Best milspec has to be GShock. I got one and used it in Desert Storm, lasted another 10 years on the original battery. Literally bombproof. Love the channel.
Had a couple of G-Shocks and they were grea watches but the electronic emissions from the carrier fried them. Now use Citizen JY8035-04E Navihawk A-T Eco-Drive Perpetual.
Spent 26 years in the Army, but never was issued a watch. Kept breaking watches on jumps until I bought a G-Shock, which was great. Thanks for this video!
@@marcs990 when I was on jump status, I was the Dragon Brigade S3 (1985-86) which was an XVIII Airborne Corps separate brigade, and later the 2-52 ADA battalion commander (1990-92) which was part of Dragon Brigade. Did you spend time at Ft Bragg?
@@teddybitner3302 I did visit Bragg once in my career as I’m ex UK Para, we were doing a joint exercise, had a great party (or parties) afterwards & had a great time with you guys 👍
I'm a Army retiree and in my 28 total years, I was never "issued" any watch. In fact, back in 94 as a young Specialist I busted my Casio watchband on a day we were packing up to go to the field. I went to the supply sergeant and asked if he had a watch I could sign out. He laughed at me and said, "This aint no jewelry store. This is the infantry, we don't issue watches." He handed me a hank of paracord and some 100 mile per hour tape and said, "Thats the best your gonna ever get." I'll never forget that, because he was right. No watches and the paracord tape bracelet I made for my watch actually worked great. Lasted two weeks in some really shitty terrain and elements.
What I miss these days in "the watch world", comes flowing back when I listen to you two. I truely appriciate these videos: they are fun, respectfull and highly motivating.
I've got my grandfather's BULOVA G.I. issue that he wore throughout Europe during WW II, later the watch went to KOREA, VIETNAM, and the middle East, on the case back it has the numbers for Type, Mil spec, Part, Serial, Order, and Stock. It still runs and has only ever had the crystal and mainspring replaced,and the lume no longer is visible.
If it was WWII era, it has a Radium dial and is still quite radioactive. The lume may be "dead" but it's only Zinc Sulfide -- the chemical compound the radioactivity from the Radium caused to glow -- that has aged and deteriorated. It will still be just as radioactive a thousand years from now. Just because a watch from that era doesn't glow anymore doesn't mean it's not radioactive.
Great take guys. I had 22 year career in the US Army, I’ve always been a watch nut. As a lieutenant in the early 80’s, I served in the heavy mechanized Infantry and we faved G shocks to put up with large caliber main-guns that we fired inches from our watches. I also had several Seiko dive watches. I still have a 6309 out of nostalgia. I also liked my G shock when serving as a paratrooper. Later in my career, I did some service related diving. Ironically, I used a Citizen dive watch with an analogue depth gauge. Later, once I was no longer in the combat arms, I bought an Omega Seamaster chrono. Interesting Note: Military watches were always issued at the unit level. However supply officers would never issue them for fear that the troops would break them,steal them, or lose them. I the several units that I commanded, I had to inventory the various Tmex, Hamilton, and Benrus watches but, as they were accountable items, I always agreed with the supply guys that messing with them just wasn’t worth the hassle. 😃 Cheers.
Never issued a watch during my Army career. We mostly wore G-Shocks we bought at the Exchange. Some wore Seiko divers or other brands in smaller numbers. My G-Shocks are still my go to beaters. They are absolutely reliable under all conditions. Well done Hugo darling!
I look forward to this monthly release between TGV and Mark more than any other video on RUclips. It always sends me down so many rabbit holes and inevitably adds another watch to my list. Thank you, gentlemen.
As I watched this video while wearing my 1983 Reissue CWC Diver I was hoping to hear CWC name get mentioned but never the less I again enjoyed being entertained and informed by the two of you and look forward for the next video discussion. Hopefully CWC will get a honourable shoutout next time :)
I was enlisted in the army and also a commissioned officer and pilot. Was never issued a watch but man I wish I would’ve been. Some sweet stuff you guys covered.
Great episode. Even though i wasn’t in the market for a field watch I figured “it’s TGV and Marc, I’m in”. Hugo was a bonus. So, retired military here, and I survived an acquisition tour. Procurement buffoonery is mostly driven by the Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR requirements, and those are imposed by Congress, not DoD. Insistence on MILSPEC creates a level playing field for all bidders and reduces the risk of protest, plain and simple. It’s as complicated as it is to defend against lawsuits. Any DoD person with an IMPAC card can go into any GSA store on any installation and use their funds to buy anything in stock, including watches. You’d better be able to defend your decision though. Many can’t and end up in serious trouble. You can also use your IMPAC card at AAFES, NEX, MCX - the exchanges, and buy merchandise that’s not stock-listed, also including watches. Same cautions apply. In that scenario, troops could get Bertucci issued to them, just not through the DoD supply chain. Bertuccis are great. I have an A2-T and sent one to our son, who is in the Army in Korea. Btw, cell phones can affect the accuracy of radar altimeters if they receive or transmit 5G signals, because of where 5G is on the spectrum relative to radar altimeters. Most critical in reduced visibility or when shooting an ILS approach.
Sinn is a brand I would definitely include. Quintessential german toolwatch brand with tons of history. They are, for example supplying legendary german special unit GSG 9 (Sinn UX) , as well as german KSK special forces.
I am Military Active duty and yes, my first durable watch was a G-Shock. I am a Casio collector and watching your show there is an option of military design watches. My Gs lasted for years and there is Marathon I knew nothing. 21 years 4 combat tours and yes I have bertucci, breitling, Casio and I do have a smart watch but its not the same as a digi or auto. Love the show, islander, and the wonder Mad watch collector.
