What Are The Greatest Modern & Reissue Field Watches? (CWC, Seiko, Hamilton + Rolex & Tudor) 

Question: If you could choose only one Field Watch, which would it be? Link to My New Channel: IDEA+ : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RW4ThOHEtkM.html

I can’t get enough of field watches. I definitely do not need another one in my collection but, of course, I will be adding one soon lol

The Hammilton KFM was my gateway not only into field watches, but into watch collecting as a whole. Field watches are ace!

Such a great video. I feel your content is far better thought out and presented than most other watch channels. I particularly love when you offer alternate design options to improve current pieces. I always look forward to each new video!

Great ad for field watches...... I'm going for the CWC mechanical as my next watch to buy

Field Watches have always been a part of my modest collection from the very beginning. This is an excellent presentation into a watch genre that I would love to see you expand upon in the near future. Well done as always brother! 🥃

I own both the Hamilton pilot pioneer 36mm and khaki field mechanical 38mm black dial. Side by side the finishing of the pilot pioneer is in a different tier, the photos don’t do it justice. The sense of unexplainable nostalgia it evokes for me is also unmatched. I think my next watch will be a longines for this same reason, their back catalog of beautiful designs is unmatched in my eyes.

Comprehensive and beautifully produced. I must compliment the depth of your research. My Hamilton Khaki is my daily wear, usually. Congrats on surviving the 40 mins☘

You presented a great video, well done. I currently have the Seiko 5 due to cost and the day & date . The look of the cushion case is nothing short of amazing, but the weight of titanium makes me look very hard at that option. I actually own a Timex "plastic" field watch that i bought before i went off to desert Storm. It has been subjected to everything from shock, jet fuel and peanut butter, and although today it runs a little fast, it still runs. But I must say as a soldier, the best field watch for me was a Casio G-Shock. The 200 meters of water resistance, the shock proof was all well and good. The reason it was the best for me was and always will be the backlight. I could not tell you how that made life in the dark sooo much better. In the service i was always recharging the lume on my watch with a flashlight, it became a hurdle. It was also very nice to be able to program the watch to show 24 hour time. I understand the theme of this video and the attraction of a traditional analog watch, so i did not want to distract your video with a digital watch, but thought you would appreciate the thoughts of a soldier and his preference of a field watch. Rolex, Omega, Tudor, IWC and the rest of the high end watch companies can be very fine field watches. If you have the means, i am certain that they will provide many happy years of dependable service, and no matter what you purchased the piece for, you will get you moneys worth. I wish you the very best on your new channel and look forward to watching them.

Picked up a Hamilton Khaki Mechanical last month as my first "enthusiast" watch. I've always loved military history and aesthetics, so it was an obvious first choice for me. Although I'm hooked on watches and learning about them now, I felt this was a great "stand alone" option if I never bought another watch. It has an interesting but understated look, endless strap options, and can be worn with just about any casual outfit. Affordable enough to work as a gateway, but substantial enough to be worth keeping forever. Field watches are a perfect entry point to this hobby.

Another quality video. Great work. Thank you.

Good video 👍 Love that you’ve included the Marathon General Purpose Mechanical, in the list!

I've always loved the simplicity and functionality of field watches. My current daily wear is the excellent C65 Sandhurst by Christopher Ward, I highly recommend it.

Fantastic! Another great piece of short form storytelling. The field watch remains an icon precisely because of its simplicity, it is the essence of timekeeping. I have a Bulova A11, my wife has a Waltham A7. Both remain cornerstones of our watch mania! When I really need a field watch in the field, my Marathon GP on a black NATO is the answer.

Another cracking video. Thank you. I have a CWC G10 which is so much fun to wear. Agree a field watch should be part of every collection 🫡

Awesome informative video 🙌🏻 Thanks 🙏🏻

Phenomenal work mate definitely can use this for future field watch you would like to buy 👍

Great video as usual! Field watches are awesome!

So many good qualities save the polished case. Very good review!!

