SuperWatches

Smartwatches for the Space Age

Timex

Timex Ironman R300 GPS

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Timex is internationally renowned for their traditional timepieces, and finally they have released their first smartwatch for fitness fiends all over the world. If you want a watch that can track every move you make and offer GPS, then this may just be the smartwatch you’ve been dreaming of.

We’ve certainly got the low down of this new smartwatch and have to say that we are impressed that Timex has avoided the pull to replicate the big-name smartwatch brands. Instead, you can look forward to a retro-looking smartwatch that will not break the bank. Check out our guide to help you decide if this is the smartwatch for you!

Who Was the Timex Ironman R300 GPS Designed for?

Firstly, this watch was made with avid sportspeople in mind. It offers a huge range of tracking capabilities to fit a range of interests and will feed all the data back into the companion app ready for you to analyse at a later date. It also offers GPS so that you can be certain that you have accurately tracked your movements and find out the length of each fitness session you take part in.

It’s also a great choice for anyone that likes the idea of getting a watch from a stalwart of the timekeeping family. Timex has gone to great lengths to produce a smartwatch that looks different from its competitors and offers reliable tracking to suit a range of lifestyles and interests. They have also worked hard to keep their costs at an absolute minimum, allowing their customers to get a great watch at an amazing price.

What Fitness Features Does The Timex Ironman R300 GPS Offer?

This smartwatch can track a wide range of activities and is water-resistant up to 30m so that you can even take it when you are swimming laps to help track your progress. Any smartwatch that utilises the word Ironman in its name needs to offer lots of great fitness features to win over athletes that may be interested in it.

In addition to the fitness tracking, you can also enjoy the guided training plans that allows you to work out to a predefined fitness plan that aims to get you in the best shape you’ve ever been in. These plans cover running, triathlon training and even cycling so that whatever your sport of interest is, you can monitor how well you are doing in it.

All your stats are displayed neatly on your wrist so you can check on your progress whenever it suits you. If you have used it before for an activity, the next time you do it, you will be given your previous personal best to compete against, and when you finish training, your watch will tell you by how far you beat or missed it so that you can track your progress accurately.

What Non-Fitness Features Come With the Timex Ironman R300 GPS?

If you are keen to see what this smartwatch offers away from the world of fitness, then you will not be disappointed. You can check and monitor your heart rate, so you know how well you are holding up and can even track this in the app to see how you develop over time.

You can even use this model for an alarm clock on your wrist that will wake you or give you a nudge when you need to be reminded of a task that needs completing. Other features include the ability to take calls from your watch and find out the weather so that you know what to expect when you head out on your next training session.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Timex Ironman R300 GPS?

This watch comes packed with features, but there are some gaps in what it offers, take a look at our pros and cons to help you decide whether you want to buy one or not.

Pros
  • The price is fantastic, especially when you consider how much it packs in for what you are being asked to pay
  • The information display is clear and easy to see in all weather conditions
  • You can track your PB and get information delivered to your wrist so that you know how well you are performing compared to your last attempt
  • You can enjoy guided fitness plans to help hone your skills along the way
  • Alarms can be set to go off directly on your wrist, so you do not need to have your phone with you at all times
  • Notifications are delivered directly to your wrist so that you know what is happening in the world even when you are mid-workout
  • The GPS tracks accurately every time
Cons
  • The watch display can be distracting when you are trying to concentrate on other things
  • The vibration function does not turn off
  • The software is not as technically brilliant as with its more expensive competitors.
  • Sometimes there is a lag between your exercise and it being shown on the screen, which can be frustrating if you want to see how you are doing during a workout.

Should I Buy a Timex Ironman R300 GPS?

Ultimately, there are so many reasons to get hold of one of these smartwatches that we would be crazy not to recommend it to you. Yes, it may not offer all the supped up features that you expect from the more expensive brands, but it does offer solid tracking and is wholly focused on ensuring your fitness improves over time.

