• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Modest Man

  • .
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • About
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Free Guide
Home / Blog / Clothing and Style / Accessories

16 Awesome Field Watches for Small Wrists (Under 40mm)

Published on July 9, 2019 by Brock McGoff · Accessories May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

If you’re looking for the best field watches for small wrists, you’re in the right place. Here are 16 excellent choices, no matter your budget.

Hamilton Khaki Mechanical
Hamilton Field Officer Khaki Mechanical (38mm)

Field watches tend to be small, compared to other types of watches like divers, which is great for men with smaller, thinner wrists.

Of course, not all field watches are good for small wrists. As watch size is subject to trend, and the trend over recent years has been bigger, more bulky watches, many field watches have grown to keep up with the times.

But there are still plenty of great small options out there (38mm or less). This article is all about the best small field watches you can buy right now.

Quick Take

Short on time? Here are our top three picks for the best small field watches you can buy right now:

Our Pick
Marathon General Purpose Quartz 34mm
Marathon General Purpose Quartz 34mm
$200

This particular watch features an ETA quartz movement, 34mm case and 16mm strap - perfect for small wrists.

Buy Now
Budget Pick
Momentum Atlas 32mm
Momentum Atlas 32mm
$185

Since 1980, Momentum has strived to make durable, lightweight watches for active people at reasonable prices. The Atlas is one of our favorite watches of theirs.

Buy Now
Upgrade Pick
Rolex Explorer 36mm
Rolex Explorer 36mm
$4500-$19900

The Explorer is one of the most understated Rolexes you can buy. Unlike the Submariner or Datejust, most people won't even notice that this is a Rolex.

Buy Now

Read on for more info and the complete list…

But first, what is a field watch?

What is a field watch, anyway? Like so many popular men’s fashion garments and accessories, field watches were born out of utility.

Just like field jackets and combat boots, they have a military heritage.

American A-11 field watch
American A-11 field watch | Source: Cool Material

Field watches are the ultimate expression of function over form. They were originally built to survive heavy abuse from the elements and from their wearers (i.e., soldiers).

They needed to be small and low profile to fit comfortably under a sleeve and easy to wear for hours on end.

The best field watches would be easy to read, super reliable, water resistant, shock resistant, shatterproof, readable in the dark and, of course, accurate.

Marathon General Purpose Mechanical Watch
A modern field watch: Marathon General Purpose Mechanical w/ Tritium | Source: Reddit

These days, we often hear people question a watch’s accuracy, asking, “Does it keep good time?” But the truth is, most modern men won’t even notice if their watch loses a couple minutes throughout the day.

If you were a solider in the trenches during WWII, however, that question would have nothing to do with watch snobbery. It would literally be a matter of life and death.

Same goes for lume strength, battery life, mechanical fortitude, and resistant to magnets and water. For a real field watch, these attributes are crucial.

Modern Field Watches

With some exceptions, the term “field watch” is now used to describe a style of watch – an aesthetic.

Hamilton Khaki Mechanical - The Modest Man
The Hamilton Khaki Mechanical is a great little watch, but I wouldn’t trust it with my life.

Just like most “work boots” aren’t made for manual labor, and most blue jeans aren’t made to withstand months in the coal mines, the modern field watch is often an homage to the real thing.

Some brands still make military grade timepieces, but most are simply borrowing the look.

The Field Watch Aesthetic

There are so many different types of field watches. It’s a broad category, just like dress watches or dive watches.

Typically, a field watch will have the following traits:

  • Comfortable, easy-to-adjust strap (e.g., canvas or leather)
  • Legible, high contrast display
  • Stainless steel or titanium case
  • Hacking movement (i.e., you can stop the second hand)
  • Small-medium case size
  • Arabic numerals (typically hours and minutes and/or military time)
  • Scratch and/or glare resistant crystal
  • Some water resistance

If you prefer a certain type of dial or need a specific level of water resistance, you won’t have trouble finding a watch that fits your needs.

There are plenty of field watches to choose from, and most of them have that rugged, functional aesthetic you’re looking for.

