The Best 38mm Field Watches To Wear Right Now
There’s something special about a 38mm case on a field watch. Sure, watch sizes were consistently on the rise since as early as the 1960s. However, there was a considerable acceleration in the ‘80s which put us in a place where, for years, it was near impossible to find modern watches under the 40mm mark. It was as if the 36mm military timepieces that were good enough for our boys in uniform during World War II, were suddenly too small for us.
The best 38mm field watches here represent a middle-ground, honoring the past while being relevant in the present. And of course, as true-blue trench watches, these guys are straight-forwardly stylish and a practicalist’s dream.
Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic
The Khaki Field from Hamilton has a sophistication about it that makes it as versatile as it is pragmatic. The subtle racetrack around the hour indices adds dimension, while also highlighting the markers for better legibility. This refined sharpness is also seen on the polished bezel, complemented by the beautifully brushed floor below it, and the perfectly applied syringe indices. It’s the kind of field watch that few would question the presence of in a boardroom or during date night (and the 38mm case definitely cinches this).
Function-wise, it’s powered by the H-10 automatic. Not only is it an ETA-based movement with an 80-hour power reserve, but it’s adorned with a downright baroque-looking snail-and-pearl pattern that you can see through the caseback.
Weiss 38mm Automatic Standard Issue Field Watch
From its keen-edged outer railroad track to the illustrative use of neutral colors, the 38mm Standard Issue Field Watch from Weiss is impressive in just how truly handcrafted it is. The dial is naval brass and hand-painted, just as the high-frequency automatic movement is finished and assembled by real people.
It’s an actual artisanal watch—even the strap you choose will be hand-stitched. This classy and vintage-looking timepiece comes with commendable specs that include black-oxide-treated hands for shape retention and corrosion resistance, 100 meters of water resistance, and a scratch-resistant sapphire.
Bulova Hack Watch
An American icon with a charmingly retro look, the Bulova Hack is both classic and distinct. Just look at those cathedral-like hands. Few field watches would go with something so ornate, yet the heavy outline and the lume-hinting green tone make telling time easy from every angle, while also making the dial fun to look at.
The NATO strap in leather is another notable and bold remix. Overall, the Hack is an easy purchase, not least of which is thanks to its 21-jewel automatic movement and its US heritage. Bulova may be owned by Citizen now, which means you get the benefit of Citizen’s horological chops, but the design comes courtesy of Bulova’s American archives.
Cabot Watch Company G10 Watch
Unsurprisingly, the original watch suppliers to the British Ministry of Defense serve up a robust, no-nonsense trench watch in the form of the G10. Cabot Watch Company’s focus on uncontaminated functionality ensures that this model is a long-lasting, genuine military standard.
Along with this pro-level street cred and legacy aspect, it’s an accurate timekeeper with a utilitarian aesthetic. Speaking of, the acrylic glass is there because when you’re in the trenches, scratches are better than shatters. Not completely eschewing style, you can choose from a blue, yellow, or red second hand, and have the option to get the back engraved.
Boldr Venture Automatic
Boldr’s titanium soldier, the Venture Automatic has the distinguishing feature of being as durable as a stainless steel timepiece, but half as light. This makes it more convenient and comfortable, while maintaining the strong specs you turn to field watches for. Plus, it provides that authoritative gunmetal hue. Relatedly, the two-story four o’clock crown and the lugless hoods give the watch a strong athletic look, but the clean lines throughout the surface of the watch case add sophistication without too much complexity.
As dependable inside as it is outside, the Venture runs on Seiko’s reliable NH35A movement. This automatic is known for staying accurate throughout the years without a whole bunch of servicing.
MWC A-17 Korean War Watch
A design with real provenance, the MWC A-17 is a visually accurate reboot of the very same military-issued Korean War Watch from the ‘50s. Naturally, it’s leveled up with some contemporary creature comforts including a hacking automatic movement and 100 meters of water resistance.
Its vintage charisma is amped up by the orange hands and orange all-Arabic indices, though the ochre tone keeps it from being too loud or gaudy. Moreover, the broad size of the bezel allows its exquisite satin finish to really pop.
Merci LMM-01 Field Watch
There are two things that make the LMM-01 special. First, Merci cleverly creates a look that’s as minimal and straightforwardly legible as a field watch should be. Yet, it doesn’t lack when it comes to interesting details. From the stepped bezel to the unabashedly domed crystal, this is a piece of French design built specifically for those of you who want a watch that’s as clean and elementary as it is exciting to look at.
Second, it runs on Seiko’s VH31 hybrid mechanical quartz movement. It boasts quartz-level accuracy, but the second hand has a buttery smooth sweep, similar to the kind mechanical power provides.
Rotate North Terrain Cat. 4 Field Watch
The Rotate North Terrain Cat.4 sees the canon ‘60s field watch in an all-black construction filled to the brim with cool factor. This timepiece can easily be worn in an effortless and casual context and in a more style-conscious streetwear situation.
This deep obsidian tone comes from the natural shade of its non-reflective PVD-plating, which means you’re looking at resistance to UV, corrosion, and chemicals, on top of a handsome face. All of the accurate design cues from the Vietnam-era watches are there though, from the sweeping shape of the case to the easy-to-read green hands and indices.
Timex Expedition North Field Mechanical Watch
By combining best practices from past field watches, then upgrading it through the power of modern horology, Timex gives us one of the most commanding military timepieces in their range. The all-black, bead-blasted case is matte and serious-looking, while the deep, dark dial is minimal yet dimensional.
Timex ups their game here more than usual with 100 meters of water resistance, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal, and a mechanical movement. Like the original field watches, it’s a hand-winding caliber, which makes it the perfect watch for the nostalgic set, and for those of you who love a tactile piece of gear.
Naval Watch Co. FRXB002 Watch
Thanks to a partnership with Yoshikage Kajiwara, otherwise known as the creative mind behind the Lowercase studio, Naval Watch Co.’s FRXB002 Watch is equal parts function and stylish art piece. With its perfect hairline finish, easy wearability, and practical dial composition, it’s a design object that even the most anti-fashion guy can enjoy sporting.
The mixed indices are a playful modern touch, their edges fully blurred by an acrylic glass no matter where you’re looking at it from. Meanwhile, the glossy cog-like bezel and continuous, almost hooded case finish off the watch’s mixed-aesthetic personality.
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