This smartwatch looks great on your wrist and will withstand all you throw at it during your day to day activities. We are certain that you will not look back if you purchase one and suggest that you take the time to read all the instructions before you put it on so that you get the best experience possible from this brilliant device.

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Timex Ironman Run X20 GPS Review

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Introduction

The Timex Ironman Run x20 GPS is a great basic fitness tracker. That’s all it is, though. It’s a very simple little device and if you’re after the bells and whistles of a Garmin or G-Shock, you’ll be disappointed. As fitness wearables go, the Timex Ironman Run will be a faithful companion, but it is cheap and cheerful at around $100.

This is a no-frills minimalistic watch for runners. Sometimes you just need something to do what it says on the tin. It’s got a GPS connection (which some might class as a frill), and it uses this to monitor your distance in real-time as well as pace and the calories you’ve burned. That’s all. That’s the whole functionality and features bit covered. 

It’s not a Garmin Forerunner 935 or Polar Vantage V (which you should read about, here), but at $100 you can’t expect it to be.

Design, display and power 

You can get hold of an Ironman Run in a few colours from a bright magenta to black, blue, white and yellow. Whichever you go for, please don’t think this will be a suitable accessory for any kind of formal occasion. It’s for wearing during your run and nowhere else.

The strap has a lock-in mechanism that keeps it secure on your wrist. So secure that some users have said it’s difficult to open, but there is a technique to it that you’ll get used to. The idea is that it stays with you during your run.

Considering it is a GPS watch, it is fairly slimline. It’s light, at only 60g. It does have a plastic feel to it, which is no surprise because, well, it is. There’s no pleasant surprise of feeling more lux than what it is. If you’re out on a marathon run, you want your watch to be practically non-existent. The Ironman Run will disappear on your wrist, in a good way.

It has a basic crocodile clip attached to a USB plug that bites into 4 charging docks on the belly of the watch. It’s a little uncouth, but it works. 

You can expect up to 7 days between charges. This is based on a short to mid-length run, every day. In constant full GPS mode, you get 6 hours of power.

It shares a feature with the best smartwatch on the market (the Apple Watch Series 5), and that’s the always-on display. It’s a little difficult to read in either very bright or very dull lighting, unfortunately. 

It has five buttons, which is good. It means the Ironman is really easy to use. You have a button for off and on (top left) and light (giving you a blast of LCD lumination), stop, menu, enter and back. They all help you navigate inside the menus too, but it’s easy to figure out.

Tracking your run

You can use the Ironman in two modes, either intervals or as a stopwatch. The latter is what it says it is, you running against a clock. The former is a bit more complicated, where you run in intervals of time or distance. Great for anyone into HIIT. You can name your sessions, which is very useful.

You can use a format of your choice, either mile or KM. It’ll record your laps and vibrate to indicate you’ve met an increment. If you’re not just a runner and like the odd bike ride, you can use these modes for cycling too.

The Ironman does offer a level of water-resistance at 50m, so you can go for a shallow swim but not a dive. Note, the GPS won’t work underwater, of course.

It offers you no sensors for heart rate or sleep. It doesn’t carry an altimeter or gyroscope or compass. You cannot use it for contactless payments. It’s a simple running buddy who looks after the numbers whilst you concentrate on your movements. It does offer an alarm to remind you to get outside, though.

Does it work well?

Like any other GPS watch, the synchronisation process with the nearest satellite can take a while. It’ll only work outside, too. Sometimes you might be better off starting your run so it can catch up with you. You’ll know when it has because it’ll buzz. Once connected, it’ll hold onto that connection.

It doesn’t come with a lot of onboard memory, so if you’re keen to store lots of runs, unfortunately, you’re restricted to only ten.

The data it will store per run is: distance, time, minutes per mile and miles per hour, number of laps and calories burned. A lot of alternatives have better capacity, like a number of Fitbit Flex that will store it more efficiently within the dedicated app. The Ironman might have you creating a spreadsheet, which some people actually enjoy.