Huge history buff here. Totally excited for your other channel, unexpected news.

This is a great video. Good selection of field watches 👍

The longings titanium is beautiful. My favorite watch type by far. Own several including a birth year fat boy from 1984. Great video.

I always enjoy your content. This one was very enjoyable!

I use my Rolex Explorer as my field watch. Great video. I like your style. Mark

If I could choose only one? Timex Camper. I own 5 variations of them, plus Hamilton and Seiko field watches. And I keep coming back to the Campers. You’re right - the hands are simply excellent. And simple. This is one of my favorite videos you’ve created. I’m biased - field watches are my thing. Like many, I wear a watch because of how they make me feel and for the image I (probably falsely) think it projects. Field watches make me feel just a bit tough and, I don’t know… outdoorsy. Yeah. Anyway, thanks for this one.

Hours for a vintage watch discussion? If only there was some sort of live show moderated by a knowledgeable, enthusiastic designer 🤔 That would really be something I would carve time out of my weekend for 😉😂 Another great video. Thank you. As a CWC sycophant, fixed bars are where it’s at.

When you look at UK air ministry and MOD specs simple field and pilots-navigator watches are in effect one and the same. Now most watches have good anti-magnetic properties for sure the Railmaster is a good pilots watch choice. The simple 6B/159 was issued to a lot of RAF pilots and navigators in WW2 - no complications and a clean layout. The Longines is a nice homage to that/Omega should re-issue as well. Great video - thanks

Outstanding presentation. 14 min. seemed like 2 min. Your segways were smooth. Although there was alot of info, everything flowed and I didn't feel overwhelmed. Instead I became more interested. Glad I subscribed earlier, and did not miss this well prepared report.

Love the little Hammy pilot..BUT you've turned me on to the new IWC Mark xx.... man.... after trying it on , I'm totally sold. Thin, dial is so crisp and clear, it sits perfectly on the wrist (38mm would have been better , but...), and feels so solid and right.... They are releasing it on a steel bracelet in a month too ❤️

This video was fantastic! Every pick is a great choice & would be great in any collection. And btw damn you and your Mark XX vid… pushed me over the edge of my five year love affair, gonna pull the trigger for a big occasion tomorrow 😬

This VIDEO IS A BANGER! THANK YOU SO MUCH! CLASSY!

I love field watches. Thank you for the video.

I am subscribed from my other account, and I remember when you did this for the Dive watches, and oddly enough I'm also looking for a field watch to add as my time only/no none-sense watch, it hasn't ended the search, but at the very least is pointing me to the right direction. Hope you'll do a part 2 with micros and phoenix brands. Amazing job as always mate, cheers

@IDguy You are the Huw Edwards of the watch world, and this is one of the highest compliments I could say. Really like your commentaries and been closely following. 🥃

Great content as always! I would offer up the Bertucci A-2T as a superb example of a traditional field watch and the Sinn 856 in the grey area category. Looking forward to checking out your new channel...best of luck!

Great vid! Like the reversing water flow near the end, BTW. I'm hoping to build myself a field watch using a brushed or blasted case. Hard to find.

You could also have included the Bulova Hack, great value for money

Great video. Thank you for this :)

Hello. Hope your day is going GREAT!

Glad to see the Benrus DTU get some love. It's a great watch. Love mine.

Another nice video. My choice for a field watch is the Yema Flygraf. It is a bit thick but has great presence on the wrist.

"Can't beat a classic." --Jason Statham and his brass knuckles in 'The Expendables 2' I feel the same with field watches: They're absolute classics. Whether it's a super affordable Timex Expedition (love the Indiglo feature) or the iconic Hamilton Khaki line, great tools are, well, great tools 😅. Other brands that have produced field watches worth checking out include Boldr, Bertucci and Victorinox. And not to be outdone by Seiko, I'd throw in Citizen's Chandler (with Ecodrive, naturally) as a fine companion when trekking about. And just to go on a bit of a tangent, I wanna mention the G-Shock Mudman as an alternative field watch. Yeah it's a big, bulky, digital beast and it won't win any beauty contests, but what it offers in terms of function and overall toughness, you can't beat it. (Still have my G-9000 model with a blacked-out dial for over a decade and it still gets plenty of wrist time.) But what single field watch would I choose? I'm afraid I don't have an answer for that 😀. To be continued... Cheers 🍺

Nice reviews, really liking the Hamilton GPM !!

