[Gadgets]Best field watches in 2025 from Hamilton, IWC, Tudor

[Maheso]

What even is a field watch? Unlike most types of watch, this one cannot be easily and definitely described in a sentence, or with a set of specifications. Instead, it’s best to think of a field watch as one not worn “in the field” as such, but one that would look at home on the wrist of a soldier or pilot.

Field watches therefore tend to have a vintage aesthetic, complete with smaller case diameters (meaning sub-40 mm), colourways often featuring brown or green, and sometimes even details that give them a faux patina.

They also have simple, high-contrast dials with very few details to distract from the time itself. You won’t find a moonphase complication or a tachymeter on a field watch, and you’ll rarely even spot a date window (head over to Stuff’s guide to the best watches for that). Legibility is key, along with decent (but rarely outstanding) waterproofing, a sturdy stainless steel case, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and reliable automatic movement. Essentially, these no-nonsense, vintage-style watches tell the time and little else.

A lot of popular brands make field watches, including household names like Tudor and Seiko, plus smaller water companies like Farer. Some watchmakers like to lean into the military roots of the field watch genre, and offer pieces that are in some way tied to the armed forces. Some models are even made with approval from the UK’s Ministry of Defence, and you won’t be surprised to hear they employ names like Spitfire, Garrison and Ranger.

 

 

https://www.stuff.tv/features/best-field-watches/