Is the best Field Watch a G-Shock?
I don’t have a field watch in my collection. There. I’ve admitted it.
Time to right that wrong I thought so I’ve been thinking about them a lot recently and for such a narrow product the choice is bewildering.
I love the rugged, just-throw-it-on-your-wrist convenience of a field watch but for each one that I look at, I can’t help but think that a G-Shock does it all, and does it better.
I know that we all have differing opinions and some Field Watches are a bit more intricate but I think a G-Shock does it all better.
What do others think? I’d be interested to hear your views, especially if you have a Field Watch idea that you think that I should check out.
Born an Edward. Known as Eddie all through school. Now I’m Ed. Where will this name shortening end and should I be worried? Always liked watches but only really got the bug in the last couple of years...
Can’t go wrong with a GShock, but maybe not the CasiOak. The regular GShocks will be better for the field.
If you’re looking for mechanical, the prototypical watch would be the Hamilton Field Khaki (Mechanical or Auto). For a cheaper option, look at the Timex North Field Expedition.
I have a field watch and a G-Shock GM2100-1A. From a ruggedness standpoint, of course the G-Shock wins… but from a legibility standpoint? No contest.
I love the CasiOak look and love wearing it but the thing is damn near illegible. Now, I’m not young and my eyesight isn’t 20/20 but I sure appreciate the large, highly legible, tell time in a moment, simple dial of my field watch!
GW5000-U Solar + Radio Band 6 would make an excellent field watch IMO. Rugged, easy to read, lots of functionality in a simple design. 👌
A good debate for the smaller wristed😉
Almost. I don't find that model comfy but I love the softer strap of the gbd200.
If ultimate ruggedness is the goal then yes nothing beats a G Shock. That's what's used by real soldiers in the field today as far as I know.
But if you mean field watch style then I'd say this one.
Very premium specs for well under 200 bucks.
Titanium, sapphire, solar, radio sync, good backlight, etc.
Of course they didn't have the digital features back when field watches were invented but it's pretty damn close while having basically all the modern features of a G Shock. Timers etc.
Sorry here's the photo. This site is a bit buggy sometimes.
The OG DW6900 or square would also be viable options.
I'd throw the Citizen Promaster Tough Ti series into the mix as well.
Another option for a budget tough as nails fieldwatch is the Casio Pathfinder. They have solar triple sensor model on Amazon for under $130. Mine is almost 20 years old and survived on a Firefighter/Paramedics wrist without an issue.
@CitizenKale is correct. My son is active duty USAF and his daily wear is a G-Shock GW-M5610U.
I'll be the odd man out and say a solar/auto analog for sheer field watch/survival, with anti-mag/shock protection (Citizen Promaster Tough/Archimede Outdoor Protect etc) might edge out digis for some applications.
I've been issued Protreks, Suuntos, and Marathons. All worked good. Personally procured others I've worn all over the place.
Marathon with tritium tubes was the best, but it was crushed 😭 and haven't yet had it replaced. Used a combination of my Protrek, Holton Pro, Orient, Helm, and Citizen Tough about evenly over the last 15-ish+ years.
For my .02¢, in a field environ, I go legible analog dial, plus some type of compass/GPS. I have enough other technology hanging around me to do everything else with. Use a watch to tell the time (true field), maybe track a specific event (dive/timing bezel), or maybe think about home (12/24 GMT).
Love mine so much I got my adult kid one. Highly recommend. Comfortable, good looking, rugged, easy to ready, unlikely to break and inexpensive enough to not matter if you do
Any quartz digital watch is suitable for field use... I personally preferred the Timex Expedition/Atlantis, since it is less bulky than a G-Shock.
A giant watch hits more things, and even G-Shocks break eventually.
Personally, I think G-Shocks are mostly bought/worn in the same way jacked up trucks are bought/used. They look "cool", and make people feel like they can do rugged things.
GW5000-U Solar + Radio Band 6 would make an excellent field watch IMO. Rugged, easy to read, lots of functionality in a simple design. 👌
This is the best G-Shock price/value wise by far. Superb recommendation.
Utility-wise, very few things beat a G-Shock to be honest. When I’m going to the outdoors, or going for a trip that doesn’t require me to dress up, 90% of the time I reach for a G-Shock. Sometimes I wonder why I even collect watches after sending weeks on a holiday with a G-Shock.
I specifically like the squares only though. Tried the CasiOaks and they’re very nice but squares are IMO the true G-Shocks :P.
Can’t go wrong with a GShock, but maybe not the CasiOak. The regular GShocks will be better for the field.
If you’re looking for mechanical, the prototypical watch would be the Hamilton Field Khaki (Mechanical or Auto). For a cheaper option, look at the Timex North Field Expedition.
