We had a lot of fun selecting the best field watches for this list because there are so many excellent options available on the market in the below or around $500 price range. As usual, we were focusing on the movement quality and overall craftsmanship. In addition to the technicalities we paid attention to the overall design as well, making sure we list the best field watches under $500 with classic style and design elements.
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Vaer A5 Design Navy
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
The Vaer A5 Design Navy is quickly becoming a favorite. The navy blue dial combined with the red accent color is an exciting look, and it makes the watch dynamic. The syringe hour and minute hands bring a touch of elegance to the overall look, making this watch versatile, as it can be dressed up as well. Vaer watches go through rigorous testing and they are assembled in the USA.
Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Caliber: F07.111
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
The Hamilton Khaki Field is proud of its military background with a classic design combined with modern elements. Its distinctive core identity gives it versatility in styles and can be dressed up and down with the right straps. The dependability and ease of a quartz movement enhance modern living activities.
Victorinox Swiss Army Heritage
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 21 mm
- Water Resistance: 100 m
The Swiss Army Heritage is the ideal travel companion for the everyday life. A reliable timepiece for your day at work as well as your weekend adventure. Its shape, which is influenced by vintage design, is simplified for easy readability. With the creation of this field watch, the original Swiss Army design’s components were modernized. An excellent choice!
Vaer A3 Tradition
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Miyota 9039
- Power Reserve: 42 hours
- Case Width: 36 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
Vaer watches are assembled in the USA, and the Vaer A3 blends class-leading durability with a combination of a rugged look and classic elements to display an evergreen field watch design. The 36 mm case width is on the smaller side (like the classic field watches), therefore it’s a great fit for smaller wrists as well.
Benrus DTU-2A/P
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: Sellita SW200
- Power Reserve: 38 hours
- Case Width: 39.5 mm
- Lug Width: 20 mm
- Water Resistance: 50 m
The Benrus DTU is a field watch with bona fide military heritage, originally issued in 1964 when the US military requested the combat watch with extended service life. This DTU 2A/P field watch is revisited today and is available again with the Sellita SW200 Swiss automatic movement, providing a 38-hour power reserve. The syringe hour and minute hands are an elegant choice for the classic field watch dial design. The double domed acrylic crystal provides an element of vintage, and we absolutely love the removable military compass attached to the NATO strap.
Read our BENRUS brand review.
UNDONE Terra Safari
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: NH35A
- Power Reserve: 41 hours
- Case Width: 37 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
the Terra Safari by UNDONE is a very exciting watch. It’s a great fit for almost all wrist sizes, as the tartaruga (tortoise) shaped case is just 37mm wide. The waffle design becomes a “Grenade Dial”. This pattern with the subtle olive-green colors play into a map-like narrative. Definitely a unique pick!
Citizen Chandler
Specs:
- Movement: Eco-Drive
- Caliber: 8729
- Case Width: 43 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
Citizen’s Chandler is another military-inspired timepiece. It’s a great combination of a rugged look and comfortable fit. Added features include analog day/date and 12/24-hour time, as well as Citizen’s own Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, you don’t have to worry about a battery!
Seiko SNK809
Specs:
- Movement: Automatic
- Caliber: 7S26
- Power Reserve: 40 hours
- Case Width: 37 mm
- Lug Distance: 18 mm
Seiko is always an excellent choice as their movements are reliable at a very budget friendly price point. The SNK809 looks similar to the iconic Hamilton Khaki Field, maybe it attracts less attention than the American/Swiss brand’s flagship timepiece, but the Seiko does come with a reliable in-house automatic movement. A straight-to-the-point, no bs choice. And that’s something we all appreciate!
Timex Expedition Scout 40
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
Outdoor activities are the primary focus of the Timex watches from the Expedition collection. They’re tough and shockproof, and they come in a variety of designs and colors to suit a wide range of tastes and desired looks. A very practical and affordable choice!
Maven MUS-01
Specs:
- Movement: Quartz
- Case Width: 40 mm
- Lug Distance: 20 mm
If you are looking for a unique, minimalist twist on the usually not-so-minimalist field watches, Maven is the brand for you. The simple yet beautiful design of their watches is inspired by the French Marine Nationale. Complete with a Swiss Quartz movement provided by Ronda so you can be sure of accurate timekeeping. The elegant color combination of taupe and white reminds of summers in the south of France, so we are envisioning this watch as your go-to summer accessory.