timepiece

5.11 Tactical Field Watch

I’m one of those guys that love watches. To me, it is not only a necessity, but it finishes off the “look” of whatever it is that you are wearing. As much as I’d love to have a nice smartwatch, I haven’t been able to pull the trigger on one yet. Why? Truthfully, I not only like the aesthetics of an analog or digital watch, but it really isn’t practical in my day-to-day life (except for the fact that it’d be useful while working out). To me, traditional timepieces just have more personality.

When choosing a watch for work, it not only has to have the “look”, but it has to be able to withstand whatever is thrown at it. That doesn’t mean that it has to have all the fancy bells and whistles either; because hey, I’m a firefighter, not a pilot. However, I expect it to keep time accurately no matter the abuse, and it has to remain relatively unscathed in respects to its finish. Let’s face it, who wants to spend their money on a watch because it looks good, only to have a scratched up POS a day, week or even a month later. Last but not least, I want the option to wear the watch for more than just work, because in the end, “all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.”

Chances are, that if you work in any field such as law enforcement, military, EMS, or fire, you’ve heard of 5.11 Tactical. They are a company that is known for quality, ruggedness, and durability. And (yes, I started a sentence with and), I can tell you from first-hand experience, that their customer service is pretty darn amazing as well.

The 5.11 Tactical Field Watch fits the description above for what I look for in an excellent watch. Over the past two months, the Field Watch has been worn almost daily, whether it has been on shift at the FD, coaching my kid’s baseball games, or heading out for the night with my beautiful wife. My experience with it has been completely positive, which can be very difficult to find when reviewing gear. I can tell you that it has seen some abuse over those two months; from traffic accidents with extrication to training, and worst of all, horsing around with my kids!

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The 5.11 Tactical Field Watch comes with a Nato style band, and my first time wearing one. To touch on that, all I can say is that if you have never worn one, do yourself a favor and get one; they are that comfortable. The watch itself has a good heft to it, giving it a durable feel. But what jumps out at you when looking at it, is the simplicity of it. The numbers and increments on the face are gray against a black background; easy to read, but not screaming to take over the look of the entire piece. There is a small orange window showcasing the current date. To me, having the date on a watch is a MUST. Every task that I perform during my day-to-day operations required time and date stamping and having this definitely helps.

The Field Watch has a uni-directional dive bezel with number markings at every 5 minute/second. On the inside of the bezel, just under the chip and scratch resistant mineral glass, are your markings for military/24 hour time. The hour, minute, and red second hand, all have a Phosphorus Luminescent paint on them that glows with the slightest charge. For you ladies and gentlemen out there that perform dive operations, the Field Watch is water resistant up to 100 meters or 330 feet.

One of my favorite points on this watch though is the finish. 5.11 Tactical knew that this watch would be used by many of us in the actual field. So just to the name it “Field Watch” wasn’t good enough. They finished this watch with Ionic Plating. For those of you not familiar with this process, a layer of titanium nitride and other strong materials are added to the base of the stainless steel and bonded together to create a lasting and durable finish. In fact, it is so durable that it is considered a permanent finish/coating.

As mentioned before, this is the first piece of wearable gear that I haven’t had any issues with of any sort. The 5.11 Tactical Field Watch is versatile; ready for day-to-day operations, but classy enough to wear on a night out on the town.

If you decide to give it a go, make sure to stop back and leave some feedback. Let us know what you think!

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Author – Tony Kuhn

The Bremont Broadsword: A timepiece with history

Bremont’s Armed Forces Collection does more than pay homage to the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force; it’s brought new life to an aesthetic that’s directly reminiscent of a series of watches commissioned by the Ministry of Defence during World War II. These watches, commonly referred to as “the dirty dozen,” were made by a number of manufacturers to be issued to British troops, and each had to meet a strict set of criteria in order to secure the contract. In particular, these watches needed luminous markings on the dial, a regulation chronometer that was waterproof, and a tough and robust case to house its internals.

