The launch of the distinctive looking Formex Field, has brought me back to an old question. The Formex, as should be expected for the price, is driven by an automatic movement. There are more affordable and traditional options out there, some with real heritage (e.g. Hamilton) and, yes, these too appeal for different reasons. However, the joys of solar technology and the undesirable battery of quartzes (to my mind. I appreciate opinions will differ.) offers a truly sensible alternative for field watches, which are meant to be worn out and about and to withstanding some rough and tumble. So logical do I find the pairing of solar and field watches, I find it hard to consider anything else.
Sure enough, it's not the only feature I would like in a field watch, but it has become a feature to seek out. My current field watch (intended for active wear and more adventurous travel, or where one shouldn't wear anything more flashy) is the Citizen Chandler. A solar Field watch of choice for those not wanting to spend much and yet expecting a really balanced design, which is achieved by staying close to many traditional cues. It's not very exciting, but it gets the job done without looking out of place. Thanks to its price, you'll not flinch at the odd scrape, dent or scratch. So far the crystal is also holding out well (as opposed to other mineral glass). Having changed the slightly uncomfortable and lacklustre strap it came on (pictured), it's also more pleasurable to wear. In short, it's fine and totally functional.
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However, as a budding enthusiast I regularly wonder how I can change it up. Having something with more visual appeal, enhanced refinement, better or more interesting finishes, and slight upgrades in material (e.g. hardened steel or titanium, sapphire crystal, slightly improved water resistance) would be welcome. Over time I have launched a few searches, but didn't find anything that achieves this, especially not on a solar movement. In fact, I'd say that the solar watch segment overall might be lacking in design appeal and innovation somewhat. (I conclude not many agree solar is in fact desirable to have.)
I briefly thought to have found something in the Centric Instruments Lightwell Mark ii. The version I like did sell out and it is now no longer available (see below).
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It's definitely a smart take on the field watch. I still like it and would still consider it. My hesitation had to do with the fact I was not completely convinced of the somewhat broad type face of the numerals and on the whole it did not offer enough improvement over what I already had. On top, to import to Europe made it significantly more expensive than the Chandler, although I accept it's unlikely that value proposition would be best. On WUS the Mark iii, which is available in both a smaller and larger size, has been the subject of another thread Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch MkIII . Significant improvements, for me, include the hour and minute hands and, it may seem insignificant but on a minimal dial really makes a difference to me, the curved logo. Nonetheless, the loss of a date and coarsed printed markers are in my opinion no improvement, and I also didn't want the watch to become larger, nor that small.
So, with that discussion, I'm interested to hear about any finds of well designed solar Field Watches you have come across. Please do post them in response and let's build a little collection. Naturally I am aware of the other usual suspect in the affordable room, the Timex Explorer (pictured below), which trades in the funky indiglo for solar power, but on the whole feels to offer just more of the same in comparison to the Chandler. Citizen has a few other options, too, but so far I've not found them more attractive. With the bolder styles of Boldr and now Formex, I wish they were the kind of brand that would consider solar. I'll stop my soliloquys and hand over to wisdom of the crowds. You may all decide I've got it wrong!
![Image]()
Sure enough, it's not the only feature I would like in a field watch, but it has become a feature to seek out. My current field watch (intended for active wear and more adventurous travel, or where one shouldn't wear anything more flashy) is the Citizen Chandler. A solar Field watch of choice for those not wanting to spend much and yet expecting a really balanced design, which is achieved by staying close to many traditional cues. It's not very exciting, but it gets the job done without looking out of place. Thanks to its price, you'll not flinch at the odd scrape, dent or scratch. So far the crystal is also holding out well (as opposed to other mineral glass). Having changed the slightly uncomfortable and lacklustre strap it came on (pictured), it's also more pleasurable to wear. In short, it's fine and totally functional.
However, as a budding enthusiast I regularly wonder how I can change it up. Having something with more visual appeal, enhanced refinement, better or more interesting finishes, and slight upgrades in material (e.g. hardened steel or titanium, sapphire crystal, slightly improved water resistance) would be welcome. Over time I have launched a few searches, but didn't find anything that achieves this, especially not on a solar movement. In fact, I'd say that the solar watch segment overall might be lacking in design appeal and innovation somewhat. (I conclude not many agree solar is in fact desirable to have.)
I briefly thought to have found something in the Centric Instruments Lightwell Mark ii. The version I like did sell out and it is now no longer available (see below).
It's definitely a smart take on the field watch. I still like it and would still consider it. My hesitation had to do with the fact I was not completely convinced of the somewhat broad type face of the numerals and on the whole it did not offer enough improvement over what I already had. On top, to import to Europe made it significantly more expensive than the Chandler, although I accept it's unlikely that value proposition would be best. On WUS the Mark iii, which is available in both a smaller and larger size, has been the subject of another thread Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch MkIII . Significant improvements, for me, include the hour and minute hands and, it may seem insignificant but on a minimal dial really makes a difference to me, the curved logo. Nonetheless, the loss of a date and coarsed printed markers are in my opinion no improvement, and I also didn't want the watch to become larger, nor that small.
So, with that discussion, I'm interested to hear about any finds of well designed solar Field Watches you have come across. Please do post them in response and let's build a little collection. Naturally I am aware of the other usual suspect in the affordable room, the Timex Explorer (pictured below), which trades in the funky indiglo for solar power, but on the whole feels to offer just more of the same in comparison to the Chandler. Citizen has a few other options, too, but so far I've not found them more attractive. With the bolder styles of Boldr and now Formex, I wish they were the kind of brand that would consider solar. I'll stop my soliloquys and hand over to wisdom of the crowds. You may all decide I've got it wrong!
