Today this close relative of our beloved diver’s watch (also derived from early military timepieces) is having a bit of a resurgence, so here’s a look at a brand new field watch from a Swiss watch brand that is working hard to reestablish themselves with innovative new takes on classic watch genres.
Introducing the new Formex Field Automatic; a recently unveiled entry level model whose 41mm in diameter case and crown have been made entirely from hardened Grade 2 Titanium.
Its special hardening treatment has enabled the Formex Field to up its surface hardness from 145 Vickers to approximately 900 Vickers while retaining those properties that Titanium is prized for such as being ultra-lightweight.
Titanium is also extremely hypoallergenic, anti-magnetic and corrosion-resistant. On top of that, the special hardening treatment makes it both scratch- and fingerprint resistant.
Field watches can of course be found from time to time with brightly colored dials but owing to their military roots their dials are typically produced in more staid colors such as blacks and greys or military greens.
However one notable and quite unexpected dial color available for the new Formex Field from a pallet that includes more sober tones inspired by vintage machinery such as; Charcoal, Ash Grey, Sage Green, Petrol Blue and Mahogany Red is Ultra Violet!
This is certainly an attention grabbing color that you’ll either love or hate and one that military watches should really shy away from but it is interesting.
Nevertheless, one of the main features of a field watch is its high contrast dial.
The numbers and markers are recessed in the Formex Field, while the outer chapter section is curved upwards.
This gives each dial a visible depth and enhances its legibility. The recessed surfaces and the brushed hands are filled with Old Radium-style SuperLumiNova that emits a bright yellowish-green hue in the dark.
Adding a meager 5g to the case weight of 65g, the nylon Velcro straps, available in blue and black, are waterproof and sit comfortably on the wrist.
The leather straps, available in five different colors, come with Formex’s carbon composite clasp that adjusts to the ever-changing wrist circumference throughout the day.
The built in fine-adjustment system allows to fit the length of the strap in 5 micro steps over 7mm.
The clasp is interchangeable with all leather straps, meaning that only one clasp is required when switching it up with multiple straps.
All straps can be changed without the use of any tools and the Field’s case does allow you to mount 3rd party straps with a width of 20mm.
Driving the hands is a Sellita SW200-1 self-winding movement with a power reserve of 38 hours. This automatic movement is among the most trusted in modern mechanical Swiss Made watches, and can be serviced by literally any certified watchmaker around the world.
The movement is safely housed in an enclosed case-back with an engraved honey-comb pattern. With a dive-watch style screw-down crown and a water resistance of 150 meters, the Formex Field Automatic is the perfect watch for any mission. Prices start from 795USD.
Thoughts? I must admit I am partial to a field watch as they seem to be the perfect wristwatch to daily. Funnily enough I am yet to own one.
While I like this (a lot); I think if I were to buy a field watch I would probably look for one with a more classically styled case such as the Hamilton Khaki Field.
But if you want something a little more contemporary looking then this could be it plus you can go bonkers and get one in Ultra Violet with a matching purple strap. But what do you think?
Ps. Please don’t forget that there is an unprovoked, unjustified and evil war being raged against our friends in Ukraine. Whenever possible, please use your voice or your platform to speak out against this injustice.
If you want some Ukrainian watch content then see my recent post HERE or please share any ideas that you might have with me so that I can produce more content to bring awareness to Ukraine. Thank you!
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