Most of the enlisted personnel wore G-Shocks during time in the Army. They were around $20 at Post Exchange. It was also my first big boy watch, after years of Swatches and Fossils. Timex Iron Man was also popular. I noticed many of the Warrant Officers (helicopter pilots) wore Omega Speedmasters. I remember thinking they must make a ton of money. I was all of 20 years old and had no idea. I once saw a colonel buy a Rolex Submariner. Back then, PX's sold them with a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Which was smart because soldiers would figure out a way to flip them if they could buy more than one. Great video, fellas.
LOL It must be a base commander thing. I had COs at Norfolk and Philadelphia who both wore Sumbariners. It's actually how I became interested in nice watches.
When I was in army ROTC in college in 1980, my PMS (professor of military science/commanding officer) was a LTC Special Forces-5th SF, and he wore a Rolex Sub with the De Oppresso Libre emblem soldered on the clasp. It looked so bitchin'. I'm sure that was his Garrison watch and he wore a cheapie for the jungles. I just had to have one one of these days. A few years later I was a young LT on CONUS, in the rear with the beer. I was a miserable post. Just miserable. I got a Subbie just to reward myself for enduring this shithole. Did one tour and left, never looked back.
@Donnybrook10 I'm sure a lot of people buy Subs or GMT as a life marker. They made full bull or battalion or brigade command and reward themselves with a Sub. Or they endured something really harsh, like surviving a couple of tours in Vietnam or made SF or passed Ranger school. So they reward themselves with a Rolex.
The two of you are the ying and yang ☯️ of the watch reviewer world. Excellent balance. As always extraordinary production value. Yes, Hugo is the maleficent watch overlord!!!
Great list again boys. One I've been wearing recently-not strictly a military watch but one based on a military watch-is the Seiko SCXP155. Originally, civilian issue in the 90s, then re-issued in the 2000s. It's a wonderful little military-adjacent piece with a quality, hacking quartz movement. I've got it on a Nato now. The thing is a treat.
I had a Timex Ironman, G-Shock Mudman, a Suunto, then my last watch was a Garmin Instinct. The Ironman lasted the longest, the Mudman was the toughest, the Suunto was a battery hog, but I used it the most for just about every mission, then they released the Garmin Instinct and never looked back since. Now that I'm out I've acquired many more watches, pilots, divers, field, all the military style of watch you can think of, but my recommendation as one soldier to another, regardless of rank, Garmin Instinct 2 would do you well for just about everything.
I had a Timex Ironman during boot camp in the Army in 97'. Loved it! I also have a 1972 Benrus field watch I bought of an Airforce veteran a few years ago!
One that I just recently discovered and was issued to the Navy Seals back in the 70’s and 80’s is the Chronosport Sea Quartz. Issued by the Seals, made sort of famous to the rest of us by the original Magnum PI, it’s a good looking but obscure little watch that’s not quite as affordable as many of the ones your brought up in this list.
Momentum Watches has a tribute reissue of that Magnum PI Sea Quartz. Their founder was a part of Chronosport and has the design rights. They are selling via preorder. The first round of orders was delivered this month it seems, and they are on their third round now. Around $210 with tropic strap. Sapphire crystal and bezel insert.
In terms of another example of pre-aged products, Fender will sell you a brand new guitar which has been worn and aged to look like it was played for decades and then left in a cupboard for another decade.
Been in the military in Norway for years now and this is something nobody seems to know: No one wears a watch with hands. Everyone wears a digital one bc it so much easier to read the time. If its 3.27 digital its 3.27. Reading it with hands takes some more seconds to read and even then you might not be 100% sure its 3.27. This includes for basicly all of Europe as far as Ive excperienced atleast
I was issued the G-Shock DW660 in 2003 when I joined USAF Special Forces. Great watch that has accompanied me in military missions and I still have it up to this day and still going strong.
I still have my Timex field watch from Desert Storm, it was ten dollars at the PX and it still runs, a little fast, and the lume is pretty much gone, but this was not issued.
Great topic... really enjoyed the conversation. You two have great chemistry, and a real depth of knowledge to share from. Thanks for an educational and entertaining hour!
God I’ve been wanting this since you started this series. Military and Field watches are my favorite category. My Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is my favorite watch I own
Another great top ten. I was issued the navigator, my step father loved it so much that I gifted it to him. I also acquired a special mechanical stopwatch used by bombardiers, I believe it was made by Hamilton.
The Timex MK1, the modern one, is one of the watches I’ve bought that, relative to the price, I have been most impressed with. I love my aluminum MK1, I was indeed super surprised how happy it made me. If you don’t care to spend much on a watch but you want that look, not to mention indiglo which is awesome, then dude… Timex has totally got you covered.. as long as you like the sound of ticking, a really light piece on your wrist, simple field look and dope domed acrylic distortion, and you know you signed up for an inexpensive build, you are going to be pleased as punch.
Awesome discussion! Love both of your content. One really interesting seiko watch with a connection to the US military is the 1960s Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Ref. 6619-8060 'MACV-SOG' Secret service members needed number of "sterile" or "non-attributable" items for members of various teams within the Military Assistance Command- Vietnam (MACV) Studies and Observation Group (SOG). So they used a seiko 5! So cool.
I love these type of videos I find video like this so fascinating I love a good history lesson you and Mark as always make a great dynamic duo here is to the next video.
THE watch that started my collection was sold to me by an army buddy of mine (older gentleman) whom bought a Gen 1 Seiko orange monster... it saw two tours of combat and survived literal war. I absolutely love that watch. He loved it too but felt it should go to someone that appreciated a good watch.
from my point of view the greatest watch for a soldier is the casio f91. i wore suunto, gshocks and seikos in the field, they all feel quity bulky and are "in the way" quite often. The F91 is just nice on yout wrist and very durable.