Speaking of apps, there isn’t one. Nor does it play nicely with any other app. You have zero digital strings, which, again, is not a drawback to a lot of people. If you want to monitor your progress, you’ll be needing that spreadsheet.

Verdict

If you’re seeking a fitness tracker that will do what you need it to and offer nothing more than that to impress you, the Ironman is perfect. If you’re not someone who wants or needs their smartphone with them on a run, this wearable is great because it doesn’t rely on the phone to supply the GPS connection, or to sync to an app or connect to the internet.

The best selling point about this watch is the price. It’s always under $100 but typically around $80. It’s built using cheap materials and you pay for exactly what you get. Having said that, there’s a benefit to the plastic case, as it’s incredibly light and doesn’t weigh you down.

The time it takes the GPS function to kick in can be frustrating, as can running out of memory in less than 2 weeks. The design will not be winning any awards and people will not think you’re cool. It’s almost aggressively lame.

But, and this is a big but, it gets the basics absolutely right. It’s reliable because it’s only purpose is to deliver the essentials.

If you’re a novice at running, don’t have or want to spend a lot but want to measure your performance, the Ironman is really advisable. If you want something with more features, check out our article where we discuss which is best between Garmin and Fitbit.

GMT Watches

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GMT Watches

Introduction

GMT Watches

When you think about it, watches haven’t really been around all that long. A once functional item has now developed into a fashion accessory, a science project, a personal assistant and a fitness trainer and coach. 

Maybe one of the most basic features to be created was the GMT function.

With the introduction of a second and adjustable 24 hour hand and bezel, watches could then monitor two timezones at the same time. 

If you’re someone who travels a lot, this is a nifty feature. You’re going to want to keep reading to find out the 7 best GMT watches for 2020.

Citizen Eco-Drive Nighthawk ($375.2)

We’ve written all about the Eco-Drive range, here. But if you’re interested in GMT watches, stick around. 

The dial on the Nighthawk is a little cluttered. But there’s a reason. This watch has a lot of functionality on offer. 

Including GMT, this watch has a date window and what’s known as a pilot’s slide rulde, which is used to convert metric to imperial, speed, distance, even fuel consumption. This is an avitation expert’s best pal as it’ll take over should any vital instruments go down for a period. 

If you just like flashy watches and you’re a bit of a jet-setter, you’ll love it.

Luminox SXC PC Carbon GMT ($439.99)

We’ve also written about Luminox watches and you can read the review here.

Luminox made themselves famous for developing extensively-rugged military timepieces and dive watches. 

They also make some incredible GMT watches. 

It comes in almost completely all black with a red GMT hand and silver second, minute and hour hands. It has a carbon fibre case on the outside, protecting an accurate quartz movement inside. The strap is made of rubber and the watch itself is water-resistant to 200m. It’s a great all-rounder.

Hamilton Broadway GMT Limited Edition ($1,126.32)

Wouldn’t you know it, if this review of the Hamilton GMT catches your attention, you can read our review of the brand, here.

This is the first on the list to have automatic functionality. It’s a limited edition and comes with an exclusive signature H14 movement inside that has an 80 hour power reserve. You’ll also never need to change the battery.

The case is made from durable stainless steel and the bezel is ceramic.

You can use this to monitor the time in 24 cities worldwide. You can, therefore, technically, track 26 in total. 

If you’re very busy and two places simply aren’t enough, then look to hamilton.

Timex Allied Three GMT (£215.00)

This is a quartz offering from Timex with 3 GMT movements inside. You can know the time in 24 different time zones.

The case is stainless steel with a black dial and a bi-colour bezel of black and blue. It’s fairly chunky at 43mm by 22mm and will offer you 100m of water-resistance.

The hour and minute hands are luminous and you’ll notice the second hand is a striking orange, offering you exceptional readability, even in low lighting.

