Following the highs and lows of the classic “general purpose” military field watch’s popularity merits a stock market like graph (we might even discover that there is a correlation). As far as I am concerned it is one of the few “must have” watches in anyone’s collection. Lightweight, uncomplicated and perfect whether you are at work or play.

There are many watchmakers that have actually made or make variations of this watch (i.e. Polar, IWC, Lemania, Omega, Heuer, Seiko, Smiths, Hamilton etc.), but today there are only a few that are still military suppliers as most of the world’s armed services no longer source standard issue watches and certainly not made by any of the leading manufacturers.

The few “official” suppliers left are the Marathon Watch Company (Richmond Hill, Canada), CWC – Cabot Watch Company (London, England) and MWC – Military Watch Company (Zurich, Switzerland). Mainly supplying “on demand” watches for specific divisions within the U.S., Canadian and British Armed Forces (as well as other military and law enforcement organizations), these manufactures make due by selling overstock or “civilian” versions to the general public through specialized surplus outfitters.

Although I do admire what Timex has done for J.Crew or what TOKYObay has going on with their “replica” military watches, for the same price (and often less) you can get the real deal.

If you want to treat yourself to something really special you can hunt down some N.O.S. in thrift stores or online. I got my own 1984 USAF issued Marathon (17 jewels, Tritium, manual etc.) online and have had it for several years now.

If you want to gussy it up a bit then there are plenty of colored NATO straps around to have a different one for each day of the week.