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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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
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.
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.
I got a Seiko auto in Japan 1989. Desert shield/ storm, Mogadishu. 18 months of sea service and one equator crossing ceremony. 17 years later i gave that still working but beat up watch to my oldest.
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.
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!!!
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.
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 💪
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.
Paying a premium for an artificially aged item, also happens in the guitar 🎸 world, where Fender and Gibson Custom Shops reissue their iconic 50' and 60' models with similar building process and then age them being called "relic" models 😉
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
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 think I can recall you doing a review of a Le Forban Malouine which again if memory serves, were a supplier to the French military. Have to say I adore the blue version of the Malouine, and I would absolutely have one in the collection IF it had a different movement. The non hacking 8215 is not good enough for the €400 price tag. I’m sure they could source a 9 series or even one of the Swiss ETA clones like STP. Great video guys, love hearing the discussion and history that you research for these videos.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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. 🖤
Excellent point. I can only ever talk about/recommend watches I have had experience with. I feel it is disingenuous to do other wise. However, CWC are extremely high on the review list. I will hopefully be covering them before the end of this year. Unfortunately, the list is VERY long, but deffo in 2022. Thank you Philip, Best regards, TGV
Dear TGV, my watches would really be grateful if you could come up with a line of tastefully and well designed Watch Boxes, whether it is for home, travel, or bag application. An embroided Hulogo on the inside would be much appreciated 🦖😉. Maybe could you partner with Marc to have that happen ? Thanks for making the passion go on.
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.
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.
Guitars!!! People pay big bucks to have their brand new guitar with all the finish off of it like a vintage one that got played for years and years. So watch nerds and guitar nerds lol.
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!
Yeahhhhh, when I was in the military not only was I never issued a watch, but I never even heard of anyone else being issued one. It was just assumed that if you wanted one, you'd go buy one of your own. And the only requirement was that it had to be black or silver, I think. But then, some guys didn't even follow that much. I saw G-Shocks of all colors on the wrist of fellow servicemen. So I've always been like "Huh? They do?! Since when?" whenever some cool luxury watch company says they supply the armed forces.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
When I was in the Navy, exchange serves had Timex. Huge display of all the indiglo watches. Cheap and if it breaks, just get another. Casio G shock also. The Hamiltons and Marathon are issued to officer corps, I guess. I never saw one. Despite all my supply connections. I question the 'issuance' of these Milspec watches. Timex and Casio have the watches the US military actually uses.
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'll go with g shock as I wore the 5000 from 1987 until I left in 1991. Got caught and about ripped my arm off in 1990, but still running until my son decided to play with it and lost it in 1995. Looking at the GWM5610 as it has the red border like mine did.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Hugo and Marc have good chemistry. This collab needs to happen!
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 :)
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.
Gshock Mudman the OG, has to be my top pick! Rock solid watch, stands out among the humongous catalogue and also is mud resistant!
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
These intros never get old. TGV you are a fine comedian and finer watch enthusiasts! Cheers
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.
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.
I got a Seiko auto in Japan 1989. Desert shield/ storm, Mogadishu. 18 months of sea service and one equator crossing ceremony. 17 years later i gave that still working but beat up watch to my oldest.
Why don't you listen to Hugo? I was considering a wine-tasting holiday in the Loire valley, but now I don't know which watches to take...
🤣🤣🤣 You jammy thing! Deffo something water and shock proof, I speak form experience 😉🙏
Best regards,
TGV
Yessss! Love these episodes! NGL I’d watch an episode for every one of Hugo’s top ten suggestions 😂
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.
Marc: an Islander version of that Seiko chrono.... pleeeeease make it happen !!!
🤞🤞🤞🤞 YESSSSSS!!!!!
Thank you, I am glad I am not alone.
Best regards,
TGV
Anything above 100 dollars i NOT a military watch anymore. These guys all wear casios and other cheap reliable digital watches
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!!!
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.
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 💪
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.
Instantly reminded me of the Seinfeld episode with the retired komakaze pilot in the retiring home LMAO " only has to work once " or more 😅
Tgv, your channel is always such a breath of fresh air compared to all the ghastly other youtubers.
funniest watch video intro EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! as far as i know marathon does not use AR coating on their watches?
Paying a premium for an artificially aged item, also happens in the guitar 🎸 world, where Fender and Gibson Custom Shops reissue their iconic 50' and 60' models with similar building process and then age them being called "relic" models 😉
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.
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!
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
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.
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.
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 still have the issue Hamilton I signed for in 1978. I love Marathon.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
I have to laugh that Mark has never thrown a punch in his life but on my channel I’m throwing people into citizens arrest and taking wrist shots lol
CWC also have pieces issued to the three strands of the military, not just Seiko.
Love the videos guys, keep them coming!
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.
Excellent video I love my Citizen Skyhawk and Casio G Shocks I recently picked up a Casio GBD 200 lime Green G Shock and I love that too.
The gun guys artificially age guns too. They will scuff up a gun, especially an AK and call it a battlefield pickup.
