, refined watches at the table.

　　So check out my selections here. Our team has used and enjoyed them. Theyve 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.

　　Editors note: I gave this guide an update on December 17th, 2024, adding the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst to the lineup.

　　The Best Field Watches of 2024 Best Entry-Level Field Watch: Timex Expedition Scout 40mm Most Durable Field Watch: Bertucci Mens A-2T Super Classic Best Tactical Field Watch: Vaer C5 Tactical A Versatile Solar Field Watch: Citizen Garrison Most Iconic Automatic Field Watch: Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto A Classy Yet Capable Auto Field Watch: Seiko Alpinist SPB121 Best Large-Face Field Watch: Luminox Atacama Field Watch A Nearly Perfect Dress Field Watch: Zodiac Olympos A Luxurious, Functional Field Watch: NORQAIN Neverest Glacier 40mm Best Premium Field Watch: Rolex Explorer Best Bronze Field Watch: Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Timex Expedition Scout 40mm $65 at REI$46 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Reference number: TW4B01700 Case size: 40mm Lug size: 20mm Case Material: Brass Movement: Quartz Strap color: Brown or Black Water resistance: 50 meters Pros Affordable Easy to read in low light Thin Cons Will require battery replacement Entry-level appearance Sean McCoy Timex coined the phrase “takes a licking and keeps on ticking” as an advertising slogan in the 1960s. And nowhere is it more apt than when applied to the Expedition series of Timex field watches. The Timex Expedition was the first watch that I bought myself, right after high school. I took it while studying in Central America in the mid-90s, and wore it every day.

　　These simple, quartz-fueled watches fit the field watch definition perfectly. They are simple, reliable, affordable, and durable. They tell accurate time and, thanks to the common Indiglo lighting, easily legible day and night.

　　The Timex Expedition Scout is the best field watch under $100. For the price (some Expedition models begin in the $30 range), you can’t beat these ubiquitous little watches. The Expedition Scout model pictured here costs about $60 and has a few nice strap options. Grab one for whatever craziness you may get into. You’ll know the time and you won’t worry about your watch, even though it’ll be right there ticking along with the correct time.

　　Most Durable Field Watch Bertucci Mens A-2T Super Classic $175 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs Reference number: : 12723 Case size: 40mm Lug size: 22mm Movement: Quartz Case material: Titanium Strap color: Green Water resistance: 200 meters Pros Very tough Excellent lume for low-light use Small and light Cons Face may be small for larger wrists Thick under sleeve cuffs Sean McCoy The Bertucci A-2T Super Classic titanium field watch is genuinely a wonder of affordable watches. I have never used a watch as hard as this one. But after several years of genuine abuse, it shows no sign of slowing down, and had very few scratches. The strap has developed a great patina of dirt, blood, and muck. This thing is a tank of a watch and, for those who actually plan to use a field watch as a tool, about as good as they get.

　　The A-2T follows the tried and true formula for a great field watch. It’s light and small with a 40mm case that wears smaller than its size. But the high-contrast face is easily readable at a glance. And even after more than five years of use, the lume is still easily readable in the blackness of night.

　　In one case, I woke up camping at 4 a.m. and could easily discern the hands and hour markers.

　　It’s also water resistant to 100 meters, and the nylon strap is burly but sits flat and comfortably. The only negative is some users feel the face is too small. That’s a matter of taste, but remember that historically, field watches were quite small and light. This follows the lineage, and I like it.

　　Worth noting is that this is a very comfortable watch for me. That’s in part due to the screw-down crown location at the 4 o’clock point. This keeps it from interfering with wrist movement and I find it particularly nice during activity.

　　Read Review: The Best Field Watch $200 Can Buy: Bertucci A-2T Review

　　Looking for a different style from this brand? Check out our Bertucci DX3 review here.

　　Best Tactical Field Watch Vaer C5 Tactical check price at vaer

　　

　　Specs Reference number: N/A Case size: 40mm Lug size: 20mm Movement: Quartz Case material: 316L stainless steel Strap color: Various (comes with two straps) Water resistance: 100 m Pros Solar charging means nearly infinite lifespan Rugged Very water resistant Ships with two straps Cons Date window somewhat hard to read Sean McCoy Read Review: Tough, USA-Made, Solar-Powered Field Watch: Vaer C5 Tactical Review In the world of watches, Vaer is basically a newborn. Launched in 2016, Vaer aims to build watches with five pillars: extreme water resistance, 2x interchangeable straps, extensive USA sourcing, refined aesthetics, and a responsible business model. But do those pillars add up to a good wristwatch for use in the field?

