Updated
Citizen Garrison vs Timex Expedition Scout
The two default cheap field watches
Quick Verdict
The Citizen Garrison BM8180 ($100–$150) is a 37mm stainless steel Eco-Drive field watch rated to 100m, with a day-date and lume. The Timex Expedition Scout ($50–$100) is a 40mm brass-cased battery quartz rated to 50m, with a date and Indiglo backlight. The Citizen is the tougher, battery-free watch; the Timex is cheaper and a little larger.
Transparency — We earn a small commission on purchases made through our Amazon links. This doesn't affect our editorial independence.
Specifications Compared
| Feature | Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison | Timex Expedition Metal Field "Scout" |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $100–$150 | $50–$100 |
| Case Size | 37mm | 40mm |
| Movement | Eco-Drive Caliber E101 | Quartz (3-Hand, Date) |
| Caliber Type | Eco-Drive Solar Quartz (No Battery Change) | Quartz (Battery) |
| Power Reserve | 6 Months (Solar, Full Charge) | Battery |
| Water Resistance | 100m (10 ATM) | 50m (5 ATM) |
| Crystal | Mineral Glass | Mineral Glass |
| Case Material | Stainless Steel | Brass (Gunmetal Finish) |
| Origin | Citizen (Japan) | Timex (USA Design) |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Two classic field dials
Both follow the military field-watch pattern of a legible dial and a simple case. The Garrison shows the day and date with luminous hands and markers; the Scout shows the date with an Indiglo backlight.
Movement & Performance
Solar against battery
The Garrison runs Eco-Drive calibre E101, rated for 6 months on a full charge, with no routine battery changes. The Scout runs a battery quartz. Both keep quartz time.
Durability & Water Resistance
Steel and 100m against brass and 50m
The Garrison has a stainless steel case and a 100m (10 ATM) rating. The Scout has a brass case with a gunmetal finish and a 50m (5 ATM) rating. Both use mineral glass.
Wearability & Fit
37mm against 40mm
The Garrison is 37mm and the Scout 40mm. The Garrison is the vintage-sized option for slimmer wrists; the Scout suits average wrists.
Value & Cost of Ownership
The Timex is cheaper to buy, the Citizen to run
The Scout sits in the $50–$100 band and the Garrison in $100–$150. The Garrison avoids battery changes, which narrows the gap over time.
Our Verdict
Citizen
Eco-Drive Weekender Garrison
Choose the Citizen Garrison if you want a field watch you never need to open. Solar power, a steel case, 100m and a day-date, in a classic 37mm size.
Check Price on AmazonTimex
Expedition Metal Field "Scout"
Choose the Timex Expedition Scout if you want the cheapest good field watch or prefer a 40mm case. Indiglo lights the whole dial at night.
View the dossierThe Bottom Line
The Citizen Eco-Drive Garrison BM8180 is a 37mm solar-powered stainless steel field watch rated to 100m, while the Timex Expedition Scout is a 40mm battery-powered field watch in brass rated to 50m with an Indiglo backlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
More Comparisons
Explore These Watches
How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.