7 Best Military Watches: Top Picks for Tactical Use in 2023

Military watches saved me during my time in the Navy. We all need to avoid showing up late to formation so I’ve created my list of the best military watches to keep you out of trouble.

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They are essential timepieces that are designed to withstand harsh conditions and environments. These watches are built to be durable, reliable, and accurate, making them an ideal choice for those who need a watch that can keep up with their demanding lifestyle.

Whether you are a soldier, outdoor enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates a rugged timepiece, a military watch is an excellent investment.

Quick Verdict: Best Military Watch

Short on time? Don’t have time to read the whole article? No Problemo!

If you’re in search of amazing watch that can keep up with all your military adventures, check out the Garmin Instinct 2 Tactical.

My Top Recommendation

Are Military Watches Worth it?

Not everyone needs one. But they are good for 👎🏻

• 🥾 Mountaineers, Trekkers, Hikers
• 🚴‍♀️ Multi-sport Athletes
• 🌏 Rugged Travelers
• 💗 Militiary Members

This review is targeted at people that want the best military watch compliant with their uniform.

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Table Best Military Watches

I’ve listed where to find them on amazon here and the full reviews is below.

Click on Product 👎🏻 to See Prices & Purchase	⭐️ Why is it good? 🔥
PALADA Men’s Digital Sports Watch	Best Budget
Garmin Instinct 2 Tactical	Best Overall
G-Shock GA-700UC Tan	Most Arnold Looking
Longines Heritage Military L2.819.4.93.2	Most Stylish
M-Tac Multi Functional Digital Watch for Men	Best Digital
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival XB.3749 Mens Watch 45mm	Best Survivalist
SUUNTO 9 Baro	Best for Multisport Athletes

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Our top picks are designed to meet the needs of military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with features like shock resistance, water resistance, and GPS functionality.

Whether you need a watch for tactical operations, Hiking with a weighted vest, or everyday wear, our top picks have got you covered.

🧭 Read until the end for my top travel recommendations for active travelers.

You will also like:
➡️ 🗻 Discover the best rucking backpacks.
➡️ 🥾Take a look at the world’s biggest rucking event in Nijmegen.
❓ Curious about weighted vest vs rucking?

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When it comes to purchasing a military watch, there are several critical factors to consider.

The first is durability. A military watch should be able to withstand extreme temperatures, impacts, and water exposure.

The second is accuracy. A reliable military watch should have a precise timekeeping mechanism that can keep time accurately in any condition.

The third is functionality. A military watch should have features that are useful for military and outdoor activities, such as a compass, GPS, and night vision.

The best military watch will have a variety of features – and I know which ones to look for.

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Top Military Watches Review

1. Best Overall: Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch

I highly recommend the Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch for anyone in need of a rugged, reliable GPS watch and wants to look the part of our best gov, Arnold. This Garmin hiking watch should be sponsored

Pros

• The solar charging capabilities provide unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with just 3 hours of sunlight per day.
• The tactical features, such as night vision compatibility and waypoint projection, make this watch perfect for military and outdoor use.
• The all-day health monitoring features, including heart rate, sleep tracking, and respiration tracking, help you stay on top of your fitness goals.

Cons

• The watch face is not customizable beyond the preloaded options.
• The watch is on the larger side, which may not be comfortable for everyone.
• The price point is higher than some other GPS watches on the market.

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar, Tactical-Edition, GPS Outdoor Watch is the best mountain climbing watch and a great option for those who need a durable, reliable GPS watch. The solar charging capabilities are a game-changer, providing unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with just a few hours of sunlight per day. The tactical features, such as night vision compatibility and waypoint projection, make this watch perfect for military and outdoor use. The all-day health monitoring features are also a great addition, helping you stay on top of your fitness goals.

While the watch face is not customizable beyond the preloaded options, the preloaded options are still sleek and functional. The watch is on the larger side, which may not be comfortable for everyone, but the durability and functionality make up for it.

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2. Best Budget: PALADA Men’s Digital Sports Watch

If you are looking for an affordable and reliable sports watch that is suitable for both outdoor and indoor activities, the PALADA Men’s Digital Sports Watch may be worth considering.

Pros

• The watch features a fashionable sporty dial design with a military-style outlook, making it a stylish accessory for men who like doing sports.
• The big numbers display with light and large dial allows for easy reading, even in the dark. The import EL Lamp is also a nice touch, allowing you to see the time clearly in the light.
• The watch is water-resistant to 50M/164FT, making it suitable for swimming and cold showers.

Cons

• The watch is not suitable for long-time underwater activities such as diving.
• The features of the watch are limited to LED backlight, 1/100 second digital stopwatch, auto calendar, hourly alarm and alarm clock, and 12/24 hour formats.
• The dial window is made of acrylic mirror, which may not be as durable as other materials.

In terms of performance, the PALADA Men’s Digital Sports Watch is a decent option for those who are looking for a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. The watch is shock-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as running, climbing, and fishing. The senior rubber band is also comfortable to wear, ensuring that you can wear it all day without any discomfort.

