20 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. Sure, that survivalist might be riding high on conspiracy theories and fake news stories, but when the apocalypse strikes, he’ll be the one with all the best gear. Now who’s laughing?
Of course, not all military watches are created equal, nor are all military watch brands. Don’t be the guy who got duped by clever marketing and ended 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.
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What Makes for the Best 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 to Consider When Buying a Military Watch
Whether you’re G.I. Joe or Average Joe, you basically 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:
- Does it come equipped with tools like a barometer, compass, thermometer, tachymeter, alarm, and/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 (which can last longer) or digital (which can be easier to use and provide more functionality).
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:
- Heavy Duty Watches: 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 Field Watches: 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 Watches: 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.
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: $900
Movement: Swiss made ETA F06 3 jewel high-torque Quartz movement
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 300m
2. 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: $62
Movement: Reliable quartz movement
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 200m
3. 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: $300
Movement: Swiss quartz movement with analog display
Diameter: 44mm
Water Resistance: 200m
4. 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: $200
Movement: Swiss made ETA F06 3 jewel high-torque Quartz movement
Diameter: 43mm
Water Resistance: 60m
5. 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: $1,299
Movement: Reliable quartz movement
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
6. Luminox A.8832.MI Recon Analog
Less intensive than the Recon III–but still plenty intense–is the A.8832.MI Recon Analog from Luminox. The tactical military watch hosts a black date dial with a walk speed scale on the perimeter, along with sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating and Quartz movement. A military-type watch you can sport any day of the week.
Price: $570
Movement: Reliable quartz movement
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 200m
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 $135
Movement: Digital
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 30m
8. Casio Men’s PRW2500T
Powered by solar energy, water-resistant to 200 metres and simply overflowing with functionality, the Casio Men’s PRW2500T 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: $255
Movement: Digital
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 200m
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 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: $699
Movement: Swiss made quartz
Diameter: 45mm
Water Resistance: 200m
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: $8,704
Movement: SuperQuartz™, thermocompensated quartz electronic, analog and 12/24hr LCD digital display
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
11. Casio G-Shock Military GA-110
One of the best military military watch brands, Casio has no shortage of sturdy stunners at its disposal. Proving as much is the G-Shock Military GA-110, a tactical titan bolstered by an eye-catching, experimental dial. The watch is shock-resistant, magnetic resistant and water-resistant up to 100m. It’s also quite affordable.
Price: $83
Movement: Quartz analog and digital
Diameter: 51mm
Water Resistance: 100m
12. 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: $450
Movement: Ronda high precision Quartz Movement (Ronda caliber 715li)
Diameter: 43mm
Water Resistance: 300m
13. Casio G-Shock GA100SD-8A
What, you thought we were done with Casio? Not without mentioning the G-Shock GA100SD-80, we’re not. In addition to its durable construction, these tough watches for men offer access to 29 different time zones, 4 daily alarms and a full auto-calendar via analog-digital dial with LED display. Giving the piece some extra tactical allure is a khaki shade on the case and strap.
Price: $71
Movement: Japanese Quartz and Digital
Diameter: 51mm
Water Resistance: 200m
14. 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: $179
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 41mm
Water Resistance: 10m
15. 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.
Price: $175
Movement: Japanese Quartz
Diameter: 37mm
Water Resistance: 100m
16. 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 21-jewel movement and protected by scratch resistant Hardlex crystal.
Price: $80
Movement: Precise 21-jewel automatic movement with analog display
Diameter: 37mm
Water Resistance: 30m
17. Bertucci A-2S Field Watch
Made of patented stainless steel, the Bertucci A-2S Field Watch features a screw down crown and case back, scratch resistant mineral glass crystal, quartz movement and an ergonomic design.
Price: $99
Movement: Swiss made all-metal quartz movement
Diameter: 40mm
Water Resistance: 100m
18. Timex T498759J Expedition Military Field Watch
You’ll never get lost in the bush with a Timex T498759J Expedition Military Field Watch strapped to your wrist. Bolstered by its legible watch face and built-in Indiglo Night-Light, this baby literally and figuratively shines.
Price: $79
Movement: Quartz
Diameter: 42mm
Water Resistance: 100m
19. Vostok Amphibian Automatic Military Diver
From Vostok, the former official supplier to the Soviet Union’s defense department, comes the Amphibian Automatic Military Diver. Lightweight and luminous, the watch can endure plunges of up to 200 metres.
Price: $88
Movement: Automatic & manual
Diameter: 39mm
Water Resistance: 200m
20. Blackhawk Advanced Field Operator Watch
Powered by unwavering Miyota quartz movement, the Advanced Field Operator Watch from Blackhawk touts a streamlined body of corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel. As durable as it is eye-pleasing, this tactical watch represents the best of two worlds.
Price: $370
Movement: Precision Miyota quartz movements
Diameter: 46mm
Water Resistance: 100m
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.
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About the author
About the author
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.
