Addiesdive MY-1508 – 44mm Quartz Field Watch | Miyota 2115 | Mineral Crystal
Field and military-inspired watches are usually at their best when they remain simple. Large numerals, a clear minute track and a lightweight strap make the time quick to read without adding functions that are unlikely to be used, and the Addiesdive MY-1508 takes that straightforward formula and pairs it with an accurate Japanese quartz movement at a particularly accessible price.
The case measures 44mm across, so this is certainly not a small watch. Its approximately 49.7mm lug-to-lug length gives it a noticeable amount of presence across the wrist, making it better suited to medium and larger wrists or anyone who deliberately prefers a bigger field watch. Despite those dimensions, the MY-1508 is surprisingly light at approximately 73g including the nylon strap, while the case is only around 10.7mm thick which means the watch should feel considerably less cumbersome than a 44mm steel sports watch might initially suggest.
Inside is the Japanese Miyota 2115 quartz movement. Quartz means the watch is powered by a battery rather than relying on the movement of your wrist or requiring regular winding through the crown. You can leave it unworn for several days or weeks and reasonably expect it still to be showing the correct time when you return. Miyota officially rates the 2115 to approximately ±20 seconds per month, considerably more consistent than most affordable mechanical watches. It also provides around three years of battery life under normal use. At three o'clock is a date display, adding some useful everyday functionality without making the dial noticeably busier. The Miyota 2115 allows the date to be quick-set independently rather than repeatedly moving the hands through complete 24-hour periods.
The dial itself follows a very traditional military and pilot-watch approach. Large Arabic numerals prioritise immediate legibility, while the inner 24-hour markings allow both 12- and 24-hour time to be read without adding another hand or complication. That makes the MY-1508 particularly straightforward for someone buying their first watch. There is no chronograph to learn, no rotating bezel and no mechanical movement that needs to be kept wound. You simply set the time and date and wear it.
Above the dial is flat hardened mineral glass. Mineral crystal offers perfectly sensible everyday protection and is more resistant to impact than some softer plastic crystals, although it is more susceptible to surface scratching than sapphire. Someone expecting the long-term scratch resistance of a sapphire-equipped watch will not find it here, although mineral glass is entirely appropriate for an affordable everyday field watch. The supplied strap is a NATO-style nylon strap approximately 22mm wide. Nylon keeps the watch lightweight, dries relatively quickly and suits the military-inspired design considerably better than a highly polished steel bracelet would. It also makes changing the appearance particularly easy. A different colour of nylon strap can alter the personality of the watch for relatively little money, while the common 22mm lug width offers you a large selection of aftermarket straps. A brown or khaki strap reinforces the traditional military appearance, while black makes the watch feel slightly more restrained. Leather could make the same case feel considerably smarter, although it would move away from the practical field-watch character.
The crown is a conventional push-pull design rather than a screw-down crown. Water resistance is rated to 50m, or 5 bar which is perfectly useful for rain, hand washing and normal everyday splashes, but with a push-in crown this would not be my first recommendation for someone specifically looking for a regular swimming watch.
The MY-1508 concentrates on being simple, accurate and comfortable. The Miyota quartz movement requires very little attention, the nylon strap keeps the weight down and the oversized dial makes the time extremely easy to read. The quartz movement is arguably a strength rather than a compromise here. A mechanical field watch may provide more interaction, but it would usually be less accurate, require regular wear or winding and cost more to maintain.
For someone looking for a first everyday watch that is simple, accurate, easy to read and practical enough to wear without worrying about it, the Addiesdive MY-1508 makes a lot of sense. The case is large, but the low weight keeps it comfortable, and the Miyota movement means there is very little to think about once the watch has been set.
Included in the box:
Addiesdive MY-1508 quartz watch, waterproof plastic presentation/storage box and warranty card.
Worth knowing:
The case back is 316L stainless steel, while the alloy main case helps keep the complete watch to approximately 73g.
At approximately 44mm across and 49.7mm lug to lug, this is a large interpretation of the traditional field-watch style. The relatively low weight and 10.7mm thickness help considerably with comfort, but buyers wanting compact military-watch proportions should take the size into account.
