It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
The classic field watch is arguably one of the most versatile watches you can have on your wrist. Inspired by the A-11 military standard that defined the field watch during World War II, the Redwood Field v3 solar watch takes it up a notch by combining historical heritage, rugged durability, and modern technology in one package.
The A-11 military standard was established in the 1940s to provide detailed specifications for a field watch that could withstand the harsh conditions of war. The A-11 watch was issued to the USAAF and later to infantry and ground forces. It had a simple and legible dial, a reliable manual-wound movement, a waterproof and dustproof case, and a stop-seconds function to synchronize time with the commanding officer.
The Redwood Field v3 watch pays homage to the A-11 watch, also known as “the watch that won the war,” by retaining its essential features and design elements. However, it also improves upon it by using modern materials, dimensions, and technology.
The Redwood Field v3 watch case is made of stainless steel with a brushed finish. It has a modern diameter of 40mm, larger than the original A-11 watches, which were around 32-33mm. The case has massive drilled lugs for easy strap changing. The case also has an oversized screw-down crown for easy operation and water resistance. The crystal of the Redwood Field v3 watch is made of sapphire, which is one of the hardest materials available. It’s flat and 1.5mm thick, minimizing scratches and withstandstanding water pressure. It is also mounted with special seals to ensure water tightness.
The Redwood Field v3 watch has a 100M/330ft water resistance rating, suitable for swimming and snorkeling. This is achieved by using a screw-down crown and caseback, together with high-quality seals.
Powering the Redwood Field v3 watch is a solar-powered movement, so it doesn’t require any batteries or external power sources. It can run for up to six months on a single charge from sunlight or artificial light. Each available dial of the Redwood Field v3 watch (black, white, stealth, and olive) is high-contrast and minimalist, with large numerals and markers for easy reading. They’re coated with Super-LumiNova pigments that glow in the dark for low-light visibility.
All Redwood Field v3 watches come with a heritage-inspired watch roll that can hold up to six watches. The roll is made of olive drab cotton canvas with leather trim inspired by the M42 field jacket, making it a secure and convenient way to store and carry your watches.
What we like: It’s a tribute to the history and legacy of the A-11 watch but also a reflection of the innovation and craftsmanship of Redwood.
What to watch out for: A 40mm diameter case might be too big for some wrists, but the clean bezel lets it wear slightly smaller than the advertised size.
Final verdict: The Redwood Field v3 should be on your shortlist if you’re looking for a simple, no frills field watch with a highly legible dial and versatile styling.