While those “dirty dozen” watches were made to be standard issue for British troops, however, Bremont’s Armed Forces Collection is aimed at a slightly more affluent crowd. At just over $3,400, this Broadsword may not be the first choice in duty watches for your average enlisted soldier, but for those who have an affinity for the British Army or military history in general, this watch offers an incredible combination of utilitarian style and fine craftsmanship you simply can’t find in even high-dollar duty watches.

While the Arrow (inspired by the Royal Air Force) and the Argonaut (inspired by the Royal Navy) were both solid contenders when I was approached to review these watches, it was the Broadsword’s simple aesthetic that caught my eye. Of the three watches in the Armed Forces Collection, the Broadsword seems to visually draw the most from the “Dirty Dozen” watches of yesteryear, and although the khaki green sailcloth strap wasn’t my favorite part of the watch at first, it quickly grew on me. The material is soft and comfortable against your skin and the service-green shade is surprisingly at home alongside both range gear and a tailored sport coat.

Unlike tactical duty watches that often offer little in the way of low-light visibility (intentionally to avoid giving away your position) the Broadsword offers spectacular brightness on the hands and face even in pitch black environments. Dimly glowing watches may keep you hidden from bad guys, but when I’m running through the parking area of the Atlanta Airport, I’d prefer to be able to see the hands quickly and easily.

Don’t let the illumination fool you, however; this watch may not be intended for field use, but it’s still plenty tough. With a two-piece steel case that stood up to all kinds of weird punishment over the weeks I worse this watch and a water resistance rating of 100 meters, this watch isn’t just for history buffs that spend their time reading about military history. This watch would make an excellent daily wear timepiece for those who can swing it, thanks to its combination of beauty and historically accurate toughness.

The Bremont Broadsword is automatic winding with a 38-hour power reserve and the easy-to-read face includes a date indicator at the 3-o-clock position as well as a sub-seconds display at its 6. It, like the Arrow and Argonaut, reads HMAC on the dial, which is an acronym for Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. As the only brand authorized to use the signs and heraldry of the Royal Navy, British Army, and the Royal Air Force, you won’t find another watch like those in Bremont’s Armed Forces Collection anywhere on the market.

You can get your own Bremont Broadsword here.

Field Watch Review: Sans 13 Tactical Sport Watch from S&B

We’ve scoped out the SANS-13 Tactical Sport Watch from S&B (formerly Smith and Bradley) before and found it to be an exceptional field timepiece, but the watch recently underwent a redesign that was informed heavily by feedback S&B received directly from military and law enforcement users. The result is one hell of a tough duty watch that’s got a clean, tactical aesthetic that doesn’t look all that out of place in any social setting either.

This new version of the SANS-13 added 100 meters worth of water resistance over the model we previously reviewed, bringing its rating up to 300 meters, or just about 1,000 feet. Among other improvements, they also added a one-directional 120-click ratcheting bezel that I had no trouble manipulating with and without my gloves. You can get the watch with a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating to protect against moisture and other corrosives, or in a stainless steel variety that, while lacking a bit of the toughness allotted by the coating, has an even better overall aesthetic.

The dial window is my favorite part of the watch, only because I found myself constantly banging this watch against gear I was testing out, the metal counters in my workshop, my daughter’s toys and just about anything else I could flail my limbs at. Maybe I’m always this clumsy and I just don’t normally notice, or maybe all the years of drinking are catching up with me, but in either event, the Sapphire Crystal S&B used for their dial window took each and every impact like a champ. This watch still looks brand new despite my best efforts at beating the hell out of it.

This watch is a great choice for military and LEO guys that are in need of a solid, reliable duty time piece, but it’s also a good choice for outdoor adventurers that need their watch to survive getting banged against rocks during a climb or being drenched in rain while camping. At around $400, this isn’t the cheapest duty watch you’ll find, but it keeps pace with far more expensive alternatives and looks just as good as a timepiece you might spend three times as much on.