You can read about Timex and their signature backlight technology in our Indiglo article, here.

Oris Big Crown ProPilot GMT ($2,140.00)

Oris was founded in 1094. They have a rich history in producing some very fine aviation watches. 

The Big Crown is part of their signature collection in terms of the design. The style dates back to the 30s so if you like something authentically-vintage, this will tickle you pink.

This is a limited edition 40mm case which pays homage to the original pilot watch developed by Oris. It not only looks good, but it has history.

It’s made of stainless steel, offers the date as well as hour, minutes and second hands. It’s an automatic self-wound movement and offers 50m of water-resistance.

You can read more about Oris watches here.

Bell & Ross Vintage BRV293 GMT ($3,000.00)

This brand also have a heritage in travel-inspired timepieces. This particular watch doesn’t carry the signature square case, but the design is still as gorgeous as its siblings.

Its functionality is outstanding. It has a clean and classic aesthetic and inside the beautiful case, you’ll find an automatic movement. The back of the case is an exhibition style and the dial has a bi-directional rotating bezel. It’s also water-resistant up to 100m.

Omega Planet Ocean Seamaster GMT Black ($7,700)

Omega is a very serious dive watch player. They understand the needs of their wearers very well. It’s only natural they’d develop a GMT for travellers. 

The Seamaster is a dive watch at the core. It’ll withstand water-pressure up to 600m.

It also has a dedicated hour hand that syncs with the bi-directional rotating bezel to track two timezones. 

It has a date window located at the 3 position and you can change the straps if you like. This particular one is black rubber, but you can get a NATO strap or leather. 

Inside it’s got a self-winding movement.

Rolex GMT Master II ($12,865.00)

This isn’t just a great watch. It is categorically one of the most important watches ever made.

Rolex have refreshed a classic. They’ve kept the signature style and added an automatic movement. It has a ceramic bezel that will just not quit and has an oyster steel band. 

This watch is a perfect blend of old style with new technology and it will remain fact forever that you cannot beat a Rolex.

Summary 

If you’ve enjoyed the fact that we’ve ended on some luxury brands whilst creeping into dive watch territory, you have to read our article that talks about the watches James Bond has worn over the years.

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Watches with a Compass

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watches with a compass

Introduction

Watches with a Compass – in order to choose the best watch for your needs, you need to know what features to look. If you’re a swimmer, you’ll be wanting a swimming watch. If you’re into triathlons, you’ll need a multisport watch. 

Activities aside, there are different environments that your watch will need to be suited to. If you’re into outdoor adventures, you’ll want a compass watch.

A compass watch should be simple to set and read. It should be lightweight enough to avoid any unnecessary bulk on your wrist or getting caught in a sleeve.

Let’s have a look at some top-rated compass watches. Spoiler alert, this list is Casio-heavy.

Casio PAG240T-7CR

$198 / £154

This rounded offering from Casio (known as The Pathfinder) weighs only 114g. It has a solid, 51mm stainless steel case, mineral glass, a digital display and a titanium band.

This watch is solar-powered. It has a triple sensor, which provides an altimeter as well as a barometer, thermometer and, of course, a compass.

This watch has a design you won’t find anywhere else. It also has a unique resistance to low-temperatures for adventures in all seasons.

Furthermore, it offers a useful backlight with an after-glow which gives the watch great readability in low lighting. It can show 31 timezones and displays them with the city code. 

This watch also has up to five alarms. Optional daylight savings and tells you how much battery power you have left. The time format is your choice, 12 or 24 hour. It also has a timer with countdown feature, a calendar that updates itself, a battery saving mode and it’s water-resistant up to 100m.

Advantages

  • Fantastic features
  • Solar-powered so no need for a charger
  • Accessible price
  • Fantastic features

Disadvantages

  • Although it’s got a 10ATM rating, this isn’t dive-worthy

Casio G-Shock GA-1000-8A 

$250 / £210

This model is heavy at just under 81g. It has both digital and analogue display on a round face. The band is 25.4mm and both case and band are resin.

