The weather is getting colder, the leaves are changing color, which means it's that time of year: time for field watches. At least, it feels like the season for the highly wearable and military-styled timepiece that fits easily under a cuff. And several great-looking examples were recently announced in a short span of time, each with its own appeal and each the result of a compelling collaboration.
The only catch is you've got to choose which you'll wear but whether you've got the budget for a $199 Timex or a $595 field watch from Hamilton or Benrus, you're spoiled for options.
Hodinkee x Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
The Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is an absolute classic, and for this limited edition of 800 examples Hodinkee gave the familiar hand-wound, sandblasted watch a dial that harkens to early field watches — as opposed to the 1980s design on which the familiar Khaki Field is based.
It includes a simplified dial with bold Arabic numerals (lacking the military time markings), a "railroad track" for seconds and minutes and some orange highlights for a contemporary twist. The Khaki Field Mechanical is only part of Hodinkee's collab with Hamilton which also includes a Khaki Pilot Pioneer chronograph ($2,145) — and they're also available as a set ($2,740).
- Movement: ETA H-50 hand-wound
- Diameter: 38mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
Worn & Wound x Benrus Series #3061
Worn & Wound teamed up with Benrus to resurrect a vintage field watch with both military and cinematic ties. The civilian version of a Benrus's field watch was known as the Series #3061 and it was worn in the 1968 film Bullit by Steve McQueen — a known horological kingmaker.
It's based on the Mil-W-3818B military watch with some subtly dressed up elements for the civilian market, and its modern version features a Soprod P024 automatic movement and a modern-feeling 39.5mm case.
- Movement: Soprod P024 automatic
- Diameter: 39.5mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
Timex x Nigel Cabourn Desert Watch
Riffing on Timex's popular series of field watches, British menswear designer Nigel Cabourn nails the military khaki look — even including the broad arrow symbol as the 12 o'clock marker on the dial and again featured on the caseback. Compared to the two watches above, this field watch offers a quartz movement rather than mechanical, wears smaller at just 36mm and costs about a third of the price. It's also going for a sandy look that suits it well, and it comes as a set that includes an extra NATO-style strap and a carrying pouch.
- Movement: Quartz
- Diameter: 36mm
- Water Resistance: 50m
