Good field watches below $2k
I love field watches or more utilitarian type of designs. Love an explorer or a ranger, but currently out of price range. Have a long awaited event upcoming and would like to purchase a watch to celebrate. Looking for a good, solid workhorse that can be a daily driver for, preferably at or under $2k, but if there is a great offering below $3k, would also consider. What options are worth considering?!?
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Ka Shew
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6.00” / 15.24 cm
The Expedition North looks great and is way, way below the price point you mentioned. It's been on my radar for a while.
Vaer makes several, all under $1k.
If you want to blow money on a field watch, I'd say Hamilton Pilot Pioneer. The above options are better if money is not burning a hole in your pocket.
I like Zelos' take on the field watch. I have the Nebula version but you might like the Stonewash.
There's also Vertex, one of the original Dirty Dozen that still makes them.
Vertex is a great suggestion. I'm partial to the #serica4512, at $1k
Vaer makes several, all under $1k.
Second that
Well u know my choice. Humble on the wallet but top shelf on the wrist. That Timex Expedition North Titanium was my fave watch of last year.
Although the specs aren't consistent with the original WW2 D12 at 40mm, I second the Vertex M100A. It's the best modern military inspired watch in my opinion. It's definitely overpriced for the specs and the new Vertex owners are trying to leverage history hard, but it looks stunning in the metal. Especially the big lume blocs for the hours.
Don’t forget the CW Sandhurst. COSC certified SW200 and a gorgeous light catcher case
Murph 38mm or Serica 6190.
I went for the Smiths Navogator, hard to find but great specs for the price.
I'm with #bipennate Serica is really good.
But the Longines Spirit would be my choice.
You could get several 😬
Bulova hack is a great choice. The lume is also surprisingly good!
Formex field is a great option
I think for field watches you have to start with something iconic.
I like the Seiko Alpinist.
If your at 3 just stretch it to 5 and get a used explorer
I have the Timor - great watch and feels very solid.
Vertex will release a 36mm soon it’s an open secret apparently
I’ve head the same. Someone mentioned the owner talked about it at the Wind Up Fair in Chicago this past summer.
You've got tons of choices.
CWC G10. Stainless steel 36mm by 42, quartz, acrylic crystal, Swiss made, 50m of wr (CWC also make what they call the G22, which is the same watch but boosted to 200m wr) yours for £279, so well within budget. The best bit? It was actually issued. Its not a reissue, it is the exact watch the MOD ordered.
Or there's this, the khaki pilot pioneer, £750 rrp but you can get it for well under. Yes I know it says pilots watch but it was a general service piece issued to all three branches of His majesties armed forces. 36mm by 43 (but it wears significantly larger due to the cushion case). Also Swiss made powered by the H50 (so 80 hours of power reserve) 10 bar wr, and a GORGEOUS textured dial. If fauxtina ain't your bag, CWC make one that looks slightly different.
Or there's the default answer of Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical.
All of these are way under budget (you could buy 10 G10s and still have change)
This is someone else’s picture from Reddit. The Hamilton Hodinkee limited is essentially their khaki mechanical with a different dial. It’s a throw back to one of their historical watches. Doesn’t look great on the strap it comes with, but as you can see, you can easily make it look amazing with the right strap choice
I haven’t read through all the responses, but I got this for less than $400. The Vario 1945 from Singapore
Smiths PRS-29A
I have the Timor - great watch and feels very solid.
hand wound or automatic?
hand wound or automatic?
I went for hand wind in their initial pre-order
You've got tons of choices.
CWC G10. Stainless steel 36mm by 42, quartz, acrylic crystal, Swiss made, 50m of wr (CWC also make what they call the G22, which is the same watch but boosted to 200m wr) yours for £279, so well within budget. The best bit? It was actually issued. Its not a reissue, it is the exact watch the MOD ordered.
Or there's this, the khaki pilot pioneer, £750 rrp but you can get it for well under. Yes I know it says pilots watch but it was a general service piece issued to all three branches of His majesties armed forces. 36mm by 43 (but it wears significantly larger due to the cushion case). Also Swiss made powered by the H50 (so 80 hours of power reserve) 10 bar wr, and a GORGEOUS textured dial. If fauxtina ain't your bag, CWC make one that looks slightly different.
Or there's the default answer of Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical.
All of these are way under budget (you could buy 10 G10s and still have change)
The pilot pioneer is a great little piece, the blue one is very special
I am currently rocking a LL. Bean Casco Bay field watch that I got on deep discount. LL Bean licensed Seattle Watch Co. to make the watch. SWC has made watches for many brand and currently has their own brand, Swiss Delta, the build quality is tops with a high torque 1 jewel 515 Ronda movement, same as the Marathon field quartz and some Victorinox
The Timex Titanium Expedition is often sold out..
I have the Timex. Can't speak for the Timor. I know that it has history as part of the dirty dozen which is cool.
The Timex is light, it has a display caseback (not the prettiest of movements) screw down crown, 200m water resistance. It's a solid choice. FYI, you will want to order an aftermarket strap. The standard strap is rubbish...
Would have to go used, and there's always several in eBay. Sangin Instruments Overlord.
Sangin also has them in stock more than any other variant.