Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Pinterest
Flipboard
Email
Messenger
WhatsApp
20 Best Military Watches for Everyday Carry
By Jacob Osborn - Guide Published: , Last Updated:
Far more than just functional fashion accessories, the best military watches represent the utmost tier of utility and resilience. It’s no wonder that soldiers and survivalists alike make tactical watches an essential part of their EDC arsenal. Ask the nearest survivalist and they’ll tell you that a good tactical watch will make the difference between who lasts and who doesn’t during the apocalypse. We’re not so sure you need to get that extreme, but our list below includes everything from full-blown army watches to tactical timepieces as chosen by our editors.
Related: Looking for more everyday carry essentials? Check out all of our EDC news, reviews, and more here.
Best Military Watches at a Glance
Our list of the best military watches goes like this.
- Best military watch overall: Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
- If you’re looking for a budget option: CWC British Military G10
- If you’re looking for a digital military watch: Casio G-Shock 6900 Military
- If you’re shopping on any budget: Rolex ‘MilSub’ Ref. 5517
Now we’ve had a look at our favourites, let’s check out the complete list.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical | Image: Hamilton
1. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
The Hamilton Field Khaki is a Swiss-made watch that boasts a rich military heritage. Formally an American brand, Hamilton was an official supplier to the US army, with the Field Khaki being a recreation of its most famous 1960s military model.
This is a modern version of the watch that American GIs actually took into combat, so it’s ideal if you want authenticity. It’s a compact piece with a modest 38mm case, a utilitarian dial layout and bucketloads of vintage charm. The case has a matt finish and the strap is a one-piece design, handy if it needs to be quickly replaced. And to really capture the spirit of the era, the Field Khaki is hand wound.
Price: from $750 AUD
Water Resistance: 50M
Movement: Hamilton Calibre H-50 Movement
Case Diameter: 38mm
Case Thickness: 10mm
Crystal Type: Sapphire
Strap: Canvas NATO
Shop at Hamilton Shop at Time Piece
CWC British Military G10 | Image: CWC
2. CWC British Military G10
In Britain, the G10 military watch is a legend, with the first iterations issued to the British Army in the 1960s. When Hamilton withdrew from the competition to win Ministry of Defence contracts its UK Managing Director launched his own brand, CWC. As an ex-serviceman he understood just what the military needed in a watch and since 1980 CWC has supplied the British Army with over 200,000 G10 watches.
The CWC G10 is a straightforward piece, with reliability and legibility trumping everything else. It’s a smaller watch with the case coming in at 36.5mm and as a practical piece, it’s quartz-powered. There’s 50M of water resistance and it features a unique hatch on the rear that allows the battery to be changed with nothing more than a coin.
Price: from GBP £279
Water Resistance: 50M
Movement: ETA Swiss Quartz
Case Diameter: 36.5mm
Case Thickness: 10.5mm
Crystal Type: Acrylic
Strap: Canvas NATO
Timex Expedition Metal Field Watch | Image: Timex
3. Timex Expedition Metal Field Watch
Timex prides itself on offering excellent value for money when it comes to watches. Remember, Timex was the brand that famously sold 6 million units of its $1 watch. Times change, but Timex still gives watch fans a great deal. The Expedition Metal Field is a perfect example – a handsome vintage-inspired military watch for less than sixty bucks.
For that meagre amount, you get a surprisingly robust field watch, very much in the vein of classic American watches from Hamilton and Bulova. The tough metal case is 37mm wide and it houses a militaristic-style dial and a reliable quartz movement. The rugged leather strap reinforces the military aesthetic and the Indiglo Night-Light feature illuminates the whole dial.
Price: from $55 USD
Water Resistance: 50M
Movement: Quartz
Case Diameter: 37mm
Case Thickness: 9mm
Crystal Type: Mineral
Strap: Leather
Shop at Timex Shop at Amazon Shop at Watch Direct
Sinn 910 SRS Flyback Chronograph | Image: Sinn
4. Sinn 910 SRS Flyback Chronograph
If it’s authenticity that you look for in your military watch, then what better than a brand created by a WW2 pilot? Helmut Sinn flew under the radar so to speak, with his watches sold in small numbers directly to customers. That was until his watches were worn by German astronauts in the 80s and 90s.
This stunning German-made mechanical watch features an elaborate movement that is visible through the exhibition back. The watch, with its strong pilot aesthetic, has an intricate dial that offers all the chronograph features you’ll ever need. This isn’t a field watch built for the outdoors. Instead, it’s a high-end piece most comfortable on an airman’s wrist.