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3. Most Arnold Looking: G-Shock GA-700UC Tan

If you’re looking for a durable and stylish military watch, then the G-Shock GA-700UC Tan is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The watch is shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it perfect for outdoor activities and extreme sports.
• The LED light with custom illumination duration (1.5 and 3 seconds) makes it easy to read the time in low-light conditions.
• The watch has a great fit and comfortable to wear all day.

Cons

• The backlight is only for the analog display, which may be inconvenient for some users.
• The watch is quite large and may not be suitable for people with smaller wrists.
• The watch does not have GPS or other advanced features that some users may prefer.

This G-Shock watch is designed to resist mechanical shock and vibration, making it the ultimate tough watch. The watch is also water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

The LED light with custom illumination duration (1.5 and 3 seconds) makes it easy to read the time in low-light conditions. The watch also has world time 31 zones (48 cities + coordinated universal time), daylight savings on/off, and 5 daily alarms with 1 snooze alarm.

The watch has a great fit and comfortable to wear all day. It’s a perfect accessory for any outfit from casual to sporty and everywhere in between.

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4. Most Stylish: Longines Heritage Military L2.819.4.93.2

If you’re looking for a military watch that combines vintage and modern styles, the Longines Heritage Military L2.819.4.93.2 is worth considering.

Pros

• The green leather band gives the watch a unique look.
• The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal ensures the watch face stays clear.
• The automatic movement means you won’t have to worry about winding the watch.

Cons

• The band may be too short for some people.
• The watch is only water-resistant up to 30 meters, which may not be enough for some outdoor activities.
• The fixed bezel limits the watch’s functionality.

The Longines Heritage Military L2.819.4.93.2 is a stylish and reliable military watch. The green leather band gives the watch a distinctive appearance that will stand out from other military watches. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal ensures the watch face stays clear and easy to read, even in harsh conditions. The automatic movement means you won’t have to worry about winding the watch, which is especially convenient for those who wear the watch regularly.

However, the band may be too short for some people, which could be uncomfortable for extended wear. Additionally, the watch is only water-resistant up to 30 meters, which may not be enough for some outdoor activities. Finally, the fixed bezel limits the watch’s functionality, making it less useful for activities such as diving.

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5. Best Digital: M-Tac Multi Functional Digital Watch for Men

If you’re looking for a military-style watch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the M-Tac Multi Functional Digital Watch for Men might be the perfect fit for you.

Pros

• The watch is highly durable and water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor and extreme sports.
• With a wide range of functions, including a compass, thermometer, and weather forecast, this watch can be your perfect assistant in any situation.
• The high-quality rubber strap and steel single-pin buckle fastening provide superior durability and comfort.

Cons

• The compass might not be very accurate, even after calibration.
• The temperature measurement only reads in Celsius, and you can’t change it to Fahrenheit.
• The instruction manual can be extensive and poorly written or translated.

The M-Tac Multi Functional Digital Watch for Men is a great choice for anyone looking for a sturdy and reliable watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle. Whether you’re into extreme sports or just need a watch for everyday use, this watch has got you covered.

The watch is highly durable and water-resistant, with a polycarbonate case and stainless steel rim for superior protection. The sturdy glass is highly resistant to scratches and chips, while the water resistance of 3 ATM makes it safe to shower.

One of the best things about this watch is its wide range of functions. It includes two alarm clocks, double time, a 12/24 hour time format, calendar, stopwatch, timer, metronome, 3D pedometer, calories and distance counters, compass, thermometer, weather forecast, barometer, altimeter, and LED lighting handy in the dark.

The M-Tac Multi Functional Digital Watch for Men is also very convenient to wear. The watch is equipped with a high-quality rubber strap 8.7″ (22 cm) in length, providing superior durability and comfort no matter the conditions. Its steel single-pin buckle fastening ensures easy wear and removal without wasting the quality of the fastener.

However, the compass might not be very accurate, even after calibration. The temperature measurement only reads in Celsius, and you can’t change it to Fahrenheit. The instruction manual can be extensive and poorly written or translated.

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6. Best Survivalist: Luminox Bear Grylls Survival XB.3749 Mens Watch 45mm

If you are looking for a military watch that can withstand harsh conditions and help you survive, the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival XB.3749 Mens Watch is a great choice.

Pros

• The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters, making it suitable for all kinds of water activities.
• The green and orange Luminox Light Technology ensures that the watch is always visible, even in low-light conditions.
• The watch is made of high-quality materials and is very durable.

Cons

• The watch is quite expensive, which may not be affordable for everyone.
• The size of the watch may be too large for some people, especially those with smaller wrists.
• The instructions for using the watch may be difficult to understand for some people.

The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival XB.3749 Mens Watch is designed to help you survive in any situation, and it certainly lives up to its name. The watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters, which means you can wear it while swimming, diving, or engaging in any other water activity.

One of the standout features of this watch is the green and orange Luminox Light Technology. The watch hands and dial ring are illuminated, which ensures that the watch is always visible, even in low-light conditions. This is a great feature for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors, especially at night.

