Diving watch, aviator’s watch, military watch… All these categories honor reliable and robust timepieces, capable of withstanding sometimes extreme conditions. In short, everything one can expect from a toolwatch, a term very fashionable in contemporary watchmaking. Perhaps too much so.
But since these tool watches seem to have a very wide audience, a question arises: what is the best tool watch at the moment? Failing to provide a definitive answer, we offer you a selection of our 5 favorite (and affordable) current watches to set off on an adventure.
Actually, what is a toolwatch?
When you start to get interested in watchmaking, it’s a word that inevitably appears at one point or another. For a few years now, it has indeed become essential… even if it’s not always used appropriately. So, what exactly is a toolwatch? If you master the language of Shakespeare, you will have already translated it yourself: tool-watch.
Today, they are also referred to as adventure watch or fieldwatch. You will have understood, therefore, they are watches built for adventure, designed to last and withstand the most extreme conditions. Waterproof, antimagnetic, shockproof, scratchproof… Here are some of the characteristics of these toolwatches, which will therefore not be afraid to dive into the water nor to conquer the peaks or challenge the elements.
Seiko 5 Military
When we talk about toolwatch or military watch, the first example that often comes to mind is the Khaki Field from Hamilton (we’ll come back to this). Indeed, this Seiko 5 Military looks very similar, with its small 37mm steel case ideal for small wrists and its contrasting dial, with a military time display.
Topped with a Hardlex glass, this watch is not afraid of shocks or scratches, while the reliability of its in-house automatic movement is beyond doubt. Its nylon strap completes the toolkit of this adventurer’s watch, less fragile than it looks… and with an excellent price-quality ratio!
G-Shock Mudmaster
This is undoubtedly the archetype of the toolwatch. A sturdy and reliable watch in all circumstances… even if it means adopting a more questionable style. From this point of view, the G-Shock Mudmaster will hardly go unnoticed on your wrist with its 54.4 mm diameter carbon case (for a thickness of 16.1 mm). Its name, “master of mud” in French, is also there to testify to its ability to tackle all terrains.
The quartz movement is powered by photovoltaic cells placed on the dial, which capture light and power the watch’s display (even in the dark). In addition to the time, this Mudmaster also indicates altitude, atmospheric pressure, temperature and serves as a compass. In short, everything you need to go on an adventure without fear thanks to your watch!
Baltic Airtight Tourer
“Designed for exploration, built for daily wear.” This is how Baltic introduces its Hermétique collection and its first model named Tourer. Offered in 4 different colors, this field watch sports a very successful classic chic look.
Thus, we find the traditional 37mm steel case, with a very thin profile of 10.8mm. The crown, perfectly integrated into the case, contributes to the refined look of this model powered by an automatic Miyota 9039 movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
The dial, offered in green, blue, beige or brown, stands out for its readability with appliques and hands coated with Super-Luminova® C3 X1 or BGW9, “one of the most powerful luminescent materials in terms of intensity and durability” says Baltic.
Proof that it is just as comfortable on the field of operations as it is in the city, this Hermetic Tourer can be fitted with a Tropic rubber strap or a very beautiful rice grain metal bracelet.
Alpina Alpiner Extreme Chronograph Automatic
The toolwatch can also don a sporty outfit. This is the case with the Alpiner Extreme at Alpina, which has become the official watch of the Freeride World Tour.
This is the worthy successor of the Alpina 4, born in 1938, the name of which refers to the 4 fundamental properties of the model: shockproof, antimagnetic, waterproof, and stainless. Always in search of performance, the Alpiner Extreme is now equipped with a chronograph and remains comfortable on all terrains.
Offered with a blue dial or (our favorite) panda with black counters on a white background, the 2024 vintage takes back its 41×42.5 mm cushion-inspired case, which gives it a both sporty and vintage character. Driven by the Alpine AL-730 caliber, this watch can rely on a generous 62-hour power reserve.
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto
We mentioned it earlier, we couldn’t end this selection without mentioning the iconic Khaki Field from Hamilton. It too remains inspired by a model from the 1940s, even if this version sports a more contemporary look than ever before.
In this variation, the Khaki Field Expedition features a 41mm diameter steel case topped with a compass bezel. Powered by the excellent H-10 caliber, it can rely on 80 hours of power reserve and its screw-down crown protects the movement from all weather conditions. If we add to that a perfectly readable dial and a water resistance up to 100 meters (only), we get with this Hamilton watch the ideal modern tool watch, one that wonderfully combines style and robustness, for a very reasonable price.
As previously mentioned in this article, the term toolwatch is so widely used today that dozens of models could have been included in this article. From the elegant Concordia GMT from Charlie Paris, to the prestigious Milgauss and Yachtmaster by Rolex, through the timeless Captain Cook by Rado and the incomparable I.N.O.X by Victorinox (and its paracord bracelet) or the beautiful Aquaracer Professional by TAG Heuer, there really is something for everyone and every budget. And for you, which is the best toolwatch at the moment?