So what’s the difference between a normal watch and a tactical watch? That really is a tough question that will depend on your profession. Men with boots on the ground in Iraq will likely require a different timepiece than Uncle Buck in West Virginia. The one thing all tactical watches have in common is durability. Tactical watches need to survive all the little things life throws at them.
What’s The Best Tactical Watch?
Since the US military no longer issues tactical watches you’ll likely need a few suggestions. All The watches below are time tested without costing a small fortune.
1. Casio Men’s Black G-Shock 100 Military Series Watch
Notable Features:
- Fully Automatic Calendar
- Backlight
- Shock Resistant Analog Display
- 4 Programmable Alarms
For years Casio G-Shocks have been some of the sturdiest watches on the market. This watch was designed specifically with the military in mind and will withstand even the harshest conditions. It features a fully automatic calendar that’s programmed to the year 2099.
2. Garmin Fenix 5X Sapphire
Notable Features:
- Smart Watch With GPS Functionality
- Detailed Maps
- Altimeter, Gyroscope, Thermometer, Compass
The Garmin Fenix 5x Sapphire really isn’t what I consider a tactical watch but with all the features it’s hard to keep it off this list. Garmin’s Fenix 5x offers a little bit of everything including a complete Maps GPS, Thermometer, Compass, Gyroscope, altimeter and so much more. If you’re looking for a watch that does a little bit of everything buy the Garmin Fenix 5x Sapphire.
3. Suunto Core ALU Deep Black
Notable Features:
- Altimeter(Tracks Vertical Movement)
- Barometer(Barometric Pressure)
- Compass
- Tracks Weather and Temperature
- Multiple Color Options
Suunto is a watch brand that I don’t have a lot of experience with, but with millions of watches sold they must be doing something right. The Suunto Core watch is packed with features you’d normally find in a smart watch. It’s the perfect hiking companion featuring a weather gauge, thermometer, barometer, altimeter and compass. With all the color combinations your bound to find a watch that fits your style.
4. 5.11 Tactical EDC Field Ops Watch
Notable Features:
- Ballistic Calculator
- Backlight
- Digital Compass
- Extended band for wearing over jacket
If you buy a lot of tactical gear you will notice the 5.11 brand. The 5.11 watch was designed for the law enforcement and military communities. This watch was designed from the ground up to be a tactical watch. With a ballistic calculator and extendable band the 5.11 watch will be ready the next time you take your rifle to the range.
5. Casio G-Shock GD-100-1B Watch
Notable Features:
- Multiple Color Options
- Fully Automatic Calendar and World Time
- 5 Independent Alarms
- Led Backlight
- Shockproof Design
This watch is much like the Casio G-Shock watch listed above. The only major difference is that it’s a digital watch. G-Shock watches come in a wide variety of color combinations that all have one thing in common and that’s durability. Trusted by countless Law Enforcement and U.S. Military members G-Shock watches have withstood the test of time.
6. Timex Men’s Intelligent Quartz Adventure Series Compass Watch
Notable Features:
- Indiglo Light
- Compass With Analog Display
- Rotating Compass Top
The Timex Adventure Series compass watch uses rugged styling and practica utility. It has a functioning compass powered by an intelligent quartz technology. Easily track the date using the easy to setup Timex Quick Date Feature. This Watch is Water Resistant up to 100 meters and is sure to stand up through the elements.
7. Timex Men’s Intelligent Quartz Tide Compass Watch
Notable Features:
- Indigo Light
- Compass
- Thermometer
- Tide Tracker
The Timex Intelligent Quartz Compass watch is actually one of Timex more expensive options. Timex makes a wide variety of watches all at an affordable price. The quartz movement of this watch is sure to last a while without issue. If you don’t constantly play with the indiglo light this watch will have a surprisingly long battery life. With a dive rating of 330 ft this watch is sure to work when the weather is at its worst. Featuring a Compass, Digital Thermometer and Tide Tracker this watch has everything a survivalist needs.
8. G-shock DW9052-1V Men’s Watch
Notable Features:
- Shock Resistant Design
- Afterglow Backlight
- Calendar
This Casio G-Shock watch is a very well built watch with all the common features you would expect from a digital watch. Like all G-Shock watches it was meant to withstand some serious abuse. It’ll handle the punishment from just about anything life throws at it.
