Now that just about everybody has a cell phone watches are quickly becoming a thing of the past. They’re becoming more of a style statement than anything else. I’m a man that loves watches and there’s one thing that can make them better. Watches that come equipped with a compass are not only about style they also have a purpose. It will be one less thing that you need to pack on your next backpacking or hunting trip. With lots of different styles and ways to incorporate the compass you’re sure to find one you like.
What’s The Best Compass Watch?
1. Suunto Core All Black Military Watch
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The Suunto Core Military watch is more than just a compass watch. It’s an intelligent watch designed to measure all of your surroundings. Inspired by military watch designs this watch will withstand a lot of abuse.
The Suunto core watch is available in many attractive designs. Suunto is selling a lifestyle with this easy to use outdoor watch. With lots of functions you’ll be able to take readings of your surroundings. It’s more than just a watch it gives you all the tools necessary to go on an adventure. It has a functioning altimeter, compass, thermometer and barometer. Air pressure trends will alert you to weather changes and storm warnings giving you enough time to take cover. You’ll also be able to see how many more hours are left before the sun goes down and comes up. Water Resistant and shockproof this watch will last through your outdoor adventures.
2. Invicta AVIATOR Watch
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The Invicta Aviator watch is a analog option that is reasonably priced. Invicta has long been making quality time pieces that will last for years. Using a Japanese quartz movement this watch should last longer than cheaper alternatives on the market. The Aviator watch has long been one of Invicta’s most popular watches. People are drawn to its sturdy feel and 48 mm watch face.
Invicta’s Aviator watch features a stainless steel case with a fold over safety clasp band. The attractive gun metal dial is easy to see with glow in the dark luminous hands. On the inner bezel you’ll notice a working compass and tachymeter beside the chronograph and date window. It’s waterproof up to 100m and is the perfect watch for snorkeling and swimming.
3. Timex Expedition Shock Digital Compass Watch
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The Timex expedition watch has long been one of the best selling compass watches on the market. Timex is a trusted brand known for making affordable long lasting watches. Timex designed this watch to withstand anything life can throw at it.
As the name implies the Timex Expedition watch was designed for the serious thrill seeker. Timex built this watch to withstand the rigors of outdoor torture tests. It’s shock resistant to I.S.O. standards and is battle proven by countless soldiers overseas. The digital compass is easy to use and can be seen very easily night or day. The watch is water resistant up to 200 meters and can withstand harsh weather conditions. With the Timex Indiglo Backlight you’ll be able to read the time and direction day or night. The watchband is made out of a comfortable nylon and lightweight resin.
4. Casio G Shock Mudman Digital Men’s Watch
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Casio built on the popularity of their G Shock Watch lineup to design this heavy duty watch. If you’ve never tried a G-Shock watch you’re missing out. They are designed to withstand absolute torture. This was my watch of choice back when I used to work in the construction industry. It lasted through years of abuse with only minor cosmetic blemishes.
Casio has a wide lineup of G-Shock watches that all have a slightly different appearance. If you don’t like this design you will probably find one that you like better. The watch comes with a compass, thermometer, calendar, alarm and stop watch. The compass is extremely accurate and easy to use. It has a 200 meter water resistance rating and is 100% Shock Resistant. If you need a watch that will withstand everything life throws at it buy a G-Shock.
5. Casio Pathfinder Triple-Sensor Stainless Steel Watch
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Casio’s Pathfinder watch is part of their Pro Trek lineup. Their Pro Trek lineup of watches are designed to be used by the serious outdoorsman. These heavy duty watches are designed to withstand serious shock and abuse. I really like that the Pathfinder watch uses a stainless steel band. You don’t normally see metal bands with digital watches. With a water resistance rating of up to 100m you won’t have to worry about destroying this watch in the pool.
The best thing about the Pathfinder watch is the solar-power charging system. You’ll charge up the battery just by wearing the watch out in the sun for a few hours. The watch features a triple sensor that will provide a altimeter, barometer, thermometer and a compass. Some watches are nearly impossible to use all the added features, but that isn’t the case with the Pathfinder. It has designated buttons for each of its functions.
Compass Watch vs Traditional Compass
Whether you’re backpacking through Yellowstone or walking through the woods on a hunting trip, it’s always a good idea to bring a compass. I’ve always been more of a fan of a traditional compass, but compass watches have recently been growing on me. I wouldn’t say that a compass watch is a direct replacement for a traditional compass, but it definitely helps. Each of the above watches works as well or better than a traditional compass. So do you need to bring along a real compass?
Personally I would always bring along a real compass if I’m hiking through unfamiliar territory. When I’m backpacking through new areas I always throw a basic paper map into my pack. That way if my GPS stops working I can still find my way out of the woods. With a map compass you’ll be able to do more than just tell the direction. You can physically trace out your route and estimate arrival times. That’s just not something you’re going to be able to accurately do using a watch compass.
That being said compass watches definitely have earned its place among my gear. The main advantage a compass watch has is ease of use. You don’t have to dig around in your pack to check that your going in the right direction. Just quickly glance down and double check that you’re on the correct path.
Other Features To Look For
There’s one thing that all of the above watches have in common(other than a compass). It isn’t cheap to make a decent compass watch so they’re all somewhat expensive. Due to the constant movement of your arms the sensors need to maintain reliability. They need to be extremely durable and bright when it gets dark out. You should try and find a watch that comes with some form of backlit display. Other features that you should look for are timers, altimeters, thermometers, and barometers. Everything else is just an added bonus.