The phrase ?tool watch? was originally coined to describe watches that serve as tools to accomplish specific tasks, such as a divers? watch with a rotatable bezel and high resistance to pressure that is designed to be used underwater. And while you wouldn?t want to use these tool watches to hammer nails, they emphasize functionality and are robust, accurate, legible and (ideally) not excessively expensive in case they suffer a scratch or two during rough usage. In this article from our July-August 2017 issue, we present eight of them.
1. ORIS BIG CROWN PROPILOT DATE ($1,550)
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Date
This pilots? watch from Oris achieves optimal legibility thanks to its matte dial and impossible-to-overlook hands and numerals, which are coated with plenty of luminous material. The big crown can be operated while wearing gloves. The textile strap is steplessly adjustable thanks to a clamping system; the clasp works like the buckle on a seatbelt aboard an aircraft. With a date display on its dial and a time- tested automatic movement inside its case, this watch offers everything you need. Stainless steel, 41 mm, Sellita SW 220, automatic 2. TUDOR PELAGOS LHD ($4,400)

Tudor Pelagos LHD
The letters ?LHD? in the name of this divers? watch stand for ?left-hand drive,? like a car with its steering wheel on the left. For a watch, LHD means that the crown is located opposite its usual position. This is convenient for a southpaw who wears the watch on his right wrist. But this ...