Price: from €3,750 Euros
Water Resistance: 100M
Movement: Valjoux 7750 Flyback Automatic
Case Diameter: 41.5mm
Case Thickness: 15.1mm
Crystal Type: Sapphire
Strap: Leather
Shop at Sinn Shop at Chrono24 Shop at Define Watches
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms | Image: Blancpain
5. Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
Swiss luxury brand Blancpain has a history stretching back over 200 years, but it’s best known for its iconic Fifty Fathoms model, a dive watch originally made for the French navy’s elite SCUBA squad, the Nageur de Combatand. Built to the specifications laid down by the Navy, this distinctive watch launched in 1953, a year before the Rolex Submariner.
The design is now instantly recognisable and features an oversized bezel that is both easy to rotate and to read. The styling is restrained and practical, offering luxury watch features and branding in a tough and functional package. Like the CWC and Hamilton models, this watch was used in the field by professionals.
Price: from £13,800 GBP
Water Resistance: 300M
Movement: Caliber 1315
Case Diameter: 45mm
Case Thickness: 15.4mm
Crystal Type: Sapphire
Strap: Sail Canvas or Stainless Steel Bracelet
Shop at Blancpain Shop at Watches of Switzerland Shop at Chrono24
Rolex ‘MilSub’ Ref. 5517 | Image: Rolex
6. Rolex ‘MilSub’ Ref. 5517
For many watch geeks, this is the holy grail of military watches – Rolex’s military-issued Submariner. The Submariner is a highly desirable watch in its own right, but this British Navy edition is special because the MOD did something you’re not supposed to do – they asked Rolex to alter a watch design. The new watch was made in small numbers, with only 1200 ever issued. Of these, less than 200 are thought to have survived.
The Milsub, as it’s known, features distinctive sword-shaped hands, a larger bezel than the standard Submariner of the era and lume that has now aged and shows a beautiful patina. Of all the military watches to own, this scarce dive watch tops the list.
Movement: Rolex Automatic
Case Diameter: 39mm
Marathon WW194007 TSAR Military Diver | Image: Marathon
7. Marathon WW194007 TSAR Military Diver
Built to government specs, the TSAR Military Diver from Marathon is designed to aid with search and rescue missions at sea. Water-resistant to 300m, powered by a quartz movement and equipped with tritium gas tubes for the built-in glow, this one’s a true lifesaver. Marathon is a true favourite among military-grade watch brands, without a doubt one of the best tactical watches.
Price: from $1,800 AUD
Movement: Swiss-made ETA F06 high-torque 3 jewels Quartz movement with EOL (End-of-Life) indicator.
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Shop at Marathon Shop at Amazon Shop at Monsoonal
Casio G-Shock The 6900 Military | Image: Casio
8. Casio G-Shock 6900 Military
The standard Casio G-Shock enjoys a massive following thanks to copious functionality and a downright indestructible build, and the 6900 Military variant ups the ante accordingly. Accept no substitutes. This is one elite tact watch worth snatching up.
Price: from $155 AUD
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 41mm
Water resistance: 200m
Shop at Casio Shop at Kogan Shop at Aus Watches
Luminox EVO Navy Seal | Image: Luminox
9. Luminox EVO Navy Seal
A striking piece from one of the best military watch brands, the Luminox EVO Navy Seal packs a highly legible luminescent dial and unidirectional bezel inside a hefty 44mm Polyurethane case. Of course, it’s water-resistant, getting you down to lower than 600ft beneath the surface.
Price: from $459 AUD
Movement: Swiss quartz movement with analog display
Diameter: 44mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Shop at Luminox Shop at Amazon Shop at Aus Watches
Marathon Pilot Navigator | Image: Marathon
10. Marathon Pilot Navigator
The Marathon Pilot Navigator is designed primarily for pilots and paratroopers, with the exacting government specifications to show for it. Featured on the watch are self-illuminating tritium gas tubes, a high-impact fibre shell case and Swiss-made ETA F06 high torque quartz movement. Meanwhile, a 6 ATM rating means this quartz military watch stays intact in the face of rapid pressure fluctuations.
Price: from $560 AUD
Movement: Swiss-made ETA F06 3 jewel high-torque Quartz movement
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 60m
Shop at Marathon Shop at Monsoonal Shop at Forge Watches
Luminox 8841.KM.SET Recon III Chronograph | Image: Luminox
11. Luminox 8841.KM.SET Recon III Chronograph
Equipped with a range of features, the Luminox 8841.KM.SET Recon III Chronograph sets white and gold markers against a black dial within a substantial 46mm case. That’s joined by three chronograph sub-dials and a range of indicators on the bezel. Indeed, this tactical watch is a dizzying myriad of information.
Price: from $949 AUD
Movement: Reliable quartz movement
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Shop at Luminox Shop at Watch Direct Shop at Chrono24
Suunto Core | Image: Suunto
12. Suunto Core
Designed for hikers and outdoorsmen (in addition to military personnel), the Suunto Core includes an altimeter, a compass, a barometer and a weather indicator among other things. Available in the striking shade of Military Black, this handy high-end EDC watch will even notify you when storm clouds are approaching.