Best Small Field Watches

Here are our 16 favorite field watches for small wrists. Use the table to sort by price, or scroll for more details about each watch.

Glycine Combat 6 Classic 36mm

With a clean dial, date window, 38 hour power reserve and lots of lume, there’s a lot to like about this little field watch from Glycine.

GLYCINE COMBAT 6 CLASSIC 36MM
Glycine Combat 6 Classic 36mm | Available at Jomashop
  • Price: Sold Out
  • Model: 3916.19.LBK9
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Case Thickness: 10.45mm
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire

As of 2016, Glycine is part of the Invicta group, but the Swiss brand dates back to 1914 and has plenty of heritage.

For example, its Airman line was worn by American pilots during the Vietnam War and by astronaut Charles “Pete” Conrad during his record setting mission to space (Gemini 5).

The Combat 6 is available in a variety of dial colors and bracelet/strap styles (I like the black dial with black leather strap shown above).

Hamilton Khaki Field Officer Mechanical 38mm

Speaking of brands with military heritage, you can’t talk about field watches without mentioning Hamilton.

Hamilton Khaki Field Officer Mechanical 38mm
Hamilton Khaki Field Officer Mechanical 38mm | Available at Jomashop
  • Price: $347 (30% off)
  • Model: H69429901
  • Case Size: 38mm
  • Case Thickness: 9.5mm
  • Movement: Mechanical
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire

I wear this particular watch 2-3 days a week, at least. It’s one of my favorite small watches, and it presents tremendous value for the price.

Swiss made? Check. American heritage? Check. Mechanical movement? Yes sir!

There’s actually a newer version of this hand-winding watch that features a cleaner no date dial, but I kind of prefer the original.

Either way, you’re getting a Swiss made mechanical watch from a cool brand for less than $500, which is pretty awesome.

The stock strap is a sturdy canvas with reinforced holes that match the bead-blasted finish of the case, but this watch also looks great on leather or NATO straps.

The mechanical movement keeps the case height nice and short (or thin), so it sits close to your wrist, which makes the somewhat long lug width more manageable.

I only wish the Khaki Mechanical had more water resistance. That would make it a true beater that you don’t have to worry about.

Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 33mm

By today’s ridiculous standards, this is a tiny watch. At 33mm in diameter and 9mm thick, it’s smaller than most men’s watches on the market — definitely more of a unisex size.

Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 33mm 1
Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz 33mm | Available at hamiltonwatch.com
  • Price: $426
  • Model: H68311533
  • Case Size: 33mm
  • Case Thickness: 9mm
  • Movement: Swiss Quartz (Battery-Powered)
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire Crystal Scratch Resistant

I personally think it’s a great size, and I’d definitely wear it proudly on my 6 1/3 inch wrist.

Its clean design features large Arabic hour markers around the outer dial and smaller military time markers around the inside.

The date window at 3 o’clock and subtle branding above at 12 and 6 add some flare to the dial without overcomplicating things.

This is the kind of watch that disappears on your wrist (in a good way). If you have very thin wrists (less than 6 inches), this little Hamilton is a great choice.

Casio MTPS100-1BV 36mm

This watch isn’t for everyone. The orange and black dial could be difficult to read, especially at night.

Casio MTPS100 1BV 36mm 1
Casio MTPS100-1BV 36mm
  • Price: Sold Out
  • Model: MTP-S100-1BV
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Case Thickness: 9mm
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case Material: Metal
  • Crystal: Mineral

But with a solar powered movement, 36mm case and sub $40 price tag, there’s a lot to like, even if it’s just a summer beater for that beach trip.

Fossil FSW1007 Self-Illuminating Field Watch 38mm

Wait, what’s that? Fossil sells a Swiss made automatic watch with a 38mm case and two year warranty?

