A reliable military watch or smartwatch needs to have a few features, but above all, the best military watches need to be tough and built for rough conditions. Members of all branches of military, in any country, need a watch with a reliable battery, a reliable compass or navigation system, and a watch which fits comfortably on the wrist.
These are simple things you can look for in a good military watch, but there are also cool, unique, or niche features you can find in different watch brands.
We look at a huge variety of watches to help you pick the best one for your lifestyle and budget. Therefore you can find military watches here for as low as under $40USD, as well as feature-rich smartwatches for as much as $650USD.
Casio G-Shock GA-2100-1A1
This timepiece stays true to the classic G-Shock style. The 1000GB-1A was developed for those who work across the elements.
Analog-digital timekeeping is housed in a no-nonsense basic design that does not compromise G-SHOCK level robustness. High-strength resin material coupled with carbon fibres allows for the creation of a casing that is just 11.8 mm thin, the thinnest among G-SHOCK combo models.
The wristband, button, bezel, crown and other metal features are all plated with strengthened black resin and it has solar power to ensure reliability.
If you’re familiar with G-Shock, you’ll notice this device is an evolved model that doesn’t stray too far from the classic look of those before it.
Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar
First, we have two Casio alternatives for you to choose from. Casio’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar is a sophisticated and versatile device. It’s a digital sport watch with a plethora of functions and features.
Three sensors are included: an altimeter, a barometer, and a compass. It also contains a countdown timer, five daily alarms, world time for 31 time zones, and a pre-programmed auto-calendar that runs until 2099. A daylight-saving mode is also available, as well as an LED backlight with afterglow.
The Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Tough Solar is waterproof to 100 metres, cold-resistant, and solar-powered, with a battery life of up to 9 months while not in use.
Casio G-Shock Master of G (GG-1000-1A3JF)
Casio G-Shock Master of G Mudmaster GG-1000-1A3JF is a large Casio G-Shock watch with dual digital and analogue displays for easy timekeeping. Shock, mud, and water resistance for 200 metres are all features of the Master of G Mudmaster series.
It has a built-in thermometer and compass. Also, it has 48 cities’ world time, a stopwatch with elapsed and divided time modes, a countdown timer, and five daily alarms. It also has an auto LED backlight with afterglow, allowing you to read the display even in low light.
Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical
Despite the fact that the brand is more known for making GPS-enabled sport watches, this model undoubtedly qualifies as a tough military-style watch. The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical edition is a GPS smartwatch that created to resist the rigours of harsh environments.
What do we mean by tough? The Instinct 2 Tactical is covered by a Power Glass lens, and a reinforced polymer bezel and case. These design features and materials also add to the comfort of the Instinct 2 while you partake in more vigorous sports.
A three-axis compass and a barometric altimeter are also included. It may also communicate with several navigation satellite systems, such as GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, to improve tracking. The Garmin Instinct may be used as a fitness watch because it can track your heart rate, activity, and even stress. It also includes a number of pre-programmed activity profiles. By connecting it to your smartphone, you can also receive alerts, join with the Garmin fitness community online, and make use of Garmin’s Safety & Assistance Features.
But the features which make the Tactical stand out among the rest are its literal Tactical set of features. These include a Kill-switch that instantly wipes your smartwatch clean of all data; Dual-grid coordinates for even more navigation help; Night Vision Mode, so you can view your screen with night vision goggles on; and Stealth Mode.
Plus, enjoy the benefit of not having to think about a charger, thanks to the solar-powered battery. This translates to almost an endless supply of battery if you are outside enough, which only further adds to the appeal of these durable and rugged Garmin smartwatches.
Timex Expedition Shock (XL)
This Timex offering is much loved. It is black with distinctive green digits and a minimalistic look.
The black 22mm resin strap fits wrists up to 8 inches in circumference. Three vibrating and audible daily alarms – weekdays only; weekend only. ; 100-hour chronograph; 24-hour countdown timer
There is a military time option. It’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in three time zones, with event reminders, hydration clocks, months, days, and dates. All powered by a quartz movement.
In the military, the ability to set the watch for 24 hours straight. three different time zones Reminders about upcoming events.
Reminders about upcoming events. Indiglo light-up watch dial; black resin 50mm casing with acrylic glass; negative digital display.
It’s water-resistant to a depth of 200m. Plus it’s shock-resistant to ISO standards.
Timex Expedition Gallatin
This is a classic from Timex, inspired by the US Rockies. It’s a traditional analogue clock where the top ring is raised. The movement itself is quartz with a tactical dial.
The case comes in matte black. The wristband is comfortable nylon and you don’t have to worry about getting it dirty.
It has a backlight which is very useful for rapidly checking the time in low-lighting. It’s got a water-resistance rating of up to 50m. Perfect for outdoor adventures!
Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 Tough Solar Sport Watch
The GW6900-1 has everything an army cadet might need. It’s environmentally compatible (meaning it comes in camouflage).
It also boasts an auto-LED backlight which makes it easy to read in low light and at night. It can withstand water pressure of up to 200m and is shock-resistant too. This device has been put through harsh testing that put it through the effects of extreme conditions so it just keeps working. The best bit is its almost ever-lasting battery life thanks to solar power. Extremely good value for money, and considered to be military-grade.
Luminox Recon Point Man 8820
This is a Swiss brand and was developed specifically to cater for the requirements of military personnel who needed a decent analogue watch.
Its makeup means it is highly reliable, physically speaking. It’s anti-resistant as well as anti-reflective because it’s made of sapphire crystal. It has a rotating bezel that feature as well as a countdown quadrant with contrasting colours.
Swiss Army Military Secretary Andrew Micheli acted as a consultant in the making of this watch. He worked with Luminox to create a timepiece to meet the specific needs of those in the military.
Timex Men’s Expedition Acadia
The Timex Expedition Acadia is a watch from another well-known brand that offers high-quality yet low-cost timepieces. It has a 40mm black resin casing and a scratch-resistant acrylic crystal dial glass. The clock is black and has huge print Arabic numerals with tiny digits to represent 24-hour military time. At 3 o’clock, there are additional minute indices and a date window. It also boasts the brand’s signature Indiglo light-up and luminous hands, letting you to tell time even in low light.
A 20mm leather and fabric strap with a tack buckle clasp completes the look. It has been tested and engineered to withstand a variety of circumstances that you may encounter on your travels.
It is also waterproof to a depth of 100m.
Summary
Just because you’re in the military doesn’t mean you need a watch that comes with complicated features or is made out of titanium. Something under $50 can serve as a faithful timepiece and will do the job perfectly well.
The features require depends on the mission at hand. Watchmakers have been all too happy to help the forces to do their duty and there is no shortage of choice that caters to the very specific needs to the military.
If you’re not in the military, but you like the idea of a rugged watch, check out our article on tactical watches here.
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Last Updated on April 1, 2022
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