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Every watch here costs less than $500 and is in stock. You will find A-11 models with automatic movements, the official FIELD U.S. Army and A-11 U.S. Army, the Rec Spec, the DD-45 and the 34mm Jungle Field. Prices start at $195. For every size and price, browse all our field watches, or read our buying guide to field watches under $500.
What $500 buys in a field watch
Under $500 you can choose between proven automatic movements, such as the NH35 and NH36 and the Miyota 9039, and accurate quartz, including the American-built Ameriquartz in our Spec 2 and Victory Sands. Crystals vary by model: double-domed acrylic on the A-11 Tom Rice, true to the 1940s look; K1 on the Service Watch; sapphire on the A-11 U.S. Army Automatic. Each product page lists the crystal and water resistance, so you can compare like for like before you choose.
Where to start
For a first field watch, the A-11 Tom Rice ($269) and Service Watch ($259) offer an automatic movement in 38 or 42mm, on canvas or leather, with a choice of black or white dial. For low upkeep, the FIELD U.S. Army ($235) and DD-45 ($299) run on quartz. For a smaller wrist, the Jungle Field ($195) is 34mm and the Spec 2 comes in 32mm. For a watch with a documented story, the Victory Sands ($320) carries sand from Iwo Jima in its dial, and the A-11 Utah Beach Sand MK2 Higgins Blue ($495) belongs to our D-Day watches. The official U.S. Army watches can be personalized with rank keepers and a caseback engraving. Most of the range is 38mm: see our 38mm field watches, and pair any model with our watch straps.
FAQ
Are automatic watches under $500 reliable?
Yes. The NH35, NH36 and Miyota 9039 movements used in our watches under $500 are widely used, serviceable movements. Expect a few seconds of variation a day, and a service every several years.
Which field watch under $500 is best for small wrists?
The Jungle Field is 34mm and under 10mm thick. The Spec 2 Ameriquartz also comes in 32mm. Both read clearly on wrists where a 38mm watch looks large.