Fossil FSW1007 Self Illuminating Field Watch 38mm
Fossil FSW1007 Self-Illuminating Field Watch 38mm
  • Price: Currently out of Stock
  • Model: FSW1007
  • Case Size: 38mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm
  • Movement: Swiss automatic
  • Case Material: Sapphire, Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Antireflective-sapphire

Cool. Too cool, actually…

Because they don’t make this watch anymore, so you’ll have to buy it secondhand. But you can find it for around $300, which is a steal.

Too bad Fossil seems to be chasing trends set by all the fashion watch brands these days 🙁

Bertucci A-1T 36mm

A relatively new (2003) American watch brand, Bertucci has earned a reputation for producing reliable, vintage inspired field watches at very reasonable prices.

Bertucci A 1T 36mm 1
Bertucci A-1T 36mm | Available at bertucciwatches.com
  • Price: $220
  • Model:
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Case Thickness:
  • Movement:
  • Case Material:
  • Crystal: Scratch resistant hardened mineral glass crystal

The A-1T is no exception. With an accurate Swiss made quartz movement, 100 meter water resistance, three year warranty and stock Horween leather band, it’s an extremely practical choice.

Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E 37mm

This is one of the only field watches on this list with a day-date complication, which definitely sets it apart.

Citizen Chandler BM8180 03E
Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E 37mm | Available at Jomashop
  • Price: $129 (43% off)
  • Model: BM8180-03E
  • Case Size: 37mm
  • Case Thickness: 9mm
  • Movement: Eco-Drive
  • Case Material: Brushed Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Mineral

It’s Eco-Drive movement means that it won’t need a battery, ever, and the 100 meter water resistance means you can take it swimming or wear it in the shower (no judgement).

This watch has a 4.6/5 star rating with over 120 reviews on Citizen’s website, along with a five year warranty.

Momentum Atlas 32mm

Since 1980, Momentum has strived to make durable, lightweight watches for active people at reasonable prices.

Momentum Atlas 32MM Titanium with White Dial
Momentum Atlas 32mm | Available at momentumwatch.com
  • Price: $175
  • Model: 1M-SP00BS2B
  • Case Size: 32mm
  • Case Thickness: 10mm
  • Movement: Quartz
  • Case Material: Titanium
  • Crystal: Sapphire

One thing that sets the Atlas apart from other watches on this list is the water resistance. A locking screw-down crown provides 100M water resistance, so feel free to take this little guy surfing.

And if you want something even smaller, they make a 32mm version too.

Seiko SNK807 37mm

This is a great little automatic watch with a military aesthetic that won’t break the bank. In fact, at less than $60, it’s one of the best entry-level, small automatic watches you can buy.

Seiko Men s SNK807 Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Canvas Band
Seiko SNK807 37mm | Available at Amazon
  • Price: $88.98 (54% off)
  • Model: SNK807
  • Case Size: 37mm
  • Case Thickness: 11mm
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistant Hardlex

Pick your favorite dial color, and get yourself some extra straps with all that money you’re saving. These little Seiko’s look especially good on NATO straps.

If you want to see the green dial version of this watch in real life, check out my Seiko SNK805 video review.

Timex Expedition Camper 38mm

If you live by the mantra of “function over form” then the Expedition Camper is for you.

Timex Expedition Camper 38mm 1
Timex Expedition Camper 38mm | Available at timex.com
  • Price: Currently not available
  • Model: T49713
  • Case Size: 38mm
  • Case Thickness: 10mm
  • Movement: Japanese Quartz
  • Case Material: Resin
  • Crystal: Acrylic

At 38mm it flatters almost any wrist, and every little detail was designed with practicality in mind.

From the 100M water resistance to the resin case to the INDIGLO Night-Light dial, the Expedition has you covered no matter where you are.

Plus, it’s like $35 on sale. If you don’t have a beater, this watch is for you.

Timex Expedition Scout 36mm

If the Expedition’s velcro strap isn’t doing it for you (fair enough), or you just want something a bit smaller, the 36mm Scout is a great choice.

Timex Expedition Scout 36mm 1
Timex Expedition Scout 36mm | Available at timex.com
  • Price: Currently not available
  • Model: TW4B11000JT
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Case Thickness: 9mm
  • Movement: Quartz Analog
  • Case Material: Brass
  • Crystal: Mineral Glass

It only has 50M water resistance, but it still has the INDIGLO dial and QuickDate feature (easy to set date).

