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Looking for a field watch under $1,000 USD

  1. jud Dec 2, 2018

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    It would be even better if it were under $500.

    I recently took a new job and would like a watch that is a little more under the radar. I have been wearing my Seiko SKX quite a bit, but would like something that fits better under a cuff.

    This forum has a well rounded user base and my guess is that someone has a good recommendation for a field watch. These are the specs I am looking for:
    38 - 40 mm
    Must have screw down crown.
    Prefer automatic.
    Prefer no date.
    Prefer lug holes.
    Prefer 20mm lugs.
    Prefer bracelet.

    Here are some watches that I have been considering:
    MWW Rattler: https://www.manchesterwatchworks.com/store/p51/THE_RATTLER_MILITARY_FIELD_WATCH_-_SUS_HOMAGE_(Lead_time_is_approx._1_week).html#/

    MK2 Cruxible: http://boutique.mkiiwatches.com/ready-to-wear/cruxible/cruxible-type-a-11-non-date.html

    Hamilton Khaki Field: https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-int/h70455133-khaki-field-auto.html

    I am interested in your recommendations.
     
    Edited Dec 5, 2018
    bardamu likes this.
  2. Buck2466 Dec 2, 2018

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    The Hamilton Khaki will probably be a top pick. Check out Raven Watches. Their Trekker model might fit what you are looking for, 40mm and a Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement for $850. There are several options and can probably find a used one for even less.

    https://ravenwatches.com/pages/trekker
     
    connieseamaster likes this.
  3. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Dec 2, 2018

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    Stowa and Laco make great pieces in that price range.
     
  4. superfly Dec 2, 2018

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    Other than the date and lug holes, the Seiko Alpinist SARB017 may be a good fit. You can get SARB OEM bracelet if you don't want leather. The watch is discontinued but still available. It's the only green dial I own. Good color for a field watch.

    20181202_213159.jpg

    SARB017-2.jpg
     
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  5. jud Dec 3, 2018

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    @Buck2466 Thanks for the Trekker recommendation, that's got some promise.

    @superfly: That's a good looking Seiko but I am looking for a daily so would like a more traditional colored dial.

    @Foo2rama I looked through the Stowa and Laco offerings but it appears their crowns do not screw down.

    Reading reviews of Stowa led me to Sinn which has two contenders as well.
    Sinn 856: https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Watches/856.htm
    Sinn 556: https://www.sinn.de/en/Instrument_Watches/556.htm

    Still open to recommendations.
     
    Foo2rama likes this.
  6. Jwit Not a doctor, but plays one on ΩF Dec 3, 2018

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  7. alam Dec 3, 2018

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    for some reason, I always view in my mind the standard for a field watch was a strap...is tough to find a decent automatic w/o date; for less than $400 you can get a Hamilton Automatic H70455733 Khaki Field Watch..

     
    hmton.PNG
    Larry S likes this.
  8. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Dec 3, 2018

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    Meraud
    meraud.png

    or a personal fav of mine - available in 38 or 42 mm - the Maen Hudson

    homepage_Hudson_85031245-4c13-495b-957a-8f929e9366f1_1180x@2x.jpg
     
  9. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Dec 3, 2018

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    Somehow this company has my email and emailed me some promotional material today...no idea how they have my email...
     
  10. oddboy Zero to Grail+2998 In Six Months Dec 3, 2018

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    Same here actually. I know I visited the site within the last weeks, as someone posted it here, but I never signed up for anything. Maybe via kickstarter?
     
  11. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Dec 3, 2018

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    I did the same - looked them up because of a recent post, but I've never signed up for anything on either their site or on Kickstarter. Quite frankly the fact that they spam you after you visit a site would be enough to turn me off the brand completely.
     
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  12. Foo2rama Keeps his worms in a ball instead of a can. Dec 3, 2018

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    @jud screw down crown in a field watch?

    That’s not common. Screw down crowns are really only on divers.
     
    Waltesefalcon likes this.
  13. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 3, 2018

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    Somewhere back in the mists of time, you clicked on something.....
     
  14. Archer Omega Qualified Watchmaker Dec 3, 2018

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    As I said, I went on whatever the site was...that involves clicking on things certainly, but never have a signed up for or agreed to be sent emails from this company or from Kickstarter.
     
  15. Larry S Color Commentator for the Hyperbole. Dec 3, 2018

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    They are supposed to ask permission. Back in October I did a mail un subscribe clean out. Need to do it again. Important stuff gets lost in the tidal wave.
     
  16. balmung0 Dec 3, 2018

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    I would go for Hamilton Kakhi Field
     
  17. duc Dec 3, 2018

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    Foo2rama likes this.
  18. Fritz genuflects before the mighty quartzophobe Dec 3, 2018

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    get the Hamilton.
     
  19. jud Dec 3, 2018

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    @Jwit I agree with both of your suggestions. That Nodus is good looking.

    @Foo2rama I have a Rolex Explorer 1 and 2 that used to fill the field watch billet. Unfortunately my new job has me in the data center much more as well as down range with the Army. Because most of my watches have a screw down crown, I have gotten used to that feature.

    @duc That ticks a lot of boxes.

    @oddboy Those are both good suggestions, I had never heard of either company, let alone the watches.
     
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  20. Khamenman Dec 4, 2018

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    How about Damasko? Nice field watch with hardened case.
     
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