Design 
Quality of Materials 
Value for Money 
Craftsmanship 
Packaging As someone who appreciates both the rugged outdoors and the sophistication of a well-crafted timepiece, I was immediately drawn to the Wasson Field Watch.
I love getting into the great outdoors, and there’s nothing like going on an adventure with a timepiece you love.
I’d heard a lot about this piece, so I decided to get my hands on it and give it a detailed review.
These are my thoughts.
Overview
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Richardson, Texas, Wasson Watch Co. has already developed a reputation for its transparency, build quality and craftsmanship at the sub $1,000 price point for microbrands.
My favorite part about Wasson’s origin story is that they wanted a specific type of watch but couldn’t find it so they started the company to make it themselves. That whole “if you can’t find it, build it” type of thing. The entrepreneur in me just eats that kind of stuff up.
This Wasson Automatic Field Watch features the reliable Ronda R150 movement, encased in a durable 316L stainless steel body, and protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
It stands out in the crowded tool watch market with its price positioning and versatile blend of Swiss precision and robust design.
Things to Consider Before Buying
If you’re in the market for a time and date tool-watch with a substantial wrist presence that’s as elegant as it is rugged, you’ve landed in a very good place with the Wasson Field.
However, if you’re looking to spend less than $500 (and thus not quite get the finishing quality that you get here), or you’re looking for a watch with more complications, you might want to explore other options.
The Wasson Watch Co Automatic Field Watch combines tried-and-true construction with modern, character-defining features. Uniquely, this allows you to wear it with any outfit and with a wide range of fashion tastes.
Unboxing & Review
First Impression and Style
My first impression honestly was that I love the packaging and unboxing experience. You get the watch, which is obviously the most exciting part.
But you also get a NATO strap and a sweet leather travel case with some tools in it.
The leather case is exceptionally nice and will make a great travel companion.
But let’s not get too carried away with the details. The Wasson Field Watch is more bold than most field watches. It’s larger, but still has a rugged simplicity in its design. There’s nothing too flashy about this watch, but at the same time, with a case width of 42.6mm it’s not exactly flying under the radar, either.
Case
Regarding the 42.6mm size of the watch, it’s a bit on the larger side for my taste, but at a reasonable 50mm lug to lug distance, it’s a fit on my 7¼ inch wrist with no lug overhang.
In the realm of field watches, it’s interestingly larger than the norm, which adds a distinct character to its appearance.
I’m not a particularly big guy, so initially, I had my doubts about the size.
However, after wearing it, I’ve grown to appreciate its presence on my wrist. It’s substantial without being overwhelming (the modest 11mm thickness plays a role here) and has a certain boldness that I’ve come to like.
Sure, a smaller size might be more traditional for a field watch, but this one stands out in a good way. It’s a noticeable piece without being too imposing, striking a nice balance between being prominently stylish and comfortably wearable.
Overall, I find myself quite fond of it. The size might not be for everyone, but for me, it works well, lending a unique and modern edge to the classic field watch design.
Crystal
The Wasson Field Watch has a flat sapphire crystal. If you’re not already familiar, sapphire is renowned for being the toughest kind of scratch-resistant crystal within a sensible budget.
Sure, there are harder crystals out there, but they demand a hefty wallet, think in the ballpark of $20,000. Just chump change, right?
Now, back down to earth: sapphire crystals are the pinnacle choice for watchmaking. Although a domed crystal would add extra flair to the Wasson Field Watch, the flat sapphire glass provided is still a mark of high quality and I’m quite content with it.
Movement
Starting off, the R150 is Ronda’s comeback kid in the mechanical movement scene. They showed it off first at Baselworld 2016, and it was a pretty big deal considering they’d been out of the mechanical game for a while.
Now, about the R150 itself: It’s a Swiss piece of work, measuring 26mm in diameter and 4.4mm in height. With 25 jewels, it ticks away at 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a 40-hour power reserve.
It’s got the usual stuff—hours, minutes, seconds, and a date at 3 o’clock. Plus, the winding is bidirectional, and you can wind it manually if you’re feeling old-school.
I like that Wasson has housed the movement in a see-through case-back as it’s somewhat rare for a field watch.
Overall, it’s a solid movement for smaller watch brands looking for that Swiss Made label. The R150 might not completely dazzle you, but it’s a reliable performer that gets the job done.
