Entry-Level Field Watches Comparison - Bulova VWI Hack, Seiko SRPG27, & Marathon GPM
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- Опубликовано: 12 июл 2021
- Purchase the Bulova VWI Hack at TeddyBaldassarre.com: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Purchase the Marathon GPM at TeddyBaldassarre.com: teddybaldassarre.com/products...
Shop Watch Brands Featured In This Video:
Ball: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Bulova: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Seiko: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Marathon: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Hamilton: teddybaldassarre.com/collecti...
Shop Straps: www.teddybaldassarre.com/coll...
Written Content: www.teddybaldassarre.com/blog
Teddy's Best Field Watches List Video: • The BEST Field Watches...
Complete Reviews of Watches Featured in this Video:
Bulova VWI Hack: • A Great, Affordable Fi...
Seiko SRPG27: • Seiko’s Newest Afforda...
Marathon GPM: • A Field Watch for Smal...
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical: • The BEST Mechanical Sw...
Seiko SPB157: • The BEST Everyday Watc...
When it comes to field watches, the genre as a whole tends to be on the more affordable side, but there are still quite a few options to choose from. In this video, I'll take a look at what I think are three of the best field watches on the more affordable end of the spectrum, each with its own distinct take on the general field watch design format.
My Watch Reviews Playlist: • Teddy's Watch Reviews
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Top Articles On TeddyBaldassarre.com:
50 Luxury Watch Brands You Should Know: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
10 Affordable Watch Brands And Their Best Watches: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa...
Best Watches Under $5,000 Complete Guide: teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/wa... 
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I swear this guy can read your mind.
This is exactly the comparison I've been wanting to look up for the last week and it pops up just 2 hours ago!
I would go for the Seiko SRPG27, but I don't think there's a wrong answer.
Great video!
I purchased the Seiko just last week. This is my first automatic watch. Your videos have been very helpful for a novice, like myself, to learn more about the brands and options available. Thanks!
How are you finding the watch?
@@ballstoeveryone I like it so far. The size is good ... not too big and not too small. The numbers are very easy to read and the lume is bright enough to read in the dark, although it does fade with time. The day and date is a good size and is located exactly where you want them to be. I purchased the blue dial and really like how the light plays with this color. Resizing the bracelet was easy and there are two micro-adjustments to help. I have noticed a slight squeaking on the bracelet, so I'm not sure if that will go away on its own or not yet. I like that I have options for other straps in the future ... and Teddy's site has a good selection that I am eyeing. It feels comfortable on the wrist but it is slightly heavier than the old Citizen watch I had been wearing for many years. I actually prefer that as it feels like it has more substance and the weight, to me, makes if feel more valuable than my old watch. Mine does run a little fast and ends up a minute or so ahead in a couple of days. Resetting the time is easy enough, especially with the hacking available. Overall, I am please with it so far.
@@MWall711 Seems like you're enjoying the watch a lot 😊. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Is the movement too loud? I mean I have an orient which ticks a bit too loud for my taste. Does the Seiko seem loud to you? Also do you think it would go well with a leather strap?
@@ballstoeveryone I think a leather strap would look great and it is on my list to try at some point. I don't hear the movement at all ... but my wife says my hearing is questionable, so I'm not likely the best to determine the sound quality. ;)
I have to continue to commend the production value of these videos. The watch shots are some of the best in the business, including what the major companies with much larger budgets do. The background materials used are innovative and always accent the watches.
Can't agree more 👏
Man.....
If that Bulova had more water resistance, I don't think I could pass it up. That look is perfect!
If the Bulova had 100m WR, I'd buy it right now! It nails the field watch aesthetic better than most of them do.
I assure you the WR is underated I have taken mine to swim various times with no ill effects
Great video, Teddy. I'm a Bulova enthusiast myself, so the information you give here is greatly appreciated. I just discovered your channel and I can't stop watching. Congrats, amigo.
Had a great conversation with one pf your experts yesterday ( thanks again Dan)!
Just got my SRPG27 and chucked it on a black MN strap, great value for money.
When mod parts become more readily available I'll switch in a slim case back (minus the window) and some sapphire glass.
I just received my Marathon Quartz in sage green one of my favorite daily’s now ! 👌🏽
Your channel is what I search for when I want to see any watch reviews or specs 👍🏼
I still value function at least as much as aesthetics. I've been a dive watch fan for a long time but like most fans I never use the dive bezel. I go for dive watches larger than 40mm but even my Seiko with 41mm case only has a 31mm dial. Most field watches, even relatively small ones, can still have a 31mm dial. So if you are interested in the function of the watch, how easy the dial is to read, a field watch or flieger an easily be better than a dive watch. The Seiko 40mm and 42mm on bracelet may very well be the perfect configuration for me
All are stunning stunning options! I really wish that new Seiko 5 came with a type-b dial.
