$600 Gets You These Killer Mechanical Military Watches

For watch enthusiasts always on the lookout for value, military-inspired watches offer an unbeatable combination of style, durability, and affordability. This article presents eight exceptional timepieces that capture the essence of military design without breaking the bank. Each of these watches comes in at under $600, proving that owning a piece of horological history doesn't require a fortune.

What defines a military watch? It's a blend of legibility, durability, and purposeful design. Think bold numerals, luminous hands, and robust cases built to withstand the rigors of daily wear. But it's not just about toughness - there's an undeniable style that comes with these watches, a certain je ne sais quoi that elevates any outfit.

Let's Explore 8 outstanding Military-inspired Watches

All within a budget-friendly $600 range

1. Hamilton Khaki Field Auto (Around $600)

A piece of wearable history, available in 38mm H70455533 or 42mm H70555533. Hamilton has kept the essence of their military watches while updating them for modern wearers.

The 20mm black woven texture watch band adds a rugged charm to the Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic 38mm, refreshing its military look.

A sleek 20mm Rollball II stainless steel watch band with curved endlinks perfectly complements the Hamilton Khaki H70455733, enhancing its sporty appeal.

Specs: Inside beats the H-10 automatic movement with an impressive 80-hour power reserve. It's water-resistant to 100m and features a sapphire crystal. The date function adds everyday practicality.

2. Marathon General Purpose Mechanical GPM WW194003SS-108 (Around $600)

One of the few watches here still used by military personnel, featuring tritium gas tubes for superior low-light visibility.

Marathon General Purpose Mechanical GPM WW194003SS-108 with a 16mm lug width watch band.

Specs: The Swiss-made Sellita SW210-1 (based on ETA 2801-2) hand-winding movement is robust and reliable. At 36mm, it's true to its military roots. With 50m water resistance and shock-resistant construction, it's built tough.

3. Bulova Military 98A255 (Around $450)

A conversation starter that pays homage to the 1940s A-15 pilot watch. Comes with both leather and nylon straps for versatility.

Bulova Military 98A255 featuring an 18mm lug width watch band.

Specs: It houses a Miyota 82S6 automatic movement in a 38mm case. The markers also features a red center track on the dial displaying 24H time with 30m water resistance, it's more for style than swimming.

4. Glycine Combat Sub GL0087 (Around $450)

This dive watch's minimalist design and military heritage make it a favorite. Available in numerous color combinations.

Glycine Combat Sub GL0087 sporting a 22mm lug width watch band.

Specs: Powered by the Swiss GL224 automatic movement (based on ETA 2824-2). The 42mm case is water-resistant to 200m, making it a true diver. The unidirectional bezel and luminous markers are great for timing dives or just timing your pasta.

5. Laco Aachen 42 861690 (Around $410)

An affordable homage to WWII German pilot watches, available in both 39mm and 42mm sizes.

Laco Aachen 42 861690 boasting a 20mm lug width watch band.

Specs: It uses the reliable Laco 2S automatic movement (based on Miyota 82S0). The 42mm case (or 39mm if you prefer) houses a classic pilot watch dial under a sapphire crystal. With 50m water resistance, it's more weekend warrior than deep diver.

6. Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E (Around $340)

With its solid feel and tactical look, this watch stands out. The Eco-Drive movement is a practical bonus.

Citizen Promaster Tough BN0211-50E with a robust 22mm lug width watch band.

Specs: The Eco-Drive E168 movement is solar-powered, providing accurate timekeeping and eliminating the need for regular battery changes. It's incredibly durable with 200m water resistance and anti-magnetism. The 42mm case houses a date function and luminous hands and markers.

7. Orient Defender II RA-AK0404B (Around $300)

This unique piece features day, date, and 24-hour subdials. Also available in green (RA-AK0402E) or cream (RA-AK0405Y).

Orient Defender II RA-AK0404B showcasing a 22mm lug width watch band.

Specs: Orient's in-house F6B22 automatic movement powers this 42.4mm watch. It offers 100m water resistance and a mineral crystal. The day, date, and 24-hour subdials add functionality without cluttering the dial.

8. Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPG35 (Around $275)

This reimagined classic field watch feels authentically military with its khaki dial and canvas strap. Don't overlook the Blue-gray dialed SRPG31, green-dialed SRPG33 or the versatile black SRPG27 or SRPG37.

20mm Khaki Alcantara fabric watch band brings a touch of luxury to the Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPG35, giving it a fresh, adventurous vibe.

The custom fitted 20mm Asteroid watch band pairs brilliantly with the Seiko 5 Sports Field SRPG27, elevating its field watch aesthetic.

Specs: Powered by Seiko's reliable 4R36 automatic movement, which can be admired through the exhibition caseback. With a 39.4mm case and 100m water resistance, it's ready for most adventures. The day-date function is a nice practical touch.

Each of these watches brings something special to the table, combining military-inspired design with modern watchmaking at accessible price points. Whether drawn to the history, functionality, or just the rugged good looks, there's something here for every taste and wrist size.

Styling Your Military-Inspired Timepiece

The beauty of military-inspired watches lies in their versatility. These timepieces can elevate a casual outfit or add a rugged touch to dressier attire. Let's explore how to style these watches for various occasions and how to use different straps to change up the look.

Outfit Pairings:

• Casual Weekend: A military watch perfectly complements jeans and a t-shirt or henley for a classic, rugged look. This combo is ideal for running errands or meeting friends for a casual lunch.
• Outdoor Adventure: When heading out for a hike or camping trip, a military watch will feel right at home with performance gear or rugged outdoor clothing. It's not just stylish - it's functional for timing hikes or coordinating meetup times.
• Smart Casual: Pair the watch with chinos and a button-down shirt for a polished yet relaxed office look. The utilitarian design of the watch adds an interesting contrast to this more put-together outfit.
• Summer Style: Military watches work great with shorts and a polo shirt for a sophisticated warm-weather ensemble. It's a look that's casual enough for a backyard BBQ but polished enough for a nice lunch out.
• Vintage Inspired: For a 1940s-inspired look, try pairing the watch with high-waisted trousers and a tucked-in Oxford shirt. This style particularly suits the more heritage-focused military watch designs.
• Business Casual: Yes, a military watch can go to the office! Wear it with a blazer, dress shirt, and wool trousers for a sharp look that shows attention to detail and appreciation for functional design.

Watch Band Options:

Most of these watches feature 20mm lug widths, making strap changes easy. This allows for switching up the look with ease:

• Sailcloth Watch Bands: These offer durability and a sleek appearance that works in most settings. Black sailcloth gives a modern, tactical feel, while brown softens the look for more casual environments.
• Leather Watch Bands: Perfect for dressing up the watch. A quality leather strap can take the timepiece from the field to the office effortlessly.
• Canvas Watch Bands: These give an authentic field watch look, ideal when embracing the great outdoors or going for a more casual, rugged appearance
• Metal Watch Bands: Offer a more substantial feel and can transition well from day to night. They're also great for water activities if choosing a water-resistant model.
• Rubber Watch Bands: Perfect for water activities or hot summer days. They're comfortable and easy to clean, making them ideal for active lifestyles.

The key to styling these military-inspired watches is to embrace their versatility. Don't be afraid to wear them with a variety of outfits - their robust design and classic good looks mean they're at home in almost any situation. Whether dressing up for a night out, preparing for a weekend adventure, or heading to the office, a military-inspired watch can adapt to various needs, proving itself a reliable and stylish companion for years to come.

Remember, a simple strap change can transform the watch's appearance, giving multiple looks from one timepiece. For instance, a black sailcloth strap on the Citizen Promaster Tough enhances its tactical appearance, while a green sailcloth on the Hamilton Khaki Field softens its look for casual settings. The Seiko 5 SRPG35 could benefit from a grey canvas for a modern, urban aesthetic.

20mm Military green sailcloth watch band breathes new life into
the Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

A 20mm dark grey canvas watch strap refreshes the Seiko 5
Sports Field SRPG27, adding a subtle yet stylish twist to its
military-inspired design.

These military-inspired watches, with their robust build and timeless design, ensure they'll be reliable companions for years to come, regardless of how they're worn. Their ability to adapt to various style needs makes them an excellent choice for watch enthusiasts looking for both versatility and value.

Written by Vienna, images by Toni and others as noted