What is the best field watch under $500 from large brands?

From an actual use perspective I would say it is the Marathon. If you like the history behind it, I'd go for either the Hamilton or Bulova. The SRPG27 is like a mix of field and pilot watch to me, and odd bird that you either like or not at all.

Great analysis. I have been eyeing a Marathon for a while, might be my next purchase... but the Bulova does look good.

If you want mechanical, I would go for the Seiko 5. The Fieldmaster models start at $475 retail and those are proper value for money if you are after a field watch under $500 with solid specs.

If I am going quartz, then the Marathon would be my pick.

I voted for the Bulova Hack, but I think the Timex Expedition North line has some great field watches, including my favorite, the Expedition North Post Solar 36mm.

Didn't find them during my research, but they are indeed good options. Not that I don't like the SRPG27, I find it pretty solid.

I had a few bad experiences with Timex, but it seems they have been making an effort to put out better pieces in the past couple of years. Might be worth taking another look...

You could pick up the Seiko 5 for around the $200 range and there are also new 36mm options available now so plenty of options at that price range. If you are choice is automatic then I would definitely go for the Seiko 5.

The Tortoise/Fieldmaster models are underrated but they are proper value for money for what you get and can be easily found for even less. Also depends on what type of field watch you are after.

I would say so. I have been quite impressed with more recent Timex releases, especially the Expedition North series. The Marlin and Q series are also worth taking a look at.

Another good option for a field watch is Citizen; the new Citizen Garrison titanium and the new Promaster Tough titanium both have at least 100M WR and sapphire crystal, in addition to a full titanium case.

I have one of the new Seiko 5 field watches, but it is not an SRPG. It is the new 36mm SRPJ85; same specs in a smaller case.

Bertucci?

Don't forget Timex: quartz, solar and....automatic models aplenty!

I would imagine most will say the hammy

HKFA is a really solid watch, beautiful dial, great (used to be greater) value for the money. I don't wear mine though, because the lugs are sort of long for me.

I actually have a Citizen on my blog post, but here I was only allowed 4 options: https://www.thecuriositytrips.com/post/guides-top-field-watches-to-buy-under-500

I actually owned one for a while, but it felt very flimsy. Yours look pretty solid, what are your thoughts so far?

So far they are winning by a lot... even though those are far from my favorite models from their line.

I know, I wish the polls had more than four choices. Another great brand option is Vaer; lots of field watch models. Here is my C3 Korean Field Solar.

Seiko finishing level isn't up to Hamilton but the Seiko has FAR better lume and at least some semblance of AR coating. The Hamilton has neither.

Mine is one of my favorites, but I bought it right before the price increases. Not sure I would get one today.

I almost bought a watch from them a couple of times. Glad to see you like it, they do seem great and I like the way they look.

Had it for about a year, pretty solid. It's stainless, I think I may splurge for a titanium one of these days. I

I got my Aplinist SPB121 for under $500 so that’s it for me. I love the alpinist line, I think it’s the best watch under 1k imo.

#hamilton but love the #citizen