help me choose my next field watch

Hi Crunchers,

I am looking for a Gada field/pilot watch that should be under 1500 euros.

I own a explorer...and it is my Grail watch and I will never sell it. The thing is, I am often in situations were I don't want a 7k watch on my wrist (in a bar, at a concert, on holiday, gardening...)

I am on the fence on buying a Sinn 556 again. I had one in the past but sold it because I had the explorer and a IWC (which is now also sold) and had the impression that i had too many field watches in my collection.

Do you have other watches in mind? Preferably under 38mm, strapmonster capability and no date ( yeah, i know, the Sinn almost checks all boxes)

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yeah, also very high on my list. Anybody have any experience with them especially compared to IWC finish?

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Perudo

yeah, also very high on my list. Anybody have any experience with them especially compared to IWC finish?

My wife has a lower end Laco watch compated to the Stuttgart pro which is pretty nice. If I had to guess based on price point, I am not sure if comparing IWC to Laco would be a fair comparison.

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I don’t think you can go wrong with the Hamilton Khaki mechanical that you have pictured. I happen to love it on the original nato so I have tried other straps.

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Apart from the obvious Hamilton, Alpinist etc. those are lowish cost and look great. The Smiths is a pain to get as they only open the shop every now and then.

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Perudo

yeah, also very high on my list. Anybody have any experience with them especially compared to IWC finish?

It's not a field watch or with a black dial, but I have a Laco Kiel 2 chronograph:

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I've found the quality and finish to be excellent. The case on mine is mostly brushed, but with a polished edge just at the bottom of the bezel where it meets the case (not visible in photo). This is all executed very well and, despite not taking especial care with it, the case doesn't show any scratches or marks at all after much wear. The timekeeping is also excellent:

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I think Laco are a bit unusual, in that they have quite a few basic models, but they also have a completely different segment in their collection, which is much higher quality (eg Stuttgart Pro). Unfortunately, I've never handled an IWC, so I can't speak to that.

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The Lorier Falcon?

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Gotta try Serica, great affordable field watch. 37.7mm and no date. The bonklip bracelet is great but you can see I prefer it on a nato. They also offer a standard dial with numerals.

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This may fit the bill for a lot less money. I pre-ordered the Spindrift which is nice & simple & has a fully lumed dial if that's something you like;

https://www.clemencewatches.com/munro

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Chronologics

The Lorier Falcon?

Good suggestion. 👏🏼

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I don’t think you can go wrong with either, I have the Hamilton and would love to get the Sinn at some point, in my opinion, there’s no such thing as too many field watches if you like the way they look 👌🏻

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WatchBee

It's not a field watch or with a black dial, but I have a Laco Kiel 2 chronograph:

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I've found the quality and finish to be excellent. The case on mine is mostly brushed, but with a polished edge just at the bottom of the bezel where it meets the case (not visible in photo). This is all executed very well and, despite not taking especial care with it, the case doesn't show any scratches or marks at all after much wear. The timekeeping is also excellent:

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I think Laco are a bit unusual, in that they have quite a few basic models, but they also have a completely different segment in their collection, which is much higher quality (eg Stuttgart Pro). Unfortunately, I've never handled an IWC, so I can't speak to that.

sounds great!

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Markell

Apart from the obvious Hamilton, Alpinist etc. those are lowish cost and look great. The Smiths is a pain to get as they only open the shop every now and then.

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I actually own a cwc. great little quartz watch I like to wear from time to time but not great enough to wear it as my "main" beater watch.

The Smith is on my list too for quite some time. It would make a perfect match with the explorer for sure. I don't know what to expect in terms of finish for the price?

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You can’t go wrong with that group of watches your showing

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Christopher Ward C63 Sealander,

Monta Triumph

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Marathon GSAR. It's a diver but an awesome GADA . The Marathon stainless field gets you in way under budget .

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I was going to recommend this one. And you can customize it in a few ways.

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How about the Archimedes Outdoor 39?

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Traska Summiteer. You have different colors. Has hardened case. I have the Explorer too but wear this one the most.

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Perudo

I actually own a cwc. great little quartz watch I like to wear from time to time but not great enough to wear it as my "main" beater watch.

The Smith is on my list too for quite some time. It would make a perfect match with the explorer for sure. I don't know what to expect in terms of finish for the price?

I have been on the fence a little bit with the Smiths but I can see a little Xmas pressie from me to me hahaha the only thing is I just bought a watch and I’m expecting my Bel Canto from CW this month so need to keep it on the low down from the Mrs hahaha

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Maybe a second-hand Longines Spirit 37 mm?

Otherwise the Lorier Falcon suggested above looks like a great choice!

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Longines spirit 37mm maybe an option. Looks absolutely stunning in the champagne dial! Certainly worth a look as I’m sure you might get reasonably close on the budget, grey market obviously. Good luck 👍

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If you are worried about an expensive watch in some areas where theft risk is higher, I would go for a Hamilton Khaki Field

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Hamilton Khaki Field. 👍

On Nato

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On Bund

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On bracelet.

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Imo can’t go wrong with that Sinn. Perfect watch.