This Simple, Stylish Japanese Field Watch Is Even More Affordable than a Timex

With a jaw-droppingly low price, Seiko movement and four handsome military-inspired colorways, this beater watch is a hell of a bargain.

Naval Watch x Maison Club Mil 08 Field Watch closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published July 3, 2025

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Updated July 3, 2025

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One of the big beauties of field watches is their simplicity. Sure, there have been some positively opulent examples over the years. But true field watches — at least ones fit for their original purpose (military use) — are as stripped down and minimalist as it gets.

They’re also usually among the most affordable watches on the market. That said, the Naval Watch x Maison Club Mil.-08 is a jaw-dropping bargain, even by Timex standards.

Naval Watch x Maison Club Mil 08 Field Watch tan on table with EDC items — The thick case is made from durable PVC, and it boasts ultra-tough polycarbonate instead of a traditional crystal.

Fit for duty

The Mil.-08 is anything but fancy, but that actually works in its favor. This watch is a purpose-built device designed for one purpose and one purpose alone: telling time.

To that end, it’s powered by a Seiko-made TMI Cal. Y121 quartz movement that’s simple, reliable and accurate. It’s housed inside a thick PVC case that’s both lightweight and durable.

The Mil.-08 is anything but fancy, but that actually works in its favor.

Uniquely, the watch eschews a more traditional crystal (like mineral) for a polycarbonate window. Again, this serves to add some durability — polycarbonate is the same material used in bulletproof glass — while also keeping the costs down.

The dial is minimalist while still being easy to read, relying on simple numerals, a minute scale and strategic lume at the hours and on the hands. Finally, the whole thing is finished off with a NATO-style nylon strap.

For all its money-saving elements, it’s still a damn good-looking timepiece, which likely has something to do with the Maison Club streetwear brand collaborating on it.

Naval Watch x Maison Club Mil 08 Field Watch gray dial closeup — The dial and three-hand scheme is incredibly simple, making it highly readable.

Unbelievably affordable

This watch is available in four distinct colorways, all of which are military-inspired. They include olive green, khaki, gray and black.

Whichever version you choose, they’re all priced exactly the same: $57. Yes, you read that right. That’s even cheaper than a Timex Weekender (a similar bargain-bin field watch).

Granted, Weekenders have metal cases, but it’s still pretty jaw-dropping to see a functional, stylish watch cost so little — especially one with a Japanese-made movement (even if it is quartz).

This isn’t a collector’s watch. It’s a reliable beater you can wear anywhere and do anything with without worrying about it.

There’s one small catch: international shipping is $28. Still, if you buy all four watches, you’re paying just a little over $250 total. If you like the style and you know what you’re getting, that’s still pretty exceptional.

This isn’t a collector’s watch. It’s a reliable beater you can wear anywhere and do anything with without worrying about it. Okay, so maybe water is a no-go, but you get the point.