Swiss field watches for around $500
I am once again calling for your aid in my never ending search for my next watch.
I am looking for a field watch and already have an extensive shortlist. However, I noticed most of them are either from a Japanese company or have a Japanese movement.
As I like variety I would maybe like a field watch that is fit to trek across the Swiss Alps! I have been very drawn to Victorinox, as I enjoy their pocket knives, but I would love to have my scope broadened.
So I ask to tap into your collective back catalog of Swiss field watches for suggestions!
Just a few pointers for what I am looking for:
+\- $500
37-41 mm (bigger fine if it wears similar)
100m water resistance
Robustness
Swiss movement (in-house or otherwise)
Preferably automatic but quartz also fine
And yes, I know about the Hamilton Khaki field/Murph. Great watches in their right, but don’t do anything for me.
Thanks you kindly Crunchers and have a good day!
Arise, arise, Riders of Watch Crunch! Fell deeds awake: temptation and financial ruin! Bracelets shall be shaken, Crystals be splintered, a Seiko day, a Rolex day, ere the moonphase rises! Ride now, r...
@swcusa can help you out! Check out Swiss Watch Company’s website.
@swcusa can help you out! Check out Swiss Watch Company’s website.
Thank you kind sir! I will be browsing their website!
Thank you kind sir! I will be browsing their website!
Of course! Another brand I saw at WindUp was Dufrane they do regulated Swiss movements around that price point. They do 5% off when you sign up for emails.
https://www.dufranewatches.com/
Those criteria are spot on for the Hamilton Khaki Field, either the mechanical or auto.
Here’s the auto.
Of course! Another brand I saw at WindUp was Dufrane they do regulated Swiss movements around that price point. They do 5% off when you sign up for emails.
https://www.dufranewatches.com/
You are beyond helpful! Thanks a million!
Those criteria are spot on for the Hamilton Khaki Field, either the mechanical or auto.
Here’s the auto.
The khaki is of course an icon, but just does nothing at all for me. Hence it is not on my shortlist. I just look at it and feel nothing, I hate to say it. Thank you so much for the suggestion though!!
Here’s a link to field watches starting at $200.
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/best-field-watches
Hamilton Field Khaki Automatic. Accept no substitutes.
Not sure if it qualifies as Swiss but it has a Swiss quartz movement
Hamilton Field Khaki Automatic. Accept no substitutes.
I know I know. It’s the best value for money, the brand has the history, it’s an icon etc. etc…. I just do not feel anything for them for whatever reason. Would be an easy fix to fill this spot if i did, but I regret to say that I do not.. thank you for the suggestion though!
Here’s a link to field watches starting at $200.
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/best-field-watches
Perfect! Thanks so much!
I have seen these, but not quite what I’m looking for design wise. Thank you so much for the suggestion though!
I know I know. It’s the best value for money, the brand has the history, it’s an icon etc. etc…. I just do not feel anything for them for whatever reason. Would be an easy fix to fill this spot if i did, but I regret to say that I do not.. thank you for the suggestion though!
Totally understand. It's not for everyone.
Getting any closer?
Here’s a link to field watches starting at $200.
https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/best-field-watches
Half of those watches are pilot watches (with a couple of railroad watches thrown in to boot). WTF Bulbosaur!?
Anyways, not on that list or mentioned yet is the Serica 4512. French designed and assembled with a Swiss hand-wound movement.
Can’t go wrong with Hamilton Khaki King.. $500.. come on leather strap but looks great on nato
Can’t go wrong with Hamilton Khaki King.. $500.. come on leather strap but looks great on nato
Of course this one always comes up. It is an icon in its own right. I regrettably just don’t feel much for them, much like the khaki field. Although the king I like a bit better than the field! Thank you for the suggestions!
The marathon navigator (technically a pilot watch) is very high on my list! And I do like the look of the Formex! We actually went a couple years ago, I wish we were there again🥲 it was AMAZING. One of the most beautiful countries in the world. As for resources not really, we just kind of winged it. Switzerland is is very tourist friendly from our experience. Most people speak some combination of English, German, and French so locals should be able to help you if needed! Enjoy it my friend, you will not be disappointed!
