5.11 Tactical Field Ops Watch Style # 59245

Ok - just keeping it real... I have to give a disclaimer - I am reviewing this watch due to multiple requests and most of the hands-on and durability data comes from several friends of mine in various Military and Police units who have used this watch extensively and are highly impressed. I have not purchased one for myself although if I was in the market for a well designed, very tough and durable Tactical, Survival, Hunting, Hiking, Sport and Range watch for under $200.00 - this would be the one. Most other comparable watches in this category will run you around $400.00 and up.

The first thing I notice and what many others have commented on, is the size of this watch. It will not fit under the cuff of most long sleeve shirts. This is easily remedied by strapping it over your shirt/jacket sleeve. No problem, 5.11 thought of that - it comes with an extend-able strap to facilitate wearing the watch over a pair of wrist-length gloves. Similar to how a scuba diver use their watch. Lets face it, this is not a dress watch. The 5.11 Tactical Field Ops Watch Style # 59245 is a Tactical, Survival, Hunting, Hiking, Sport and Range watch.

One of the features I find useful is the digital or analog read out. The only problem reported with the analog mode, is that the ballistic info shows up on the digital display, which is behind the analog watch hands. This means, if it's between 4 and 8 o'clock, or near the bottom of the hour, the hands obstruct the view of the digital readout. Minor issue in my view - just keep in mind you will have to switch to digital mode when at the range or when needing the ballistic info.

The 5.11 Tactical Field Ops Watch comes with the field-proven Sureshot™ ballistic calculator, a digital compass and traditional features: day, date, three time zones, alarm, chronograph (1/100th, lap time), countdown timer, and hourly chime. The Observer features a high-density poly-carbonate molded body, with an extend-able strap to facilitate wearing the watch over a pair of wrist-length gloves. A turn-able bezel face with directional markings can be adjusted to monitor your time. 5.11 offer this watch in three colors (Black, OD Green and Coyote Brown).

"When you're using a long gun, it's essential to hit the target. As you start to go out to distances over 300 yards, being able to hit that target becomes a science. The 5.11 Watch is a GREAT tool to help you dial in your dope, and make every shot count. Simply program in some numbers and push a button - the watch does all the calculations for me. It is easy to use and makes my part of the job a breeze. Ive used the watch for almost a year now with great success."

Field Ops Watch (New Design) Description:

• High-density polycarbonate frame
• SureShot® ballistic calculator
• Polyurethane wrist band
• Digital compass
• Digital readouts
• Omni-directional bezel
• Backlight
• Water resistant to 100 meters
• Optional extended band for wearing the watch over gloves or clothing
• Day, date, 2nd time zone, alarm, chronograph, countdown timer, hourly chime
• Countdown timer features an audible tone every minute
• Two year warranty

Once again, innovation is the “watch” word for 5.11 Tactical Series. When 5.11 set out to design a watch they wanted one that would truly serve the needs of law enforcement and military professionals. The Field Ops watch has all of the features needed for day to day activities and includes the 5.11 revolutionary SureShot® calculator. In a partnership with Horus Vision, makers of proven long-range ballistic software, brings sophisticated point of impact software to the 5.11 Tactical Field Ops Watch. It gives you the ability to input thirteen critical variables needed for long range shooting solutions quickly and easily.

The shooting solutions are provided in Mils, True Minute of Angle (TMOA) and Shooter’s Minute of Angle (SMOA). And that’s not all, this rugged watch can take a real beating. 5.11 beefed up the Field Ops Watch pins to stand the strain of a wrestling match, sealed the watch for 100 meters of water resistance and given you a switchable backlight so you can see your data when you need it and turn the light off when you don't.

Functionality
The 5.11 Field Ops Watch has all the features you’ll need for work and play. 5.11 has included digital day and date, and two digital time zones. Along with an audible alarm, there is an hourly chime, a countdown, timer and you can check your lap times with a digital chronograph. 5.11 has included an omni-directional bezel along with a backlight.

5.11 Tactical Field Ops Watch also has a fully functional digital compass which can be adjusted for true north readings. My friends who use this feature all the time say it is spot on and highly reliable.

And last but not least, the 5.11 Tactical Field Ops Watch come with a full function ballistic calculator. The SureShot® calculator accepts thirteen critical shooting variables to give you point of impact shooting solutions out to 1000 meters. Input your known ballistic data (bore height, ballistic coefficient, muzzle velocity and zero range), then add your environmental data (range, temperature, altitude, inclination) and the SureShot® calculator will give you a shooting solution in MILS, TMOA or SMOA - in as little as 15 seconds (try looking all that up and figuring it manually in 15 seconds). You can even get your solution in clicks for both windage and elevation.

The calculator is very easy to use. My friends enter most of the variables into the watch before going out to the field or on a mission.

Durability
The 5.11 Field Ops Watch has a high-density polycarbonate case which is lightweight and very tough. My friends report dropping, smashing, bumping and any other kind of abuse you can think of - and still not a scratch. The mineral glass crystal face is scratch resistant and reduces glare.

Here is a big feature in the 5.11 Field Ops Watch for me. 5.11 beefed up the watch pins to secure the watch to your wrist in even the most arduous activities.

After months of day-in day-out use, all my friends give the 5.11 Field Ops Watch - two thumbs up..!

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5