In recent years, Praesidus has released numerous military-themed watches.
For its first release of 2026, the company decided to update its most popular model. The Praesidus Jungle Field watch is now available in a larger 38mm size. This adds a modern twist to the brand's best-selling model and is sure to delight fans of military field watches. Two versions are now available, each representing a modern interpretation of the GG-W-113 specification developed for American military pilots in 1967. Let's look at the details more closely.
History and Positioning of the Praesidus Jungle Field Model
Over the past years, I have had the opportunity to test several Praesidus models. They all have a historical military background, making their use and study particularly interesting. Moreover, the brand has earned a reputation for producing quality watches at an affordable price. Even if you're not overly enthusiastic about history but appreciate style, choosing Praesidus will be justified. In the case of the latest release, the story is simpler: the company responded to numerous fan requests to increase the size of the classic Jungle Field model. The new Jungle Field Automatic 38 version is presented in two options and is sure to resonate with many fans.
Technical Specifications of the New Praesidus Jungle Field Automatic 38
Let's look at the key features of the new Praesidus Jungle Field Automatic 38 models. As mentioned, the design is inspired by the GG-W-113 specification developed for American military pilots in 1967. The updated case has a diameter of 38mm, a thickness of 10.2mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 46mm, and water resistance of up to 100 meters. The classic field watch design is complemented by a black dial with large Arabic numerals for the first 12 hours.
The outer edge of the dial features a minute scale with luminescent markers every five minutes. Two large luminescent sword-shaped hands and a thin second hand with a "lollipop" counterweight rise above the dial. The absence of a logo on the dial gives the design a clean and recognizable look, consistent with the practicality of the original 1960s field watches.
Two Versions to Choose From
Praesidus offers two versions of the Jungle Field Automatic 38:
- First version - black dial with a grainy texture, large vintage cream numbers, and clear white numbers on the inner ring. This option has a distinctly vintage aesthetic.
- Second version - fully white numbers, creating a fresher and clearer look without losing historical authenticity.
The simplest way to describe the difference is: the first version resembles true vintage field watches, while the second reflects their appearance at the time of release in the late 1960s.
The charm of both models is enhanced by the straps. Praesidus offers a choice of a brown leather strap or a green military-style textile strap. Both options are excellent, but the textile strap emphasizes the practicality and authenticity of classic field watches.
Modern Execution of Classic Field Watches
Beneath the closed case back lies the automatic Miyota 9039 caliber. This movement is a reliable and quality choice for affordable field watches. It runs at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 24 jewels, and provides a power reserve of up to 42 hours.
The accuracy of the caliber ranges from -10 to +30 seconds per day. However, in practice, these movements demonstrate higher accuracy than the stated range. Practicality and reliability are key characteristics of this caliber.
Conclusion: Praesidus Jungle Field Automatic 38 - Balance of Vintage Style and Modern Standards
The Praesidus Jungle Field Automatic 38 retains the vintage charm of the original model but with a modern case size to satisfy the demands of many fans. It only remains to choose the appropriate version, both of which are priced at around 550 USD.
For this price, the buyer gets well-balanced field watches that will be convenient for daily wear thanks to the thin case. Additionally, they are ready to accompany the owner on any hikes and active outings, consistent with the purpose of field watches.
With this in mind, there is no doubt that the Praesidus Jungle Field will remain the brand's best-selling model.