Becoming a huge fan of the videos! Love especially the history side, and as a big fan of design, I would love to be educated on individual designers of historic and iconic watch dials specifically. Thanks for all you do , peace!
Still I'd rather save up for a Hamilton , the 80hr powerreserve is just such a luxery. Can put the watch down on Friday evening and it'll still be running on monday morning !! Also amazingly accurate so no need to set the time or wind it up. A perfect pick up and go mechanical watch.
Certainly the main elephant in the room here when looking at these as mentioned at the end. The power reserve is a game changer. The new alpinist models with the 6R35 are also right there but hard to beat Hamilton for the money.
@@TeddyBaldassarre yeah the 6r35 is a very solid movement but just a bit to expensive for my liking. I'd rather get a eta C07.111 or eta A31.L01 powered watch for that kindoff money.
Completely agree, the Hamilton is a better watch & looks great too. I owned the Ion coated version of the Bulova hack watch & I wasn't impressed, it felt somehow cheap & not worth the £289.00 price tag. Movement not that accurate either running at +17 seconds a day
Hamilton watch hard to beat but the Seiko Alpinist just got the edge on looks.👌
Don't really need to save up much. Lightly used Khakis can easily be found under $300. I bought my khaki automatic from the original purchaser who only wore it a few times for $275
Been getting into watches recently. I'm glad I found your channel Teddy.
Glad you were able to find the channel! Thanks for watching!
Been getting into watches recently. I'm worried I found your channel Teddy, this is going to get expensive the more I learn 😂
Right now I have a soft spot for vintage looking field watches and those dirty dozen looking kind of watches. Love your channel buddy
@@TeddyBaldassarre can u tell Seiko snkp17k1 model is original or not, as it has the crown at 3. Thank u
@@iamsathya that's where it should be. Many Seiko models have the crown on 3 😉
I have the Bulova VWI (wearing it now). Love it. Perfect size, classic look.
I have a Marathon Navigator no date and I really love it
Great episode!
Dang it! - 1 month ago I've got myself SNK809K1 - I have no idea that Seiko made new series of watches that replace mine :D But I'm happy with mine - it's my first smaller watch(I only had Casio Duro before), it's very fun and refreshing to wear after 44 mm beast, accurate, works for about 40 hours and bracelet doesn't pull my hair out - perfect gateway into mechanical watchmaking for what I've paid(around 90 USD converting from PLN). I'd love one day to get my hands on those hybrid high frequency quartz watches like Bulova Lunar Pilot - precision of quartz + sweeping second feels like perfect combo for me :)
Teddy enjoying the content and appreciate the time put into each video. I'd like to see a watch line up video for teachers to professors.
You can get the Seiko for about 200 right now. I saw it in the Metal and decided to get it over a couple SRPJ models. The numerals looked awesome in person and gave the dial a level of detail that I found prettier than I expected.
Very nice trio ! Thanks for this video 😊 My favourite is the Bulova. Perfect on a nato 🥰
That Bulova is absolutely a gem. I have it, and once the strap is changed, you'll never want to take it off. Getting from Teddy would only make it that much more special. Great video.
Agreed, I own the Bulova as well (and the Marathon ; ) ). Could wear it every day for the rest of my life.
If I had to get one of these three, I'd probably go for the Seiko.
The lack of sapphire crystal rules it out for me.
id get the seiko as well. good movement, better water resistance.
If I was standing at the counter right now ready to part with some money, I believe I’d pick the Bulova mainly due to styling. If I’m 90 ft down in the water, I’m most likely not coming back up. I’ve had lensatic compasses that used tritium, and I currently use tritium night sights on some pistols. They are very nice, but the tritium wears out after 12 years. If they’ll swap out your watch’s tritium every 12 years you’ll be alright. Back in the 90s I was active duty Marines. Many of us, me included, wore Timex Ironman watches as our field watches. They weren’t tactical or anything cool, but they were very robust. I still have mine and it has been working since 1992.
I recently bought my first field watch, the Citizen Chandler. It is a tidy 37mm sized case 9mm thick and growing on me. Wearing it often, can hardly take it off. I'm loving the set it and forget it eco-drive quartz movement. I just think these three in the review are all winners, perhaps a bit more refined in the dials and straps than my Citizen. Very useful watches.