　　The short answer is yes. The best reflection of these attributes is the C5 Tactical Solar. This understated field watch does everything a genuine field watch needs to. It’s easy to read, even in low light. It has a clean, simple display. The small (40mm) watch wears easily and slips under a sleeve well. Impressively, the solar-powered, Japan-made Epson VS-42 movement keeps time within 20 seconds per month and will run for 6 months on just 6 hours of light.

　　In testing, I used the Vaer C5 Tactical over a month of hunting, skiing, and daily wear. The durable case, sapphire domed crystal, and strap show zero wear so far. I love the comfortable fit of the Vaer C5 Tactical Solar. In many ways, it’s an ideal field watch. And at $339, it’s affordable enough that you can actually wear it in the field.

　　I also am impressed with the value the Vaer brings to the table. It ships with two wonderful straps, something uncommon among quality watches. And in the case of my testing, the quick-release Tropic strap is among my favorite watch straps, even among much more expensive models.

　　A Versatile Solar Field Watch Citizen Garrison $188 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Eco-drive provides unlimited runtime Affordable Durable Cons Rugged strap takes time to break in Sean McCoy The Citizen Garrison stands out thanks to its Eco-Drive technology. Powered by the sun or other light sources, the Eco-Drive provides infinite runtime, a major plus in the outdoors. Additionally, it has luminous hands, 100m water resistance, a stainless steel case, and a mineral crystal.

　　The Garrison is a rather small watch, measuring in with a 37mm screw-back case. This is a big plus for those with smaller wrists. The black face with distinct white numerals provides a very legible format. The red second-hand brings a nice splash of color to the otherwise neutral timepiece.

　　The day/date format is a bit of a departure from the classic field watch design. But thanks to the otherwise spartan layout, brings nice functionality to this watch. It has 100 m of water resistance, so should stand up to any precipitation or swims the user will encounter.

　　The strap on the Garrison is burly. And while the rugged nature is great, some wearers complain that it’s a little too stiff. It should break in nicely as do most nylon straps. But it’s worth being aware that this one will come out of the box rather stiff on the wrist.

　　Most Iconic Automatic Field Watch Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto $995 at Amazoncheck price at hamilton watch

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Iconic design 80-hour power reserve Deep historic roots Cons On the expensive end of utilitarian field watches Sean McCoy Read Review: Tough Time: Hamilton Field Khaki Expedition Watch Review The Hamilton Khaki Field Watch is, to many aficionados, the field watch. Hamilton began in 1892 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, making timepieces for railroad workers. In 1914, it became an official supplier to the U.S. armed forces. In 1942, it ceased civilian production to focus on military service during World War II. Between 1942 and 1945, Hamilton produced over 1 million timepieces including wristwatches and marine chronometers for the military effort. If any single watch defines the “field watch” category, it’s the Hamilton Khaki.

　　Hamilton offers a wide array of Khaki field watches. There are day/date models, and there’s the King model, which features the date and day, spelled out completely. There are titanium models and mechanical versions that the user must wind. These are the truest renditions of historical field watches and are worthy of consideration for any collector or casual wearer.

　　But if there’s a best Hamilton field watch, it’s the Khaki Field Expedition Auto. This watch, which still runs just under $1,000, is in many ways the perfect field watch. It has a simple, easy-to-read face, excellent low-light visibility with Super-LumiNova hands and markers, and a screw-down crown with 100 m of water resistance.

　　The heart of the Khaki Field Expedition Auto is Hamilton’s accurate and reliable H-10 movement. This three-hand movement packs a phenomenal 80 hours of power reserve. Slim and sleek, this watch is a perfect companion for outdoor adventures or daily trips to the office.

　　A Classy Yet Capable Auto Field Watch Seiko Alpinist SPB121 $660 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Rotating inner bezel functions as a rudimentary compass Long power reserve automatic watch Dresses up or down Cons Leather strap is overly dressy for a field watch Somewhat busy face Sean McCoy Watch enthusiasts love the Seiko brand for its exceptional value. Few, if any other brands offer such fine timepieces at such a reasonable price. And while the Seiko Alpinist is by no means a budget watch, at $725, it’s an attainable watch for many people.

　　But yes, that’s a significant chunk of cash for a watch you’ll wear traipsing through the woods. So why would you step up in price beyond some of the budget models listed here?