While I was in the USMC and a Flight Equipment Officer, I we tried to get watches designated for Aviators which were automatic chronographs which were $200-$300 each. The Supply Officer came back and issued $5.00 each plastic manual wind watches which were for the infantry and were frankly of low quality. Thus, when someone says USMC Quality I have to laugh. Low quality, lo9w cost POS gear IS MORE LIKELY THE NORM AT LEAST WHEN I WAS IN through 1991.
Great video - thanks. It was great to hear about Omega's role in WWII. Our family visited Europe in 1967 and my father (a PhD in Mathematics) bought an Omega watch for himself (I think a Geneve), so I have a lot of respect for Omega. It was also great to hear about Bulova's involvement with the military - not surprising that a well established US watchmaker would supply the military, especially after a former US General was an executive. You did not mention Luminox, which gets a lot of mileage out of their claim that their watches were designed for Navy Seals. Looks like Apple is coming after this market as the new ruggedized Apple Watch is Mil-Spec.
Regarding Timex, their field watches were sold in PXs across the US. I bought a green quartz Timex field watch while in basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood the Summer of 1984.
Great video! However, Omega made field watches for the army (dirty dozen), made pilots watches for the Royal Air Force (as shown in the film Dunkirk), and made Seamasters for the naval forces. How come Seiko is viewed as the only one to do it? Am I missing something?
That was fun and informative. And, appropriate for Memorial Day weekend. I served 20 years active duty in the US Army, starting in 1982. I always wanted to get an official issue watch, but never did. It was only recently that I was able to find and buy a vintage Hamilton GG-W-113. It's appropriately from 1982. I remember those cheap plastic Timex watches in the PX. I never wanted one. So, most of my career I bought and wore Seiko field watches. (Something you guys did not mention was how popular Seiko was with the military, especially in Viet Nam.) I do have a Timex MK1 mechanical. The newer ones are great little metal body, hand-winding, pieces. They look very similar to my GG-W-113. I also have the Marathon GPM (mechanical, not the quartz version). It feels like the true successor to the GG-W-113. I know G-Shock is very popular, especially now. I was never a big fan of digital watches and was not combat arms, so didn't need that level of durability. My Seiko field watches worked out just fine.
25yrs in the US Navy and I wore mostly the Casio G-Shocks (not issued). When I was assigned to Navy Special Warfare I was issued a Suunto digital watch. Ok watch but honestly I thought the G-Shocks were better. My last 4 years on active duty I chose to wear a Titanium Hamilton which is still in my collection today. Great video guys!
If you know the TV series "Under the Dome," you might have noticed the prominent appearance of the Marathon watch, specifically the GPQ WW194009-BK model, which was worn by the character Dale "Barbie" Barbara on his wrist throughout the series. This show was produced by Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. 🖤
Just got the Marathon JDD in the mail today and was wondering if that would show up in this video. Of course it’s on one of your wrists! Absolute tank of a watch!
This intro is insanely hilarious! You two guys are the best thing I'm waiting from RUclips considering watches, no other channel got this , its a pure pleasure to watch and listen u 2 folks!
I absolutely agree about that Seiko RAF watch. I had just recently been trawling eBay looking for them or an older 6BB style piece. Marc, I would snatch it up if there was an Islander version, too!
Excellent video, TGV! Thanks to both you and Marc for making it available to all of us. Took me a bit to watch this one. Been running around like crazy past few days but got to sit down and watch it with my son this AM. Really well timed to coincide with Memorial Day! Really well done! Loved the Marathon that Marc was wearing and live their history, but like Bertucci, I have NEVER seen one in the wild. Maybe it is a Air Force/Army thing. Maybe they sell them at AAFES but I haven't ever seen them on base or shipboard at Navy Exchanges. And yes we do have stores onboard.....called funnily enough the ship's store where we can buy all sorts of geedunk ( it is a word) to include watches. I bought at least three watches from aircraft carrier stores.....none survived ( 1 Casio, 1 Seiko, and another). Really loved seeing the MiLShips. I really like BewLOVUh but can't figure out with piece is "ME". The strap in the MilShips is mighty thin. Still proportioned correctly for the time it represents. Thank you both for such a nice and educational video. Hope you have a safe and happy holiday with yours. Congratulations again, Marc, on getting some air under your wings! Be well! Onward and Upward!!
Great video! I currently own 2 Marathon watches and my honorable mention is the French brand Ralf-Tech who currently is issued a Nato stock number for supply to Nato units and it’s also currently issued to several French military units. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to review one soon. Keep up the great content, cheers!
Ex British army here, I was lucky enough to be given an automatic divers style German watch, a few of us in my unit managed to get our hands on them, I still have in pristine condition, sterile dial other than ☢️ radioactive symbol on it due to the H3 luminous markings , oh it also had the NATO issue broad arrow mark on it I believe, black NATO strap but I noticed along with the NSN (NATO Stock Number) it says MWC (militar etc in German.
The simple, hand-wound Hamilton Khaki Field with sandblasted case has something so fundamental about it you just gotta love it despite it's lack of glamour.
I'm gifting my automatic Khaki to my oldest Army buddy who went career and will be retiring with 22 years of service next year. It rarely gets the wrist time it deserves and it always made me think of our times as privates and young buck-sergeants. He mentioned a while back that he wishes he could justify a Seamaster Aquaterra, but always is buying new gutters or set of tires or something instead. It's no Omega, but it's Swiss and it was my first Swiss watch so I hope it can usher him into the hobby I love in the same manner it did for me.
I'm not sure Certina DS divers were made for the military but in 1965 The Certina DS took part in the US Navy's Sealab II underwater project, which involved scientists and divers working in a diving station in different areas of marine research. I have a Certina DS Action diver and it is robust!
I still have 3 watches that I was issued back in the day , a Benrus type 1 , a Tudor Submariner, and later in my career (1968 - 1998) a trusty G-Shok. All hol d special significance and are a permanent part of my collection.