I took your advice after your video on the Hamilton khaki field auto. I bought one and I absolutely just it. Saving for an Oris now.
Teddy, I love the Cleveland connection. I am a trombone player and that makes Cleveland special already. Also, I note that Cleveland is perhaps the first American city in the Eastern time zone. And then you throw in The Music Man... I suspect that Ball watches could be as authentically American as Hamilton. And I purchased my entry Hamilton Khaki as my first watch in decades in 2021.
I have a Long Island field watch. Has great lume, think it was 40mm ? and an NH35 for $199
Those Islanders are a steal
And sapphire crystal!
Marc is listening to his customer and is also trying to do what Seiko is not doing.
Great picks! I have both the Hamilton and the Marathon on my wish list.
My Bulova Hack VWI arrived today and I love it. It's also the closest of the three to the Hamilton in styling if that's what you're looking for on a budget.
Boldr supply venture watch would have been a perfect fourth watch in this video
I purchased the Seiko just last week. I’m in Love 😍! It’s my first field watch. I can feel a new addiction forming 😅
Nice review. I went with Bulova since it looks closer to A-11 and was on sale right now!
The Timex Expedition North watches with stainless steel, sapphire Crystal, 100 meters of water resistance and screw down crown are a very good field watch option as well!
I’m thinking if I should go for the Seiko Field Watch or save up and opt for a Hamilton Khaki Field instead. The Hammy is twice the price of the Seiko but it does have a 80h of power reserve and a Sapphire Crystal. Also its thinner as well. But Seiko is Seiko & it’s probably gonna drop in price significantly. I do like having a Day and Date function too. I would love a comparison video between these two, Teddy!
Just subscribed. Thanks for rekindling my love and interest for time-pieces. Perhaps a video on best watches for certain dress styles (E.g. Formal, casual, sporting, daily use etc) if you haven't already.
ooh lala that case of the marathon bronze powderish colour. beauty masterpiece.
For the price points and keeping in line with modern ideas of what a field watch really needs is either marathon GP quartz, a solar watch from Citizen or Seiko, or save up again for an alpanist or higher accuracy automatic. Yes for a normal person being off by 15-30 seconds a day isn't an issue, for military purposes that is life or death in some circles. Hence why most tactical individuals lean towards G-Shocks. I would rather a watch i can adjust once month and keep batteries around (or simply have a solar watch) then to adjust a watch literally everyday when I have many other things on my plate. I get watch enthusiasts prefer mechanical but keep those mechanical and automatics out unless it's closer to +or-10 secs a day if you are doing military ops. I love my mechanicals and automatics, but they aren't what I wear to the field.
👏
Laco Aachen would be my choice for a around $400. Heritage of being one of the 5 original makers, 50m wr and 39 or 42 mm case size. The only compromise is the movement in this watch.
For my slender 6 inch (15.3 cm) wrist, that Marathon is the best option among those three...
I have learned (contrary to at least my intuition) that how a watch wears can be oddly unrelated to size (and even weight). Sometimes smaller watches are ~'top heavy' and tug and hurt to wear, and other sometimes huge watches (like a +50mm width world-time-chronograph) are completely comfortable and a pure delight to wear. Very puzzling. The shape and balance(?) seem to be much more important than just a size and weight measure.
@@onoff5604 Agree. Even with my slender wrist I love wearing G-Shocks. Not just the classic square, but the kinda gargantuan like Gravitymaster. In the end, you wear what you like...
I just got my Hamilton Khaki field mechanical watch today.
Pretty awesome!
The Marathon is a great hiking/camping watch. The tough case and crystal will handle being knocked around, and the always-on luminescence comes in handy at night.
great intro..keep this one for some time!
I just got a Hamilton Khaki in 42mm. I changed the strap and got a paded black leather strap with white stiching and also a green nato strap.
Great review, Thank...
I believe that Teddy is mistaken regarding the Bulova. I purchased one of these from his site. The lug width is actually 18mm and not 20 mm. The lug width is about the only negative aspect of this watch. The strap is of acceptable quality, but it is basically useless for someone with smaller wrists.....so replacing an 18 mm strap can be difficult. Otherwise, I love this watch. It is basically my everyday watch. I own the Hamilton Khaki Automatic and two Khaki Mechnicals with different dials. By far, the Bulova HACK is the most faithful rendition of a field watch. The symmetry, size and spacing of the numerals is perfect.The greenish hue of the lume is much more attractive than the orange faux lume of the Khaki mechanical. The lack of a date window is also major plus as far as I am concerned ( unlike the Khaki Automatic).The accuracy of the watch is just fine (+6sec/d).
