Delma Cayman Field Watch Review
The Delma Cayman Field was actually inspired by one of the brand’s divers’ watches, produced in the 1970s. Combined with a khaki-toned strap the watch exudes a high quotient of ‘Military Chic’ and is perfectly at ease in an array of settings.
Military Chic
One fashion movement that has found favour with vast numbers of people is ‘Military Chic’. The widespread adoption of camouflage is clear to see. Initially, army surplus clothing was purchased by individuals with limited purchasing power. Indeed, the robust garments and breathable textiles proved highly popular with cash-strapped students. Ironically, the anti-war protestors, widely seen on America’s streets during the Vietnam War, were another group who surprisingly had a penchant for Military Chic.
As the popularity of Military Chic grew, other military-themed items crossed over to civilian life. The Land Rover and the Willys Jeep were no longer just a means of transporting troops, they also appealed to Chelsea housewives doing the ‘school run’. Dog tags became popular, oozing masculinity despite often resting against ultra-white, puny chests. Clothing companies, recognising the appeal of camouflage, began making new clothes in verdant shades. Later they would combine camouflage prints with a myriad of hues. Nothing was off-limits.
Delma Cayman Field – an exemplar of military chic
The watch industry has not been immune to the charms of Military Chic. Utilitarian pilots’ watches made for use by the Luftwaffe and the RAF during WWII have since been adapted for civilian use. Likewise, trench watches issued in WWI have inspired many of today’s modern-day timepieces. The Delma Cayman Field is the latest watch to tap into this market segment.
Before dismissing this latest creation as merely a fashion accessory made for fashionistas and military wannabes, it should be noted that it has numerous qualities that make it relevant to civilian life. Indeed, this horological genre, synonymous with khaki hues, often confers matchless legibility and robustness.
Delma Cayman Field – inspired by a Delma diver’s watch of the 70s
The Delma Cayman Field was actually inspired by one of the brand’s divers’ watches produced in the 1970s. However, despite having an impressive water resistance of 200m, the model looks intended for life on terra firma, or ‘Field’ as they say at the brand’s Lengnau HQ.
Delma Cayman Field – dial
The matte black dial is marked with a combination of Arabic numerals and slender batons. Both the hands and indexes feature luminescent treatment. The central sweep seconds hand features a prominent luminescent tip, facilitating read-off. A date indication is positioned at 3 o’clock and completes the inventory of functions.
Sellita SW 200 movement
While the Delma Cayman Field is offered in a quartz option, my heart is drawn to the mechanical variant which is a self-winding Sellita SW 200 movement. This features a Delma-branded rotor and can be viewed via the exhibition caseback.
Housed in a 42 mm stainless steel case, the watch is fitted with a slim, black unidirectional bezel made of anodised aluminium. The bezel features a triangular index at noon incorporating luminescent treatment.
Delma Cayman Field – Milanese bracelet, rubber or khaki-toned strap
Prospective purchasers of the Delma Cayman Field are indulged with a choice of Milanese bracelet, rubber strap or khaki-toned strap. Arguably, the latter option delivers the full flavour of Military Chic. Irrespective of the strap selected each variant delivers accessible pricing and practicality, two admirable traits common to all Delma models.
Delma Cayman Field – the brand’s press release
Building upon a strong collection of divers’ and sailing watches, DELMA introduces a new sports watch with features to perform in all environments. The Cayman Field aspires to travel to remote destinations on land with style and reliability. The tradition of field watches, established with a demand for legibility and strength motivated this timeless series. Originating in the early 20th century and known as “trench watches” for their intended use in battle, the durable, simple design and bold numerals which make the time clear in an instant are also practical for today’s outdoorsmen and adventurers.
The Field is an expansion of the Cayman collection which is built upon the design of a 1970s Delma divers’ watch. Extreme functionality of the new edition is apparent with bold luminous numerals set against a solid black dial. A red 24-hour track makes military time easy to register and adds a compelling design element. The Cayman Field features bright luminous indexes and hands in C3 SuperLuminova to clearly display time during high pace daytime activities and extreme nighttime treks. A luminous point on the unidirectional bezel and date at 3 o’clock printed in white on a black disc ensures activity durations are easily trackable.
As with all Delma timepieces, however quintessential to field watches, the Cayman Field is built to be sturdy and dustproof. The stainless steel case is sealed with an anti-reflective coated sapphire crystal to ensure durability and legibility in all lighting conditions. Automatic versions showcase the movement with a transparent case back. All three bracelet options including a new neutral khaki colour canvas strap are a comfortable balance of casual and refined style. The quintessential simplicity paired with subtle design details and superb Swiss quality take the utilitarian roots of a field watch to new levels for active modern men with a sense of adventure.