First Impressions of Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass immediately strikes me as a timepiece built for purpose. It’s not trying to be flashy or overly stylish; instead, it exudes a sense of rugged reliability, promising to be a tool as much as an accessory. The Armourlite brand has carved out a niche for itself by producing incredibly durable and highly visible watches, and this model seems to follow that tradition.
I was in the market for a dependable watch that could withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures and tactical training. My previous watch, a popular digital model, failed spectacularly during a week-long backpacking trip due to a cracked screen. I needed something tougher, more reliable, and, crucially, easy to read in any lighting condition.
Upon unboxing, the Armourlite Field Series AL111 feels solid and well-constructed. The 42mm stainless steel case has a reassuring weight, but it’s not overly bulky on the wrist. The genuine leather strap feels comfortable and looks durable, and the shatterproof Armourglass crystal gives an immediate impression of invulnerability.
I considered a few other field watches from brands like Marathon and Traser. Ultimately, I chose the Armourlite due to the combination of the Swiss-made movement, the promise of superior shatter resistance from its Armourglass, and the classic field watch aesthetic. It seemed to offer the best balance of functionality, durability, and value for my specific needs.
My first impression is one of cautious optimism. The watch looks and feels the part of a tough, dependable companion. Only time and rigorous testing will reveal if the Armourlite Field Series AL111 can truly live up to its claims.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Armourlite Field Series AL111 was a weekend-long shooting competition. The environment presented a mix of bright sunlight, shaded areas, and low-light conditions as dusk approached. I wore the watch throughout the event, subjecting it to bumps, scrapes, and exposure to gunpowder residue.
The Armourlite performed admirably in these varied conditions. The black dial provided excellent contrast in bright sunlight, making it easy to read the time at a glance. The tritium illumination shone brilliantly in the fading light, allowing me to track time even during the final stages of the competition.
The watch required no adjustment period; it felt comfortable and intuitive from the start. I encountered no issues during the competition, and I was especially impressed by the clarity of the tritium illumination. The Armourlite Field Series AL111 handled the rigors of a shooting competition without a single hiccup.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of near-daily wear, including numerous hiking trips and a week-long survival skills course, the Armourlite Field Series AL111 continues to impress. It has stood up to scratches, impacts, and exposure to the elements with minimal signs of wear and tear. The leather strap has softened slightly and molded to my wrist, enhancing the overall comfort.
The watch has proven to be exceptionally durable. Despite being subjected to repeated impacts against rocks and other hard surfaces, the Armourglass crystal remains flawless. The stainless steel case shows only a few minor scuffs, adding character without compromising its structural integrity.
Maintaining the watch has been effortless. I occasionally wipe down the case and crystal with a soft cloth to remove dirt and grime. The leather strap has required no special treatment, and the battery, powered by the Swiss Made Ronda 715 quartz movement, shows no signs of weakening. The Armourlite Field Series AL111 has exceeded my expectations in terms of both durability and reliability.
Breaking Down the Features of Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
Specifications
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass boasts a robust set of specifications designed for demanding use. The watch features a Swiss Made Ronda 715 quartz movement, renowned for its accuracy and reliability. The Armourlite Field Series AL111 is engineered for dependability.
- Manufacturer: Armourlite. This brand focuses on creating durable and highly visible timepieces for tactical and outdoor use.
- Case Material: 316L Surgical-Quality Stainless Steel. This material offers exceptional corrosion resistance and hypoallergenic properties.
- Crystal: Shatterproof Armourglass (hardness rating of 6,000 Vickers). This crystal is significantly more resistant to scratches and impacts compared to standard mineral or sapphire crystals.
- Illumination: 15 x Swiss Made tritium markers by trigalight. This provides constant, battery-free illumination for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions.
- Water Resistance: 100m / 330ft / 10atm. This makes the watch suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
- Movement: Swiss Made Ronda 715 quartz. This movement ensures accurate timekeeping and requires minimal maintenance.
These specifications contribute directly to the watch’s performance and overall user experience. The robust case and crystal provide exceptional durability, while the tritium illumination ensures excellent visibility in any lighting condition. The reliable movement guarantees accurate timekeeping, and the water resistance allows for worry-free use in various environments.
Performance & Functionality
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass performs its primary function – telling time – exceptionally well. The Swiss Made Ronda 715 quartz movement provides accurate and reliable timekeeping, with minimal deviation over extended periods. The date display at 3 o’clock is clear and easy to read, and the low-battery indicator provides ample warning before battery replacement is required.
The watch’s strengths lie in its durability, visibility, and ease of use. The Armourglass crystal is remarkably scratch-resistant, and the tritium illumination provides constant, battery-free visibility in low-light conditions. A potential weakness is the leather strap.
