Summer is the season for fun in the sun, being outdoors, and just enjoying life, so what’s better than wearing a watch to match whatever you’re doing? Swimming or diving? Great, then wear a dive watch! Traveling the world? Great, then wear a GMT watch? Heading to the mountains for a multi-day hike? Cool, but what to wear? Field watches immediately spring to mind, but I can go one better: a field watch with a compass bezel! With that in mind, here’s a quartet of field watches to guide you to where north, east, south, or west is, should you get lost on your adventures!

Before we buckle up and head out into the open world, it might be a good idea to do a little preparation. If you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere with no idea where to go, a watch with a compass bezel can literally be a lifesaver. But how does it work? How do you navigate with it? You’ll first need to show the hour hand towards the sun. Then set the bezel with the S (for south) to the position exactly between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock mark. Now you can figure out where what is and navigate your way to safety. (See bottom left)

Northern Hemisphere

Southern Hemisphere

Remember, this is when you are in the north Hemisphere! If you are in the South- Hemisphere, you aim the 12 o’clock mark towards the sun and adjust the bezel so that it points exactly between the noon mark and the hour hand N (for north). Of course, you must always hold your watch horizontally, otherwise you may end up in a completely different place than where you actually want to go! (See top right).

Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition

Hamilton’s Khaki Field collection is a very successful, long-running outdoor watch collection, but it was missing a key element to make it perfect for exploration. The Khaki Field Expedition fixes this problem with the introduction of a bidirectional rotating compass bezel. The four cardinal directions are reduced on the bezel, with markings in between to help you find your way quickly. It comes in two sizes, with multiple dial colors and a range of straps and bracelets. The movement is the automatic H-10, Hamilton’s version of the Swatch Group’s Powermatic 80 caliber. Prices range from 1,065 euros To 1,195 euros.

For more information, visit HamiltonWatch.com.

Quick Facts – 37mm or 41mm x 11.5mm – Brushed stainless steel case – Rotating compass bezel – Sapphire crystal front and back – 100m water resistant – Matte white, navy blue or black dial – Luminous hands and markers – Caliber H-10, self-winding – 21,600 vph – 80-hour power reserve – Nivachron balance spring – Hours, minutes, seconds – NATO-style textile strap, leather strap or stainless steel bracelet (white and black dial only) – Price between 1,065 euros And 1,195 euros

Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB377 and SPB379

About a year ago, Seiko added GMT functionality to its emblematic explorer watch, the Prospex Alpinist. Although it is an Office GMT and not a Traveller GMT, it added a lot of versatility and functionality to the watch. The SPB377 in blue and the SPB379 in black received a 24-hour scale and a central GMT hand. Of course, it also features an internal compass bezel that can be adjusted by turning the secondary crown at 4′. This is even more precise compared to other types of compass bezels as it has a printed scale that makes navigation even easier. Both are worn on leather straps and are available at retail. 1,200 euros.

For more information, visit SeikoWatches.com.

Quick Facts – 39.5mm x 13.6mm – Stainless steel case – Fixed 24-hour bezel – Sapphire crystal front and back – Screw-down crown with second crown for the inner compass bezel – 200m water resistant – Blue or black dial – Central hour, minute, second and GMT hands – Caliber 6R54, in-house automatic – 24 jewels – 21,600 vph – 72-hour power reserve – Blue or black smooth leather strap with steel folding clasp – 1,200 euros

Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Carbo² 0 Oxygen limited edition

With the 1858 Geosphere collection, Montblanc has seriously ventured into the world of mountaineering. This latest edition, limited to 1969 pieces, has an oxygen-free CARBO² case with a luminous outline drawing of Mont Blanc in the case band. At the top is a rotating titanium and ceramic compass bezel with a titanium caseback that features a laser-engraved image of the summit of Mont Blanc. It also features a dual hemisphere worldtimer display, a day/night indicator, a second time zone counter at 9′ and the date, thanks to the MB29.25 movement. It is worn on a black rubber strap with a folding clasp and interchangeable system and retails for $1,000. 8,900 euros.

For more information, visit Montblanc.com.

Quick Facts – 43.5 mm x 13 mm – Case made of oxygen-free, recycled CARBO² carbon – Engraved luminous outline of Mont Blanc – Compass bezel – Sapphire crystal – Titanium case back with 3D laser engraving of Mont Blanc – Black and white sfumato glacier dial – Cathedral hour and minute hands – MB29.25 (Sellita SW300 base) – In-house world time complication – Approx. 42 hours power reserve – Black rubber strap with folding clasp and interchangeable system – Limited to 1969 pieces – 8,900 euros

Bremont Terra Nova 40.5 Rotating Bezel Power Reserve

Earlier this year, Bremont revamped much of its watch range and introduced a whole host of new models, including this Terra Nova 40.5 Turning Bezel Power Reserve. The name says it all, and it’s actually quite a complete package. The dial features massive luminous blocks and displays the central hours and minutes, small seconds, date and power reserve. On top of the stainless steel case is a rotating compass bezel with black markings to help you find your way. It’s available with a stainless steel bracelet, leather or NATO straps, and prices range from either 4,150 euros or 4,450 euros.

For more information, visit Bremont.com.

Quick Facts – 40.5 mm x 11.91 mm – Brushed and polished stainless steel case – Sapphire crystal – Sealed case back – 100 m water resistant – Anthracite or blue dial with 3D Super-LumiNova numerals and indices – BE-79AL, automatic movement (Sellita base) – 28,800 vph – 41-hour power reserve – Stainless steel bracelet with quick release 4,450 euros – Nubuck leather strap 4,150 euros – NATO strap 4,150 euros