The design is pretty special, featuring a grey and black dial with a powerful yellow G-Shock logo and numbers. There’s a timer and a backlight that allows the wearer to see the time, day or night.

It features a thermometer and compass, as well as a reliable calendar that tells you the day, date and month. The watch is water-resistant up to 200m.

Advantages

  • Unique, striking design
  • High-quality
  • Rugged
  • Good water-resistance
  • Accurate compass
  • Handy thermometer

Disadvantages

  • Some think the strap is too short

Casio Men’s SGW100B-3V

$140 / £110

This watch also offers a display in digital format. It has a calendar which displays the day, date and month. 

It offers a stopwatch as well as a compass and can show the time in several major cities. Furthermore, it has a backlight so you can see this information at night. Like the above, it has some rugged features like 200m water-resistance, vibration-resistance and low-temperature resistance. This is thanks to the hardened mineral glass over the face and carbon on the case. It’s quite chunky at 51.2mm by 14.1mm. The wristband is resin, which is great for sporty people. 

It’s both functional and reliable for outdoor adventures where going in the right direction is key. The battery will last up to three years, which isn’t at all bad.

Advantages

  • Comfortable on the wrist 
  • Durable thanks to the materials
  • A lot of great functionality for a reasonable cost

Disadvantages

  • The backlight time doesn’t last long enough
  • It’s quite chunky for smaller wrists.

Timex Expedition

Around $70 / £55

Anything you buy from Timex is going to serve you well. This one has a digital display with a black face, while the band, bezel and case are all resin, meaning this watch is ready for tough treatment. The case itself is 48mm by 16mm so slightly smaller than others mentioned here.

It has an ISO certified shock-resistance rating. This watch has Timex’s signature Indiglo backlight for seeing in low lighting (and you can learn more about the Indiglo collection, here) and a calendar displaying the date. It also offers a superb water-resistance rating of 2ATM (200m), so you can safely embark on above-surface sports, but it’s still not recommended for diving.

The digital compass acts as a wonderful guide.

Advantages

  • Digital compass is decent
  • Shock-resistance of ISO standard
  • Materials suitable for outdoor torture testing

Disadvantages

  • Reports say the wristband snaps easily

Casio SGW500H-1BV

$79.99 / £59.99

This next Casio is round with a striking black and blue colouring. The blue is on the band, the buttons and the bezel.

The case measures just shy of 49mm. On the face sits a patented hardened mineral. It offers water-resistance up to 100m, so you can comfortably take it snorkelling. 

It can tell the time in up to 48 cities and offers that time in 12 or 24hr format. The digital compass is easy to use and accurate. It also offers a countdown timer, stopwatch and thermometer.

Advantages

  • Offers digital and analogue display
  • Can swear it swimming or snorkelling
  • LED afterglow gives great readability in the dark

Disadvantages

  • Reviews say it’s not scratch-resistant
  • The wristband apparently snaps easily
  • No backlight for use in low lighting

Summary

If you’re interested in a compass watch, then a GPS watch might also be good for you. GPS watches are typically made for those who enjoy the outdoors and are built to be rugged. Check out our review of the best GPS smartwatches, here.

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Timex Indiglo Watch Collection

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Timex Indiglo

Background 

Timex Indiglo – since it began in 1854, American watchmaker Timex has been producing high-quality timepieces at an affordable price.

Along with that, the company has outstanding customer service, helping to make it one of the most well-known and loved watchmakers on earth.

What does Indiglo mean?

Indiglo is a feature of some Timex watches. It’s an electro-luminous panel that sits behind the face of the watch and lights it up when a button is pressed.

Let’s take a look at the Timex watches that have this special feature…

Easy Reader 35mm

$29.95 / £24

For under thirty bucks you’re not going to find much to complain about with an Easy Reader. It performs just as well as some of its leading rivals and looks just as sleek as more expensive minimalist watches.

