In this video, we take a look at some of the best field watches on the market priced under $1,000. We look at 21 different watches in both a modern and traditional format from brands like Timex, Seiko, Citizen, and Formex, just to name a few. While the definition of field watch can be a little bit murky, we tried to pick a bit of a variety of watches to fit any personal preference while staying true to the core values of legibility, durability, and a sense of simplicity. Deep rooted in military tradition, the field watch tends to fit a certain bill though I am sure a few on this list will surprise you. We will be creating more content like this in the future, so be sure to follow along on our Windup Watch Shop YouTube channel for more!

Featured Field Watches 

G-Shoock Goes Pink for a great cause!

Using their classic 5600 as a foundation, the watches are equipped with an digital display with advanced functions. With high-contrast displays and easy-to-read dials, you can effortlessly keep track of time. These timepieces are also equipped with a range of impressive features, including stopwatch, countdown timer, and alarm. Whether you're training for a marathon or need a reminder for important tasks, they've got you covered.

An Original Military Design

The A-11 Spec 2 is assembled in Pennsylvania and features an A-11-spec dial with triple-print Luminova. Upsized for modern tastes, the 40mm x 47mm stainless steel case features a sandblasted finish. The lugs are set 20mm apart and drilled, allowing for effortless strap changes. Protecting the dial, we have a a double-domed K1 mineral crystal with sapphire and anti-reflective coatings. Water resistance is rated to a worthy 5 ATM, .

An American Field Watch in high polished titanium

With nearly 20 years of putting out rock-solid field watches, Bertucci is no stranger to the world of military-inspired timepieces. With a focus on durability and quality, Bertucci is able to bring a wide range of affordable field watches to the mix. The A-11T is a 42mm titanium field watch that draws inspiration from the watches worn by military officers. The A-11 is a military spec from the 1940s that calls out for a black dial with white numerals and an outer minute mark with 10-minute markings. High legibility, extreme durability, and a unique polished titanium case are what make these field watches stand out from the pack.

The Seiko “5” Lineup Gets The Field Watch Treatment

An update to Seiko’s “5” lineup of watches, these new classic field watch-inspired designs represent a lot of bang for your buck. To be a part of Seiko’s “5” lineup, a watch must include five key traits: an automatic movement, a day/date window, ample water resistance, a recessed crown, and a case and bracelet built for durability. These entrants in the Seiko 5 lineup feature a classic field watch design with a legible dial with 12- and 24-hour scales, and a set of contrasting pencil hands. Whether you’re just starting your horological journey, or simply need a field watch in your collection, you can’t go wrong with these examples from Seiko.

The 38mm, 200m, Titanium Field watch

If you’re looking for the perfect companion for your next adventure, Boldr’s Venture is up for the task. Drawing inspiration from field watches, the Venture is a thoroughly modern interpretation of the category. A 38mm titanium case on some variants is mounted on a nylon mil-strap with titanium hardware. The solid set of specs punches well above what the price would suggest, with features you wouldn’t typically see in this range.

A MIL-SPEC FIELD WATCH WITH TRITIUM TUBES - INCLUDES A STRAP COMPASS

Measuring 34mm wide by 11mm thick, the composite case is light on the wrist. It stays strapped on thanks to the thin 16mm nylon strap that coordinates with the case color. The dial is what you’d expect from a field watch — clean and legible with a 12- and 24-hour scales. Bold white hands really pop out from the matte black dial. To take legibility to the next level, the hour and minute hands / hour markers on the dial are adorned with tritium gas tubes that constantly glow in the dark without needing exposure to light like standard lume would. The dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for extra durability.

A classically sized field watch

Hamilton’s Khaki line of field watches traces its lineage across two world wars and over half a century of supplying the American and British militaries with rugged tool watches. Specifically produced for the civilian market, the Khakis have brought Hamilton’s mil-spec design to the masses since the 1980s. Compact, tough, and legible, the Khaki Field Quartz is a rugged companion for whatever awaits in the field.

Bulova’s Original Military-Issued Field Watch

Bulova’s Military Collection honors the brand’s rich history of producing timepieces for the United States Armed Forces during the golden era of the mechanical wristwatch. The Bulova Hack pays tribute to the classic field watch design, with the “Hack” name being a reference to the hacking seconds function that permitted soldiers to synchronize their watches for coordinated timekeeping on missions.

A Highly-Versatile Everyday Watch Crafted from Hardened Super Titanium

The Citizen Super Titanium collection features timepieces that are crafted from the brand’s specially-hardened titanium alloy, which is five times harder and 40% lighter than traditional stainless steel. The Citizen Garrison distills down the core design DNA of classic pilot and field watches to create a modern and function-forward timepiece that is perfectly suited for everyday wear and use. With a highly-legible dial, a solar-powered movement, and the extreme durability of Super Titanium, the Citizen Garrison is a go-anywhere, do-anything watch that is ready for a life of adventure.

A no-fuss mechanical field watch

For a lot of people, when they think of Hamilton, this is the watch that comes to mind. Simple, understated, rugged - it’s a true field watch born from Hamilton’s history of making watches for the military, yet slightly modernized for today’s needs. A staple of their catalog, this simple, everyday watch recently got upgraded with an 80-hr movement, making it all the more versatile.