Gotta give it to G-Shock. I’ve got a G100, that’s still on the original battery after 12 years, and has taken a beating working in a high security prison for 12 years since I bought it. And honorable mention, the Timex Ironman, 2 Iraq tours 03, and 06. And it still works. BTW, I love the fact you guys still talk about the history of the watches and brands you mention.
Thank you so much Mike for sharing that, but more so for your service. I have nothing but admiration and respect for your duty both home and over seas. Best regards, TGV
.... a most enjoyable and informative chat guys .... thank you ........ I have the non-limited Bulova Mil-Ships , it is just stunning and a joy to wear at half the price of the limited version ....... and I am seriously lucky to have an original Omega 30T2 6B/159 RAF pilots watch from 1943 in superb condition ....... what a great addiction collecting timepieces is ............
Guys, not to say, but the timex ironman was indeed officially supplied to the french navy special corps along with some G shocks in the 90s early 2000... the fact is that they are stamped with military issue numbers of the navy center of Toulon and Brest. thank zou very much for your content dear TGV ... Cheers
I'm ex-British Armed forces, but I don't currently own ANY military watches. During my time in the Royal Artillery I used an Accurist Quartz Chrono, which amazingly survived the massive amounts of abuse in the Army, followed by years as an outdoor activity instructor. Recently bought, but not as yet received a Doxa DH German watch, as the first military watch in my collection :D One of my dream watches would be a working A Lange & Sohne B-Dial B-Uhr.
Thank you for this video... been a novice collector for a bit and (I am not making this up) stumbled upon an Urban Gentry video maybe three years ago and was hooked. Independently I also came across some dude from New York who just decided to start marketing his own brand. I bought my first two ISL watches before I realised you two know each other. Worlds collide sort of thing 👍
Great topic. For the price and the robustness it has be be G Shock for me. My initial one lasted 14 years without a battery change. With the solar powered alternatives they could last a lifetime 💪
Best milspec has to be GShock. I got one and used it in Desert Storm, lasted another 10 years on the original battery. Literally bombproof. Love the channel.
Thank you and also for your service.
Best regards,
TGV
I would agree unless you are doing static line jumps
Awesome. G Shock is top of my list.
This! The basic models without compass, tough solar, etc like DW (especially 5600 and 6900) are cheap enough and can be used as beater military watch.
Had a couple of G-Shocks and they were grea watches but the electronic emissions from the carrier fried them. Now use Citizen JY8035-04E Navihawk A-T Eco-Drive Perpetual.
Spent 26 years in the Army, but never was issued a watch. Kept breaking watches on jumps until I bought a G-Shock, which was great. Thanks for this video!
My friend is in the navy and he said salt water killed pretty much a lot of watches , he got a luminox 4 years ago , will see how long this one last
What unit if u don’t mind me asking
@@marcs990 when I was on jump status, I was the Dragon Brigade S3 (1985-86) which was an XVIII Airborne Corps separate brigade, and later the 2-52 ADA battalion commander (1990-92) which was part of Dragon Brigade. Did you spend time at Ft Bragg?
@@teddybitner3302 I did visit Bragg once in my career as I’m ex UK Para, we were doing a joint exercise, had a great party (or parties) afterwards & had a great time with you guys 👍
I'm a Army retiree and in my 28 total years, I was never "issued" any watch. In fact, back in 94 as a young Specialist I busted my Casio watchband on a day we were packing up to go to the field. I went to the supply sergeant and asked if he had a watch I could sign out. He laughed at me and said, "This aint no jewelry store. This is the infantry, we don't issue watches." He handed me a hank of paracord and some 100 mile per hour tape and said, "Thats the best your gonna ever get."
I'll never forget that, because he was right. No watches and the paracord tape bracelet I made for my watch actually worked great. Lasted two weeks in some really shitty terrain and elements.
What I miss these days in "the watch world", comes flowing back when I listen to you two. I truely appriciate these videos: they are fun, respectfull and highly motivating.
Well said Sir 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
For sure. I love these 2 watch aficionados
These intros never get old. TGV you are a fine comedian and finer watch enthusiasts! Cheers
I've got my grandfather's BULOVA G.I. issue that he wore throughout Europe during WW II, later the watch went to KOREA, VIETNAM, and the middle East, on the case back it has the numbers for Type, Mil spec, Part, Serial, Order, and Stock.
It still runs and has only ever had the crystal and mainspring replaced,and
the lume no longer is visible.
That’s amazing. And it could probably pull off another military tour to this day.
That sounds amazingly awesome 👌, I would like to see a picture of such a wonderful piece.
Musta been radium lume if it’s WW2-vintage.
That could be in a museum! Great story of dependability.
If it was WWII era, it has a Radium dial and is still quite radioactive. The lume may be "dead" but it's only Zinc Sulfide -- the chemical compound the radioactivity from the Radium caused to glow -- that has aged and deteriorated. It will still be just as radioactive a thousand years from now. Just because a watch from that era doesn't glow anymore doesn't mean it's not radioactive.
Great take guys. I had 22 year career in the US Army, I’ve always been a watch nut. As a lieutenant in the early 80’s, I served in the heavy mechanized Infantry and we faved G shocks to put up with large caliber main-guns that we fired inches from our watches. I also had several Seiko dive watches. I still have a 6309 out of nostalgia. I also liked my G shock when serving as a paratrooper. Later in my career, I did some service related diving. Ironically, I used a Citizen dive watch with an analogue depth gauge. Later, once I was no longer in the combat arms, I bought an Omega Seamaster chrono. Interesting Note: Military watches were always issued at the unit level. However supply officers would never issue them for fear that the troops would break them,steal them, or lose them. I the several units that I commanded, I had to inventory the various Tmex, Hamilton, and Benrus watches but, as they were accountable items, I always agreed with the supply guys that messing with them just wasn’t worth the hassle. 😃 Cheers.