Dear Mr IDGuy, I love the Longines Spirit. I think Longines is way underrated and brings heritage and quality. Movements aside, personally I’m just fine with a modified ETA any day of the week.🤗 Power reserve is not a consideration either 38+ is ok for me…🤷‍♂️ Love Oris as well as another entry level brand.🥰 You’re doing such a great job, have subscribed to your new channel IDEA+😌

Really nice video ! Would love the same with vintage ones

I recently picked up a Timex Mk1 mechanical. Such a charming watch. I doubt you will find a cooler handwinder at this price. On sale from timex I paid $80. Great video!

I use Hamilton 36mm pilot. A magnificent watch. Very special.❤

Those benrus pieces look amazing I’ve never herd of that brand until now

Great video… I agree with most points

It was 40 degrees in the UK. A country that doesn't have AC. Unbelievable. Nice video 👍

Great video - i love the field watch vibe and still can't decide which to buy (largely because my pilot inspired Sinn 556i is such a great field style piece already, bit like the IWCs you mentioned). I would LOVE to see a microbrands version of this video to get your thoughts on offerings like the smiths timefactor commando, the RZE resolute, the Halios Universa, Oak & Oscar's Humboldt, just to name a few....

I recently acquired a Benrus DTU Vietnam era re-issue with automatic movement. I love this watch, I'm wearing over my Laco Fleiger pilot's watch.

I definitely would love to see a video on vintage field watches! That's been my most recent obsession as of late.

I have an issued CWC 1978 W10 which has faded Tritium so I recently bought a CWC Mellor-72 to get it "glowing again" . Great watches!

Alongside Hamilton and Smiths, would add the Timor heritage field and Vertex M100 re-issues (Dirty dozen). Perfect field watch design. Great vid! Cheers......

Good that you had Hamilton Khaki in the closing shot. A field watch from a Swiss watch company with American origin that supplied the "original" field watch has to be the one to collect.

Dude your videos are just awesome. I like your taste in watches to. I personally love field and dive watches. I own a Marathon CSAR and JDD. I have my eyes set on the Omega Seamaster Pro 300 Chrono right now. This is not a hobby my friend. This is an insatiable addiction. Hahaha. Cheers.

Willard 😉 Excellent video, thank you. Cheers 🥃👍🏻edit- currently saving for the Hamilton Murph....

Great review,i read a review of the Hamilton field watch,someone scratched it,and damaged the inside of the watch,on the website it says it's tough with all conditions but the little care pamphlet inside the watch box says,make sure you take care and not to do rigorous activities with this watch lol.

That is a cracking video. Chose one ?.. Well it has to be the Hamilton Khaki Field Black PVD that I own, although obviously not a choice !. So I would go for, and more than likely will one day, the Mellor 72.

Great vid! Love field watches....just need more money! I have the new seiko 5 with a bracelet and an Islander field watch. Just starting out. Interested in the Ball watches as well.

I think field watches have the military heritage. I think the Explorer, Ranger, Alpinist, Railmaster, Antarctic, Certina DS are more adventure watches. This group were either inspired by or designed for an extreme adventure for the wearer.

Thoroughly enjoyed this edition IDG, not a single weak choice (and that IWCMkXX is the absolute bee's knees). Cannot tell you how many times i reach for my Hamiliton Khaki Field Automatic (classic black dial steel on steel, the straight shot KFA) instead of the watch I thought about wearing before I opened the watchbox in the morning. Such a satisfying trinket and unbeatably priced. Thank you for this episode, coudn't find a fault but to nitpick, the Bulova Hack would have been a worthy mention.