Bracelet
The bracelet on the Wasson is a nicely brushed 316L stainless steel, which is a match for the toolish dial. The look is simple yet classic. You can’t lose with this design.
I had massive difficulties swapping out the bracelet for the NATO strap, however. One side of the case has an easy-enough part to remove, but the other doesn’t. I’m not sure if that’s just my own ignorance, or if this was some kind of mistake.
In any case, I felt adding the NATO strap in the box was a bit ambitious because even I, with all my watch tools, couldn’t get the bracelet off to save my life (at least without damaging the watch.
Other than that, this watch was easy to resize and get to the perfect fit for my wrist.
The bracelet design is a simple folding clasp. It’s got a nice firm feel to it that is sturdy enough to hold up to any shenanigans I might get into while camping.
What Do Other Reviewers Say?
I scoped through the few dozen reviews on Wasson’s site and found that a recurring positive note across multiple reviews is the watch’s excellent build quality and design.
Customers mentioned the watch’s elegant yet rugged design, ease of reading the face, and the quality of materials like the sapphire bezel and stainless steel case.
On the negative side, one aspect that a few customers pointed out is the size of the watch.
While some customers find the 42mm size just right, others express a desire for smaller watch faces in future designs, indicating that for individuals with smaller wrists or preferences for more understated watches, the current size might feel slightly large.
Of course, you know if a 42mm watch is too big for your wrist or not already.
My Thoughts Overall
What I Like
- Versatile Design: The Wasson Field Watch strikes a fine balance between ruggedness for outdoor adventures and elegance for formal wear, with a dial design that’s unique enough to stand out.
- Quality Craftsmanship: The Swiss-made Ronda R150 movement and the robust 316L stainless steel case is beautifully finished and showcases the watch’s exceptional craftsmanship. The pricing is pretty much on the money for the quality of finishing here.
- Reliable Movement: Its Ronda R150 movement is precise and reliable while also allowing the entire design to achieve the coveted Swiss Made moniker.
- Thoughtful Accessories: The inclusion of a NATO strap and a high-quality leather travel case with tools adds a nice touch to the overall package, enhancing the whole experience.
What I Don’t Like
- Size Concerns: The 42mm case size might be slightly large for those who prefer a more understated or minimalist design, although the modest 11mm thickness helps to minimize this.
- Strap Swapping Difficulty: The process of swapping out the bracelet for the NATO strap was challenging for me. Although your mileage may vary, it may be a hindrance for anyone who likes to frequently change straps.
Who Is It For?
This watch is ideal for those on a sub $1,000 budget who love the toolish field watch design, but also want a watch that is thin and well finished enough to seamlessly transition to formal settings. Wasson is a watch-enthusiasts watchmaker and is well suited to those who like to stand out from the sea of the usual brands you see on everyone’s wrists, but still value the quality standards that comes with a Swiss made label.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a watch that combines the toughness required for outdoor adventures with the elegance needed for formal occasions, the Wasson Field Watch is an excellent choice.
However, if the size is a concern, or if you often switch straps, you might want to consider other options with more flexibility in these aspects.
To me, the Wasson Field Watch is a testament to the fusion of toolish durability and the more elegant side of the field watch style and I kinda dig that I’m unlikely to see another one in the wild.
I’m happy to have it in my small collection and I’m looking forward to building a bunch of adventurous memories with it.
The Wasson Watch Co Automatic Field Watch combines tried-and-true construction with modern, character-defining features. Uniquely, this allows you to wear it with any outfit and with a wide range of fashion tastes.
FAQs
Is the Wasson Field Watch suitable for formal occasions?
Yes, its elegant design and fine craftsmanship make it suitable for formal settings as well as outdoor adventures.
How does the size of the Wasson Field Watch compare to typical field watches?
The Wasson Field Watch has a 42mm case, which is slightly larger than many traditional field watches, giving it a distinct and bold appearance.
Can the straps on the Wasson Field Watch be easily changed?
While it comes with a NATO strap and the necessary tools, some users may find swapping the straps challenging, especially on one side of the case.
How does the Wasson Field Watch stand out in terms of timekeeping?
It features a Swiss-made Ronda R150 movement, known for its precise timekeeping and reliability, making it a dependable choice for both daily use and special occasions.