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 ? 😕
Hugo darling got a new friend, watch out Marc :-)
Thank you for opening my eyes to the Bertucci brand. :-)
Have had both a Bulova and Hamilton issued to me in the US Army.
I think I can recall you doing a review of a Le Forban Malouine which again if memory serves, were a supplier to the French military. Have to say I adore the blue version of the Malouine, and I would absolutely have one in the collection IF it had a different movement. The non hacking 8215 is not good enough for the €400 price tag. I’m sure they could source a 9 series or even one of the Swiss ETA clones like STP. Great video guys, love hearing the discussion and history that you research for these videos.
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.
Where’s the CWC? Issued many watches to the British military and others.
Scroll down in the comments ;-)
Thank you Timothy,
Best regards,
TGV
🤣 that intro was epic 🤣
I'm surprised that IWC was not mentioned, even in the honorable mention list lol.
Famous timex watch wearer Jocko Willink. Always 4.30 am on his watch
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!
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!
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.
Hamilton frogman. I got the original and the archive re release Ed. Cheers and thanks suave gentlemen.
Great stuff as always TGV, is the second camera a Fuji?
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
Great video love tone content. However CWC has issued all three types of watches to the British Armed Foces.
Spectacular video. Love the history lessons.
Great conversation! Enjoyed this episode and thank you so much for the shoutout on my video! Means a lot 🙏
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!
Love these guys as a duo!
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. 🖤
CWC (Cabot Watch Company) was not mentioned which was a surprise to me!
Excellent point. I can only ever talk about/recommend watches I have had experience with. I feel it is disingenuous to do other wise. However, CWC are extremely high on the review list. I will hopefully be covering them before the end of this year. Unfortunately, the list is VERY long, but deffo in 2022.
Thank you Philip,
Best regards,
TGV
@@theurbangentry No worries and I agree with your reasoning... will look forward to seeing any reviews in the future... I love a good military watch!
G shock
Benrus
Marathon
Hamilton
Tudor
Yema
Rolex
Fortis
Panerai
Seiko
Dear TGV, my watches would really be grateful if you could come up with a line of tastefully and well designed Watch Boxes, whether it is for home, travel, or bag application. An embroided Hulogo on the inside would be much appreciated 🦖😉. Maybe could you partner with Marc to have that happen ? Thanks for making the passion go on.
Only if it has a trex engraved in it
@@ryanthomas9306 yeah that's the Hulogo 😂😂😂
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.
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.
When you're in Combat,I assure you ,staying alive is quite important in combat. Yes ! I have been in Combat
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.
Guitars!!! People pay big bucks to have their brand new guitar with all the finish off of it like a vintage one that got played for years and years. So watch nerds and guitar nerds lol.
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!
Yeahhhhh, when I was in the military not only was I never issued a watch, but I never even heard of anyone else being issued one. It was just assumed that if you wanted one, you'd go buy one of your own. And the only requirement was that it had to be black or silver, I think. But then, some guys didn't even follow that much. I saw G-Shocks of all colors on the wrist of fellow servicemen. So I've always been like "Huh? They do?! Since when?" whenever some cool luxury watch company says they supply the armed forces.
Yep!
I have a couple of Luminox, a longines automatic diver, and a Omega sea master 300m, the Omega gets the most use.
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.
TGV and Mark collab is the best thing that happened to RUclips horology lovers 😊
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.
It's nice to see that Hugo was able to get out of that Turkish prison. Or was he stranded in Maripol?
Some guitar players "relic" their new guitars. Or buy guitars that have already been reliced
Marc has the Island 🏝, while TGV has the dinosaur 🦕 ... don't know why but it reminds me of an old movie 🎥... 😉
Those Bertucci watches are way cool and super affordable. 👍
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!
Great work gentlemen.. Insightful, entertaining and fun as always. Thanks. Big Timex and G shock fan.
Did you see Casio released a new GShock GAB2100? Solar powered Bluetooth CasiOak!
Восток Камндерске $60 Восток Амфцбця $85 both solid watches built for the battlefield.
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.
What you mean you guys don’t frequent the opera?
🤣🤣🤣🤣
Thank you,
Best regards,
TGV
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.
Don't forget the British Cabot Watch Company (CWC). Issued to MoD spec during the 70s & 80s.
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.
Ahh, make my Friday! And Marc does Hugo, daaarling.
When I was in the Navy, exchange serves had Timex. Huge display of all the indiglo watches. Cheap and if it breaks, just get another. Casio G shock also. The Hamiltons and Marathon are issued to officer corps, I guess. I never saw one. Despite all my supply connections. I question the 'issuance' of these Milspec watches. Timex and Casio have the watches the US military actually uses.
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
I heard someone crying in the dark at the corner, it was a panerai 53:59 😥
I'll go with g shock as I wore the 5000 from 1987 until I left in 1991. Got caught and about ripped my arm off in 1990, but still running until my son decided to play with it and lost it in 1995. Looking at the GWM5610 as it has the red border like mine did.
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
careful tgv or hugo might take over your channel ?