We see Military Style Field Watches this season in the collections of a striking number of different brands. It has been a popular watch type that has never really been gone for years. But what is a ‘field watch’ actually and why should this type of watch not be missing in your collection? Time to dive into this trend.
What is a Field Watch?
Field Watches are originally military watches. In the beginning they were called ‘trench watches’ because they were used there for the first time during the First World War. These watches have a very simple design without unnecessary functions or adornment to guarantee optimum readability. They are also watches with an accurate and reliable timepiece that the soldier could trust.
Military History of the Field Watch
Field watches (the first wrist watches!) Were worn by British officers during the First World War. The ease of use of this type of watch went well, and therefore field watches became part of the standard equipment for all soldiers during the Second World War. After the war, the men returned home with their field watches and continued to wear during work and outdoor sports activities.
The origin of the design of the field watch comes from the technical specifications of the American military watch from 1940, entitled 94-27834b (later FSSC 88-W-800). Watch producers Elgin, Bulova and Waltham were the first models with these specifications. Hamilton later also produced a watch based on the FSSC 88-W-800 specifications.
The British army used roughly the same specifications for military watches as the Americans, albeit that they opted for a small second hand on the 6-hour marking instead of a long second guide. Twelve companies, including Omega, IWC and JLC, produced these according to the British War Office specification RS/Prov/4373A ‘Wrist Waterproof’ (WWW) watches. These original watches from the 1940s are today very sought after by collectors and are affectionately called ‘The Dirty boxes’, after the war film of the same name with stars such as Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson and Telly Savalas.
What is the difference between a Field Watch and a pilot watch?
Classic, early pilot watches look a bit like a Field Watch. They also have a clear, readable dial and luminous figures, but often contain extra functionalities such as a second time zone. Also pilot watches are often greater for readability at a distance and have a longer bond that can be worn over the pilot jacket. Later pilot watches were given more and more functions such as a tachymeter, while Field Watches have always remained simple.
Characteristics of a Field Watch
– Small size. Usually 38-38 mm out to 40 mm.
– High contrast dial. So white with black numbers and hands or black with white and clear lumen for readability in the dark. Often with a (luminous) marking at 12 hours.
-Clear seconds guide (sometimes in a sub-guide plate) and hack function.
– Many Field Watches have a 24-hour indication for military time in addition to the regular hours and minutes.
– Made from robust material such as stainless steel, titanium or carbon.
– Camouflage colors and matte materials to prevent unintended reflection so that the soldier can be noticed by the enemy.
– Sturdy, comfortable watch strap. Usually a NATO band of textile or a thick leather strap. Most brands avoid stainless steel tires at a field watch because they make the watch heavier.
– Good water resistance.
– Mobbed (sapphire) glass.
Made for adventure
Field watches symbolize strength and military history. They are built for adventure. This means that they have to be able to withstand dust, water and a beating. That is why field watches are more than suitable for busy daily life and are also popular for outdoor sports activities. By focusing more on function than on style, this type of watch has become timeless.
Why you need a Field Watch in your collection
Many watch collectors are happy to wear a watch with history and the Field Watch has had enough of that. Certainly when you choose a brand that has been making this type of watch since the Second World War such as Hamilton or Bulova.
Field watches are also an excellent choice for active people who value functionality and style. You can count on a field watch. At the same time, the simple design and the understated color scheme ensure that the watch does not compete with the rest of the outfit or other accessories.
Can I wear a field watch every day?
In the meantime, field watches have risen their military roots and very suitable for people with a casual sporty clothing style. The simple design makes them ideal for daily use. Despite the sporting appearance of Field Watches, because of the often modest size, they are also very suitable to wear with a business casual outfit.
Watch.nl Recommended Field Watches
The good news is that Field Watches are available in all price ranges and from very diverse brands. HOOGE.NL recommends the following models from our collection:
We would almost say – I would almost say – with the mechanical Hamilton H69529933 Khaki Field. The design of this watch dates from the sixties and has remained virtually identical since then.
For those who love the Field style, but want a more casual look, we heartily recommend the Timex Weekender series. These are modern field watches with lighting and also very friendly priced!
The Sport AW1571-09a Military from the new Citizen collection is a stylish, 70s inspired Field Watch. The watch also contains a solar timepiece. Better for the environment and always an ongoing watch.
And finally we also want to bring the Seiko Alpinist series to the attention. Not necessarily a military watch, but developed for mountain climbers, and in the characteristic outdoor style.
These four watches are just a small selection from our range, so take a look at our page with military watches for the complete overview.
And did you know that many of our modern watch straps also get their inspiration from military innovations? You can read more about this in our blog about types of watch straps.