Hi another great video as ever 👍 The only field watch I currently own contradicts a lot of the traditional field watch criteria but I feel still fits in all be it a little shinier.......big reveal...... Sekio sarb 017

I'd really like to get a CWC Mellor...soon.

ɢʀᴇᴀᴛ upload mate. Good timing too; I'm currently reading 'Surprise, Kill, Vanish' (Annie Jacobsen), it's a study of the history of the USA's Special Op's and 'Tertia Optio' capabilities (regime change, assassination, clandestine ops etc.) and I'm currently reading the MACV-SOG chapter. Hard not visualise a Seiko 5 when doing so. I have this love/disinterest relationship with my Hammy Khaki Field Mech: I don't wear it often but when I do?, I admonish myself for not wearing it more. It sits on a khaki perlon that matches the lume, it looks a treat and is incredibly comfortable. Then I can't get it off wrist for a week or two... I think it's a sign the watch box needs thinning. Anyway. Man, that Longines MN does it for me. They have to be my favourite brand at the moment. And finally: whilst the the Explorer and the Railmaster definitely fit into the category, I'd argue that both have crossed the form over function barrier and made too many concessions to luxury finishing/styling and pricing to truly remain viable as field watches. If you asked enthusiasts which watch would you wear on a weeks hike/climb - [insert name of favourite sub $1K field watch here] or your Rolex Explorer? - I think the answer would be pretty much universal. Congrats on the new Channel brother. Cheers, Anthony.

If you use your watch as an everyday tool, the field watch is the best one to have. Slim in profile so it doesn’t snag on straps or gear and yet tucks nicely under the sleeve of any shirt. Simple dial with a flick of the wrist you can read the time without being distracted by unnecessary complications. No matter what price point you pick from you are getting a rugged friend who will give you many years of loyal service.

Love them. Have a khaki bronze and a Seiko field master ( compass bezel ) myself. More will be added to the collection pretty soon.

So Tudor has been my best friend this year. I recently got the FXD (which is just the best) and the Ranger. I am totally surprised by how much i love this watch. It wears like a dream, the bracelet is AWESOME the clasp is just the poo. It looks amazing and is just a tool-tactic bad ass watch. Absolutely love it to death! I also have the Oris Big Crown Small Seconds Pointer Day a little closer to a pilot watch but is really closer to a field watch in my eyes.

I appreciate that you weren't including micro brands, but I think two of the most interesting modern field watches are the Serica 4512 and Formex's upcoming Field Automatic. Great video, as always!

Wearing my Timex MK1 as I watched this video. :)

I just got myself the CWC RN Diver. Great watch on Zuludiver Octopod.

Superb

I think the newer hamilton khaki pilot pioneer 38mm should have been worth a mention. Its a gem, and unlike other Hamiltons, comes WITH AR coating on the sapphire. Amazing piece.

An excellent, particularly erudite, analysis. I know you said you’d focus on big brands, but I have to mention the Vertex M100 (from one if the original Dirty Dozen field watch manufacturers, albeit resurrected by the original family owners) and a modern interpretative take in the form of the Formex Field - both astonishingly impressive in the metal as images fail to do them justices as modern field watches, and deliver far more than some rather over-priced big-brand offerings IMHO.

Who doesn’t love a good field watch? I’ve looked at all these brands at some point. In fact I’ve looked at every model mentioned here except the new Longines which is very nice. Lovely homage to the field watch genre with some of the best examples. I’ve finally decided on a watch after months of looking admiring and thinking. Narrowed down to the Sinn u50, the fortis f43 gmt, the Longines spirit Zulu time, the FXD, the black bay pro and the spitfire. And finally decided on….

Always been a fan of Eterna (life long fascination with Thor Heyerdahl, Kon-Tiki and all that) so how I missed the LE reissue of the watch they made for the Czech Air Force (late 30's). I don't know. It looks like the Hamilton Pilot. I tracked a new one down to Hong Kong last year only to find it had sold the day before. If I could have only one military/field watch that would be it. Still hoping to find one hiding away somewhere. I share you love for these watches. When I heard the new Ranger called boring by some I think they don't get it but we all have our tastes.