Seiko SKX007: Every other person’s favorite dive watch

Seiko may have some of the most popular entry-level watches on the market, but lest you forget, the company has a storied and prestigious history. Seiko revolutionized the watch industry by introducing the world’s first quartz watch, it was the official timer for several Olympic games, and it also adorned the wrists of General Schwarzkopf during the Gulf War as well as the mythical James Bond. Swiss movements may garner a lot of praise, and respectfully so, but Seiko’s in-house movements are remarkable in themselves.

I recently wrote a review on the Seiko SNK and agreed with many other enthusiasts that it is one of the best automatic watches someone can buy as their first timepiece. However, if the SNK isn’t your cup of tea, the Seiko SKX007 is arguably the best entry dive watch on the market and is worth just as much consideration. I’m a proud owner of both, but I tend to wear the SKX the most frequently out of my collection.

Case diameter (w/o crown): 42.5mm
Case thickness: 13.33mm
Lug width: 22mm
Lug-to-lug length: 46mm
Water resistance: 200m
Crystal: Hardlex
Movement: 7S26

What I enjoy most about the Seiko SKX007 is its aesthetics. The matte black dial goes nicely with the polished stainless steel case, and the orange water resistance mark adds a subtle yet eye-catching flair. The recessed crown sits at the four o’clock position with its tall crown guards which adds to the watch’s unique look. The SKX not only looks good though, it wears even better. A case diameter of 42.5mm might make this a bit too big of a watch for some, but the 46mm lug-to-lug length allows this watch to be forgiving of smaller wrists.

The SKX has more to offer than just a sleek and versatile look. The watch meets ISO 6425 standards and has all the features to make it an official dive watch. This doesn’t just mean the watch will work at its rated depth, it also means the watch is tested for a reasonable amount of magnetic and shock resistance, something all wearers can both appreciate. I’ve put the watch through some cringe-worthy impacts and I’m impressed with how well it holds up to some abuse. Speaking of toughness, Seiko’s proprietary hardlex crystal has a reputation for being tougher and more scratch-resistant than most other mineral crystals. The lume also works incredibly well, especially for such an inexpensive watch, something Seiko is often praised for. I’m always surprised at its initial brightness when I enter a room and how bright it remains as time passes on.

As great as the SKX is, it does come with couple cons, even if they aren’t so readily apparent. For starters, the 120-click unidirectional bezel isn’t very rigid and offers a bit of play. You won’t have to worry about the bezel moving on you, but the slight amount of wiggle-room can be frustrating. Also, the day-date complication is a nice feature to have, but it takes several hours to completely cycle through (from around 2200 to 0300). This isn’t exactly a flaw, but a minor inconvenience if you’re wearing the watch at night as well as a glaring reminder that is after all just an entry-level wristwatch. With all of this being said, both of these cons are minor and very much forgivable, especially for such an affordable dive watch.

The verdict

The good
-Great price for an automatic dive watch
-Tough and durable
-Great lume

The bad
-Bezel has a little play
-Day-date complication takes several hours to cycle through
-Non-hacking movement (can’t stop second hand)

At the time of writing this review, the SKX009 and the smaller but identical SKX013 sell for about $180. A bit of an oxymoron, but the SKX makes for a quality beater watch. It’s a dive watch you can admire but not have to worry about scuffing up as you go about your day. My SKX only gains a few seconds every day which is exceptionally accurate for its price. If you don’t particularly like the style of the watch, the SKX also happens to be one of the easiest and most popular watches to mod (customize). With the immense amount of aftermarket parts available, a quick internet search might help you find something you like.

All photos courtesy of the author, Matt Jin

A quality timepiece is much more than just a watch

A quality timepiece is much more than just a watch. It’s a way to level up your dress code for any occasion, a status symbol and investment. If you decide to hand it down then it becomes part of your legacy.

So what constitutes a quality timepiece? Let’s break down a few characteristics to look for.