Thanks. Quite like the look of the Boldr Venture too.
I have a field watch and a G-Shock GM2100-1A. From a ruggedness standpoint, of course the G-Shock wins… but from a legibility standpoint? No contest.
I love the CasiOak look and love wearing it but the thing is damn near illegible. Now, I’m not young and my eyesight isn’t 20/20 but I sure appreciate the large, highly legible, tell time in a moment, simple dial of my field watch!
Depends on which colour you pick I guess. I like the stealth black ones but agree that they are hard to read.
GW5000-U Solar + Radio Band 6 would make an excellent field watch IMO. Rugged, easy to read, lots of functionality in a simple design. 👌
When anyone just says G-Shock, this exactly what I think of.
A good debate for the smaller wristed😉
Good point. Some field watches are definitely on the smaller size but then again, some G-Shocks are too big imho.
Almost. I don't find that model comfy but I love the softer strap of the gbd200.
If ultimate ruggedness is the goal then yes nothing beats a G Shock. That's what's used by real soldiers in the field today as far as I know.
But if you mean field watch style then I'd say this one.
Very premium specs for well under 200 bucks.
Titanium, sapphire, solar, radio sync, good backlight, etc.
Of course they didn't have the digital features back when field watches were invented but it's pretty damn close while having basically all the modern features of a G Shock. Timers etc.
If the military had digital technology in WW2 then this would be the Field Watch standard today.
The OG DW6900 or square would also be viable options.
I'd throw the Citizen Promaster Tough Ti series into the mix as well.
Both great choices. 👌🏼
This is the conclusion that I keep coming to. 🙈
Another option for a budget tough as nails fieldwatch is the Casio Pathfinder. They have solar triple sensor model on Amazon for under $130. Mine is almost 20 years old and survived on a Firefighter/Paramedics wrist without an issue.
That looks super legible too. If it’s survived that long in tough times then it must be worth a look. Big fan of emergency services. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Not if I’ve I’ve got my Apple Watch on. The battery would be dead overnight. 😉
@CitizenKale is correct. My son is active duty USAF and his daily wear is a G-Shock GW-M5610U.
Cant argue against that endorsement. 👌🏼
I'll be the odd man out and say a solar/auto analog for sheer field watch/survival, with anti-mag/shock protection (Citizen Promaster Tough/Archimede Outdoor Protect etc) might edge out digis for some applications.
I've been issued Protreks, Suuntos, and Marathons. All worked good. Personally procured others I've worn all over the place.
Marathon with tritium tubes was the best, but it was crushed 😭 and haven't yet had it replaced. Used a combination of my Protrek, Holton Pro, Orient, Helm, and Citizen Tough about evenly over the last 15-ish+ years.
For my .02¢, in a field environ, I go legible analog dial, plus some type of compass/GPS. I have enough other technology hanging around me to do everything else with. Use a watch to tell the time (true field), maybe track a specific event (dive/timing bezel), or maybe think about home (12/24 GMT).
Very true, particularly about always having other technology at hand. With that in mind, simple probably is best. 👍🏼
Love mine so much I got my adult kid one. Highly recommend. Comfortable, good looking, rugged, easy to ready, unlikely to break and inexpensive enough to not matter if you do
I keep reaching this conclusion too. Both look good and great to hear that you find them comfortable. 👌🏼
Any quartz digital watch is suitable for field use... I personally preferred the Timex Expedition/Atlantis, since it is less bulky than a G-Shock.
A giant watch hits more things, and even G-Shocks break eventually.
Personally, I think G-Shocks are mostly bought/worn in the same way jacked up trucks are bought/used. They look "cool", and make people feel like they can do rugged things.
Totally agree about the G-Shock/truck analogy!, funnily enough, I really like the simplicity and value of the Timex Expedition range too and was looking at them earlier today.
I know. I really do. 🤣🤣🤣
I keep reaching this conclusion too. Both look good and great to hear that you find them comfortable. 👌🏼
For size reference btws, the Casioak is in the same ball park as the Duro.
To me both are larger than my absolute ideal perfection (I love me some 40 and 20 like the podcast). But still VERY wearable, awesome watches.
Haven't figured out why the Duro gets the praise and the Casioak is great but a quote "dinner plate" unquote....😉😜😂🤘🏻🤙🏻
For size reference btws, the Casioak is in the same ball park as the Duro.
To me both are larger than my absolute ideal perfection (I love me some 40 and 20 like the podcast). But still VERY wearable, awesome watches.
Haven't figured out why the Duro gets the praise and the Casioak is great but a quote "dinner plate" unquote....😉😜😂🤘🏻🤙🏻
That’s a great size comparison. I think some G-Shocks are so big that the Casioak looks relatively small so it’s great to see some real world context. Thanks for sharing.