Field watch discussion

I don't know how one defines a field watch technically (like diver's watches are codified), but for me in order of importance would be: perfect and easy legibility in daylight and nighttime, large hands, preferably automatic, good water resistance, durable strap, running seconds, and able to function well under cold conditions.

If that is a good list, then there are many choices, firsthand thoughts turn to Rolex and Seiko, but there are lots more, like the Hamilton here.

Gotta love a good Hamilton. This one floats my boat, though. 

The Hamilton field watches should be appreciated by everyone, and are probably the best field watch in it's price range, my favorite though is the Weiss field watch, small independent family company that makes all the non-movement parts in house.

I don’t own a Weiss but I’ve seen a couple and they are very nice pieces 

Hamilton khaki king was my first automatic watch back in 2014, still have it, will always recommend it as a first watch for a newb. 🙌

for luxury field watch i think iwc spitfire is a good choice. hamilton khaki also good for middle tier field watch. but if you gonna with affordable choice seiko and orient can't be wrong. i own seiko srpg for my field watch

Great choices 

I love a field watch; have a manual and automatic 38mm khakI, which are classics, but my fave is probably the Nomos Club Campus Ace edition. 

Love my Khaki King!

I think pilot's watches and field watches have a lot in common. 

For "hard" field watches I think Hamilton and Vaer are my favourites, but when you expand it to "kinda-sorta" field watches, my Marathon Navigator, and DS30 are the top picks.

Yes, I think Hamilton makes the iconic field watch. Though mine is not the most iconic design.

Hamilton is such good value. 

Hamilton khaki 38s and khaki king 40 are both very nice.  Imho, the 41 is a bit big.  The BOLDR Venture is a sweet 38mm titanium gem that deserves a look as well.

I really dislike Hamilton. It represents a bland conformity and lack of imagination and creativity to me, like Rolex. I'd go for Serica, Weiss, Bertucci, Longines, CWC, Timor, Rayville Tournek, Seiko, Citizen, Timex... Basically anything other than Hamilton!

A field watch from 1971 that probably saw some days in Vietnam. The Caravelle Sea Hunter Devils Diver 666. It was a rather affordable piece around $30. Now kind of very collectible because of the Explorer/Ranger/Commando dial. It was a "diver" but was used by soldiers in the field. 

Always have time for a Hamilton in the collection

Maybe in need a parachute for mine-  im liking it but the A11 void still needs filled- hamilton is out of my budget right now.  I thinking about Timex, but I keep looking at the Orient defender 2 or an srpg27/snz13/15...I keep looking at san martin and they outspec the seikos and orients, but they lack the character, brand feel, etc so idk 

Timex x Todd Snyder Field Watch is pretty nice. I actually picked one up on eBay for just £27 with an additional Timex nato strap. Might be an option?

I like it, thank you 

Shots fired! Hot take incoming! I sort of agree a little. Playing it safe designs, lots of brand placement, unimpressive but sturdy enough movements.

I love options from most of your suggestions.

I went with simple and easy to read, with at least 100m WR:

ISL-40

The field watch was my first mechanical love. I have the Khaki Field Auto in a 38mm case, it's probably my all-time favorite piece in the collection. It's so versatile! 

Oh man. Respectfully disagree with this take, but you do you. Hamilton is like a gateway. I don't disagree with you that some of those other brands make sweet field watches, but a Hamilton Khaki Auto is unique in that it's thinner than almost any other field watch under $1k which makes it amazingly comfortable and it also has the polished bezel which means you can dress it up which is also a unique feature in this price point. While probably a bit boring, it's a classic for a reason! A Hamilton Khaki Auto was my first mechanical watch and as much as my taste has evolved, I find myself still wearing it not infrequently and I definitely have a soft spot for it.

For non-traditional Field Watches, I am a big fan of the Breitling Aviator 8 (which I consider a hybrid pilot/field watch).

I have the exact same watch, with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079WK4XQ5 strap, it looks fantastic with that strap on. 

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical and Seiko SNZG15 are my go tos right now, but that Weiss is really nice and I wouldn't mind owning one. 

The Elgin A11 design DNA is one of the best pegs. (photo below c/o Wristwatch Revival) 

Smiths W-10 and the "Dirty Dozen" are also venerable pegs. 

In this light, check this piece by Kuoe. 

Photos above c/o Jon Rihtar's review. watchspec.com/kuoe-old-smith-90-002

I'm saving up to get one very soon. 👍 

Also check out the new Contar Field MK I. Saving up for this one too 😉

@roberto - as promised.

The strap is rubber - really comfy. Watch wears small at 34mm without the crown, but I think it’s pretty awesome.

This is my favorite field watch. Can anyone guess the watch/model and the movie?

H70555533