Plus, it comes on a leather strap, which makes it more suitable for everyday wear, like to work or out with friends.

Marathon General Purpose Quartz 34mm

If you haven’t heard of Marathon, just know that they’re one of the only companies in the world that holds an active contract with the United States Department of Defense.

Black General Purpose Quartz 34mm
Marathon General Purpose Quartz 34mm | Available at Marathon website marathonwatch.com
  • Price: $234
  • Model: WW194009BK
  • Case Size: 34mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm
  • Movement: High torque quartz • ETA FØ6 Movement
  • Case Material: Composite 316L Stainless Steel Back
  • Crystal: Sapphire

That’s right: since 1941, Marathon has been making reliable, military-grade (literally) watches for the American and Canadian Armed Forces.

This particular watch features an ETA quartz movement, 34mm case and 16mm strap – perfect for small wrists.

Marathon General Purpose Mechanical 34mm

The mechanical version of the 34mm General Purpose line, this is also a literal mil-spec piece that features a “lightweight high impact fibreshell case” and Tritium gas tubes that “glow with no need to be charged by an external light source”.

Black General Purpose Mechanical 34mm
Marathon General Purpose Mechanical 34mm | Available at marathonwatch.com
  • Price: $324
  • Model: WW194003BK-NGM
  • Case Size: 34mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm
  • Movement: Swiss Automatic
  • Case Material: Resin
  • Crystal: Sapphire

We’re sold, although a bit more water resistance would be nice.

Rolex Explorer 36mm

Technically a luxury watch, the Rolex Explorer is one of the most understated Rolexes you can buy. Unlike the Submariner or Datejust, most people won’t even notice that this is a Rolex.

Rolex Explorer 36mm
Rolex Explorer 36mm | Available at Chrono24
  • Price: $4500-$19900
  • Model: 14270
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Case Thickness: 11.5mm
  • Movement: Automatic
  • Case Material: Steel
  • Crystal: Sapphire

The 36mm Explorer is a total grail for me. It’s so clean and functional, but it’s still a luxury piece. In my opinion, it’s way cooler than the more eye-catching Explorer II.

This could truly comprise your one watch collection.

CWC British Military G10 36mm

Think of this as the British version of the Marathon General Purpose field watch.

CWC British Military G10 36mm 2
CWC British Military G10 36mm | Available at cwcwatch.com
  • Price: $349
  • Model: 80034T
  • Case Size: 38mm case incl. crown, 36.5mm without crown
  • Case Thickness: 18mm
  • Movement: Quartz ETA 955.102 movement
  • Case Material: Stainless steel
  • Crystal: Acrylic

Steeped in British military history, CWC has been making field watches since 1980.

This one features a quartz ETA movement and 18mm NATO strap. Not bad for 199 pounds!

L.L. Bean Katahdin 36mm Field Watch

I don’t know what’s more impressive about this watch: the fast that it was assembled in Switzerland or the full-grain leather band.

L.L. Bean Katahdin 36mm Field Watch
L.L. Bean Katahdin 36mm Field Watch | Available at llbean.com
  • Price: $149
  • Model: XQ507691
  • Case Size: 36mm
  • Case Thickness:
  • Movement:
  • Case Material:
  • Crystal:

This is like a souped up version of the Timex Weekender, and it’s an under-the-radar steal at $149.


What’s your favorite field watch? Leave a comment below!

Accessories Buying Guides, field watches, small watches

Related Posts

Best Citizen Watches for Men
11 Best Citizen Watches for Men (2023 Guide)
best amazon watch - featured
17 of the Best Men’s Watches on Amazon (2023 Guide)
Omega Seamaster 36mm
7 of the Best Dive Watches for Small Wrists
Smart watches for small wrists
Top 4 Best Smart Watches For Small Wrists [2023 Guide]

About Brock McGoff

The Modest Man founder, Brock is an aspiring minimalist who enjoys working out, spending time with his family, discovering new brands and creating great content.

