The best field watch under $2000 will always be a contentious topic. At this price point, the market is highly saturated and it’s packed with competition. I’ve always recognized the Sinn 556i as the best bang-per-buck timepiece under $2000, and that’s that. However, it’s an older model and Sinn hasn’t exactly kept it updated throughout the years. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still king, but there is a young hungry lion that’s very close to taking that throne.
Well the lion itself is Christopher Ward, who has been on an absolute tear lately. Their Sandhurst Series 2 is seriously up there when considering the best field watch under $2000. Compared to the Sinn, the case finishing and bracelet quality feel like a luxurious step up. I’ve got to say, all emotions aside, the Sandhurst Series 2 does feel like a more premium timepiece.
Ministry of Defence Approved
It isn’t a secret how Christopher Ward started their watchmaking journey, but how did they get honored by the British Armed Forces? Out of all the watch brands in the world, only five are licensed to carry the official military insignias. Some notable names include Casio, Breitling, Bremont, and of course, Christopher Ward. Now this partnership doesn’t mean the British Military is issuing Sandhurst’s to the army, it’s more so the rights to carry their logos. For a brand like Christopher Ward, who doesn’t have much of a historical background? It’s a smart marketing move for their military-inspired timepieces.
Five unique models make up Christopher Ward’s military offering. The C60 Lymstone, C65 Cranwell 2, C64 Colchester, C65 Dartmouth 2, and my favourite, the Sandhurst series 2. Carrying the badge of the British Army, the Sandhurst draws its inspiration from a British classic, the Smiths W10. Back in the mid-century, Smith was one of the major suppliers of field watches to the British Military. The iconic W10 made Smiths a common household name when it came to watches.

With the Sandhurst Series 2, Christopher Ward has not only managed to “revive” a mid-century icon, but they were also able to improve it by combining it with modern engineering. The Sandhurst is a great example of how a traditional dial design can be encapsulated in a modern way.
Christopher Ward Sandhurst Series 2 Dimensions
Case size: 38mm
Lug to lug: 44mm
Thickness: 12mm
Lug width: 20mm
Case: Mixture of brushed & polished surfaces
Dial: Textured matte black dial
Crystal: Box domed sapphire crystal
Movement: COSC Sellita SW-200
Water Resistant: 150m / 15ATM
Strap: Stainless steel bader bracelet
Case
I don’t hide the fact that I love these Lightcatcher cases from Christopher Ward. It’s so easy for brands nowadays to recreate some variant of the classic Oyster case. But Christopher Ward? Nah, they’ll design a case with their own identity and then trademark it. Compared to the case of the C63 Sealander, the Sandhurst Series 2 feels more robust and tough. There is a sense of ruggedness and vigor that almost inspires me to go to a battlefield and fight for… more watches?

Here is what I love about Christopher Ward, they didn’t just slap the W10 dial on the Sealander case. They put in the effort to create a Sandhurst case, and while it is based on the Lightcatcher case, it has its unique characteristics. It’s the minor details, like the box domed sapphire crystal to give it that vintage warmth. And the slightly larger bezel that makes the case that much more proportionate.

Perhaps the coolest feature of the Sandhurst 2.0 is the British Army logo on the solid caseback. Who knows how many hoops Christopher Ward had to jump through to get the approval, but it is a cool touch. Sure it’s “gimmicky”, but who’s going to complain? And if it just so happens that you’re British? Then it’s the best field watch under $2000 with no real alternative/competition.
Dial & Hands
What makes the Sandhurst the best field watch under $2000? Well, how about the W10 dial that was officially issued to the British military back in the mid-century? Yes yes, Christopher Ward didn’t design the W10 and this is merely an homage to the OG Smiths W10. But that’s the whole intention to begin with, and it’s not entirely a one-to-one copy.

Compared to the OG W10, the Sandhurs sports a subtle textured black dial. It’s done so subtly that you can’t even see it without being under direct studio lighting conditions. Under natural lighting, it seems like a regular matte black dial, but you can tell there’s something more to be discovered. I’m not a fan of textured dials, but this one here is very refined.
Instead of the skinny stick hands on the Smiths W10, Christopher Ward opted for a big and bold angular handset. Filled with old radium, the triangle hour hand alongside the broadsword minute hand makes the dial legible. I suppose it is a field watch after all.
The bracelet on the best field watch under $2000
For a watch to be considered the “best” under a certain category, it’s got to have a stellar supporting cast. For the Sandhurst, that’s the Bader bracelet, which I think is the king in the affordable luxury category. The Bader bracelet follows a classic three-link Oyster-style and tapers from 20mm to 18mm. Simply put, the quality of these bracelets from Christopher Ward is just outstanding. Every inch and every component is solid and made with the highest QC standards.

How many watches under $2000 have their own on-the-fly adjustment clasp? Okay, how many of them are this user-friendly? You know, nothing annoys me more than buying an “expensive” watch and not getting a good fit on the bracelet. With the Sandhurst and the Bader bracelet? You’re guaranteed to find the perfect fit.
Comfort & Wearability
Christopher Ward never lets you down if you’ve got skinny wrists. Their range of case sizes reminds me of a buffet spread, you’re never short on quality options. With the Sealander 36, I found it to be slightly dressier, and it was a little small, even for me. It felt dainty, which is the result of the size and the styling cues. With the Sandhurst, it certainly looks larger, but it wears more comfortably and looks more proportionate on the wrist. With the Sealander 36, you can tell it’s meant to be a “small” watch. But the Sandhurst is a well-sized timepiece that’s in that Goldilocks zone.

The Sandhurst feels like a tougher big brother compared to the Sealander line, which I seriously enjoy. It’s a field watch that you can easily wear as a daily driver. It’s not as dressy as the Sealander 36, nor is it sporty like the Sealander 39, it’s a completely different style. Again, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re looking for a generic black dial daily wear. In saying all that, there’s no occasion where the Sandhurst would feel out of place.
Best field watch under $2000: Any competition?

If you’re into field watches, this can easily be your one-and-done. In the current market, this is the best field watch under $2000. The Sinn 556i is a close competitor, with respectable brand history and a unique design. But that’s where the advantages stop. In terms of case finishing, movement, and bracelet, the Sandhurst has the Sinn 556i beat in most aspects. The Sandhurst is also a better wear on my skinny wrists, ever so slightly thinner than the 556.
The next closest competition is the Longines Spirit 37, but that’s almost double the price. Even then, the Sandhurst wouldn’t be out of place going head-to-head with an almost $3k Longines. Oh and not to mention I’d bet on the Sandhurst to go against a $5k IWC entry-level pilot watch.
So? If you’re looking for a luxury field watch without paying premium prices, then seriously consider the Sandhurst Series 2.
Sandhurst Series 2: Closing Thoughts
Aesthetics: It’s a classic W10 dial on a modern Lightcatcher case with ridiculous finishing regardless of the price. It’s seriously hard not to enjoy the Sandhurst if you’re a fan of field watches.
Comfort: Perfectly wearable 38mm case diameter, lugs hugging the wrists nicely, and a high-quality bracelet that’ll guarantee you a perfect fit. What else is there to ask for?
Price: At USD$1,300, it’s by no means cheap, but it is an affordable luxury that justifies the amount of money you’ll invest.