It has a dainty 25mm brass case that’s only 6mm thick. The face is covered with mineral glass crystal. It offers a black leather strap that will blend in with formal or relaxed attire. 

The watch is powered by a quartz movement and has the Indiglo feature, which you activate by pushing a button. 

If you want something that looks more expensive than what it is (ie, if you have Champagne taste and beer money), then this is a great watch that will give you faithful service. It has a simple and timeless style, so you’ll only ever want to change it because you have to.

Weekender 38mm

$55 / £45

Another traditional-looking watch for those on a tight budget.

The Weekender watch comes in a variety of styles, from stainless steel to more fun nylon options. 

They all share a 38mm case which will go with any outfit. You can actually replace the stainless steel or nylon band for something waterproof, which you might want to as this watch offers you 30m water-resistance. 

Again, inside is both a quartz movement and the Indiglo feature (which you’re now safe to assume all the watches on this list share).

Expedition 

$39 / £30

The Expedition range comes in a few different sizes and styles of wristband. The most popular is the 40mm case that comes in a brushed brass material. You can opt for a leather or nylon strap. 

On the face you’ll find a cover made of mineral crystal glass. It has a date window at the 3 position ( where you’ll also find the crown) and 24 hour markings. Inside, the Expedition is powered by analogue quartz movements. Interestingly, the real value for money comes from the fact that this watch has a 50m water-resistance, meaning you’ll be OK if you forget to take it off in the shower or if you go for a swim.

Waterbury Traditional Chronograph

$96 / £74

If you’re a chronograph fan and you like a large, sporty watch that can double up as a more formal timepiece when paired with a white shirt and blazer, this is a great option for the money.

The Waterbury range does that great thing of blending modern style with a retro twist. Some hail this as the best-looking of all the Timex watches (others say it’s the Weekender).

It has a 42mm case and 22mm thickness. It’s certainly chunky compared to others in the Timex collection, big by comparison, but in the grand scheme of things it’s still not too big. It looks just right on a larger wrist.

It has a greenish-yellow face and matching indices which, though they look it, aren’t luminous. But thanks to Indiglo, they don’t need to be.

Overall, it feels like you’re getting more than you pay for. It’s certainly more durable than some budget offerings thanks to a stainless steel case and mineral crystal glass. 

With water-resistance of up to 50m and a supple leather wristband, it’s another timeless classic from Timex.

Fairfield 

$39 / £27 

The Fairfield is worth a mention. It’s another budget watch but looks really great, especially considering the sub-$40 price tag.

Timex put effort into making this watch look fun and stylish at the same time. It comes in versions for men and women, too. Either way, you get quartz movement on the inside, a 50m water-resistance rating and, you’ve guessed it, Indiglo.

What alternatives are there?

If you like the look of what Timex is producing, but have a little more in your pocket to spend, you should read our review of the beautiful Skagen Falster 3.

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Field Watches Explained

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Field Watches

What are field watches? Warfare in the 1900s looked something like this: artillery bombardment lasts for specifically eight minutes. Before the final round lands, the infantry assault has already started. The cavalry regiment, at almost exactly the same time, charges toward the enemy’s flank.

You might be wondering why an article about watches is talking about war? Well, simple. None of that would’ve been possible without the use of a wristwatch.

In the middle of the 1800s it was only ever women who sported a wristwatch. Along came a German entrepreneur who spotted a market opportunity. He changed what was originally an accessory into a practical and reliable companion for your wrist.

Officers had been using pocket watches, but the wristwatch proved to be wildly more practical, quicker and lighter.

There was an almost instant surge in popularity of these with the military around the globe. There were some features that came out which would end up creating a specific category of watch for use in the field. The style of field watches has persisted and are now generally categorised as being a masculine design.

So what makes a field watch, a field watch?