　　Well, we’re starting to get into the horological world now, and in this world, it’s all about the details. First off, the SPB121 is a spinoff of the extremely popular, yet discontinued, SARB017. That watch put the Seiko Prospex line on the field watch map. Now, the SPB121 picks up the baton and carries the Alpinist into modern times along with a few other models.

　　The Alpinist runs on a Caliber 6R35 automatic movement. This 24-jewel movement has a long 70-hour power reserve, meaning you can take it off on a Friday and the time will still be correct on Monday morning. That’s a big deal in the world of automatic watches, especially at the under-$1,000 price range.

　　Next come fit and finish details. The Alpinist is water resistant to 200 m, has very bright LumiBrite hands and markers for easy low-light visibility, and an inner rotating compass bezel. All this packs utility into a watch that also looks fantastic poking out under a sport coat in dressier situations. The brushed stainless steel case and polished accents really pop. And the green bezel is classic and classy.

　　The Seiko Alpinist may be at the very bottom of the luxury watch price range, but it is a star among wristwatch fanatics. It says a lot about the wearer, primarily that they value a rugged, functional watch that goes past simple timekeeping. For those dabbling in watch collecting but who want a genuine field watch that can still stand up to the rigors of outdoor use, the Seiko Alpinist is certainly worth a test run.

　　Best Large-Face Field Watch Luminox Atacama Field Watch $699 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Lume shines brightly all night Durable bezel, case, screw down crown Heavy duty strap Appropriate for use in harsh conditions Cons Too big for smaller wrists Heavy Too thick for dress shirts Sean McCoy Read Review: Luxury on a Mission: Luminox Atacama Field Watch Review The Atacama Field Automatic is a big, rugged, somewhat flashy field watch that edges toward the luxury market while maintaining all the functionality of a true outdoors watch. Powered by a Sellita SW220-1 automatic movement, this Swiss watch is significantly larger than most field watches at 44 mm.

　　But while it does buck the trend of smaller field watches, the Atacama Field Auto has exceptional 200-meter water resistance and remarkable lume. We put it through some rigorous testing and found this watch to be an amazing timepiece for outdoor use with one caveat. It will be too big for those with smaller wrists. And even for bigger individuals, youll notice it when sliding it under shirt sleeves.

　　But outside those downsides, the Atacama Field Automatic is a gorgeous, tough-as-nails watch that dresses up or down and can handle the roughest of conditions with ease.

　　A Nearly Perfect Dress Field Watch Zodiac Olympos Check Price at Neiman Marcus

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Very simple and legible face Hackable secondhand Very slim Cons May wear too small for larger wrists 30-hour power reserve Sean McCoy When it comes to dive watches, two brands hold the crown as the first to market: Rolex and Zodiac. Both launched the first dive watches in 1953. While Rolex went on to become one of the most renowned brands in the world, Zodiac took a more circuitous route through acquisitions, temporary closure, and rebirth.

　　Today, the brand, now under Fossil ownership, is again booming. At the core of its offerings are iterations of its classics, the Sea Wolf dive watch and the Olympos field watch.

　　The Olympos fits the iconic definition of a field watch perfectly. It is light, understated, and very easy to read. In testing, the Olympos proved to be an absolute dream to wear with thick clothing like hunting or fishing apparel because it is remarkably thin — just 10mm! That thin profile lets it slide under sleeves and even gloves easily.

　　With a case size of 40mm and a unique Manta-Ray shape, the Olympos also hits a middle-of-the-road fit that works well on most wrists. Smaller wearers will love the reasonable case and strap, which I’d contend wears smaller than it is. Those with larger wrists will like the thin nature of the watch but may find it underwhelming compared with larger offerings, including some others on this list.

　　Zodiac bases the Olympos on the field watches it made for the Royal British Navy in the 1960s. And as such, it packs them with 200 m of water resistance, the ability to stop the second hand from “hacking” when synchronizing watches, and an STP1-11 movement.

　　The Olympos is a beautiful watch that handles the rigors of field use. It’s probably not the toughest model on this list, but it so far has proven itself in testing to handle real-world abuse just fine.

　　A Luxurious, Functional Field Watch NORQAIN Neverest Glacier 40mm Check price at NORQAIN

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Accurate Comfortable Unique 70-hour power reserve Cons Understated Little-known brand Sean McCoy Read Review: NORQAIN Neverest Glacier Watch Review: Precision, Heart, and a Touch of Luxury The NORQUAIN Neverest Glacier is a true luxury watch built on a field watch chassis. I had the chance to spend a couple of weeks with this functional yet classy watch and absolutely loved it.