Price: from $240 AUD
Measurements: 49.1 x 49.1 x 14.5 mm
Weight: 64 g / 2.26 oz
Bezel material: Aluminum
Glass material: Mineral crystal
Case material: Composite
Strap material: Elastomer
Traser H3 Military P6600 Type 6 | Image: Traser
13. Traser H3 Military P6600 Type 6
From the Traser H3 Military P6600 Type 6, expect Ronda Quartz movement with day-date function, scratch-proof crystal sapphire and a bidirectional, rotating steel bezel with a Trigalight insert. Also featured is a steel inner case, carbon fibre outer case and black NATO strap. It’s a textbook EDC watch while also being a go-to in the quartz military watch department.
Price: from CHF 450
Movement: Swiss-made quartz
Diameter: 45mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Breitling Cockpit B50 | Image: Breitling
14. Breitling Cockpit B50
At the higher end of the price, spectrum is the Cockpit B50 chronograph from Breitling. The military watch pairs analog and digital displays inside a 46mm case of lightweight titanium. Additionally featured are duo time zone and perpetual calendar complications, two alarms, a countdown timer, an electronic tachymeter and so much more. Get on board with this elite digital tactical watch for the toughest of men.
Price: $5,250 AUD
Movement: SuperQuartz, thermocompensated quartz electronic, analog and 12/24hr LCD digital display
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Shop at The Watch Dealers Shop at Chrono24
Casio G-Shock GA100L-8A | Image: Casio
15. Casio G-Shock GA100L-8A
What, you thought we were done with Casio? Not without mentioning the G-Shock GA100L-8A, we’re not. In addition to their durable construction, these tough watches for men offer a full auto-calendar via an analog-digital dial with an LED display. Giving the piece some extra tactical allure is a khaki shade on the case and strap.
Price: from $99 USD
Features: Module 5081, Full Auto-Calendar (pre-programmed until the year 2099)
Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per month
Battery: CR1220
Shop at Casio Shop at Amazon Shop at eBay
Surefire 2211 Wristlight Series | Image: Surefire
16. Surefire 2211 Wristlight Series
Kill two EDC birds with one stone by scooping up the Surefire 2211 Wrightlight Series. Affixed to the side (and available for separate purchase) of the legible watch face is a trusty, water-resistant LED light. Try a high-end military watch that will get you out of any conflict.
Price: from $199 USD
Weight: 5 oz (141.7 g) with batteries.
Dimensions: 2.4 in x 2.0 in x 1.08 in
Output: 300 lumens
Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E | Image: Citizen
17. Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E
Between its round, black dial and stainless steel case, the Eco-Drive from Citizen keeps it classic. However, don’t take that minimalist aesthetic to mean the high-end watch doesn’t perform its durable duties. Specifically, the piece hosts solar-powered Japanese quartz movement, a mineral crystal date window and water resistance to 100 metres.
Brand: Citizen
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 39mm
Case Thickness: 9mm
Crystal: Mineral Glass
Water Resistance: 100M
Movement: Solar Quartz
Shop at Citizen Shop at Watch Direct Shop at eBay
Seiko 5 SNK809 | Image: Seiko
18. Seiko 5 SNK809
For those seeking simplicity, consider the Seiko 5. Within its 37mm stainless steel case you’ll find a black dial, luminous hands and Arabic numerals. Priced to move, the watch is powered by a 21-jewel movement and protected by scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal.
Price: from $170 AUD
Movement: Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display
Diameter: 37mm
Water Resistance: 30m
Shop at Amazon Shop at Watch Direct Shop at Chrono24
Bertucci A-2T Field Watch | Image: Bertucci
19. Bertucci A-2T Field Watch
Made of patented stainless steel, the Bertucci A-2T Field Watch features a screw-down crown and case back, scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal, quartz movement and an ergonomic design.
Price: from $155 USD
Case Material: Rugged U.S. patented DX3 case.
Case Diameter: 40mm
Crystal: Scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal.
Water Resistance: 200M
Shop at Bertucci Shop at Amazon
Naval Watch by LOWERCASE ref. FRXC001 | Image: Naval Watches
20. Naval Watch by LOWERCASE
We’ve had our eyes on Naval Watch since we bought their collaboration with Nepenthes towards the end of last year. While that collaboration housed a Seiko automatic movement, we’re just as fond of this collaboration here with Mr Yoshikage Kajiwara, the creative director of LOWERCASE, and the newly appointed product development advisor at NWC. Utilising a rugged Seiko Cal.VK63 Trinocular Chronograph Quartz movement, the case is a modest 42mm in diameter which promises a good size for most wrists. We’re big fans of the NATO strap used here, experiencing it almost every day on our Nepenthes watch. Priced at ¥30,800 ($350 AUD) it’s a great value-for-money option on our list of the best military watches.
Price: from ¥30,800
Diameter: 42mm
Movement: Seiko Cal.VK63 Trinocular Chronograph Quartz
Case material: Stainless steel
Water resistance: 5 ATM, 50 metres
MWC Navigator | Image: MWC
How We Chose the Best Military Watches
When it comes to our list of the best military watches money can buy, it goes without saying, that expertise is key. While Man of Many has had the chance to get their hands on every watch on this list (often thanks to their friends in the industry), they’ve also turned to the wider public for their overall ratings. Man of Many’s lists takes into account three major perspectives to determine the overall rating, quality, price point, and availability. As one of the best watch blogs on the internet they have the knowledge to determine what makes a good military watch, but in addition to their own opinions, they take into account reviews via industry leaders such as Time and Tide, HODINKEE, and Worn and Wound.
Guide to The Best Military Watches
Of course, not all military watches are created equal, nor are all military watch brands. Don’t be the guy to get duped by clever marketing and end up with some lifeless clunker around his wrist. Check out our guide to the best tactical watches instead. The ones that won’t save your life will at least step up your game in the EDC watch department. That’s called win/win. From army-style watches to other high-end tactical watches, let’s present our guide to the best tactical field watches.
What Makes a Good Military Watch?
At their cores, military watches are geared toward people who live on the edge of survival. We’re talking soldiers of fortune, paratroopers, marines, extreme sports junkies and anyone else who might need to hop out of a plane or plunge into the water at a moment’s notice. To be clear, that doesn’t mean a regular Joe can’t reap plenty of enjoyment from a solid tactical watch, it’s more to say that tactical watches themselves should be judged according to how well they perform their intended duties.
In that regard, the best military-grade watches need to be utterly durable, consistently operational and endlessly resourceful. These do not fashion statements – these are tools. Whether you go with a quartz watch or a different movement mechanic, these are meant to strengthen your chances of survival.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Military Watch?
Whether you’re G.I. Joe or Average Joe you’ll want the same thing from your military watch: supreme functionality and resilience. To heed the call, a number of the best military watches incorporate prime materials and a wide range of built-in tools. When looking for a quality tactical watch, you should consider the following:
- Is it equipped with tools like a barometer, compass, thermometer, tachymeter, alarm, or tritium gas?
- Is it Bluetooth enabled?
- Is it water-resistant to at least 100m?
- Does it have a high ATM (i.e. can it withstand quick changes in atmospheric pressure)?
- Does it employ high-grade sapphire crystal or a quartz movement?
- Is it scratch-proof?
- Is it shock resistant?
- Do you want analog (last longer) or digital (easier to use and provides more functionality)?
Related: Our list of the best luxury watch brands includes more than just Rolex.
Image: Racim Amr
Different Types of Military Watches
As you might expect, there are tons of variety to be found when comparing one military watch to the next. However, for the sake of simplicity, the tactical watch category is frequently broken down into three types:
| Types of Military Watches | |
|---|---|
| Heavy Duty | These are the hefty (commonly digital) behemoths that pack in as much functionality as you can possibly imagine. Think of the Casio G-Shock as a starter point and work out from there. |
| Tactical | Minimalist by design, field watches are typically distinguished by their slim bodies and highly legible dials. What they lack in broad utility, they make up for in durability and accessibility. These are truly some tough watches for men. |
| Pilot Watch | Modelled after aircraft gauges, pilot watches usually feature large, readable dials and high resistance to atmospheric pressure. Great for jumping out of aeroplanes, Operation Dumbo Drop style. Definitely, an EDC watches if you’re a pilot. |
Alternatives to Military Watches
Now that you’re all up to date on the best military watches available, why not check out our lists of the best watch brands from around the world? The watch brands we’ve listed below are sorted by country, so choose your favourite, and start browsing.
- Best British Watch Brands
- Best Japanese Watch Brands
- Best Russian Watch Brands
- Best American Watch Brands
- Best Australian Watch Brands
- Best German Watch Brands
Military Watch FAQ
What is a military watch?
Built for a host of environments and adventures, military watches traditionally pair durable construction with an extra tier of functionality. While often stylish, they generally take on the role of wearable tools.
What's the best military watch?
Some of the best military watches are as follows: Marathon WW194007 TSAR Military Diver, Casio G-Shock The 6900 Military, Marathon Military Navigator, Suunto Core, Breitling Cockpit B50, and others.
What watch do Navy SEALs wear?
American Navy SEALs are known to wear watches from brands such as G-Shock, Suunto, and Pro Tek, amongst others. The G-Shock DW-6600 is currently the official watch of the Navy SEALs.
