The traditional field watch just got a modern upgrade that transforms how timepieces perform after sunset. Astor and Banks, a nimble watchmaker capitalizing on the flexibility inherent to field watch design, has launched the Terra Scout—a timepiece that pushes the boundaries of what defines this classic category.
Field watches have always operated within loose guidelines established by their military heritage and practical applications. This wiggle room has created opportunities for innovative brands to reimagine the concept entirely, and that's precisely the approach taken with this new model.
Breaking From Convention
Anyone expecting standard military-inspired design elements will find the Terra Scout charts its own course. The watch abandons typical syringe hands, instead featuring blunted dauphine hands with partially luminous inlays. Where many field watches display military time scales, this model incorporates a 31-day track date complication marked by a rotating orange dash—a feature that's both functional and visually striking.
The dial construction itself reveals thoughtful engineering. A hybrid sandwich-and-sector design creates dimensional depth despite an overall matte finish. The top layer features a central circle and track with cutout hour markers displaying bullet dashes and stencil numerals at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.
Beneath this sits a bottom plate containing a dash seconds track around the outer edge, providing contrast for the cut-out hour track above it. The date track nestles between the center sector and hour track on the same plane, with its rotating orange indicator on a white wheel positioned below.
Four Distinct Variations
The Terra Scout launches in four separate 38.5mm configurations. Two come in sandblasted steel cases—one with a black dial, the other white. The remaining pair feature coated steel cases with slightly different black or white dial treatments.
The key distinction between versions lies in the seconds hand design. Both sandblasted steel models sport matte black coated seconds hands matching the hour and minute hands, accented with neon orange tips. The coated case versions go bolder with fully neon orange seconds hands.
Both black dial variants share identical features, with white detailing throughout and "Terra Scout" printed in orange beneath the hands. The white dials add extra visual interest with a black seconds track along the outer rim.
The matte black DLC-coated version pairs with a black canvas pin buckle strap featuring FKM rubber backing, creating a cohesive aesthetic reminiscent of high-end automotive design brands.
Standing apart from the standard collection is a limited edition khaki Cerakote-coated case called Desert Sand, restricted to just 100 pieces. This exclusive version sports a white dial and comes with the same black strap used on the black dial models.
Illumination Innovation
While the Terra Scout presents an attractive appearance in daylight, its true personality emerges after dark. The brand employed Super-LumiNova in creative ways, engineering an alternating blue and green glowing ring around the dial's perimeter, topped with a green triangle at the 12 o'clock position.
On black dial versions, the hour track radiates blue light. White dial models receive full luminous treatment, with the hour track appearing in relief and making the date track readable even in complete darkness.
Every reference includes blue glowing luminous material in all hands, even those seconds hands finished entirely in orange—a detail that demonstrates attention to nighttime functionality across the entire collection.
A box sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on the interior surface protects each dial.
Movement and Performance
Powering the Terra Scout is a La Joux-Perret Caliber G100 automatic movement equipped with a customized date wheel specific to this model. The movement operates at 4Hz frequency and stores 68 hours of power reserve. Astor and Banks regulates each movement to achieve accuracy within plus or minus 8 seconds daily.
The case construction achieves 200 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and shallow diving activities.
Pricing and Availability
The Terra Scout maintains the essential characteristics that define field watches—exceptional legibility, robust construction, and dependable timekeeping—while introducing aesthetic elements typically associated with different watch categories. The black DLC-coated reference particularly stands out with its sleek, contemporary appearance that wouldn't look out of place on a driver's wrist.
All four versions are currently available through Astor and Banks' direct sales channels. A temporary launch promotion reduces three references from their standard $995 retail price to $875. The limited-edition Khaki Cerakote model carries a promotional price of $975, marked down from $1,195, with deliveries expected to begin in March.
The watch arrives with its respective strap already fitted and includes standard manufacturer warranty coverage. Given the limited production run of the Desert Sand variant, collectors interested in that specific colorway may want to act quickly before inventory depletes.
Technical Specifications
The 38.5mm case diameter positions the Terra Scout comfortably between vintage-sized field watches and modern sport watch dimensions. This size range typically wears well on a variety of wrist sizes without overwhelming smaller frames or appearing too diminutive on larger builds.
The choice of the La Joux-Perret caliber represents a step up from entry-level automatic movements, offering Swiss engineering and finishing at a price point that remains accessible to enthusiasts who aren't yet ready to commit to luxury-tier investments.
The 68-hour power reserve means the watch can survive an entire weekend off the wrist and still be running Monday morning—a practical consideration for anyone rotating through multiple timepieces.
Market Position
At its promotional price point under $900, the Terra Scout competes in a crowded segment filled with established micro-brands and entry-level offerings from traditional manufacturers. What sets it apart is the distinctive dial design and creative luminous application that gives it a unique identity in a category often criticized for sameness.
The field watch segment has seen tremendous growth as consumers gravitate toward practical, versatile timepieces that transition seamlessly between casual and slightly dressier occasions. The Terra Scout's clean aesthetic and manageable case size fit this trend while offering enough personality to stand out from the crowd.
For buyers seeking something different from standard issue field watch designs without venturing into experimental territory that sacrifices functionality, the Terra Scout appears to strike an effective balance. Whether that approach resonates with enough consumers to establish Astor and Banks as a serious player in this competitive space remains to be seen, but the initial offering suggests a brand willing to take calculated risks rather than simply copying what's already succeeded.
The watch industry has always rewarded brands that can execute a clear vision while delivering solid value, and the Terra Scout seems designed to check both boxes.