Thanks, that’s good to know! I’m so excited for the trip, it’ll be my first time out of the country. The navigator is a super cool watch too, I’m also tempted by the new stainless steel one😅. Good luck with your watch hunt!
Thanks, that’s good to know! I’m so excited for the trip, it’ll be my first time out of the country. The navigator is a super cool watch too, I’m also tempted by the new stainless steel one😅. Good luck with your watch hunt!
No better place to go than Switzerland! Where in Switzerland are you going? We went to the Lauterbrunnen area and man was it gorgeous!
No better place to go than Switzerland! Where in Switzerland are you going? We went to the Lauterbrunnen area and man was it gorgeous!
We’re thinking of staying in Zurich as a base and doing day trips to different towns, but nothing is set in stone yet (and I still have a lot of planning to do). If we did this, we could see Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Lugano. So we’ll see!😅
We’re thinking of staying in Zurich as a base and doing day trips to different towns, but nothing is set in stone yet (and I still have a lot of planning to do). If we did this, we could see Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Lugano. So we’ll see!😅
That sounds like a good plan! The whole Interlaken-Lauterbrunnen area is a gem! So so pretty. Be sure to bring some nice watches and bless us with some WRUW shots!
CWC is what I was thinking too
you can also check out a brand called serica, especially the 4512 series, they are swiss made but a little over 500$
I’ve had my eye on the Serica 4512 for some time. The only think holding me back is the movement. I’m unsure about the SOPROD P24 MANUAL movement and the screw down crown.
Is the movement tried,tested and proven to be reliable and easily serviced? What is the longevity of the SDC with daily manual winding.
Other than those possible issues I’d have picked one up.
I’m trying to be helpful and stick to the brief. Swiss-made does not equal Swiss. You can get a decent Swiss-made watch from a non-Swiss brand, but you seem stuck on pure Swiss, so let’s drill down on what you’ve been recommended shall we?
Bulova - American, owned by Citizen, who are Japanese
Bertucci - American
DuFrane - American
Nite - British
Cincinnati Watch Company - American
EchoNeutra - Italian
Marathon - Canadian
Steinhart - German
Serica - French
Unimatic - Italian
Glycine are owned by the Invicta Watch Group, and Invicta, despite starting out as Swiss, are now technically American. Also, the Combat Sub is a Sub, you’d want a Combat 6 Classic as that is a field watch.
Hamilton were American, and are now owned by Swatch Group - technically Swiss, and an entry-level Khaki will be at the top-end of your budget or beyond.
Of what has been mentioned, MWC could be the closest to full-blown Swiss-made and Swiss brand, but even then, they blatantly homage many different watches from different military contracts from around the world, so would you really want an American-designed, or British-designed Swiss-made watch from a Swiss firm? I’m guessing no…
I’m sorry I’ve been no help, but then again, neither has anyone else.
Serica are Swiss made.
That sounds like a good plan! The whole Interlaken-Lauterbrunnen area is a gem! So so pretty. Be sure to bring some nice watches and bless us with some WRUW shots!
Thanks bro, and yes, I’m planning on bringing my camera for watch shots🤪
Serica are Swiss made.
French brand, “Swiss made”, but if you actually read the website perhaps you might come across this little tidbit
Anyone else want to rail against reality?
I’ve had my eye on the Serica 4512 for some time. The only think holding me back is the movement. I’m unsure about the SOPROD P24 MANUAL movement and the screw down crown.
Is the movement tried,tested and proven to be reliable and easily serviced? What is the longevity of the SDC with daily manual winding.
Other than those possible issues I’d have picked one up.
Yeah same im unsure about that movement. I saw someone wearing a serica here, and I really liked the design, other than that I don't know the pros and cons of their watches.
Yeah same im unsure about that movement. I saw someone wearing a serica here, and I really liked the design, other than that I don't know the pros and cons of their watches.
Google Serica and the SOPROD movement debacle. Avoid.
Google Serica and the SOPROD movement debacle. Avoid.
I'm sorry but can you elaborate more since I wasn't able to find much information about this on google.