Field Watch Discussion
So I was having a convo with some watch friends of mine and it got me wondering: What makes a watch a field watch?
Furthermore, what is the practical difference between a Rolex explorer and a Seiko Alpinist?
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Mike
Long time watch admirer. First time collector.
Canada
Member since
Last active: 5 hrs ago
6.50” / 16.51 cm
@Watchme1 pretty much nailed it. Traditionally they are three handers with black dials and numeric hour markers. Often they have 24 hour military markers as well.
Today‘s models have varying dial colors and sometimes have date, day date, or GMT complications.
The basics have already been stated - a black, 24-hour dialled 3-hand watch with visible and luminous markings; lightweight, tough, slightly waterproof, and as accurate as possible. Additionally, it should be cheap, because if you're taking it out into the field you have to be prepared for it to be damaged in some way, so cheap repairs and replacements are ideal.
Thus, the best modern field watch is a G-shock, or any digital Casio for that matter.
Might be a controversial statement for sure, but there's a reason people in militaries and other rough 'n tough jobs use them and not a comparatively fragile and complex mechanical instead.