Are you searching for the best military watch?
I’ve reviewed the top models on the market and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.
Check out the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for the best military watch picks, or read on for the full review:
Table of Contents
Who Should Have a Military Watch?
Beyond the obvious answer of military personal, with the amazing array of features available on military watches today, many people will benefit from having one in their gear collection.
Whether you are a hunter, camper, hiker, or preparing to bug out, these watches offer tons of essential functions to help you be successful.
Features to Look For
Durability – It is imperative to have a military watch that can stand up to heavy use without failing. A quality constructed military watch will provide you with years of reliable use. This is not an area to skimp to save a few dollars as I have found you end up spending more in the long run through needing to frequently purchase replacements.
Luminescence/Backlighting – This feature will allow you to read your watch without an external light source. I work often aftern nightfall and my watch’s luminescence feature is a must have. Some watches comes with backlighting while others have a self luminating face feature.
Water Resistence – This is a must in a military watch. If you are outdoors, bugging out, camping, or at work, being able to withstand water without damaging your watch is a no brainer. Do not opt for a watch that does not at least offer water resistance.
Power Source – Miltary watches come in many different power source options. From self winding, to solar, to battery powered, you can go with what works best for you. Though, I highly recommend a self winding model as this is the most reliable in my opinion.
Watch Face – Military watches come in both analog and digital faces. Each has their pros and cons and this is largely a personal preference. I tend to prefer an analog face though many people believe they can check their watch faster with a digital face.
Size and Weight – Most models tend to be on the large side of the spectrum. This is both a functional and a stylistic choice. Most med prefer the look of a large size watch and I am one of them. But this also allows for a more durable construction which will lead to a longer lasting watch.
Additional Features – Depending on your intended use, there are many awesome features available with today’s military watches.
While the standard features of time, luminescence, water resistance, and alarm functions are great, I love the other features. These include barometers, altimeter, thermometer, and even GPS. Once you opt with these options you will never want to go back to the simple watch most men are wearing.
Benefits of Having a Quality Military Watch
The best military watches are going to provide you with reliable and accurate time along with standard alarm and water resistant features. On top of this, the weather predictive attributes on some of these watches are indispensable when in the field or off the grid for any extended period of time.
My military style watch is an important part of my emergency preparedness plan. With it’s self wind power and durable construction, I can keep tabs on weather and more even when away from home for days.
Top Rated Military Watches
G-Shock Men's GG-1000-1A5CR
This shock resistant military style mens watch is rugged and durable. With it’s neobrite mineral glass face cover it is mud and water resistant up to 200 meters. It comes with an LED backlight, digital compass, thermometer, stopwatch, and world time capabilities. I like the big bold look of this watch and when wearing it, you feel like it’s made to last.
Pros
– Water resistant to 200 meters
– Mud resistant
– Quartz movement
– Durable construction
– Thermometer
– Low Battery alert
– Full auto calendar
– 12 and 24 hour formats
– Countdown timer
– 5 daily alarms
Cons
– Battery powered is not best for off grid applications
Suunto Core All Black Military Men's Outdoor Sports Watch
This is an awesome military watch that comes with some of my favorite features. Equipped with an altimeter and a barometer you can keep tabs on the weather even when away from civilization. It comes with a weather trend graph for over 400 locations to help give you accurate picture of what to expect when out on your own. The altimeter actually provides you with your current elevation and the intelligent storm alarm senses drops in air pressure that accompany approaching storms.
Pros
– Multiple navigational satellite systems (GLONASS, Galileo, GPS)
– Heart rate monitor
– Compatible with smartphones
– TrackBack Feature
– Thermal, shock, and water resistant to 100 meters
– High contrast easy to read face
Cons
– Might be overkill for those who are not avid outdoors enthusiast or emergency preparers
Garmin Instinct GPS Outdoor Watch
This Garmin outdoor watch comes with an impressive list of useful functions. The built in GPS and GLONASS is accurate and reliable. This is an amazing feature for hunters, hikers, bug out preparing, and backpackers. It comes with a 3 axis compass, an altimeter will help you keep on the right track even deep off the beaten path. One of my favorite features is the trackback mode which allows you to follow the same route back to your starting location. I’ve used this feature while out fishing, hiking, and backpacking new areas.
Pros
– Multiple navigational satellite systems (GLONASS, Galileo, GPS)
– Heart rate monitor
– Compatible with smartphones
– TrackBack Feature
– Thermal, shock, and water resistant to 100 meters
– High contrast easy to read face
Cons
– Might be overkill for those who are not avid outdoors enthusiast or emergency preppers
Casio Men's GW9400 Rangeman G-Shock Solar Atomic Watch
This is a model often selected by military and police forces. The G-Shock series is durable and designed to actually be used in the real world. With water and shock resistance it fits the bill for a long lasting military watch. While it boasts a large face size, this watch sets on the wrist comfortably without feeling overly bulky. Buttons on the side are rugged and hold up to continuous use. This is an excellent choice.
Pros
– Durable costruction
– Water resistant
– Shock resistant
– Altimeter
– Thermometer
Cons
– The negative display can be hard to read at times
G-Shock Men's GA-1000L
The mineral glass face is shock resistant and water resistant up to 200 meters. The battery life is up to 2 years so you won’t have to worry about constantly replacing the battery or having it die in the woods. This is another durable military watch made to handle whatever you throw at it and keep on working. Comes with multiple countdown timers, magnetic resistance, and a reverse LCD display for easy reading even in the dark. This is an excellent value military watch.
Pros
– Flexible resin band
– Digital face
– Water resistant to 200 meters
– Magnetic resistance
– 4 daily alarms
– Countdown timer
– LED light with afterglow
– Auto calendar
– 12 and 24 hour formats
– World time with 29 zones
Cons
– Battery powered is not best for everyone
For more survival and tactical guides and tips check out these articles:
If you spend a significant time outdoors a military watch is an amazing tool that can keep you safe. Whether you plan to go hiking and backpacking or you want to prepare for a bug out scenario, any of the picks on my list will serve you well.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com