9. Timex Men’s Expedition Shock Digital Compass Watch
Notable Features:
- Indigo Light
- Compass
The Timex Expedition shock watch was designed specifically to withstand everything life throws at it. With a 200m Water resistance rating this watch is perfect for serious water sports. The Indiglo light up watch dial makes the watch easy to see in all lighting conditions. With the Expedition Shocks digital compass you’ll be sure to find your way out of the woods on your next hiking trip(who needs a GPS). The Comfortable nylon strap is extremely durable and doesn’t cause your wrist to sweat. Timex’ Men’s Expedition Shock Digital Compass Watch is an excellent value for the price.
10. Timex Men’s Ironman Classic Watch
Notable Features:
- Easy to Use Stop Watch
- Digital Calendar
- Sturdy Shock Proof Frame
The Timex Ironman watch is more of a running watch than a tactical watch, but I thought it was worth a mention. Anybody who has watched an ironman race can attest to how challenging they are. This watch will go everywhere with you from the pool to the construction site out into the woods. They easy to use stop watch will time up to 30 laps in a row. It includes a bright backlight that you can read night, day and even in the water.
11. Luminox Men’s Navy SEAL Colormark Watch
Notable Features:
- Glows 100 Times Brighter than luminous watches
- Durable Nearly Indestructible Design
- Water Resistant to 200m
- For Professional Marine Activity Professions
- Digital Calendar
The Luminox Mens Navy Seal watch glows more than 100 times brighter than comparable luminous watches. It’s the perfect watch for low lighting conditions. The white numerals are extremely easy to read in high stress situations. It includes a digital calendar at the 3 o clock position.
12. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
Notable Features:
- Powered By Sun
- Chronograph
- Calender
- 100m Water Resistance
Citizen’s EcoDrive lineup of watches are all powered by the sunlight. You won’t have to worry about ever having to change the batteries. All the watch needs is an hour or so of sunlight to charge the watch for weeks of use. The Green canvas band makes this watch look like it came straight out of Vietnam. A good citizen watch really is hard to beat for the price.
What To Look For in a Watch
The two main things you are going to need to look for in a tactical watch are durability and waterproofing. Tactical watches should be more about function than style. That being said you don’t want to strap a piece of junk on your arm just because it performs 100 unnecessary tasks. You’re going to want to buy the most rugged watch that you can afford so you don’t have to buy a nicer one a year later(buy once cry once). If you’re hiking every weekend right now buy a watch that you can rock climb with. You never know what new activity you’re going to be doing in the future. There are four main aspects you are going to want to focus on when buying a tactical watch.
Analog vs Digital: Everybody has there own opinion on whether or not you should buy a digital or analog watch. I personally lean toward analog watches due to their aesthetics, but digital watches tend to have way more features. If you spend a lot of time in the woods there’s no doubt about you should buy a digital watch with all the best features. If you’re a regular hunter or weekend hiker you can’t go wrong with a high quality analog watch.
Watch Band: Without getting overly technical there are only 3 types of watch bands that you are going to have to choose between. If you chose a digital watch the band will most likely be some type of rubber composite, however analog watches get a little more confusing. Analog watches tend to come with 3 band types leather, rubber and fabric. They all have there positive and negative traits so just pick the one you think looks the nicest.
Special Features: Most tactical watches have special features that set them apart from the competition. I can’t tell you what features you need in a tactical watch. It all comes down to what you’re going to be using the watch for. When I go on long camping trips I tend to wear a watch that has a compass, thermometer altimeter. If I’m going on a weekend bike trip I’m going to want a watch with a decent stop watch.
Design: As much as design shouldn’t go into your tactical watch it would be stupid not to consider it. You’re much more likely to wear it grocery shopping than up Mt Rainier so try and match your style a little bit. If I’d be comfortable wearing the watch to the gym it’ll likely make for a good tactical watch.
Hopefully I’ve helped you find the best tactical watch. As long as you buy the most rugged watch you can afford you shouldn’t have any trouble.