Field Watches: Rugged, Reliable, and Ready for Your Next Misadventure

Hey Watch Nerds!

Fun fact. Field watches became essential during World War I (1914-1918) as soldiers needed durable and easily readable timepieces in the trenches. Their design, characterized by robustness and simplicity, was a significant departure from the delicate pocket watches of the era, leading to their enduring popularity among adventurers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Here’s what we have in today’s email:

• Field Watches a field watch that you can afford.

• Retired Spies Trust This Watch well, they do in this TV show.

• And More some AI and the best of the internet.

👇️ What’s your favorite watch? Help me tailor your content with this 30-second survey!

KNOWLEDGE

Grab your baseball mitt or swipe left, because we’re playing (in) the field today with 4 field watches

What is a field watch? Ask 3 watch nerds and get three different answers.

Definitions often have exceptions. Haters gonna hate (hate, hate, hate, hate). I like things simple so let's make this easy.

A field watch must be:

• Easy to read. With either large font, hi-vis or contrast colors. A quick glance at your wrist and you know the time.

• Durable. It must be able to survive the outdoors. For me, at least 100 meters of water resistance. Must be made of "hardy" materials (as opposed to precious metals)

• Uncomplicated. Chill out, what ya yellin' for?! There shouldn't be to much stuff going on. Only one or two complications. Some will say "NO complications," while I say, keep it simple. (bonus points if you know those lyrics at the beginning of the paragraph).

Again, this is just rough criteria so we can get into the fun stuff. Here are four field watches that I personally recommend.

So Let’s do the thing.

(all pictures are linked to product pages)

Cheap ($57)

Timex Unisex T2N647 Weekender

I bought this for my 8-year-old son and he loves it. After he had worn my Hamilton for a day, he was hooked. He wanted a watch just like Dad. So he and I went online and started looking. This is what he picked.

For $57, you get a watch that will be great for 95% of you reading this. It's 38mm, so while it's a tad big (for now), it's way smaller than the G-Shock that he originally wanted.

The Quartz movement means that it's always running and the battery allegedly lasts for 10 years. I mean, I guess so, because there are no complications or anything else to move. Just three hands.

While I'm slightly concerned about the 30 meters of water resistance, we'll see how it goes. For 8 years old, he's super responsible. I know he'll take it off in the shower but if he forgets...meh - this thing is $57.

Medium ($725)

Prospex Land SPB121

Seiko makes incredible watches. Even if you're not a "collector" or "enthusiast," you've probably owned a Seiko before. Seiko has so many but today we'll discuss the Prospex Land. You may have seen this watch before on my newsletter.

What I Like: It's affordable and has a 70-hour power reserve. The 200 meters of water resistance also makes this a daily driver. It has a screw-down crown and a 39.5 mm case size. Banger specs.

What I Don't Like: The color. Nothing wrong here, but not my personal style. The hour hand is also not my taste. The strap is not my favorite. I just don't like leather straps.

Own The Watch? Yes, this watch is underpriced (in my opinion). Here's what I'd do. I'd swap out the strap with a black or green Summit Strap, strap it on and beat the hell out of it as my "beater watch." (Visit Summit Straps here and use OwnTheWatch10 for a discount).

Medium Plus ($1,500)

Marathon GSAR

The Marathon GSAR is one of the first automatic watches I tried on. My friend has one and let me test drive it for a weekend. This thing is a tank. He's worn it in the extreme cold and hot and it never fails. Personally, I'd wear this thing to Hell and back.

What I Like: The solid feel. It's stainless steel, 14 mm thick with a case size of 41 mm. Its 300 meters of water resistance is more than you'll ever need for anything. With tritium lum, low-light visibility is insanely good. There's also a larger, 46 mm version if you're a professional diver or are just a massive human being.

What I Don't Like: The bezel is big. And it makes the actual dial small and a bit too difficult to read at a quick glance. That's my only gripe.

There's also a larger, 46 mm version if you're a professional diver or are just a massive human being.

Own The Watch? Yes. I would and almost bought this on more than one occasion.

Pricey ($3,300)

Tudor Ranger

I can safely say, I tend to not like Tudor watches. Not enough to buy them, anyway. But if I HAD to, this is my favorite in their lineup. To some, it may be the "Explorer Light" but to others, this is a great, all-purpose field watch.

What I Like: The Arabic numerals at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 spots. It's just so simple. I'm a simple man. I love simple. I also LOVE the COSC-certified movement. But you're definitely paying for it. 39 mm is a great case size and a 70-hour power reserve is appropriate for this price range.

What I Don't Like: The price. For a simple watch, this is a lot of money. And yes, it's beautiful but it's just a lot of money for what you're getting. I'm also not a fan of the hour hand shape. People on Reddit said it looks like something inappropriate. Now that's all I see.

Own The Watch? No. I'd save my money for something else. Realistically, I'd buy the Marathon that we just discussed.

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Uber Expensive ($9,650)

Rolex Explorer 2

Is it rational to spend this much money on a watch? No. That's a lot of money. But it's so pretty...

By now you know that this has been my grail watch since I was about 12 years old. In my opinion, it's the ultimate field watch.

What I Like: The orange GMT hand. It pops and I set all my GMT watches to "GMT." The 24-hour, stationary bezel looks amazing. It's hard to describe, but I just love the look and style of this. It's a COSC-certified movement with 70 hours of power reserve. 100 meters of water resistance is also great. Wear this thing anywhere and everywhere.

What I Don't Like: This watch used to be 40 mm and is now 42 mm. With my 7-inch wrist, 42 mm is the max size that looks good on me If you have a smaller wrist, this may not be for you. (or buy a used version in 40 mm)

Own The Watch? Yes. Grail watch unlocked.

Summary

There you have it!

Do you have a favorite watch?

Do you own any of these or planning to pick one up soon?

Did I pick terrible watches?

Hit reply and let me know! I get butterflies in my tummy when you reply to my emails!

KNOWLEDGE

The Watch That Even Retired Spies Trust

In "The Old Man," retired CIA agent Dan Chase, portrayed by Jeff Bridges, sports a Timex Expedition—a fitting choice for his rugged, no-nonsense character.

The Timex Expedition, known for its durability and functionality, complements Chase's resourceful and resilient nature. Its classic design and reliability underscore the character's practical approach to life, even in the face of danger.

This watch isn't just a prop; it's a subtle nod to Chase's past and his need for dependable gear.

Summary

Timex's reputation for tough, adventure-ready timepieces makes it the perfect accessory for a former operative navigating his complex, action-packed world.

WATCHES GO AI

📝 Prompt: show a watch that a ranger from an RPG game would wear. make the watch encompass the attributes of the ranger class

MORE WATCH CONTENT

📷️ Watch Pic: Marathon GSAR

📽️ Watch Vid: Seiko Alpinist Watches - SPB121 and Night Vision SPB337

📝 Watch Article: Up Close And Personal With The Tudor Heritage Ranger.

OUTTA TIME

This concludes today’s presentation. Field watches are my favorite kind of watch. (can’t you tell?)

There’s lots of new and exciting stuff coming your way. Next month I’m trying something new and it’s going to blow your mind. Make sure you have some health potions nearby…

Until next time!

Wear it well and wear it often,

~Ian

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