First Impressions of Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass promises a rugged, reliable, and highly visible timepiece for both everyday wear and demanding outdoor situations. Armourlite aims to deliver a watch that can withstand abuse while providing constant illumination, thanks to its tritium markers and shatterproof crystal. Its blend of Swiss-made precision and tactical functionality immediately piqued my interest, prompting me to put it through its paces.
As someone who’s spent over a decade field-testing gear, I’ve always valued a dependable watch. I needed a timepiece that could withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures and provide clear visibility in low-light conditions.
The Armourlite watch arrived in simple, functional packaging. My initial impression was of a solid, well-built watch with a classic field watch aesthetic. The combination of the black case, black leather strap, and white numerals gives it a clean, legible look. The Armourlite felt substantial without being overly heavy.
I considered other field watches like the Marathon General Purpose Mechanical (GPM) and the Traska Summiteer. The Marathon GPM is a known quantity for military-inspired durability, but lacks the scratch resistance I desired. The Traska offers incredible scratch resistance with its hardened steel, but is significantly more expensive. The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass appeared to strike a balance between robust construction, visibility, and affordability.
My first impression was positive; I was eager to test whether the Armourlite watch lived up to its claims of durability and constant illumination. It seemed like a practical and capable tool for anyone who values a reliable timepiece in challenging environments.
Real-World Testing: Putting Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass during a week-long backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. This included hiking in varying weather conditions, from sunshine to rain and fog. The terrain was rugged, with plenty of opportunities to bump and scrape the watch.
The watch performed admirably throughout the trip. The tritium illumination proved invaluable during early morning starts and late evening camp setups. The watch face remained clear and easy to read in all lighting conditions. There were no noticeable issues after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular wear, including multiple outdoor excursions and everyday use, the Armourlite watch has proven to be remarkably durable. There are no visible scratches on the “Shatterproof Armourglass” crystal, despite numerous impacts against rocks and other hard surfaces. The genuine leather strap is showing some wear, but is still holding up well.
The watch requires minimal maintenance. The case can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and the leather strap can be conditioned periodically to maintain its suppleness. The battery life, rated at up to 60 months, means I haven’t had to worry about replacing it. The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass has outperformed my previous Luminox watch in terms of scratch resistance and has proven to be a reliable and trustworthy companion.
Breaking Down the Features of Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
Specifications
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass features a Swiss Made Ronda 715 quartz movement. This provides accurate and reliable timekeeping. The case is made of 316L surgical-quality stainless steel, offering excellent corrosion resistance and durability.
The watch has a 42mm case diameter, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. It weighs 2.7 oz, providing a comfortable feel without being too bulky. The shatterproof Armourglass crystal has a hardness rating of 6,000 Vickers, making it highly resistant to scratches and impacts. The tritium illumination ensures constant visibility in low-light conditions without the need for charging or a battery.
These specifications are important because they directly contribute to the watch’s overall performance and durability. The Swiss movement ensures accurate timekeeping, while the stainless steel case and shatterproof crystal provide exceptional resistance to damage. The tritium illumination provides constant, reliable visibility, a crucial feature for tactical or outdoor use.
Performance & Functionality
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass performs its job exceptionally well. It provides accurate timekeeping, is easy to read in all lighting conditions, and is incredibly durable. The tritium illumination is a standout feature, providing a consistent glow that is bright enough to read the time in complete darkness without being distracting.
The watch’s primary strength lies in its ruggedness and reliability. Its weakness is the leather band, which, while comfortable, is not as durable as a nylon or rubber strap and will eventually need to be replaced. The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass has met and exceeded my expectations for a field watch, proving to be a valuable tool in demanding environments.
Design & Ergonomics
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass features a classic field watch design. This prioritizes legibility and functionality. The 316L stainless steel case feels solid and well-made. The genuine leather strap is comfortable to wear for extended periods.
The watch is user-friendly with a straightforward design and a simple date function. There is no learning curve involved; it’s easy to set the time and date.
Durability & Maintenance
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass is built to last. Its stainless steel case and shatterproof Armourglass crystal provide excellent protection against impacts and scratches. The Ronda 715 quartz movement is known for its reliability and long lifespan.
Maintaining the watch is simple. The case can be cleaned with a damp cloth, and the leather strap should be conditioned periodically. The tritium illumination has a lifespan of 20+ years, eliminating the need for frequent replacements.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass comes with a standard buckle clasp on the leather strap. The watch’s 22mm lug width allows for easy strap replacement with aftermarket options.
The watch is compatible with a wide range of 22mm straps, including nylon NATO straps, rubber dive straps, and stainless steel bracelets. This provides ample opportunity to customize the watch’s look and feel to suit individual preferences and activities. The screw bars securing the band (instead of spring bar pins) add an extra layer of security, reducing the likelihood of accidental strap detachment.
Pros and Cons of Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
Pros
- Excellent Tritium Illumination: Provides constant, reliable visibility in low-light conditions without requiring charging.
- Highly Scratch-Resistant Crystal: The shatterproof Armourglass with a hardness rating of 6,000 Vickers effectively resists scratches and impacts.
- Durable Construction: The 316L stainless steel case and Swiss-made Ronda 715 quartz movement ensure long-lasting reliability.
- Classic Field Watch Design: Offers a clean, legible, and functional aesthetic suitable for various activities.
- Water Resistance: Rated to 100m (330ft), making it suitable for swimming and water-based activities.
Cons
- Leather Strap Durability: The genuine leather strap, while comfortable, may not be as durable as other strap materials like nylon or rubber.
- Limited Customization: Beyond strap replacement, there are few other customization options available.
Who Should Buy Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass?
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass is perfect for military personnel, law enforcement officers, first responders, and outdoor enthusiasts who require a durable, reliable, and highly visible timepiece. It is also well-suited for anyone who works in low-light environments or needs a watch that can withstand rough handling.
This product might not be ideal for those seeking a dress watch or a timepiece with advanced features like a chronograph or GPS. A more feature-rich smartwatch might be more suitable for users needing advanced connectivity.
A durable nylon NATO strap would be a must-have accessory to increase longevity and versatility in harsh conditions.
Conclusion on Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass
The Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass delivers on its promise of durability, reliability, and constant illumination. Its Swiss-made movement, stainless steel case, and shatterproof crystal provide exceptional protection against the elements and everyday wear and tear. The tritium illumination is a standout feature, ensuring clear visibility in any lighting condition.
At $275.01, the price is justified considering the watch’s build quality, features, and performance. It offers excellent value for those seeking a rugged and reliable timepiece for tactical or outdoor use.
I would confidently recommend the Armourlite Field Series AL114 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass to anyone needing a dependable and highly visible watch for demanding environments. Invest in this watch, and you’ll have a reliable companion for years to come!