The Ultimate Field watch

Casio Pro-Trek would be the ultimate imo.

Aren't pro treck's g shocks with less armor. They have the same sensors, just different design language.

Yes and no !

I’ll put it this way. When I went to the field…or down range (IYKYK)…I wore a G-shock.

G-Shocks aren’t field watches, but they can perform the same function as a field watch much better.

Agree with @cornfedksboy above.

Certainly not a field watch , but used by the military and outdoorsy types .

Ultimate field watch for me would be a CWC or mil-spec Hamilton

What constitutes a field watch to you

I think people are going off style cues and aesthetics over the function of a fieldwatch.

Stylistic…light weight, legible, and hardy three hander.

I don’t pull out my G-Shocks and say, “look at my collection of field watches!”

I would, however, strap on a G-Shock if I was shipping off to Ukraine.

I would also add that certain models of G-Shocks are military watches, just as field watches are military watches. G-Shock is the ultimate modern military watch.

I disagree regarding G-Shocks as the ultimate field watch, as they are usually too bulky.

I don't care that a watch has 2000 sensors that aren't accurate enough to actually use, if I need a barometer or thermistor I'll have quality (calibrated) instruments with me.

The durability is often played up as a huge deal, but it comes at the cost of making the watch bulky, which increases the likelihood of needing to be durable.

Many use negative displays that while cool looking make the practicality of the watch worse.

The basic DW5600 is likely the best G-Shock for field use, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

The ultimate modern field watch is definitely a digital quartz watch, but I think thinner, and more legible options make more sense. I think too much fuss gets made about G-Shock durability, but remember that in the real world a watch only needs to be as durable as your wrist... There is no point in a watch that can be run over by a tank, if your wrist can't be run over by a tank.

I wore a Timex Atlantis in the sand box, and at no time wished I had 100m more WR, or a bulkier case.

Ultimate field watch? Can think of a few that fit the bill over a G...

Marathon GPM (Officer or composite case)

Marathon Steel Navigator

Citizen Promaster Tough Ray Mears

Ares Field-1

Sangin Overlord

Seiko SUS

Casio Protrek Tough Solar

And to answer about the G vs Protrek toughness, the Casio Protrek Tough Solar has been the issued watch for some branches EOD since replacing the Suunto Vector/Casio G Shock Atomic Solar. (Though some units individual purchase other options)

Mainly due to the compass functionality.

IMO a true ABC (Altimeter/Barometer/Compass) watch beats out a vanilla G, since they are extremely handy for field work/orientation and knowing when a storm is about to soak you on a 3 day dismount. Doesn't change anything, but gives you time to mentally prepare for living with wet socks....😬🤪🫠

The compass, countdown timer, stopwatch, and solar were and still are the main requirements for an issued watch for EOD last time I checked.

The reality is there is quite a large selection available for GSA purchase, and when funds are available, and one is willing to work for it, there's some good options that aren't digital. (Marathon and CWC primarily)

Or you can also just sweet talk your Unit supply guy 😂.

HOWEVER, I am not hating on the G Shock. A lot of peeps still buy their own, and it was the first watch I owned before service (negative square 😂)AND first issued (atomic solar).

I would echo what @KristianG said, negative LCDs are cool, and even sometimes issued, but they suck to read.

Final thought, if I ever find one for a good price, I'm buying the official MOD Multicam Mudmaster. Cuz Rule No. 1: Always Look Cool.

The Sinn EZM 1.1S

The high contrast of white on black is faster to read at night with ambient light than a G-Shock.

The central chrono is easy to read at a quick glance for timing movement... while you are actually moving. You can run with it and see your pace without having to cycle between time and stopwatch. With the G-Shock you have to cycle between modes.

The countdown bezel gives you minutes remaining at the same glance. When you hit task saturation on the objective you don't need to figure out the mental math of "what time did we hit the X... what time is it now... subtract A from B...

The countdown bezel just points to the number... 12 mikes... got it.

The red font completely disappears in the dark so all your eyes see is the time, time elapsed, and/or time remaining. Your eyes don't see the date, you don't need that in the middle of a fight. The date is legible when you're stuck dealing with S-1, and virtually invisible when you're coordinating fire.

...and of course there's the tablestakes features like water/dust resistance, shock resistance, magnetic resistance, etc. Add the steel hardening/tegimented process that prevents the PVD from chipping off as it takes hits, and it's one of the rare black steel watches that will still be black in 15 years.

The crown/pushers are on the left so they wouldn't dig into the back of your hand when shooting. Even though most folks have transitioned to the C-clamp these days, it still reminds me that it was designed with the heavy pipe swingers in mind.