You might convert C temp to F for those of us west of where you live, but otherwise a great discussion! Love field watches.

Great composition in covering the current variants regarding military-style field watches. These are the rugged, simplistic watches I gravitate towards. No frills, and when they have spectacular lume they support the wearer at night and during the day. I tip my hat to you again for making my day regarding a watch genre I truly enjoy.

Great Job I have the Hamilton Khaki field & for $27 Timex Expedition Scout with Indiglo one of the greatest inventions of all time s

The Hamilton pilot pioneer with its cushion case just looks so right . It's definitely on my wish list.

Formex Field: Nice design and a unique strap/band adjustment system.

cool show :)

A few years ago I was drawn towards the sophisticated faces, the more complicated ones seemed more interesting. I now prefer the simple look, the quiet look is easier and calming. Love the field watches. Would an aquanaut be considered as one? Thanks for the vid.

I've always been s dive watch guy but wanted a field watch in the collection, being a PA native and given the brands history I wanted a Hamilton, I went with the 42mm Hamilton Khaki Field day/date auto when it was released, with 100m WR, all brushed case and dial that's identical to the 38mm Khaki Mechanical I consider it the bigger brother, I never see it reviewed, I'm sure purists will say it's big for a field watch and shouldn't have a date but I love it's old school aesthetic with a modern touch, it's been a solid accurate watch that just looks great on my olive green NATO.

Check out the Vertex M100A if you haven't already! And while the current version is 40mm, it looks like a smaller version is imminent. It's pricey, but an incredible piece

Your channel never disappoints. Your attention to detail and passion for design always show.

I'm classing my Ranger as a field watch. Only thing it misses is the 'smaller size' but it's not large either. But I also have a Seiko SNK381K1 which I love, even if it doesn't get much wrist time. Definitely would love a Hamilton Pilot Pioneer or a CWC as my next piece. If you could only pick one?? Which.

Hamilton KFM is excellent. I’ve got the white dial, got my daughter the bronze. Both are amazing, especially for the money. (I just might need to grab a CWC though.)

Fully agree that Marathon is almost criminally underrated.

Hey wondering if you’ve seen the Waltham Field & Marine which came out I think a year or two ago as a modern reinterpretation of the original from the early 1900s. It’s absolutely stunning…my favorite field watch by far right now

I only have one field watch-Rolex Explorer 39mm. I’m primarily a dive watch or GMT kind of guy 😎!

I've been pondering a field watch for some years now and the closest I got was a Hamilton Khaki 'Murph' that I love, a new watch that looks old, faux lume and even the hands look slightly corroded being a mat finish. It is large though for a field watch so my itch still needs a scratch. There are so many examples out there that deciding on which one causes a headache but I think I've narrowed it down to a few. Hamilton or Longines. Hamilton has many in the Khaki line but a no date Titanium would be on the list. As for Longines it would be a tad harder but the Spririt 37mm in stainless steel would also be a likely contender.

I think the christopher ward c63 sandhurst is worth a mention. Great value and its a chronometer.

I hope you included Baltany Dirty Dozen homage in review. Classic 36mm size, automatic, domed sapphire, screw down crown, blasted case finish, good lume all for below USD200.

Hello and thank you for the grate content you post. I am looking for the Spirit titanium 36 but could not find it in the Longines website. Is it a special edition/discontinued? Thank you!

What’s going on with the clip of the Rolex Explorer at 1:04? Is it a render of a SS with PCLs, or is it a grayscale version of the two-tone model from last year?

CWC Mellor 72 hand wound from Silvermans in London. Completely first class company.

I kind of see my Dress KX as my field watch looks great on gray/blue Bond nato..

check out the Bulova Hack watch as well. Bang for buck field watch IMHO