Above all, a field watch must be rugged. A decent field watch worth its salt will be made of stainless steel. Models these days might even be made of titanium or ceramics and/or offer a PVD coating.

It must be readable. This includes decent readability in low lighting or nighttime. It should, therefore, have a face that has a lot of contrast between a white or black dial with opposite colour numbering.

It has polished golden markers for the hour, giving it a more formal look. This could be detrimental to reading in bright lights and even cause a glare.

The wristband is a more traditional leather or canvas. These can be changed if needed (or wanted for a different look). It’s arguable that a metal bracelet would offer better durability, but they get scratched very easily and they’re expensive to replace.

Most field watches all have a link to the original two designs which came from WWII. The difference being the movement and size. Originally, watches had 36mm cases and the movement was hand-wound. More modern versions range between 38mm and 44mm and will be automatic or quartz.

Field watches today

The design and style of field watches changed from practical use in the military into fashion for civilians. It started between world wars and has stood the test of time since. You can easily find a field watch for every budget. If you like a masculine-looking timepiece, a field watch could be an inexpensive option to add to your collection.

Let’s look into some of the most well-regarded brands making field watches.

Timex

Timex offers a superb range of watches for less than $100. The Weekender and Expedition, for example, are two wonderful examples of a fully-functional budget field watch.

At this price, you can expect a brass finish and mineral glass crystal coating the dial, but that shouldn’t be a surprise and it’s not a criticism, either. Military officers have been sporting cheap Timex field watches for decades.

This Expedition Scout is one timepiece that comes in a plethora of finishes so you can pick one that reflects your unique style.

Wenger

Wenger was one of the original makers of the Swiss Army Knife and now offers a few field watches in their range.

The Triumph collection features an iconic dial that has tiny second markers as well as both 12hr and 24hr markers. This is a nod to its two original WWII watches.

They come with Swiss-made quartz movement on the inside and sapphire crystal on the outside. For something that typically costs under $100, this is a total steal.

You can also pick up a Terragraph which offers all of the above, plus a little more retro style. It has a date window, which is down to the increased case size to 43mm. 

You can read more about Wenger watches in our review here.

Victorinox

This is another brand offering reliable Swiss Army timepieces. If you like the functionality of the Wenger but need a little more gusto, a Victorinox might be to your taste.

Expect to pay for it, though – quartz watches range from $200 to $500 and automatics are between $300 and $800. The field watches are in the Infantry collection.

You can use a nylon NATO wristband on any of the Infantry line, which means you can change it for something more formal (leather, if you like) depending on the occasion).

Hamilton 

Hamilton has proved itself to be one to keep an eye on in the watch industry. It made chronographs specifically for marine use during World War II and began making field watches after winning a Government contract later on.

Hamilton was bought by Swatch, the group which owned Omega, and experienced a surge in popularity, even being seen in films from Men in Black to Pearl Harbor.

The most predominant colour they come in is khaki and this is a homage to the past. You get a modern watch with a distinctly retro feel. Watches range from 38mm cases to 44mm and have ETA movements inside.

On the whole, they’re great quality. Read more about Hamilton watches in our review here.

Marathon

Marathon is possibly one of the sole watchmakers under contract to supply to today’s US military. Better known for its dive watch range, Marathon has recently released a field watch which is a development on those original two WWII models.

The style of which has gone through some changes over the years (and through various designers having input). The last version was made for aviators in the 80s.

The best example is the General Purpose Mechanical ($245 / £218), a modern twist on the original timepieces and a good balance of old and new. It has excellent illumination, which is an improvement on the predecessors, but then it’s also hand-wound. It’s not too big, coming in at 36mm.

Summary

A field watch is timeless. It’s also reliable and rugged. The affordability of such watches mean there’s no excuse to ignore it in any masculine collection.

If you’re interested in the watches of the special forces, check out what we said about military watches and what watches Navy Seals wear.

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