All indices and hands are large and very legible, which is ideal for underwater reading, even with murky conditions. Two of the models I tried (both in the Promaster series) have 200m of water resistance, which makes them eligible for diving with—this speaks to quality construction rarely found at their respective price points.

The BM8180-03E is also very light. With the strap, I weight it in at 47.60g, which is 2-3 times lighter than most other watches. We are now at the luxury end of our field watch list, and the IWC Spitfire delivers a level of prestige to this otherwise rough and tumble watch type. We like how the IWC Spitfire went with a more rugged and casual aesthetic with its khaki green strap and stainless-steel case. Now that you know a bit more about the Chandler, these pros and cons should help you make an informed decision about this watch. Earlier, we mentioned that Seiko manufactures mostly mechanical watches, while Citizen focuses more on quartz movements. Citizen is the clear winner of this matchup when it comes to longevity and accuracy. In the other corner, Seiko trumps Citizen in its appeal and design.

That being said, the Citizen Chandler might not be to everyone’s tastes. Some of you might not like its dark blue dial, or you may not be fans of its leather strap. For those of you who feel this way, fear not! There are a handful of field watches in the market that are just as affordable, stylish, and reliable. Take a look at three of the best alternatives to the Citizen Chandler that might be just up your alley. 1. Hamilton Khaki Field Ref. H69529933 The crown operation is pretty easy even if you don’t have any fingernails. It’s got a gnarled metal finish for easy gripping. It’s also protected by crown guards. The indices of a watch can influence the readability, especially for a busy dial. Between the two, the Nighthawk provides better readability and lume than Seiko’s Flightmaster. The two brands have been manufacturing watches for a long time, and through the ages, we’ve seen both Seiko and Citizen product stunning pieces. This modern field watch also utilizes a caliber NH36 24-jewel, the self-winding mechanical movement for an impressive and reliable precision. Ball Engineer II Green Berets Chronometer Automatic Watch (NM2028C)

Aesthetically, it pulls off the military look quite well. My one complaint is that it’s a bit predictable. That is to say, it doesn’t wow me with a new detail every time I look at it. It does what it does and nothing more. This is fairly typical for the price point.Citizen watches are an excellent choice for you if you prioritize value. They’re not the most flashy or unique (you’ll need to look at a microbrand to find more “off the wall” designs), but they’re reliable and don’t require much of any maintenance. Although Citizen no longer manufactures the Promaster model, it’s still a worthy timepiece to compare Seiko’s 5 Sea Urchin with. Personally, I don’t see that as an issue, but I do think that the strap design could use some work. I’m not a big fan of the metal grommets at each adjustment hole. Each watch brand puts a lot of effort into manufacturing its pieces. Seiko and Citizen also have an extensive line of watches with various styles, series, and sub-brands.

The luxury and premium appeal Seiko offers in its watches are undoubtedly high-quality. In this case, it mostly depends on what the user prefers and their budget. Verdict Both the Nighthawk and Flightmaster are stunning watches. In fact, we don’t believe there’s a clear winner. The happy occasion was just a few days away – my older sister Annette would be celebrating her fiftieth birthday this weekend. Annette was not one for grand celebrations but my brother and I decided to make her day special. The day was to be marked with a small party at her place with few friends and family. All the arrangements were complete but I had yet to get her a birthday gift. However, when it comes to high-end watches, Seiko has the Grand Seiko series while Citizen does not. The Citizen Promaster Diver has been on my wishlist for quite a while, and I’m excited to finally get one on my wrist.Additionally, the stainless-steel material used on the construction of the case has hypoallergenic qualities for those who have sensitive skin. The Field force also has 100-meter water resistance, making it a suitable timepiece for recreational marine activities such as swimming and snorkeling. Lum-Tec Combat B45 GMT Watch This was comparable to the size of a standard wristwatch at the time, and the compact design prevented snagging while maneuvering in the field. The mechanical watch buffs might not approve, but Citizen’s ability to create a high-quality solar-powered watch is undeniable. Cons

As you already know, the watch movement for each watch is also different, with the Promaster having more accuracy.I’ll be honest, I don’t know what half the stuff on the dial even means. There are markers along the internal bezel that seem to act as a fuel calculator, which is totally impractical for my purposes, but I love the over-complication. Regarding size, the Citizen Chandler has a case diameter of 37mm, while the Seiko 5 has a case diameter of 42mm. The silver-tone 42mm case helps give this watch a proper balance regarding its aesthetics, while the Hardlex crystal further enhances the durability with its scratch-resistant construction. The build of the case also shows the Seiko 5 Sports a solid 100-meter water resistance. This entry from Lum-Tec’s highly-rated Combat B series offers an expanded repertoire of features from your standard field watch with its GMT feature. In addition to the GMT functionality, the B45 also comes equipped with excellent MDV luminous technology for top-tier visibility.