Weight – A watch with a decent weight or heft to it is like a good solid handshake. You can just tell that you’re dealing with something that is going to last.

Movement – Automatic movement all the way. Auto movements contain more moving parts, provide the sleek sweep movement of the second hand and generally are more of an investment for the watchmaker. The ETA2824 and Citizen Caliber 9015 both seem to be quality movements from my experience.

Lume – I’m a huge proponent of quality lume. If I cannot tell what time it is in the middle of the night, then it’s a no-go. That is just my personal preference. There are different types of lume, so do your homework when looking for that quality timepiece. To be brutally honest, Resco has the best lume out there based on the different watches that I own and have used. I have other watches that claim to have a ‘high quality’ lume, but cannot be easily read in the darkest of dark. They just can’t seem to compete with Resco. This is one of the reasons that my Resco Manus is a go-to watch of mine.

Company history – I’m all about supporting small businesses, especially watch companies. The two watch companies I turn to are Resco Instruments and NFW Watch Company. Both are small, loyal and stand behind their product. When it comes to service, you can pick up the phone and talk to someone and get your question answered or issues resolved quickly. Resco Instruments was started by a now-retired Navy SEAL and knows what goes into a quality timepiece. NFW does a fantastic job of supporting military organizations through the sales of their watches. Bottom line is, find a watch company with a solid history that is easy to work with.

*Photo is of a limited edition Resco Instruments Patriot

The Crate Club & NFW Watch Collaboration

A watch is a great way to finish off your look. Not only can watches be a lifesaver to those in the military, but they are a staple in a gentleman’s daily carry and wear. I own both the Auto Pilot and Valor from NFW and they are nothing short of rugged, dependable and bad-ass, which is why we chose them to collaborate with on the custom Crate Club watch.

NFW Watch Company is a small American owned and run business designing and producing quality timepieces. NFW is known for their support of the military and our veterans and gives a portion of each sale back to specific charities. For a list of their timepieces that give back, see their ‘Purpose Driven’ page.

Although you can read the specifications below, I would like to briefly cover a few of them and why we decided to go the direction we did. The 316L stainless steel case will stand up to day-to-day wear as well as other less than ideal conditions. The addition of the raised bezel ensures that the hardened mineral crystal remains unscathed during any activity or if it gets dropped.

With a water resistance of 100 meters, you’ll be able to wear this watch during swimming, snorkeling and other water-related activities. Under the hood is a rugged Citizen Precision Quartz movement that will withstand shock and abuse much better than other mechanical/automatic movements (primarily due to fewer moving parts) and will continue to run reliably for 10 years. Citizen movements are Japanese and seem to be very analogous to a Toyota truck: tough, reliable, well-designed & long-lasting.

We worked closely with NFW to ensure that the finished product would be one that we could stand behind for years to come. This watch is one that can be worn with everything from a t-shirt to a custom bespoke 3-piece suit.

Specifications:

CASE: The Crate Club watch uses NFW’s Valor case design (42mm), which is forged from the very best 316L surgical/marine-grade stainless steel. The bezel is raised in order to provide protection for the crystal when wearing the watch in active, rough situations.
WATER RESISTANCE: 100 Meters/330 Feet
CASEBACK: 316L stainless steel, screw-in, with customized engraved graphics.
CRYSTAL: Hardened mineral glass (heat-tempered to an optimal balance between scratch resistance & impact resistance). Anti-reflective coating on the underside of crystal.
LUME: Swiss SuperLuminova (multiple layers of C3), on the hour/minute hands and all hour markers.
MOVEMENT: Citizen precision quartz, with whopping 10-year continuous-run battery life
STRAP: Black Italian oiled leather, white contrast stitching, with reinforcing rivets at the strap stress area. Custom machined stainless steel buckle with NFW “lay-flat” design so the buckle maintains a low-profile on the wrist.
BONUS STRAP: Black ballistic nylon Nato strap included for when the watch is to be used in rough, wet, muddy, sweaty conditions. Also included is a steel strap changing tool.