　　Why? Well, while quite new to the world of watchmaking, NORQUAIN packs both big-name talent and ambassadors from the worlds of watchmaking and adventure. Its faces to the world are none other than speed skiers, downhill racers, mountaineers, and big-wave surfers.

　　In my testing, the Neverest Glacier was extremely comfortable to wear and easily legible. I do wish it had numerals instead of simply hour markers, as it takes a little more time to process the hand position without numerals. But really, this watch is a stunner. It’s certainly capable of fieldwork, but more likely will be a consistent desk jockey thanks to its high price.

　　Best Premium Field Watch Rolex Explorer $6,870 at Amazon

　　

　　Specs 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 Pros Resale value Rolex name Iconic design Legendary durability Cons Price Stigma Sean McCoy I don’t really want to include a Rolex on this list, but without the Explorer, it feels incomplete. And that’s because it’s the single field watch that more people aspire to own than any other.

　　I’ll be straight up, I haven’t worn the Rolex Explorer. But this happens to be among the most “entry-level” Rolex watches. And it happens to be the storied brand’s only true field watch.

　　A Rolex Explorer 40mm clocks in at $7,700 retail. And it’s a fine specimen of a field watch, one absolutely tested in harsh climates in polar and mountaineering expeditions. It’s a fantastic design that (reportedly) is legible in all conditions. One of Rolex’s first tool watches, it was inspired by (and launched shortly after) the first summit of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953.

　　It has outstanding legibility, with a black dial and 3, 6, and 9 numerals popping out in crisp, white lettering and backlit with a Chromalite luminous material. It’s chronometer certified to ±2 seconds per day. Rolex guarantees the Oyster case waterproof to 100 m.

　　So yes, it has all the chops of the most serious field watches. But would I wear a Rolex as a true field watch, one that gets hand-jammed into rock cracks while scrambling through a scree field? Heck no. Would I wear it while wading into a partially frozen river to place duck decoys in the dark? Absolutely not. Let’s not be ridiculous. Like some of the other pricy models here, it would be cringe-inducing to put such an expensive piece of jewelry through such a beating.

　　But would I love to look down on my wrist and see one there? Well, I am human, and the Rolex Explorer is a thing of beauty and maybe a bit more attainable than other Rolex models.

　　Best Bronze Field Watch Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Field Watch Shop Christopher Ward

　　

　　Screenshot Specs Reference number: C65-38A3H3-B00K0-TKG Case size: 38mm Lug size: 20mm Case material: Bronze Movement: Sellita SW200-1 COSC Strap color: Black, black gray, or bronze Water resistance: 150 m Pros Thin, light case fits under clothing easily Very legible face COSC-certified accuracy Unique bronze appearance Cons Bronze will oxidize and patina 38-hour power reserve Sean McCoy Read Review: Tough, Bronze Field Watch: Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst Review Bronze watches are a little uncommon, but with a rugged beauty and ever-changing patina, they should definitely be on your radar. And my personal favorite is the Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst ($1275).

　　The C65 Sandhurst has a very simple, easy-to-read face and good lume. It runs on a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, meaning that itll maintain exceptional accuracy and keep running as long as you wear it. Its relatively light and has a versatile 38mm case size. In testing, I found it fits very easily under cuffs and has no problem facing the tasks of real outdoor use.

　　At over $1,000, the C65 Sandhurst starts to push into luxury watch pricing. But with 150 meters of water resistance and a durable sapphire crown, it can definitely handle adventurous outings. And the handsome yet understated bronze appearance makes it a shoo-in as a dress watch for the office or more formal settings.