Background: Brock McGoff has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a professional background in digital marketing. He believes that men's fashion is just one facet of self-improvement, and he started The Modest Man to help regular guys feel more confident by improving their appearance.

An east coast native, Brock currently lives in Arizona with his wife and daughter. When he's not working, he spends time with family, training BJJ, reading/listening to books and podcasts, and unsuccessfully trying to decide which movie to stream.

Expertise: Brock has built a men's lifestyle YouTube channel with over 400k subscribers. He's also worked as the creative marketing manager in a men's apparel startup. Brock has been quoted in, mentioned by or featured in publications like Esquire, Huff Post, Men's Health, WWD and Forbes.

More Articles by This Author

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download). No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Ask Me Anything Cancel reply

    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. nopenopenope says

    July 9, 2022 at 12:56 pm

    Back in the 90s my unit on Ft Bragg had some Timex watches left to issue. Unfortunately complete garbage & it stopped working. The Ironman was the only series that really stood up to daily wear. After my first G-Shock I never wore another Timex during field ops or deployments. Did lose one over St Mere-Eglise drop zone when my parachute riser caught on the strap & popped the watch off. I like to think it fell 1000 ft onto the DZ & kept on working until the battery gave out.

    Reply
  2. James says

    October 3, 2021 at 9:56 pm

    Timex expedition scouts have got to be the best entry level field watch I’ve ever owned. Priced for anyone, comfortable, and as durable as you’d expect a field watch to be. For those looking for something smaller than 40mm I recently came across a watch designated as “SPG military inspired field watch”. It seems to get it’s inspiration from the Vietnam era field watches. It’s function is about the same as Timex though I think with the indiglo function Timex is a bit better but the SPG comes with a full stainless steel case. Do check it out in a Google search.

    Reply
  3. Supes Critic says

    May 18, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    Smiths PRS29a. You’re welcome.

    IMO, field watches have to be antimagnetic. Given all the magnetic fields we have nowadays, and the fact that “field watches” don’t do anything special, then the least they can do is not be affected by magnetism.

    Reply
    • Mark Leicester says

      July 1, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      Great article and very encouraging, since I own three of the watches you mention (not the Rolex). Your descriptions of the ones I’m familiar with are very accurate.

      Reply
  4. Jon says

    July 12, 2019 at 9:20 pm

    I got the Citizen Eco Drive a year ago and wear it all the time. I replaced the uncomfortable strap with a NATO. Understated and elegant.

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Join the Club

Never miss a post, plus grab this free guide (instant download).

No spam. Ever.

Subscribe Now

Top 5 Favorites for Fall & Winter 2022

  1. Thursday Boots Captain – still the best Goodyear-welted boot under $200 (full review here) 🥾
  2. Matte for Men SPF Lotion – because you should be using moisturizer with SPF
  3. Darn Tough Wool Socks – possibly the best boot socks you can buy 🧦
  4. Hamilton Khaki Mechanical – perfect everyday mechanical watch under $500 (Amazon/Jomashop)
  5. Flint & Tinder Waxed Jacket – great fit, perfect weight for fall 👍🏼

Trending Articles

Men over 40 style

How to Dress Well In Your 40s and 50s (and Beyond)

Fashion brands for short men

Where to Buy Clothes for Short Men (2022 Guide)

Seiko 5 SNK805

31 Great Watches For Small Wrists (Updated for 2023)

Best Business Casual Shoes for Men

Top 8 Best Business Casual Shoes for Men (2023 Guide)

Business casual outfits

The Complete Guide to Business Casual Style for Men

Topics

  • Clothing & Style
  • Outfit Ideas
  • Fitness
  • Product Reviews
  • Dating & Confidence
  • Grooming
  • Men of Modest Height
  • Income Reports

Footer

The Modest Man logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Home • Blog • Resources • Contact • Advertise

 

Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure • Terms & Conditions

 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Copyright © 2023 The Modest Man (Registered Trademark)