Chris' Top 10 Field Watches Under £2,000

From arguably the king of field watches, the Rolex Explorer, to the popular—and even my personal favourite—Hamilton Khaki Automatic, we all seem to love field watches. There’s something about the simple layout, rugged charm and go-anywhere wearability that makes them a staple in so many collections.

But while the spotlight often falls on the big players—Longines, Hamilton, Rolex, even Tudor—there’s a growing community of micro and independent brands producing field watches that are just as capable, and often far more interesting.

This list explores ten of the best field watches under £2,000, showcasing just how much choice—and value—is out there when you look beyond the obvious names.

Inspired by the classic Seiko 5, the Rec Spec Night Vision from American microbrand Praesidus is a stealthy, well-specced field watch that punches above its weight. Powered by a colour-matched Seiko NH36 movement and sporting 50 metres of water resistance, this 38mm PVD-coated piece is built for everyday use. The green lume is vibrant, the tropic-style strap surprisingly comfortable, and with drilled lugs and quick-release spring bars, it's a strap-swapping dream. For under £300, it’s a compelling alternative to entry-level Seiko's.

Boldr’s Venture Wayfarer series makes an immediate impression with its full-titanium case, 100 metres of water resistance, and bold colour options—black, khaki, olive, and salmon pink. At 38mm and powered by the Miyota 8217, this is a lightweight, no-nonsense field watch that delivers strong specs for the price. Add a sapphire crystal with AR coating, and you’ve got a seriously wearable everyday companion.

Geckota’s Pioneer offers a different take on the field watch genre with its distinctive cushion case and vintage-leaning styling. Available in multiple colours, the graphite grey and jungle green variants are particularly suited to the field aesthetic. Powered by the reliable Seiko NH38, and fitted with a sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance and a 41.5mm case that wears smaller than the dimensions suggest, this is a value-packed option coming in way under £500.

A love letter to the Rolex Explorer 1016, the Falcon SIII from New York-based Lorier channels vintage energy without tipping into full homage territory. A honeycomb dial, drilled lugs and 36mm sizing give it authentic charm, while a Miyota 90S5 movement, 100m water resistance and a domed Hesalite acrylic crystal round out the spec sheet. Lorier even includes Polywatch to help maintain that acrylic crystal. A strap monster, and arguably one of the best pound-for-pound vintage-style field watches under £500.

Made in Kyoto, the Kuoe Old Smith series brings classic mid-century aesthetics to life with quietly impressive build quality. Available in 35mm or 38mm sizes and a range of dial colours including black, cream, and green, the Old Smith uses a Seiko NH35 movement, sapphire crystal, and offers 100m of water resistance. Traditional without being dated, and a standout choice for those who want a field-adjacent daily wearer with a refined touch.

One of the more technically advanced watches on this list, the Formex Field features a hardened Grade 2 titanium case with an impressive hardness rating of 900 Vickers. It’s powered by a Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, comes in a range of dial colours (grey, red, green, blue, violet, and more), and offers 150m of water resistance. At 41mm and with Formex’s trademark attention to detail, this Swiss-made field watch is built to last and priced to compete.

Christopher Ward’s Sandhurst is a modern reimagining of a classic MOD-issued field watch—and it’s officially approved by the British Army. Featuring chronometer-grade accuracy thanks to the SW200-1 COSC movement, this 38mm watch pairs historical significance with modern reliability. With a strong 60-month warranty and 60-day returns, it’s also one of the most customer-friendly packages on the market. It’s hard to beat for those wanting British military heritage with Swiss precision.

German tool watch maker Sinn brings minimalist mastery to the field category with the 556 series. With a sleek black dial, choice of dial configurations, and Sinn’s famously over-engineered build quality, the 556 offers a 200m water resistance rating, anti-magnetic properties and a solid SW200-1 movement inside. At 38.5mm, this is a robust, purpose-driven watch from a brand with serious tool watch credentials—and a cult following to match.

Oris may be one of the bigger independents, but their ProPilot Big Date earns its place here thanks to its distinct field-meets-pilot personality. The 41mm OG model—with no integrated bracelet—is the one to look for, offering strong wrist presence, Sellita-based Oris 751 movement, and 100m of water resistance. It’s backed by Oris’s optional three-year warranty (with online registration) and delivers excellent build quality from a respected Swiss name.

Capping off the list is the most expensive watch here—but also one of the most historically significant. The Vertex M36 is a modern reissue of the brand’s original WWII Dirty Dozen watch, upgraded with Sellita’s SW260-1 small seconds movement and custom rotor. At 36mm, with sapphire crystal, 100m of water resistance and bold block lume, it blends military authenticity with high-end finishing. It also carries a five-year guarantee, proving Vertex’s quiet confidence in its craftsmanship.

From sub-£400 microbrand bargains to historically rich Swiss heritage pieces, the field watch segment has never been more diverse—or exciting. Whether you're after rugged practicality, vintage charm or chronometer precision, there's something on this list to suit your budget and your wrist.

It’s proof that even at the value end of the market, you can find watches that rival—and often outshine—offerings from much bigger brands. From the no-nonsense Praesidus Rec Spec to the military pedigree of the Vertex M36, these ten watches show the strength of today’s independent watchmaking scene.

Which one would you take into the field?