Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass Review

First Impressions of Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass

The Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass immediately caught my eye with its rugged design and promise of unwavering visibility in any condition. As a seasoned outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve seen countless watches claim to be tough and reliable, but few genuinely deliver on that promise. This watch, manufactured by Armourlite, boasts Swiss-made tritium illumination, a shatterproof crystal, and a durable stainless steel case – a combination that piqued my interest and demanded a thorough evaluation.

I needed a reliable timepiece for overnight navigation exercises, something that wouldn’t break on me. I was also in search of a watch I could read without a flashlight. My first impression of the Armourlite Field Series AL124 was that it looked serious, very professional grade.

Upon unboxing, the watch felt solid and well-built. The 316L stainless steel case gave it a reassuring heft without being overly bulky, and the genuine leather strap felt comfortable against my skin. Compared to other field watches I’ve tested, such as the Luminox Navy SEAL series or the Traser P6600, the Armourlite AL124 seemed to strike a better balance between ruggedness and everyday wearability. I opted for this Armourlite watch over those because of the shatterproof Armourglass and the classic field watch look.

My initial excitement was tempered with a healthy dose of skepticism. I was eager to put Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass through its paces and see if it could live up to the hype. If the claims held true, this could become my new go-to timepiece for any outdoor adventure.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved a three-day backpacking trip in the unforgiving terrain of the Mojave Desert. The Armourlite Field Series AL124 faced scorching daytime temperatures exceeding 100°F and plummeting nighttime lows. I wanted to assess the readability of the tritium illumination in complete darkness. The watch performed admirably under both conditions.

The tritium markers provided a clear and consistent glow throughout the night, allowing me to easily check the time without fumbling for a flashlight. The sweat and dust of the desert environment didn’t seem to affect the watch’s performance, and the leather strap remained surprisingly comfortable despite the heat. I also noticed the screw bar band attachment added to the overall durability and peace of mind.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of continuous wear, including everything from weekend hikes to intense training sessions, the Armourlite Field Series AL124 has proven to be exceptionally durable. There are no noticeable scratches on the Armourglass crystal, and the stainless steel case still looks as good as new. The genuine leather band started showing minor wear in the high-stress areas, but this is natural with the material.

Cleaning the watch is simple – a quick wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove dirt and grime. Compared to other watches I’ve owned that require specialized cleaning products or professional servicing, the Armourlite AL124 is incredibly low-maintenance. It outperforms my previous field watch, a Seiko 5, in terms of durability and nighttime visibility, but the Seiko’s automatic movement was nice.

Breaking Down the Features of Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass

Specifications

• Illumination: 15 x Swiss Made tritium markers by trigalight: This feature provides constant illumination without needing an external power source or button activation. The tritium markers are self-luminous and have a lifespan of many years.
• Movement: Swiss Made Ronda 715 quartz: The Swiss-made quartz movement ensures accurate timekeeping and reliability. The Ronda 715 is known for its robustness and long battery life.
• Battery Life: Up to 60-months: A 60-month battery life significantly reduces the need for frequent battery replacements. This is a huge advantage for a field watch.
• Functions: Date display, low-battery EOL indicator: The date display adds practicality to the watch, while the low-battery indicator alerts you when a battery change is needed. No more guessing or being caught off guard.
• Crystal: Shatterproof Armourglass (hardness rating of 6,000 Vickers): The Armourglass crystal offers exceptional scratch and impact resistance. Its hardness rating ensures it can withstand harsh conditions without getting damaged.
• Case Thickness: 10.8mm: The case thickness is relatively slim, allowing the watch to sit comfortably on the wrist and fit under sleeves. It does not sacrifice durability.
• Caseback: Stainless steel engraved screw-in plate: The stainless steel screw-in caseback enhances water resistance and protects the watch’s movement. The engraved design adds a touch of class.
• Bezel: Fixed: The fixed bezel contributes to the watch’s durability and clean, uncluttered design. This simple design is rugged.
• Crown: Double-gasket screw-in with side shields: The screw-in crown with double gaskets provides excellent water resistance. The side shields protect the crown from impacts.
• Features: Screw bars securing the band (instead of spring bar pins): Using screw bars instead of spring bar pins provides a more secure attachment for the band. This reduces the risk of the band accidentally detaching.
• Lug Width: 22mm: The 22mm lug width allows for a wide range of aftermarket strap options. This allows the user to customize the look and feel of their watch.
• Band Clasp: Stainless steel buckle: The stainless steel buckle is durable and easy to use, ensuring a secure fit. The clasp will last for a long time.
• Case Material: 316L Surgical-Quality Stainless Steel: The 316L surgical-quality stainless steel case is hypoallergenic and highly resistant to corrosion. This makes the watch suitable for everyday wear, even for those with sensitive skin.
• Case Diameter: 42 mm: The 42mm case diameter is a versatile size that suits most wrist sizes. It’s large enough to be easily readable but not so large as to be cumbersome.
• Band/Strap Material: Genuine Leather: The genuine leather strap is comfortable and stylish, adding a touch of sophistication to the rugged design. Leather is naturally durable.
• Water Resistance Level: Water Resistant: The watch’s water resistance is rated to 100 meters. This protects the watch from splashes, rain, and brief submersion, making it suitable for various water activities.
• Weight: 2.7 oz: The watch weighs only 2.7 ounces. This makes it lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods.

Performance & Functionality

The Armourlite Field Series AL124 excels in its primary function: providing accurate and easily readable time in any environment. The Swiss-made Ronda 715 quartz movement keeps excellent time, and the tritium illumination ensures unparalleled visibility in low-light conditions. The date display is a practical addition for everyday use.

The watch’s rugged construction and water resistance make it suitable for a wide range of activities. One small weakness is that the leather band may not be ideal for prolonged submersion in water. This watch meets and exceeds my expectations for a field watch in terms of durability, readability, and overall performance.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Armourlite Field Series AL124 is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The black dial with white markers provides excellent contrast, and the stainless steel case adds a touch of sophistication. The watch is comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the screw-down crown feels secure.

There is no real learning curve associated with this watch. It’s simple to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

The Armourlite Field Series AL124 is built to last, thanks to its high-quality materials and robust construction. The Armourglass crystal is incredibly scratch-resistant. Routine maintenance involves little more than wiping the case and crystal with a soft cloth.

The battery life is exceptional. I expect this watch to last for many years with minimal upkeep.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Armourlite Field Series AL124 comes with a standard genuine leather strap and a basic watch box. You can swap the band for any 22mm strap, including nylon NATO straps, rubber dive straps, or metal bracelets. The lack of included accessories is a minor drawback.

Pros and Cons of Armourlite Field Series AL124 Swiss Made Tritium Illuminated Watch with Shatterproof Armourglass