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Prevail Onward Future Field Watch Review - A Military Field Watch for Tomorrow

October 25, 2024 Nick Lehner

One of the best, but most difficult parts about attending the Windup Watch Fair in NYC every year is talking with the people behind the brands represented. It's inspiring, but I end up wanting to buy watches from all of them. This year I almost refrained, but I couldn't help myself. The Prevail Onward Future Field watch was so fun yet affordable that I couldn't resist.

I was drawn to Prevail booth when I saw Matt Smith-Johnson (a.k.a. Teenage Grandpa) standing beside the owner of the company, Hassan Madras. I met Matt the prior year at Windup at the Vero both (also a StrapHabit partner). He had designed the brand's super cool Workhorse watch, so I thought Prevail might have something good too.

The Onward was born after Prevail gave Matt the brief of designing a modern field watch. Plenty of brands (such as Praesidus) will sell you a great classic or vintage-inspired field watch. But what would a military watch designed in 2024 without any preconceived notions look like? The Onward represents what Matt and Prevail think that it is. Rather than design a watch that glorifies, or profits from a past war, they wanted a watch that would perform on the wrist during active duty.

I also appreciate that 10% of the profits are donated to the Hear and Amor Foundation to protect the health of veterans. I've mentioned when promoting the Men Wear Pink straps that it's important for businesses to be transparent and donations should be meaningful rather than simply marketing. Being that the Onward is the brand's only model, 10% of all profits for a brand that's just starting is great.

First Impressions of the Prevail Onward Future Field Watch

While I haven't subjected my Onward to anything other than desk dwelling, it feels like it would perform as advertised. The Beefy bezel sits significantly above the crystal, protecting it. The chunky, bead-blasted case should also take a beating while hiding any minor scratches. That being said, this is a watch that would look great after a bit of abuse.

Prevail Onward Future Field Watch Details

The Onward Future Field watch is available in three colors (Compass Green, Standard Black, plus the brown Shovelhead colorway shown here). Those three colors are each available in two styles. The Explorer style has 12, 3, 6, and 9 numerals and a smooth bezel. Tactical models (like the one shown here) have more distinctive hour markers as well as the beefier-looking recesses on the bezel.

I chose the brown dial to match a few straps that I had in mind. Matt told me that the Tactical style was his favorite. I found the bezel more interesting, so I went with his recommendation.

That bezel appears to be a second piece pressed into the case. The case itself has a flat shape on either side. The non-crown side features grooves, making the watch easy to grip.

Opposite of that, the large crown is deeply recessed into the case. It's protected, yet also easy to operate (the watch is also quartz, so you won't need to use the crown very often).

On either version, a chapter ring with three-dimensional markers built in gives the dial the appearance of depth. Five-minute increments are denoted.

The dial itself features only a simple brand name at the bottom. The hands are distinctive, making them easy to differentiate, plus the second hand uses an orange tip.

Wearing the Prevail Onward Future Field Watch

Prevail says that despite measuring 42mm wide, the Future Field Watch wears like a 39mm. While the small dial does give that appearance, I still noticed the real estate that the wide case takes up on my wrist. That being said, this watch is an appropriate size for a tool watch and doesn't need to be any smaller.

The fixed lugs also feature a deep slope. This allows the watch to sit flatter on the wrist and also provides space for the strap material. The square-edged bezel plus the thickness of the strap make me think it might be easy to bump it on things, but I also don't care. This watch feels like it could take it.

I was impressed by the lume as well. The Prevail website doesn't list the type used, but it appears to be C3 SuperLuminova. Even though the application on the hour markers appears narrow, it's plenty bright.

The bracelet and replacement straps for the Prevail Onward Future Field Watch

The Prevail Onward featured fixed lugs in the style of a Tudor Pelagos FXD. This eliminates any chance of a spring bar failure, adding to the ruggedness. It also means that only pass-through straps can be used.

Included with the watch is a 20mm single-pass nylon strap. It's khaki-colored on Shovelhead models. It does use a buckle with a spring bar, but it's lightweight and rugged. It uses a no-nonsense fabric keeper rather than metal.

When I selected this dial color, I knew that it would look amazing on a khaki Ribbed FKM Rubber Pass-Through strap.

Black looks great too.

The Taupe STANDARD H also matches really well and gives even more of a tactical feel.

Here is a list of some of the other straps that would fit and we think look great with this watch. At the end of the article, you'll also find photos of more of our favorite combinations. You can also view our Guide to Choosing a Watch Strap.

-Elastic
-Seatbelt

Prevail Onward Future Field Watch Movement

A no-date Ronda Quartz Calibre 513 powers the Future Field Watch. It's reliable, lightweight, and affordable. Perfect for a watch like this. It sits behind a screw-down caseback with 6 deep tool spaces. The back of the case itself features deep ridges, making it easier to grip and harder to show scratches.

Rhonda says that it should be expected to run for 45 months on a battery. Pulling out the stem also reduces power consumption by about 70%. It uses 1 jewel, is repairable, and has a "very powerful stepping motor." It features hacking and is rated for +20/-10 seconds per month.

I would love to see a solar-powered version in the future, but it would likely add thickness and increase cost.

Prevail Onward Future Field Watch Conclusion

I have not served in the military, but I believe that Prevail has achieved the objective of a modern field watch. It does all of the things that a watch needs to do without any additional fuss. The crystal is well-protected, the case can take a beating, and it has great legibility day and night. The watch is easy to grip and operate, and failure points are minimized.

It also looks cool and is fun to wear! I feel like I have a serious tool on my wrist, and it's not something I'd ever have to worry about. While you can find other field watches that can take a beating for less than its $275 price, they likely won't feel as solid, or as distinctive as the Prevail Onward. Additionally, I appreciate that 10% of the proceeds go towards supporting veterans. I look forward to seeing what comes next from Prevail! To learn more, you can visit the brand's website.

Prevail Onward Future Field Watch Specifications

Name: Prevail Onward Future Field Watch
Reference Number: "Tactical" in Shovelhead
MSRP: $275
Diameter: 42mm
Height: 47.5m
Thickness: 11.6mm
Lug Width: 20mm
Movement: Ronda Quartz Calibre 513
Power Reserve: 45 months
Water Resistance: 200m
Crystal: Sapphire
Crown: Screw-down
Bezel: Fixed
Strap: Nylon pass-through