Never issued a watch during my Army career. We mostly wore G-Shocks we bought at the Exchange. Some wore Seiko divers or other brands in smaller numbers. My G-Shocks are still my go to beaters. They are absolutely reliable under all conditions. Well done Hugo darling!
I look forward to this monthly release between TGV and Mark more than any other video on RUclips. It always sends me down so many rabbit holes and inevitably adds another watch to my list. Thank you, gentlemen.
I too adore this series.
Great conversation! Enjoyed this episode and thank you so much for the shoutout on my video! Means a lot 🙏
As I watched this video while wearing my 1983 Reissue CWC Diver I was hoping to hear CWC name get mentioned but never the less I again enjoyed being entertained and informed by the two of you and look forward for the next video discussion. Hopefully CWC will get a honourable shoutout next time :)
I was enlisted in the army and also a commissioned officer and pilot. Was never issued a watch but man I wish I would’ve been. Some sweet stuff you guys covered.
Great episode. Even though i wasn’t in the market for a field watch I figured “it’s TGV and Marc, I’m in”. Hugo was a bonus. So, retired military here, and I survived an acquisition tour. Procurement buffoonery is mostly driven by the Federal Acquisition Regulation or FAR requirements, and those are imposed by Congress, not DoD. Insistence on MILSPEC creates a level playing field for all bidders and reduces the risk of protest, plain and simple. It’s as complicated as it is to defend against lawsuits. Any DoD person with an IMPAC card can go into any GSA store on any installation and use their funds to buy anything in stock, including watches. You’d better be able to defend your decision though. Many can’t and end up in serious trouble. You can also use your IMPAC card at AAFES, NEX, MCX - the exchanges, and buy merchandise that’s not stock-listed, also including watches. Same cautions apply. In that scenario, troops could get Bertucci issued to them, just not through the DoD supply chain. Bertuccis are great. I have an A2-T and sent one to our son, who is in the Army in Korea. Btw, cell phones can affect the accuracy of radar altimeters if they receive or transmit 5G signals, because of where 5G is on the spectrum relative to radar altimeters. Most critical in reduced visibility or when shooting an ILS approach.
Sinn is a brand I would definitely include. Quintessential german toolwatch brand with tons of history. They are, for example supplying legendary german special unit GSG 9 (Sinn UX) , as well as german KSK special forces.
I so nearly added them! The problem is, who would I take out of my 5?!?! 😂😂🥲 EXCELLENT suggestion, thank you so much!
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
Sinn UX S has to be mentioned for sure
Completely off topic but the PVD coated Sinn 144 St is my grail watch, hope I'll get it sometime..
Did the Germans use Sinn watches when they blew up Nordstream? Seems like it was a well-timed operation.
@@thermionic1234567no, but I'm sure the CIA SAD that did it were wearing something interesting.
Yessss! Love these episodes! NGL I’d watch an episode for every one of Hugo’s top ten suggestions 😂
I am Military Active duty and yes, my first durable watch was a G-Shock. I am a Casio collector and watching your show there is an option of military design watches. My Gs lasted for years and there is Marathon I knew nothing. 21 years 4 combat tours and yes I have bertucci, breitling, Casio and I do have a smart watch but its not the same as a digi or auto. Love the show, islander, and the wonder Mad watch collector.
Most of the enlisted personnel wore G-Shocks during time in the Army. They were around $20 at Post Exchange. It was also my first big boy watch, after years of Swatches and Fossils. Timex Iron Man was also popular. I noticed many of the Warrant Officers (helicopter pilots) wore Omega Speedmasters. I remember thinking they must make a ton of money. I was all of 20 years old and had no idea. I once saw a colonel buy a Rolex Submariner. Back then, PX's sold them with a once-in-a-lifetime purchase. Which was smart because soldiers would figure out a way to flip them if they could buy more than one. Great video, fellas.
LOL It must be a base commander thing. I had COs at Norfolk and Philadelphia who both wore Sumbariners. It's actually how I became interested in nice watches.
When I was in army ROTC in college in 1980, my PMS (professor of military science/commanding officer) was a LTC Special Forces-5th SF, and he wore a Rolex Sub
with the De Oppresso Libre emblem soldered on the clasp. It looked so bitchin'. I'm sure that was his Garrison watch and he wore a cheapie for the jungles. I just had to have one one of these days. A few years later I was a young LT on CONUS, in the rear with the beer. I was a miserable post. Just miserable. I got a Subbie just to reward myself for enduring this shithole. Did one tour and left, never looked back.
@Donnybrook10 I'm sure a lot of people buy Subs or GMT as a life marker. They made full bull or battalion or brigade command and reward themselves with a Sub. Or they endured something really harsh, like surviving a couple of tours in Vietnam or made SF or passed Ranger school. So they reward themselves with a Rolex.
Tgv, your channel is always such a breath of fresh air compared to all the ghastly other youtubers.
The two of you are the ying and yang ☯️ of the watch reviewer world. Excellent balance. As always extraordinary production value. Yes, Hugo is the maleficent watch overlord!!!
Great list again boys. One I've been wearing recently-not strictly a military watch but one based on a military watch-is the Seiko SCXP155. Originally, civilian issue in the 90s, then re-issued in the 2000s. It's a wonderful little military-adjacent piece with a quality, hacking quartz movement. I've got it on a Nato now. The thing is a treat.
I had a Timex Ironman, G-Shock Mudman, a Suunto, then my last watch was a Garmin Instinct. The Ironman lasted the longest, the Mudman was the toughest, the Suunto was a battery hog, but I used it the most for just about every mission, then they released the Garmin Instinct and never looked back since. Now that I'm out I've acquired many more watches, pilots, divers, field, all the military style of watch you can think of, but my recommendation as one soldier to another, regardless of rank, Garmin Instinct 2 would do you well for just about everything.
