Field watches are one of the most popular types of watch on the market. They are favoured by many collectors due to their simplicity and wearability. The field watch has a long, fascinating history rooted in war time. These watches are built for a very specific purpose. Field watches are arguably the most minimalistic watch style, making them perfect for those who search for simplicity in their accessories. If you are interested in this watch type, keep reading for our 10 interesting facts about field watches.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Field Watches
1. Field watches are simple military watches.
Simply put, field watches are military watches with a simple and minimalistic design. They were originally named ‘trench watches’ as this is where they were first used. Field watches were designed for soldiers to wear during the world wars, so they took on this name based on how they were used. The name evolved into field watches to show how the watch could be used by a wide range of people. These watches exhibit a very simple design without any unnecessary features and complications.
2. A field watch’s only purpose it to tell time.
The field watch was designed to be a very accurate timepiece that could be used to help soldiers to synchronise their movements. This would eliminate some danger and unpredictability from an attack. Soldiers needed their watches to be perfectly synchronised and to not fall out of time as this would put them in danger. The sole purpose of the field watch is to display the time and to do so accurately. This means that field watches very rarely have extra complications that would not be necessary in wartime conditions, even with modern designs.
3. They are usually made from stainless steel.
To ensure for durability and strength, the cases of field watches tend to be made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is a very popular material in watches as it is comfortable to wear and is able to withstand plenty of knocks and bumps. This case is often accompanied by a durable canvas or leather strap. These materials are used in this watch type as they are lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Most watch brands avoid stainless steel bracelets in field watches as they would add too much weight to the timepiece.
4. Field watches were created as a replacement for pocket watches.
Pocket watches were the most popular form of timepiece for men for centuries. Wristwatches were first invented as an option for women, as previously they had not been able to wear a timepiece due to a lack of pockets. Men avoided wristwatches as they were seen as a delicate, feminine option. However, during wartime men could not afford the time it took to remove a pocket watch from their pocket, read the time and then replace it. Due to this, wristwatches were found to be a practical alternative that allowed the men to read the time with a mere flick of the wrist.
5. They were popularised throughout World War II.
Field watches were worn by officers during the First World War. This meant that they were well loved by some people, but only a select few. The ease of use of these timepiece was noticed during WWI, and so field watches became standard issue during World War II. This exposed far more men to the field watch and was probably the first time that many of these men had worn a wristwatch. These men returned home with their field watches and often wore them for outdoor activities.
6. Field watches are a great example of classic horological style.
The simplicity of field watches means that they have a very classic and timeless sense of style. The simple dial design ensures that the watch will not detract from the outfit or other accessories that the watch is paired with. Field watches are built for purpose and have a sense of rugged elegance due to this. By focusing more on substance than style, watch makers can ensure that these kinds of timepieces are durable and long lasting.
7. There are a handful of features to search for in a field watch.
Shopping for a field watch can be quite overwhelming as many watch brands produce a great variety of field watches. As with any timepiece, there are a few key features to look out for to find the perfect field watch. Obviously, the collector needs to assess their own needs and desires in their watch to ensure that the timepiece is perfect for their lifestyle. However, all good field watches should have luminous elements on the dial to ensure that it can be read clearly, even in the dark. Additionally, some field watches have anti-glare treated lenses to protect the dial. This means that bright light will not affect the legibility of the dial.
8. Field watches ought to be dust and water resistant.
As previously mentioned, field watches are built to be suitable for wartime. This means that they must be able to withstand a reasonable amount of dust and water. The movement must remain unaffected by these issues otherwise the watch may stop running. As these kinds of timepieces were originally built to withstand wartime conditions, many field watches are more than suitable for daily life. The seals and water resistance has continued to improve since the first versions of the field watch, so they have become more durable.
9. All watches should be serviced frequently to ensure perfect performance.
It is recommended that a watch is serviced regularly to ensure that it is performing as well as it can. There are several things within a watch that can begin to deteriorate overtime and this will cause lasting damage to the watch if not seen to. The movement ought to be checked to ensure that there is no damage or unnecessary friction. Additionally, the seals of a watch need to be in perfect condition so that no water or dust can enter the watch. The seals can be disrupted when the watch is opened. This means that the watch should be taken to an authorised service person for checks and battery changes. This is perhaps the most important of these 10 interesting facts about field watches.
10. Field watches are a symbol of ruggedness and bravery.
As the wear of field watches first began with soldiers, these timepieces are often associated with characteristics such as ruggedness and bravery. Many watch collectors enjoy wearing a timepiece with such a fascinating history and like the fact that it makes people think of such positive personality traits. Field watches are an incredibly desirable timepiece that can be worn with any outfit for any occasion. The simplicity of the timepiece makes them versatile and their long, interesting history makes them desirable.
Field Watch Recommendations
Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Automatic H70665533
This field watch from Hamilton features a dark dial with clear and easy to read hour markers. The dial features hour and minute indices with hour, minute and second hands for precise timekeeping. The dial is surrounded by a lightweight titanium case which has been plated with an attractive black shade. Titanium is a desirable material in watches as it is both lightweight and incredibly strong. This means that the watch is comfortable to wear on the wrist for long periods of time, but is also resistant to knocks and bumps. An automatic movement is housed within this case. It provides the watch with a power reserve of up to 80 hours. The watch is secured on the wrist using a brown leather strap for a classic and versatile look. Additionally, this timepiece is water resistant up to 100 metres.
Luminox | Atacama Field Automatic 1900 Series | Green Strap | XL.1907.NF
Luminox is famous for its hardwearing adventure watches. This field watch exhibits an appealing green, silver and cream colour scheme that will allow it to be paired with a wide range of outfits. The watch is named after the Atacama Desert in order to emphasise how durable the watch is. The cream dial features a 24-hour dial to adapt the traditional field watch design for the modern day. The dial is also adorned with a weekday and date aperture for perfect timekeeping. The hands and indices have been treated with Luminox’s Constant Glow Technology so that the dial is easy to read in all lights. The dial is protected by resistant and anti-reflective sapphire glass. The watch is finished with a green nylon textile strap so that it is comfortable to wear.
MVMT | Field | Brown Canvas Strap | Black Dial 28000017-D
This field watch proves that field watches do not have to come with a high price tag. MVMT watches are quality timepieces with an affordable price point. The watch features a black dial with luminous Arabic hour indices. The hour and minute hands are also luminous and the second hand is red. This bold colour makes the second hand easy to track around the dial. A 41mm black ion plated stainless steel case houses the quartz movement that powers the watch. The watch is water resistant up to 100 metres, making it more than suitable for daily wear. This timepiece is secured on the wrist using a brown textile strap.
Seiko 5 Sports Filed Black Leather Strap SRPG39K1
This watch features an eye-catching blue dial. The dial exhibits clear Arabic numeral hour indices with bold hour, minute and second hands. A weekday and date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock on the dial. The dial is protected by Hardlex crystal for added durability. A stainless steel case houses the automatic movement that powers the watch. This movement provides the watch with 41 hours of power reserve. Unlike some other watches, this timepiece has a seconds stop function, allowing the wearer to completely halt the movement. This watch is secured using a black leather strap for a classic appearance. This watch is water resistant up to 100 metres.
What did you think of our 10 interesting facts about field watches? Do you know any other good facts? Let us know in the comments below!
