The wristwatch was originally regarded as a passing fad for women. But, war proved the need for soldiers to wear a watch on their wrists. Watches were first worn on the wrist by soldiers at the close of the 19th century during Great Britain’s Boer War in Africa. Wearing watches on the wrist became very popular for soldiers during the first World War. Once returning heroes were seen wearing wristwatches, the days of the pocket watch were numbered.
For World War II, military field watch design matured into the Type A-11. While it was mostly for aviation use, thousands of watches were produced by Elgin, Bulova, and Waltham. They had a simple face with readable numbers and a canvas strap. You can still find that no frill watch face pattern on countless watches around the world. Perhaps the lowest priced examples can be found at Walmart on simple Coleman camping style watches. On ebay, inexpensive AK Homme military-style watches are available in abundance.
Over the years, military field watches have slowly evolved. The current design emphasis for a military field watch is on ruggedness, reliability, readability, and camouflage. As a result, most military field watches feature a traditional analog face with large readable numbers and inset numbers for quick reading of the 24-hour or military time. Field watches are secured to the wrist via a canvas or nylon strap in a olive green or similar drab earth tone that accommodates the soldier’s need for camouflage. Today, the Timex Men’s Expedition Military Field Watch (Model T498749J) brings World War II inspired looks to the market place for less than $50.
In the Vietnam era, the Benrus Disposable Military Field Watch (MIL-W-46374) typified everything that was expected in a field watch for soldiers. Today, Timex also sells a low cost, quartz, watch that looks much like that Vietnam era field watch. Known as the Timex Camper watch, this entry level Timex Expedition offers the iconic simplicity of a military field watch in an economical package that sells for around $20. You’ll find the readable numbers, simple nylon strap, and simple shape expected from a military-style field watch. Plus, at that low price, many people consider the Timex Camper to be disposable.
Many watches in the marketplace meet the description of a military field watch. For example, the
Hamilton Men’s HML-H69419363 Khaki Field Green Dial Watch provides the look of a military watch at an affordable $375 price point in the luxury market. Similarly, the Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241290 Infantry Vintage Green Dial Watch provides that Army look in a well built precision package for about $325. It’s ironic that some high end watches look like standard military issue gear. But, once upon a time, all watches were built to exacting mechanical standards.
While these vintage looks have served soldiers for a long time, digital watches are currently supplanting them on the battlefield. If you are interested in digital watches, the Timex Ironman is a good choice, but the Casio G-Shock seems to be the current favorite of soldiers.
Sources:
“The History and Evolution of the Wristwatch,” John E. Brozek, International Watch Magazine, January 2004
“Vietnam-era Benrus Disposable Military Field Watch, H. Seung, Broadarrow.net http://www.broadarrow.net/vietbenrus.htm
Timex Website (www.timex.com)
Amazon.com (www.amazon.com)
Other articles by this contributor:
A Guide to Vintage-Style Men’s Watches Inspired by Military Aviation
Wristwatch Review: The Wenger Swiss Army Watch
Wristwatch Review: A Tactical-style Watch from Walmart