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 meets and exceeds my expectations for a field watch. It is accurate, reliable, durable, and easy to read in any lighting condition.
Design & Ergonomics
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass features a classic field watch design with a focus on functionality and readability. The black dial provides excellent contrast, with clear Arabic numerals for both 12 and 24-hour markings. The tritium tubes are strategically placed on the hands and hour markers, providing constant and even illumination.
The build quality is excellent, with a solid stainless steel case and a comfortable leather strap. The watch has a substantial feel without being overly bulky or heavy. The screw-down crown and caseback contribute to the watch’s water resistance and overall durability.
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 is exceptionally user-friendly, with a simple and intuitive design. There is no learning curve associated with using the watch.
Durability & Maintenance
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass is built to last. The robust case, shatterproof crystal, and reliable movement are designed to withstand years of demanding use. The tritium illumination has a lifespan of approximately 25 years, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements.
Maintaining the watch is simple and straightforward. Regular cleaning with a soft cloth is sufficient to keep the case and crystal looking their best. The leather strap may require occasional conditioning to maintain its suppleness and prevent cracking. The Armourlite Field Series AL111 is designed for longevity and minimal maintenance.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass comes with minimal accessories. The package includes the watch itself, a user manual, and a warranty card.
The primary customization option for the Armourlite Field Series AL111 is the ability to swap out the leather strap for alternative straps. The 22mm lug width is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket straps, including NATO straps, nylon straps, and rubber straps. This allows users to personalize the look and feel of their watch to suit their individual preferences and activities.
Pros and Cons of Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof ArmourglassPros
- Exceptional Durability: The Armourglass crystal and stainless steel case provide superior protection against scratches, impacts, and corrosion.
- Constant Tritium Illumination: The tritium tubes offer constant, battery-free visibility in low-light conditions.
- Reliable Swiss Made Movement: The Ronda 715 quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping and requires minimal maintenance.
- Classic Field Watch Design: The black dial, Arabic numerals, and simple layout provide excellent readability.
- Comfortable Leather Strap: The genuine leather strap is comfortable to wear and adds to the watch’s overall aesthetic.
Cons
- Leather Strap Durability: While comfortable, the leather strap might not be as durable as a nylon or rubber strap for extreme activities.
- Quartz Movement: Some watch enthusiasts prefer automatic movements over quartz for their mechanical complexity and traditional craftsmanship.
Who Should Buy Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass?
Pros
- Exceptional Durability: The Armourglass crystal and stainless steel case provide superior protection against scratches, impacts, and corrosion.
- Constant Tritium Illumination: The tritium tubes offer constant, battery-free visibility in low-light conditions.
- Reliable Swiss Made Movement: The Ronda 715 quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping and requires minimal maintenance.
- Classic Field Watch Design: The black dial, Arabic numerals, and simple layout provide excellent readability.
- Comfortable Leather Strap: The genuine leather strap is comfortable to wear and adds to the watch’s overall aesthetic.
Cons
- Leather Strap Durability: While comfortable, the leather strap might not be as durable as a nylon or rubber strap for extreme activities.
- Quartz Movement: Some watch enthusiasts prefer automatic movements over quartz for their mechanical complexity and traditional craftsmanship.
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass is perfect for anyone who needs a durable, reliable, and highly visible timepiece. It is ideally suited for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, law enforcement officers, and military personnel. Anyone who values ruggedness and dependability will appreciate this watch.
This watch may not be ideal for individuals who prioritize fashion over function or prefer dress watches with a more elegant aesthetic. It is also not the best choice for those who prefer automatic movements or require advanced features such as GPS or heart rate monitoring.
A must-have accessory for the Armourlite Field Series AL111 is a durable NATO strap. This provides added security and versatility, especially for demanding outdoor activities.
Conclusion on Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
The Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass is an exceptional field watch that delivers on its promises of durability, reliability, and visibility. It is a well-built and thoughtfully designed timepiece that is ideally suited for demanding environments. The Armourglass crystal is, in my testing, as close to indestructible as I’ve seen in a watch at this price point.
At a price of $257.89, the Armourlite Field Series AL111 offers excellent value for money. It provides a level of durability and functionality that is comparable to watches costing significantly more.
I would wholeheartedly recommend the Armourlite Field Series AL111 to anyone in need of a tough, dependable, and highly visible watch. It is a worthwhile investment that will provide years of reliable service. If you’re looking for a watch that can withstand the rigors of your active lifestyle, look no further than the Armourlite Field Series AL111 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass.