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15 Best Military Watches for Everyday Carry
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 field watches an essential part of their EDC arsenal. Heck, if you ask the nearest survivalist, he might tell you that a good tactical watch will make the difference between who lasts and who doesn’t during the apocalypse.
Here’s everything you need to know about the best military watches on the planet.
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: When you’re not on the trails you’ll want to check out the best luxury watch brands.
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 resistances to atmospheric pressure. Great for jumping out of aeroplanes, Operation Dumbo Drop style. Definitely, an EDC watches if you’re a pilot. |
Related: We rounded up a list of the best pilot watches for every price point, check it out here.
The Best Military Watches
Sure, you can use the checklist above to do some research on your own, or you can scope our list below and cut right to the chase. Here are the best Military Watches. May they serve you well when you need them the most.
1. 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: $1,826 AUD
Movement: Swiss made ETA F06 high-torque 3 jewels Quartz movement with EOL (End-of-Life) indicator.
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 300m
Buy it here (Marathon) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Monsoonal)
Image: MWC
2. MWC Navigator
True to its name, the MWC Navigator Collection consists of formidable timepieces that are aimed exclusively at adventurers on land, sky or sea. The brand keeps things straightforward and optimal in design, equipping each tactical military watch with a highly legible 12 hr bezel, a painstakingly clear dial, and water resistance to 300m. Great as either an EDC watch or just for special survivalist adventures.
Price: from $359 AUD
Water Resistance: 300m / 1000 ft
Movement: Ronda 715li with 10-year battery life
Width: 40mm (excluding crown).
Thickness: 14.4mm
Crystal Diameter: 30.5mm
Crystal Type: Sapphire with anti-reflective coating
Strap: 20mm NATO Webbing
3. Casio G-Shock The 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: Reliable quartz movement
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Buy it here (Casio) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Aus Watches)
Image: Luminox
4. 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
Buy it here (Luminox) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Aus Watches)
Image: Monsoonal
5. Marathon Military Navigator
The Marathon Military 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 $726 AUD
Movement: Swiss made ETA F06 3 jewel high-torque Quartz movement
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 60m
Buy it here (Monsoonal) Buy it here (Amazon)
Image: Luminox
6. 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
Buy it here (Luminox) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Watch Direct)
Image: Suunto
7. 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
Image: Casio
8. Casio Men’s PRW2500T-7
Powered by solar energy, water-resistant to 200 metres and simply overflowing with functionality, the Casio Men’s PRW2500T-7 is a tactical watch built to survive whatever you can throw its way. Included in its tool chest is a compass, an altimeter, a thermometer, a barometer, a tide graph, a moon phase graph, a power-saving function and more.
Price: from $440 AUD
Movement: Digital
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Buy it here (Casio) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (eBay)
Image: Traser
9. 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
Buy it here (Traser) Buy it here (Amazon)
Image: Breitling
10. 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: $9,420 AUD
Movement: SuperQuartz, thermocompensated quartz electronic, analog and 12/24hr LCD digital display
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
Image: Casio
11. 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
Buy it here (Casio) Buy it here (ebay) Buy it here (Aus Watches)
Image: Sure Fire
12. 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 $649 USD
Weight: 5 oz (141.7 g) with batteries.
Dimensions: 2.4 in x 2.0 in x 1.08 in
Output: 300 lumens
Buy it here (Sure Fire) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (ebay)
Image: Starbuy
13. 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
Buy it here (Star Buy) Buy it here (Watch Direct) Buy it here (Star Jewellers)
Image: Amazon
14. 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
Image: Bertucci
15. 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.
Brand: Bertucci
Case Material: Rugged U.S. patented DX3 case.
Case Diameter: 40mm
Crystal: Scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal.
Water Resistance: 200M
Movement: Precision Japanese movement.
Buy it here (Watch Co) Buy it here (Amazon) Buy it here (Bertucci)
General 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.
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.
- Best British Watch Brands
- Best Japanese Watch Brands
- Best Russian Watch Brands
- Best American Watch Brands
- Best Australian Watch Brands
- Best German Watch Brands
Jacob Osborn
Jacob Osborn is an accomplished author and journalist with over 10 years of experience in the media industry. Jacob holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Communication Arts from the University of Wisconsin--Madison and has previously written for Stacker alongside co-authoring a Young Adult novel through Simon & Schuster. Now based in Portland, Oregon, Jacob specialises in entertainment, technology and alcohol reporting. You might find him crate-digging at the nearest record store or sampling whisky at the nearest bar. He daydreams of travelling around the world, but for now, the world will have to come to him by way of lifestyle products, gear, gadgetry, and entertainment. Let's call it a happy compromise while he saves up for the next big trip.