I had a Timex Ironman during boot camp in the Army in 97'. Loved it! I also have a 1972 Benrus field watch I bought of an Airforce veteran a few years ago!
Same on the Ironmans - I went through maybe 2-3 of them through my career. I never had the money to get anything too nice that I'd smash up haha
One that I just recently discovered and was issued to the Navy Seals back in the 70’s and 80’s is the Chronosport Sea Quartz. Issued by the Seals, made sort of famous to the rest of us by the original Magnum PI, it’s a good looking but obscure little watch that’s not quite as affordable as many of the ones your brought up in this list.
I've got the Chronosport udt and love it
Momentum Watches has a tribute reissue of that Magnum PI Sea Quartz. Their founder was a part of Chronosport and has the design rights. They are selling via preorder. The first round of orders was delivered this month it seems, and they are on their third round now. Around $210 with tropic strap. Sapphire crystal and bezel insert.
In terms of another example of pre-aged products, Fender will sell you a brand new guitar which has been worn and aged to look like it was played for decades and then left in a cupboard for another decade.
Been in the military in Norway for years now and this is something nobody seems to know: No one wears a watch with hands. Everyone wears a digital one bc it so much easier to read the time. If its 3.27 digital its 3.27. Reading it with hands takes some more seconds to read and even then you might not be 100% sure its 3.27. This includes for basicly all of Europe as far as Ive excperienced atleast
I was issued the G-Shock DW660 in 2003 when I joined USAF Special Forces. Great watch that has accompanied me in military missions and I still have it up to this day and still going strong.
I still have my Timex field watch from Desert Storm, it was ten dollars at the PX and it still runs, a little fast, and the lume is pretty much gone, but this was not issued.
Great topic... really enjoyed the conversation. You two have great chemistry, and a real depth of knowledge to share from. Thanks for an educational and entertaining hour!
Just picked up a marathon arctic GSAR from Long Island watch a couple weeks ago. Loving it so far! Love the collab episodes.
Thank you and congrats on the Marathon!
LOVE the GSAR, enjoy.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry How did you guys not cover Vostok in this list ? ☹️
Was it because of Ukraine ? 😕
God I’ve been wanting this since you started this series. Military and Field watches are my favorite category. My Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is my favorite watch I own
These two genuinely love to talk about watches and we get to be a fly on the wall listening to what they are saying about watches 😊
Ah the best watch channel on RUclips . Plus it’s drama free ! . Love Hugo
Another great top ten. I was issued the navigator, my step father loved it so much that I gifted it to him. I also acquired a special mechanical stopwatch used by bombardiers, I believe it was made by Hamilton.
The Timex MK1, the modern one, is one of the watches I’ve bought that, relative to the price, I have been most impressed with. I love my aluminum MK1, I was indeed super surprised how happy it made me. If you don’t care to spend much on a watch but you want that look, not to mention indiglo which is awesome, then dude… Timex has totally got you covered.. as long as you like the sound of ticking, a really light piece on your wrist, simple field look and dope domed acrylic distortion, and you know you signed up for an inexpensive build, you are going to be pleased as punch.
These episodes & conversations just keep getting better! Awesome job once again. Very informative & great history on the watches.
Awesome discussion! Love both of your content. One really interesting seiko watch with a connection to the US military is the 1960s Seiko Sportsmatic 5 Ref. 6619-8060 'MACV-SOG'
Secret service members needed number of "sterile" or "non-attributable" items for members of various teams within the Military Assistance Command- Vietnam (MACV) Studies and Observation Group (SOG). So they used a seiko 5! So cool.
Very cool, I'm off to google that! Thank you Patrick,
Best regards,
TGV
Love the interactive format - keep it up guys!
I love these type of videos I find video like this so fascinating I love a good history lesson you and Mark as always make a great dynamic duo here is to the next video.
THE watch that started my collection was sold to me by an army buddy of mine (older gentleman) whom bought a Gen 1 Seiko orange monster... it saw two tours of combat and survived literal war. I absolutely love that watch. He loved it too but felt it should go to someone that appreciated a good watch.
I think Hugo can have his very own RUclips channel ! Absolutely brilliant !
TGV and Mark collab is the best thing that happened to RUclips horology lovers 😊
Glad to see TGV and Mark back for another fantastic video. Best duo in the game.
from my point of view the greatest watch for a soldier is the casio f91. i wore suunto, gshocks and seikos in the field, they all feel quity bulky and are "in the way" quite often. The F91 is just nice on yout wrist and very durable.
TGV, in the next edition, dub over Hugo's version whenever Marc says 'Bulova' 😁
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Genius idea, thank you Otto.
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry pip pip old bean
Great work gentlemen.. Insightful, entertaining and fun as always. Thanks. Big Timex and G shock fan.
While I was in the USMC and a Flight Equipment Officer, I we tried to get watches designated for Aviators which were automatic chronographs which were $200-$300 each. The Supply Officer came back and issued $5.00 each plastic manual wind watches which were for the infantry and were frankly of low quality. Thus, when someone says USMC Quality I have to laugh. Low quality, lo9w cost POS gear IS MORE LIKELY THE NORM AT LEAST WHEN I WAS IN through 1991.
Great video - thanks. It was great to hear about Omega's role in WWII. Our family visited Europe in 1967 and my father (a PhD in Mathematics) bought an Omega watch for himself (I think a Geneve), so I have a lot of respect for Omega. It was also great to hear about Bulova's involvement with the military - not surprising that a well established US watchmaker would supply the military, especially after a former US General was an executive. You did not mention Luminox, which gets a lot of mileage out of their claim that their watches were designed for Navy Seals. Looks like Apple is coming after this market as the new ruggedized Apple Watch is Mil-Spec.
The opening scene with Mark and HMB was pure gold. Mark is a great straight man.