When I was still in the military I wore a Citizen BM8180-03E. Basic and kinda plain, but it was exactly what I needed. Although in hindsight something with a count bezel would have been useful.
I got the Seiko because despite its funky numerals it is the only affordable watch that has that unmistakable retro, post-war field watch design that I am into (and proper water resistance too). I only wish its size and weight were equally vintage; on my pretty average 175 mm wrist I'd definitely want it 2 mm smaller.
Which model did you get
@@MrRahimhosein Seiko SRPG27 - now available in much more reasonable 36mm.
I just got the Swiss Watch Company bunker. Best field watch by a mile. And they are regulated and mines running 15 seconds fast in one full week.
Bravo with the intro!! 👏 👏 👏
Recently pickup up seiko SRPH29. Absolutely amazing for 200 bucks from Macy's on sale.
Bulova definitely. I live in the woods and the tritium illumination would suit me well.
Best channel on RUclips. Keep it up Teddy!
Top review mate.
I can attest for the consultations. I had two yesterday with Stephen and he opened my eyes to Laco and am excitedly waiting for the watch to arrive now.
What model did you end up choosing? I’m a huge Laco fan.
@@whatsstefon I ordered the Casablanca. Having a date is a must-have for me but the lume sold me!
@@Tappat lovely. I definitely need a day date for my daily, but I let it pass on the Laco I have for traditional reasons but also because it’s a watch I’ll only wear on special occasions and that’s only a few hours at a time.
@@whatsstefon Which model do you own? Looks aside, I am intrigued with Laco for its history.
Excellent comparison video, very enjoyable to watch and quite informative. I like the style and dial of the Bulova best. After researching field watches, and having never owned one and not knowing if I would like to wear one or not, I chose a 40mm Timex Expedition Scout for my first field watch. I paid $34, which is about 10% of the cost of one of these three "affordable" field watches. I am very happy with it and it is very comfortable to wear and attractive. That Timex is my definition of affordable.
Timex, although cheap in cost, have always made some rugged pieces... indiglo is one of a kind too
I looked at the bulova yesterday in h samuel in the UK the quartz version for £134.00 I loved it thought it reminded me of the hamilton kaki field watch
Spec-wise, few watches are going to beat the Islander field watches at a
It’s almost impossible to beat their value for money for the field watch. It has quite literally everything you’d want in a field watch. Great size at 39mm too.
I wish they had them in stock
Hi Teddy , I have a couple of Field Watches my favourites being the Hamilton Khaki and the CWC Fatman, I'm English and live in England as well do you ship to the UK ?
I’m trying to find a good winter watch, so I’m looking for something in black definitely under 300. I really can’t decide between a field watch and a pilot watch. The pilot watch is more unique but there seem to be way more selection of field watches at better prices. Any suggestions?
Very nice video, I was glad to see you began with the military context. This is what I think a field watch is. As such, a flat crystal is a no go on a field watch. A flat crystal will reflect light and give away your position in a tactical situation. We used to wear velcro nylon bands that covered the watch face. Not great as every time you wanted to check the time, you had to peel the velcro back, making a lot of noise. I also agree about the water resistance. Not so much about water, although that risk is real, but to keep out dust and dirt. In my experience anything less than a 100M water resistance will allow all sorts of crud into the watch. Pilot watches traditionally have low water resistance which makes them vulnerable in field conditions. Don't ask me how I know that, LOL!
There are companies that make pilot watches with 200m of water resistance too. (althouth not in the price range of the watches of this video. But in any mil envirement, i personally would opt for a G-shock. I wore a non g-shock casio that surprisigly survived a lot more than it's officially only 50m water resistance rating would suggest. It made it through 5 years of engineering shcool and 10 months of mil service, but the seals gave up shortly afterwards.)
Tritium has a 10 year expectancy. So as you approach that time expect the brightness to dim. It’s used in firearm night sights and I have a few that at 12 years emit no detectable brightness. Just something to consider.
I bought a bulova hack for $220 recently priced drop to reasonable level since. Perhaps a decent buy.
Oooooh I love the old music from the beginning of the channel
HI! New to the channel and to the watches world in general. I was curious to know: have you ever seen oh held watches of the "Breil" brand? It's quite renown here in Italy, but apparently not so much abroad?
Can you please review and let me know if zeppelin watches are good or not?
I have a Christopher Ward Sandhurst 1 which is an official homage to the venerable Smits W10. An awesome watch approved by the British Department of Defense and with COSC certified movement. All that for $830. Not bad for an entry level field watch.
Good Teddy thanks
Thanks for sharing.