The watch is also made of high-quality materials and is very durable. The sapphire crystal glass is extremely robust and has an anti-reflective coating. The watch is also protected by a stainless steel screw-in case back and has a unidirectional rotating bezel.

However, the watch is quite expensive, which may not be affordable for everyone. Additionally, the size of the watch may be too large for some people, especially those with smaller wrists. Finally, the instructions for using the watch may be difficult to understand for some people.

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7. SUUNTO 9 Baro: Best for Multisport Athletes

If you’re an athlete who demands the best, the SUUNTO 9 Baro is the perfect GPS watch for you. With over 80 sports modes, a barometer for accurate altitude info, and a wrist heart rate monitor, this durable multisport watch is built to last. It’s great for running, hiking, cycling, and more.

Pros

• The watch is designed to last up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking.
• It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it perfect for extreme adventures.
• You can connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the SUUNTO app to get more from your watch.

Cons

• The watch has a bit of a learning curve to configure and use.
• The heart rate monitor seems to be reading inaccurately at times.
• The display is too dim under most lighting conditions, indoor or out.

We highly recommend the SUUNTO 9 Baro for athletes who are looking for a durable, reliable GPS watch. It’s perfect for training, racing, and extreme adventures. With its Scandinavian design and ultra-durable materials, this watch will help you keep life, training, and recovery in balance.

The watch features a touch screen and is equipped with wireless connectivity technology. Its mounting type is wrist mount, and its battery life is 120 hours. The watch comes with a battery and is made of stainless steel. It’s available in black, and its model name is Baro.

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Buying Guide

When selecting a military watch, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs and military regulations. Here are some key features to look for:

Durability

Military watches are designed to withstand harsh conditions and rough handling. Look for watches made with tough materials like stainless steel or titanium. Also, check for features like scratch-resistant glass and water resistance.

Functionality

Military watches come with a variety of functions, from basic timekeeping to more advanced features like GPS and compasses. Consider what features are important to you and choose a watch that meets your needs.

Comfort

A military watch should be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Look for watches with adjustable bands and lightweight materials to ensure a comfortable fit.

Visibility

In military situations, it’s important to be able to read your watch quickly and easily. Look for watches with large, easy-to-read dials and high-contrast displays.

Battery Life

A military watch should have a long battery life to ensure it’s always ready when you need it. Look for watches with long-lasting batteries or those that can be easily recharged.

Price

Military watches come in a wide range of prices. Consider your budget and choose a watch that offers the features you need at a price you can afford.

Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the top-rated military watch for durability and functionality?

The Casio G-Shock Rangeman is a highly-rated military watch that is known for its durability and functionality. It is designed to withstand harsh conditions and is resistant to shock, water, and dust.

What are the best military watches for scuba diving?

The Suunto D5 and Garmin Descent Mk2i are two of the best military watches for scuba diving. Both watches offer advanced dive features such as depth sensors, dive time calculators, and decompression algorithms.

Which brand offers the most reliable military watches for outdoor activities?

Casio is a brand that is well-known for producing reliable military watches for outdoor activities. Their G-Shock series is designed to withstand tough conditions and is known for its durability and toughness.

What features should I look for when buying a military watch?

When buying a military watch, you should look for features such as durability, water resistance, shock resistance, GPS, compass, and altimeter. You may also want to consider features such as fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and smartphone connectivity.

Are there any vintage military watches that are still highly recommended today?

Yes, the Hamilton Khaki Field Watch is a vintage military watch that is still highly recommended today. It was originally designed for the US military in the 1960s and is known for its durability and accuracy.

What is the standard issue military watch for the US Armed Forces?

The standard issue military watch for the US Armed Forces is the Casio G-Shock DW-5600. It is durable, water-resistant, and shock-resistant, making it a reliable choice for military personnel.

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Why Trust?

At Crave the Planet, I’m all about honest and relatable reviews of outdoor products. As a physical therapist, hut to hut hiker, downhill skier and mom, I’m constantly trying new gear to make my outdoor experiences more comfy and fun but with science in mind.

I’ll be real with you, I don’t do every outdoor activity. But, who does? I’m just a regular person who loves exploring the planet. Perfectionism is my enemy and I hope to help you ditch that vibe too.

My review process involves testing each product in real-life outdoor situations, but if it’s a really horrible day I’ll probably find a hotel in the valley. I’ll let you know what worked for me and what didn’t, so you can make informed decisions about your gear choices.

I don’t do sponsored reviews or take payment for my reviews. All comments are based on my personal experience. Sometimes I’ll test something and then send it back for a refund. Usually there’s a hefty fee. Bummer. So, if you’re looking for a relatable and honest take on outdoor gear, you’re in the right place.

Prefer Video? Garmin Watch

More Hiking & Outdoor Gear Resources

Here’s more awesome gear to empower your journey. I have written in-depth comparisons of products that make hiking and exploring the Great Outdoors safer and more fun, especially if you’re a beginner (or like me, a little rusty in the knees).

I hope this list of the best military watches help you pick what’s right for you.