Regarding Timex, their field watches were sold in PXs across the US. I bought a green quartz Timex field watch while in basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood the Summer of 1984.
Great video! However, Omega made field watches for the army (dirty dozen), made pilots watches for the Royal Air Force (as shown in the film Dunkirk), and made Seamasters for the naval forces. How come Seiko is viewed as the only one to do it? Am I missing something?
Hamilton Khaki Mechanical 38mm,
Bertucci DX3,
Bertucci A2T Highpolish,
Bertucci A2S Ballista,
Benrus DTU-2A/P,
Benrus Type-I,
Benrus Type-II,
G-shock Military,
G-Shock DW 6600-1,
G-Shock GG-B100,
G-Shock Mudmaster,
G-Shock Master of G,
G-Shock Gravitymaster,
Seiko 7A28 7102 (Gen 1),
Seiko Diving Computer M726,
Seiko "Kamikaze Watch",
Marathon GSAR,
Marathon TSAR,
Marathon Navigator,
Marathon Multipurpose Field Watch,
Bulova Accutron Astronaut,
Bulova A-11 Hack Watch,
Bulova MIL-SHIPS-W-218,
Omega 30T2 aka "The Spitfire watch" (CK2292),
Omega CK2129 (Weems Watch from Dunkirk film),
Omega Dirty Dozen,
Omega Seamaster 300m (ref. 165.024) British Royal Navy.
Panerai Luminor,
Squale 1521 50 ATMOS Marina Militare,
Citizen NY0040 Marina Militare,
Yema Superman French Air Force,
Eterna Kontiki (IDF),
Tudor Submariner Marine Nationale,
Hanhart Pioneer Tachytele Chronograph.
That was fun and informative. And, appropriate for Memorial Day weekend.
I served 20 years active duty in the US Army, starting in 1982. I always wanted to get an official issue watch, but never did. It was only recently that I was able to find and buy a vintage Hamilton GG-W-113. It's appropriately from 1982. I remember those cheap plastic Timex watches in the PX. I never wanted one. So, most of my career I bought and wore Seiko field watches. (Something you guys did not mention was how popular Seiko was with the military, especially in Viet Nam.) I do have a Timex MK1 mechanical. The newer ones are great little metal body, hand-winding, pieces. They look very similar to my GG-W-113. I also have the Marathon GPM (mechanical, not the quartz version). It feels like the true successor to the GG-W-113. I know G-Shock is very popular, especially now. I was never a big fan of digital watches and was not combat arms, so didn't need that level of durability. My Seiko field watches worked out just fine.
25yrs in the US Navy and I wore mostly the Casio G-Shocks (not issued). When I was assigned to Navy Special Warfare I was issued a Suunto digital watch. Ok watch but honestly I thought the G-Shocks were better. My last 4 years on active duty I chose to wear a Titanium Hamilton which is still in my collection today. Great video guys!
I’ve been waiting for this all month! Thanks guys! Made my day!
I am looking forward to this video every month ❤️ you guys never dissapoint!
CWC also have pieces issued to the three strands of the military, not just Seiko.
Love the videos guys, keep them coming!
If you know the TV series "Under the Dome," you might have noticed the prominent appearance of the Marathon watch, specifically the GPQ WW194009-BK model, which was worn by the character Dale "Barbie" Barbara on his wrist throughout the series. This show was produced by Steven Spielberg and Stephen King. 🖤
Gshock Mudman the OG, has to be my top pick! Rock solid watch, stands out among the humongous catalogue and also is mud resistant!
Great vid, my dad was a WWII vet in the Pacific theater. Growing up I always remember a Bulova on his dresser.
Hugo and Marc have good chemistry. This collab needs to happen!
Just got the Marathon JDD in the mail today and was wondering if that would show up in this video. Of course it’s on one of your wrists! Absolute tank of a watch!
Rarely do I laugh out loud at film and videos. “THAT OPENING WAS FUNNY AS HELL!”
This intro is insanely hilarious!
You two guys are the best thing I'm waiting from RUclips considering watches, no other channel got this , its a pure pleasure to watch and listen u 2 folks!
Thank you so much sir!
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry in same way you say BulOva, Mark unusually funny does say "BeecOoouse" , always makes me smile
That Bulova could have been such a winner if they'd reduced the size to 39 or so and expanded the lug width a tad.
Thanks to both of you for the vid! You both are great together and a lot of fun to listen and learn.
Thank you so much my friend. I deeply appreciate it!
Best regards,
TGV
I'm so glad you and Mark are putting out videos. There my favorite watch videos. One of the only long length watch videos I stick with till the end.
I absolutely agree about that Seiko RAF watch. I had just recently been trawling eBay looking for them or an older 6BB style piece.
Marc, I would snatch it up if there was an Islander version, too!
Excellent video, TGV! Thanks to both you and Marc for making it available to all of us. Took me a bit to watch this one. Been running around like crazy past few days but got to sit down and watch it with my son this AM. Really well timed to coincide with Memorial Day! Really well done! Loved the Marathon that Marc was wearing and live their history, but like Bertucci, I have NEVER seen one in the wild. Maybe it is a Air Force/Army thing. Maybe they sell them at AAFES but I haven't ever seen them on base or shipboard at Navy Exchanges. And yes we do have stores onboard.....called funnily enough the ship's store where we can buy all sorts of geedunk ( it is a word) to include watches. I bought at least three watches from aircraft carrier stores.....none survived ( 1 Casio, 1 Seiko, and another).
Really loved seeing the MiLShips. I really like BewLOVUh but can't figure out with piece is "ME". The strap in the MilShips is mighty thin. Still proportioned correctly for the time it represents.
Thank you both for such a nice and educational video. Hope you have a safe and happy holiday with yours.
Congratulations again, Marc, on getting some air under your wings!
Be well! Onward and Upward!!