Field are my favorites, hands down
I got my new Hamilton KFM for $283, and can find them for $340ish now from some gray market dealers. But the Seiko in this vid has better water resistance.
I like the looks of the Bulova but would be curious to see what the Marathon GPM looks like under NODS.
I bought hamilton khaki after watching teddy's review on it,purely satisfied with my decision..
Of these 3, I like the Seiko 5 best.
I field watch i was thinking of getting was the citizen bm818003e, being around 130$ it has bice specs
I Have the Seiko SNK809 which is small and lovely ... also want to get a Lorus (Titanium or Lumibrite)... both of those also great starter field watches ... I'd even throw Vostok in there (Komandirskie), and Bertucci.
Mark from Long Island Watch also just posted an improved lum Islander field watch. Excellent priced decent spec'd watches.
Bulova !... the hack model is a winner. True military history and dimensions. A lot of watch for the $$
seiko looks great but my wrist is small, so i picked up the smaller version of this model sbsa201
One thing to ask when buying one of these is if the watch has a screw-down or pull out crown. If it has a pull out, the watch's water resistance may mean nothing. Also, mineral crystal on a military watch is not good due to its vulnerability to scratching and damage. There are better watches out there with better features and are competitively priced.
There is also the snx809, which was actually quite nice.
Would a SKX compatible stainless steel bracelet fit the SRPG?
can you please review long island field watches? Great video BTW !
He won't , would be bad business.
If you're stuck in a hospital bed believe me the tritium is worth its weight in gold. That alone had me shopping for a watch that would work all night after I got out of the hospital. Ended up being an anidig Gshock with a backlight.
I’ve got a larger wrist and if I get a field watch it will probably be the new 42mm size of the khaki field mechanical watch by Hamilton.
Cleveland Rocks!!!🤘🏽
My vote is for the Bulova. Great look.
I really like the Bulova!
Hey Teddy what are your thoughts on the SWC Bunker? An absolute killer of a field watch for 430 bucks in my opinion.
Hi Teddy. Today, 2 years later, is the Timex Expedition North a good alternative? Automatic movement, titanium case, sapphire crystal, for $349.
Good comparison of the features of each of these field watches. I have been curious about the Bulova Hack, but I am just not sure if I will get one. Honestly, the Islander field watch offers better value for dollar than any of these three. Sapphire crystals on both the front and the exhibition back, screw-down crown and case back, 100m water resistance, and a Seiko NH36 movement, all for $189. The only thing it doesn't match is the tritium in the Marathon. I am much more interested in the Bulova Breton and would love to see a review of that.
Haven't heard of Islander. I have been eyeing a Vear however. A micro- brand in the US.
@Dennis H Islander is the microbrand started a couple years ago by Marc at Long Island Watches. He offers great value; all his watches come with sapphire crystals, screw-down crowns, at least 100m water resistance (all divers have 200m), and a Seiko NH series movement (except for one model which has a Miyota 9000 series hi-beat movement). Here is a link to the Islander watches: longislandwatch.com/islander-watches/.
I have several other models besides the field watch, including one of the dress watches with the Miyota movement.
I am familiar with Vaer watches and have been looking at the A5 Field Black USA Automatic. I am considering ordering while I can.
Any thoughts on the Timor Heritage Field watch?
Ted can you please review Seiko's SSC775P1(Solar Watch).
How would you rate Bertucci compared to these three? The A-2T Super Classic has sapphire crystal and 200 M water resistant. Although it’s a quartz, it has a lithium battery rated with a 10 year life.
Could you share a video on your SOTC? Really curious about what kind of watches you prefer
He's made them before but he said he wouldn't make any more in the future
Love your content! Keep it up :)
I’m in the US Army, would love to rock the Bulova Hack as a daily driver but that mineral crystal and 30m water resistance really kills it for me.
My favorite looking of the three by far but agreed on the water resistance.
30M water resistance is pretty sad. I want a field watch that will survive any conditions I take it into!
Orient isn't a bad one to look at, their Defender and pilot watches are durable and offer more than the Bulova
Look at the victorinox, if you don’t mind a quartz movement. The infantry has 100 m water resistance sapphire crystal 40mm lug width. They also make in an automatic movement, but at a higher cost.
That was my rationale when I nearly purchased a CWC Mellor. Stunning watch but only 5 bar...
I genuinely believe the Seiko looks the best of the 3. Gives me a Big Pilot -esque vibe.
I was issued one, green plastic didn't know who made it, they were expendable. Funny thing on the back of the watch it said the lumen could be hazardous to you health.
your B roll is amazing.
You sold me on the Marathon