　　Field Watch Comparison Chart

Watch	Price	Case Size	Case Material	Water Resistance
Timex Expedition Scout 40 mm	$62	40mm	Brass	50 M
Bertucci Mens A-2T Super Classic	$225	40mm	Titanium	200 M
Vaer C5 Tactical	$339	40mm	316L stainless steel	100 M
Citizen Garrison	$250	37mm	Stainless steel	100 M
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto	$995	41mm	Stainless steel	100 M
Seiko Alpinist SPB121	$725	39.5mm	Stainless steel	200 M
Luminox Atacama Field Watch	$1195	44mm	Stainless steel	200 M
Zodiac Olympos	$80	40mm	Stainless steel	200 M
NORQAIN Neverest Glacier 40mm	$4190	40mm	316L stainless steel	200 M
Rolex Explorer	$8790	40mm	904L Stainless steel	100 M
Christopher Ward C65 Sandhurst	$1275	38mm	Bronze	150 M

Why You Should Trust Us There are a lot of watch experts, and there are a lot of outdoor writers, but there arent 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. Theyve been dunked in freezing rivers while I place duck decoys. And theyve been whacked against granite while I scramble up scree fields on Colorados 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, Ive been doing this a long time. As the former editor-in-chief of GearJunkie and one of its first employees, Ive 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.

　　If you dont see what youre looking for here, check out some of GearJunkies other watch guides, including guides to the best dive watches, the best GPS watches, the best smartwatches, and the best fitness watches.

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　　The Zodiac Olympos has classic field watch styling; (photo/Sean McCoy) 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.

　　

　　The author testing the Bertucci A2-T; (photo/Sean McCoy) 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.

　　How much should I spend on a field watch? Field watches, much like any other category of wristwatch, span a vast price range that is both puzzling and sometimes counter-intuitive. But Im going to do my best to break it down.

　　First, just because a watch costs more does not mean that it will do a better job as a time-telling tool. This is because affordable watches, such as the Timex Expedition line, run on quartz movements that are, by nature, much more accurate than automatic watches. With a timing base of 32,768 Hz — vastly faster than any mechanical watch — quartz watches are often accurate to within a dozen or so seconds per month.

　　On the other hand, mechanical watches beat on a heart of a tightly-wound balance wheel. These mechanical devices store energy from the movement of the wearers wrist. Thus, the watch can run nonstop, as long as the wearer moves it enough every day. While mechanical watches are almost always less accurate than quartz watches, they carry a higher price tag because the mechanical movements require more complex machining. Some in-house movements take many hours of labor to create.

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　　So why do people still buy mechanical movements? For one, mechanical watches do not require a battery and can operate for years on simple motion alone. But this question goes beyond pure function. Mechanical watches rely on skill and artistry in their manufacture and showcase the passage of time in a very appealing fashion for many watch lovers. The complex inner machinery is highly appealing to many wearers, and some watches even have a clear case-back so the owner can watch the movement in action.

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　　So the automatic watch movement brings some higher cost than quartz watches, but that isnt the only differentiator.

　　More expensive watches will have more water resistance, durable sapphire crystals, and high-quality stainless, bronze, or other case material. As costs rise, youll see better lume, which illuminates important elements for low-light viewing. And high-end watches will have beautiful, refined machining and polishing.

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　　To get to brass tacks, you can get an entirely functional, good tool watch for around $100 or even less. Timex makes great watches in this price range that will serve any adventurer well.

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　　In the $200 to $500 range, expect higher-quality quartz watches with better crystals and straps. The lume should be pretty good in this price range. Watches like the Vaer C5 Tactical Field Solar give excellent utility and nice looks for under $350, and even have solar quartz, which runs on sunlight and never needs a battery change!

　　Mid-Tier From $500 to $1,000, youre getting into the realm of mechanical watches. Yes, you can get mechanical watches for less. But if you want a functional automatic field watch, you should expect to pay in this range to ensure durability and legibility. The Seiko Alpinist is a great example of a watch in this price range. Some Hamilton Khaki models also fall below $1,000, although theyre starting to creep above that price point.

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　　Beyond $1,000, you should see very nice finishing, reliable, COSC-certified movements, and even some name recognition. Because while we are talking about a tool here, were also talking about a timepiece that carries similar connotations as jewelry, at least at higher ends of the market. Beyond $1,500, you shouldnt see much difference in performance when it comes to field watches. But what you pay for at $2,000 and beyond are things like in-house movements, fine detailing, and lets be honest, brand names.

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　　So expect to pay a solid $9,000 for that Rolex Explorer. Yes, its a fantastic watch. But it will, in fact, not tell time any better than that $100 Timex. Realistically, that quartz Timex will probably be more accurate.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What is a field watch? A field watch is a durable, simple, easy-to-read, usually analog wristwatch based on the military designs of World War II.

　　Can I wear a field watch every day? 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.

　　Why do you need a field watch? Field watches are among the most iconic watch designs. They provide accurate time in any situation and can be worn with nearly any clothing.

　　Is a field watch a dress watch? 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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