Friday show!!! I clicked as soon as I could!
Thank you Richie! Have a great weekend,
Best regards
TGV
Always look forward to seeing my dude Hugo!!!
First Hugo, now Mark! TGV has high end tier cast for his movies I see 💪🙏
Love this format, could listen to you both all day, grate job guys 👍
Love my Marathon GSAR. The tritium lume was so nice when I was on an excercise in the arctic and we had 4 hours of daylight.
👍👍 Informative video TGV. Love your intro's and top notch editing.
Great video! I currently own 2 Marathon watches and my honorable mention is the French brand Ralf-Tech who currently is issued a Nato stock number for supply to Nato units and it’s also currently issued to several French military units. Hopefully you’ll get a chance to review one soon. Keep up the great content, cheers!
Hahha! Marc participating in a Hugo skit is the best news of the week!
Ex British army here, I was lucky enough to be given an automatic divers style German watch, a few of us in my unit managed to get our hands on them, I still have in pristine condition, sterile dial other than ☢️ radioactive symbol on it due to the H3 luminous markings , oh it also had the NATO issue broad arrow mark on it I believe, black NATO strap but I noticed along with the NSN (NATO Stock Number) it says MWC (militar etc in German.
The *Bulova* dub had me rolling 😂
This just made my weekend, yes! Thanks TGV, hopefully you're well.
The simple, hand-wound Hamilton Khaki Field with sandblasted case has something so fundamental about it you just gotta love it despite it's lack of glamour.
Just had on my khaki field when I had to save someone’s life. Got the wildest wrist shot ever taken lol best watch for the job I think
Just sold my Hamilton khaki king for my IWC Mark xviii.
No regrets
@@TRUYORK718 that’s a nice upgrade congrats !
I'm gifting my automatic Khaki to my oldest Army buddy who went career and will be retiring with 22 years of service next year.
It rarely gets the wrist time it deserves and it always made me think of our times as privates and young buck-sergeants.
He mentioned a while back that he wishes he could justify a Seamaster Aquaterra, but always is buying new gutters or set of tires or something instead.
It's no Omega, but it's Swiss and it was my first Swiss watch so I hope it can usher him into the hobby I love in the same manner it did for me.
@@SuicideVan that’s a hell of a gift I am sure he will love it and appreciate it a lot
I'm not sure Certina DS divers were made for the military but in 1965 The Certina DS took part in the US Navy's Sealab II underwater project, which involved scientists and divers working in a diving station in different areas of marine research. I have a Certina DS Action diver and it is robust!
Love this episode, guys. Nice to see the latest addition to my collection (Seiko 7A28-7120) featured in this episode!
I still have 3 watches that I was issued back in the day , a Benrus type 1 , a Tudor Submariner, and later in my career (1968 - 1998) a trusty G-Shok. All hol d special significance and are a permanent part of my collection.
Gotta give it to G-Shock. I’ve got a G100, that’s still on the original battery after 12 years, and has taken a beating working in a high security prison for 12 years since I bought it. And honorable mention, the Timex Ironman, 2 Iraq tours 03, and 06. And it still works. BTW, I love the fact you guys still talk about the history of the watches and brands you mention.
Thank you so much Mike for sharing that, but more so for your service. I have nothing but admiration and respect for your duty both home and over seas.
Best regards,
TGV
That intro was bloody marvellous (darling) 🤣, and of course great content as always. 👍
Thank you, 🙏😀
Best regards,
TGV
.... a most enjoyable and informative chat guys .... thank you ........ I have the non-limited Bulova Mil-Ships , it is just stunning and a joy to wear at half the price of the limited version ....... and I am seriously lucky to have an original Omega 30T2 6B/159 RAF pilots watch from 1943 in superb condition ....... what a great addiction collecting timepieces is ............
Love how TGV was excited that Netflix re-posted his finding of a Marathon watch in The Old Guard. How cool..
Guys, not to say, but the timex ironman was indeed officially supplied to the french navy special corps along with some G shocks in the 90s early 2000... the fact is that they are stamped with military issue numbers of the navy center of Toulon and Brest. thank zou very much for your content dear TGV ... Cheers
There's so much to comment on as you cover so many subjects, but I think these chats are brilliant. Both of you keep up the good work 🙂
Ahh, make my Friday! And Marc does Hugo, daaarling.
I could listen to you guys talk watches for thousands of hours. Great job as always
this was fascinating, now getting into vintage military, and its really cool, appreciate the history and organic discussion
Hey that's a cool treat. Ironing my laundry with TGV and Marc chatting along. Could be much worse. 😆
Marc’s “great” acting skills made this video even better.
I'm ex-British Armed forces, but I don't currently own ANY military watches. During my time in the Royal Artillery I used an Accurist Quartz Chrono, which amazingly survived the massive amounts of abuse in the Army, followed by years as an outdoor activity instructor. Recently bought, but not as yet received a Doxa DH German watch, as the first military watch in my collection :D One of my dream watches would be a working A Lange & Sohne B-Dial B-Uhr.
Hugo is killing it. Can't wait for Heat 2 to come out. 💪
Nice to hear both of your opinions on my favorite genre of watches. Perfect end to the work week. Enjoy your Memorial Day.
So educational as always from you both! Excellent stuff when you guys get together!!
Thank you for this video... been a novice collector for a bit and (I am not making this up) stumbled upon an Urban Gentry video maybe three years ago and was hooked. Independently I also came across some dude from New York who just decided to start marketing his own brand. I bought my first two ISL watches before I realised you two know each other. Worlds collide sort of thing 👍
Aristocrat T-Rex is the best recurring dinosaur character on any watch channel! 😂 ❤
Great topic. For the price and the robustness it has be be G Shock for me. My initial one lasted 14 years without a battery change. With the solar powered alternatives they could last a lifetime 💪