Admittedly, the Merci LMM-01 is a field watch more in appearance than in function as it’s not the most hard-wearing on our list. But for many people, that might be enough—especially when the design is this pleasing on the eye. Not to mention the price, which is incredibly accessible. Glare-proof crystal for the display – the best quality field watches have sapphire crystal displays which are scratch-resistant. Movement: this can be quartz or mechanical (automatic or hand-wound). For a field watch, you most likely want a mechanical automatic so you don’t have to depend on the batteries lasting or winding it by hand. The Orient Defender stands out as a remarkably affordable field watch, made from high-quality materials and equipped with many of the essential features an outdoor watch should possess. That said, let us not assume that the Orient Defender is for everyone. Maybe, you do not like its overly modern style, or you want something a little more lavish and luxurious. For those who feel this way, we have also curated a list of 5 of the best alternative field watches to the Orient Defender that you should definitely consider adding to your collection. 1. Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69529913 Photo from TWC

While the Orient Defender is not going to be the field watch for everyone – given the dial design – it is a remarkably capable watch with personality. Indeed, there aren’t other field watches (that I know of) on the market with an asymmetrical set of sub-dials that include the time, date, day of the week, and AM/PM indicator. Most field watches have just the time, with possibly the date. Field watches are designed for you to wear in the field — that is, outdoors. Therefore, they are perfect for adventurers to wear exploring or for high-octane pursuits such as mountain climbing or biking. They are also great for fitness fans to wear when training.

Tudor is the sister brand to Rolex. As a result, the Heritage Ranger is created with the same attention to detail and technical skill as a Rolex—but all for a lower price point. Where there is light there is also shadow. I am almost sure that not only field-watch aficionados would rather see the mineral crystal replaced by a sapphire. That would also do more justice to the claim of being a field watch. This field watch from Nodus ( reviewed here) blows tradition out of the water yet retains a high level of water resistance. While it’s clear that the Sector Field shares some design DNA with vintage field watches, the design is much more modern. An angular case with brushed and polished surfaces houses a regular NH38 movement inside. The dial has a lot going on, featuring several different levels that comprise the sectors that the watch is named after. While it sounds busy, the Sector maintains top-notch legibility and the care placed into the design really shows. With 150m of water resistance, the Sector Field also isn’t afraid of water. Nodus Sector Field Water-resistant up to 100 meters, this Filson field watch is the perfect companion for any high-octane missions or wilderness trips, able to withstand the most arduous of conditions without flinching.

Inspiration for this model came from IWC’s Mark 11 Navigation, which was originally designed for the British Royal Air Force and has since become one of the most iconic military watches in existence. Where can Orient go from here for the Defender? While this watch is already a great value and offers some welcome personality over other field watches, I think Orient could certainly benefit from tweaking the hand length, as well as possibly adding a sapphire crystal in the future. While I don’t know what Orient has in development, being able to hand-wind a field watch is always a good idea. And, if they are going to upgrade the movement, why not also add a power reserve indicator where the current logo is? Simplicity is the name of the game with the LMM-01 Field, designed and made by lifestyle brand Merci. There’s something quintessentially French about its restrained aesthetic and it comes as no surprise to learn that Merci hails from the hub of artistic creativity that is the Marais district of Paris.And while not many field watches come with a stainless steel bracelet, the Orient Defender pulls it off with panache. It’s perfect for wearing out in the evenings to corporate or social events. And of course, any watch created for use by military personnel is able to withstand wear and tear. This makes field watches the ideal option for adventurers and outdoorsmen. If you spend your weekends out on remote excursions or engaging in adrenaline-pumping activities, then you need a dependable field watch to accompany you on your pursuits. Inspired by the iconic 1950 Luminor case, visually, the Panerai Luminor Due GMT field watch is undeniably stylish. The alligator strap is the perfect fashionable finishing touch, allowing you to wear this luxury field timepiece both on expeditions and with a dress shirt to exclusive events and parties. The Omega Seamaster Railmaster has the classic good looks of all Omega watches—plus that same impeccable durability. It features a 55-hour power reserve and the hour markers are recessed, vintage-style. The tropical dial, with its charming faded brown, features faux patina Super-LumiNova, further adding to the retro appearance.

But the best field watches retain the reliability and robustness of those first wartime timepieces, making them a great choice for anyone seeking a durable and long-lasting timekeeping accessory. Stainless steel – rust and corrosion-resistant, anti-allergic, extremely hard, and affordable. It can be further reinforced with iron plating. Orient is a Japanese watch brand well-known for its expertise in crafting reasonably-priced, functional timepieces. While the brand is best known for designing outstanding dive watches, it also has a selection of top-notch, affordable field watches in its catalogue. In particular, the Orient Defender is one of the best field watches in the market, going head-to-head with iconic models such as Timex’s Expedition Scout and Seiko’s famous Alpinist. Priority number 1 of a field watch is warranted, reading the time is no issue. Hands and markers are broad, visually present and contrasting against the dial. The sub-dials are unobtrusive, they do not hinder the reading of time. The dial color of the RA-AK0405Y10 is described differently: from „champagne" to „creme" to „khaki" (Orient USA) or „sand".The second-generation Defender is more reliable and user-friendly than the original, adding a sense of style and practicality. The new version has been designed to be even more helpful in everyday life while retaining the ruggedness that made the original so famous. Like the Orient Defender, the dial of this Khaki Field watch is also furnished with luminous hands and indices. However, the Khaki Field Ref. H69529913 differs in that it has a more straightforward dial design, with no sub-dials. This watch has a 24-hour layout as well, but it takes the form of hour markers running from 1 to 24 instead of the sub-dial utilised in the Orient Defender. The hands and hour markers on this watch also come in dark grey, to better contrast against the white dial. Straps– these can be made from canvas, leather, rubber, stainless steel, or nylon. What’s important is that it doesn’t irritate your wrist and that it’s hard-wearing and long-lasting. The case is made from a striking pure Grade 2 Titanium, making it both exceptionally corrosion-resistant and lightweight. It uses scratch-resistant sapphire-coated crystal glass to protect its gorgeous dial with Swiss-made Lume on the hands, hour markers, and the inner bezel. The Titanium Field Watch was built to tell time accurately, whatever the circumstances might be.

I primarily use this watch as the one I switch to when I am entering the workshop or about to do some hands on work. I’ve also tested wearing it for downhill mountain biking and it never once felt out of its depth. The Defender breaks out from the standard three-hand mold that most field watches fit into. It has a more modern and aggressive design. A matte-finished case houses the Orient caliber F6B22 movement that allows for a day wheel display, a numeric date at 3, and a really interesting 24-hour display at 4. The dial layout is far from traditional, making the Defender a great (and affordable) option for those who like the field watch aesthetic, but are looking for something a little more interesting. As with most of Orient’s line, the quality of the watch far outweighs the reasonable asking price too. Orient Defender II American watch manufacturer Citizen is widely respected for revitalizing the long-standing traditions of American watch-making and combining them with cutting-edge technological developments.With over 100 years of experience, Citizen is known the world over for its uncompromising values of technical precision, innovativation, quality craftsmanship, and design excellence.The Hamilton Khaki is one of the best value field watches on our list and absolutely punches above its price point.