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Suggestions for an Accurate Field Watch Under $200 Now With Unboxing Photos

kingsrider
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Field watches continue to grow in popularity and with good reasons. Durable, casual and stylish.
I really like my Timex. It definitely plays the part in California State Parks Uniform.
image.jpg image.jpg


I am think about adding the Seiko SNZG15
SNZG15J1_zoom__15239.1526884627.jpg

The price is right at about $130.00 US but the accuracy is giving me pause. +- 30sec a day?
I like the styling and the size. A larger watch with 22mm between the lugs. Manly yes?
This watch is kind of a knock off of the Hamilton Khaki, which I love, but I am not going to drop that kind of money for a watch that is going to take a serious licking at work.
vintage-eye-hamilton-GI-picture-2.jpg
Open to alternatives, and as always, just some cool wrist shots.
Edited:
 
image.jpg image.jpg
kingsrider
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That is actually the same watch that I first considered. Then I found the watch shown above. Slightly larger and a more traditional analog dial (1-12).
I think they have the same movement.
I do like the Flieger hands.
Edited:
 
kingsrider
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
And I was NPS for 13 years

5014D55B-0952-45E2-98E8-981A7BE4B232.jpeg

This was my field watch- they can take it.
403EA650-2944-4C87-9A53-B6410C66B760.jpeg
Outstanding! I am lucky. there is an amazing state park just minutes from me. I would love to work at a National Park but the commute would kill me.
68E64BE8-A398-4BE6-92AA-5A0177A5B371.jpeg

Recent shot of some coworkers after a storm blew through.
 
DaveK
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I’ve heard good things about Boldr

 
SkunkPrince
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If it's a watch that's going to get beat to hell at work, why not a Casio G-Shock?
 
kingsrider
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SkunkPrince SkunkPrince
If it's a watch that's going to get beat to hell at work, why not a Casio G-Shock?
For my situation a larger analog dial is easy to read at a glance without reading glasses. I find the digital dial hard to read without glasses. But you are right, the G-shock is a great watch. I have had a couple in the past.
 
SkunkPrince
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kingsrider kingsrider
For my situation a larger analog dial is easy to read at a glance without reading glasses. I find the digital dial hard to read without glasses. But you are right, the G-shock is a great watch. I have had a couple in the past.
Ah, that makes sense. Then in your case I would get a Vostok. Darn near indestructible and dirt cheap!

Example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vostok-Amp...ary-Diver-Russian-Automatic-Blue/202716543257
 
This website may earn commission from Ebay sales.
64Wing
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kingsrider kingsrider
Field watches continue to grow in popularity and with good reasons. Durable, casual and stylish.
I really like my Timex. It definitely plays the part in California State Parks Uniform.
image.jpg image.jpg


I am think about adding the Seiko SNZG15
SNZG15J1_zoom__15239.1526884627.jpg

The price is right at about $130.00 US but the accuracy is giving me pause. +- 30sec a day?
I like the styling and the size. A larger watch with 22mm between the lugs. Manly yes?
This watch is kind of a knock off of the Hamilton Khaki, which I love, but I am not going to drop that kind of money for a watch that is going to take a serious licking at work.
vintage-eye-hamilton-GI-picture-2.jpg
Open to alternatives, and as always, just some cool wrist shots.
Don't underestimate the Hamilton. Yes, it's around $450. But I've worn mine working on a demo crew in the construction industry, fabricating in machine shops, heavy aviation maintenance, etc.

It keeps great time and somehow the crystal hasn't even scratched yet even though I know for sure I've hit it on things.

It'll really take a beating. Might be worth the extra money
 
Redwes25
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I love field watches (you can probably tell by my profile pic of a pair of Hamiltons). I think the Hamilton Khaki is a great route and a little more then you want to spend but worth it in my mind. I love mine. Also, not long ago you could get great Vietnam era field watches for like $200 but not anymore. However, if you go onto MWRForum they come up for sale pretty regularly around 350 or so, if you want the vintage route.

Another great option if want to think about used is Benrus WWII 50th anniversery D-Day reissue. It really is a vietnam era looking watch even though they call it an A-11 reissue. With a little patience you can probably find for around $200. It is a great watch.
 
JwRosenthal
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Redwes25 Redwes25
I love field watches (you can probably tell by my profile pic of a pair of Hamiltons). I think the Hamilton Khaki is a great route and a little more then you want to spend but worth it in my mind. I love mine. Also, not long ago you could get great Vietnam era field watches for like $200 but not anymore. However, if you go onto MWRForum they come up for sale pretty regularly around 350 or so, if you want the vintage route.

Another great option if want to think about used is Benrus WWII 50th anniversery D-Day reissue. It really is a vietnam era looking watch even though they call it an A-11 reissue. With a little patience you can probably find for around $200. It is a great watch.
I have both the vintage Hamilton Mil issue and the Benrus anniversary model- agree about the Benrus being a spectacular watch- but it is 33mm so if you wanted larger- it is not (although one of the most legible watches own) and they are on the climb for value.
 
Redwes25
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
I have both the vintage Hamilton Mil issue and the Benrus anniversary model- agree about the Benrus being a spectacular watch- but it is 33mm so if you wanted larger- it is not (although one of the most legible watches own) and they are on the climb for value.

Also would add that if you go vintage route with a field watch would be very careful buying of the bay. These are heavily faked watches.
 
JwRosenthal
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Redwes25 Redwes25
Also would add that if you go vintage route with a field watch would be very careful buying of the bay. These are heavily faked watches.
As much as I love my vintage field watches- I don’t know how much I trust their waterproof-ness to daily use - particularly in Park Service duty where getting soaked to your underwear is a common occurrence. If you have it serviced, seals replaced and pressure tested- then it would be fine.
 
SkunkPrince
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
As much as I love my vintage field watches- I don’t know how much I trust their waterproof-ness to daily use - particularly in Park Service duty where getting soaked to your underwear is a common occurrence. If you have it serviced, seals replaced and pressure tested- then it would be fine.
That's the nice thing about a Vostok Amphibian. Even if it did somehow fail, it cost pocket change and a new one can be soon on the way.

As for accurate, they might not come from Russia adjusted and regulated, but I had one my secondary watchmaker adjusted to COSC specs.
 
Redwes25
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JwRosenthal JwRosenthal
As much as I love my vintage field watches- I don’t know how much I trust their waterproof-ness to daily use - particularly in Park Service duty where getting soaked to your underwear is a common occurrence. If you have it serviced, seals replaced and pressure tested- then it would be fine.

Modern Hamilton is way to go per my first post if you want the field watch route and use it like it is intended. It is my go to watch for watch risky activities.
 
Gruesome
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Unfortunately Seikos have gone up in price, otherwise that would have been my suggestion. The SKXes are very readable. I got my orange SKX011 for just under $200; that was before adding a Miltat steel band with adjustable clasp, and later upgrading the movement to an NH36. Altogether, it's about $350, plus a few hours of my time.
 
Observer
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Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is my everyday watch and I love it. Incidentally I unexpectedly won it for a lowball ebay offer of $130. Looking at ebay sold auctions it looks like you can still come pretty close to that.
 
vbrad26
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Another vote for the Hammy. You can pick one up on the grey market for around $350 I believe.
I realize it is almost double what you want to spend...but you probably wont regret it.
I love my Khaki.
 
connieseamaster
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The Goodspeed Scout is launching on Kickstarter next week. Pre-launch press has been excellent and Goodspeed has a previous successful watch, so all indications point to a successful funding. The quartz version will be $160 and the automatic will be $360

https://www.goodspeedwatches.com/
 
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