As you may or may not know, it is due to the war that erupted a century ago that we can today reap the benefits of having watches on our wrists. Before WW1, the wristwatch was a woman’s adornment and pocket watches were the gents’ choice. This unwritten rule was meant to be broken in the first decade of the century we left behind as army leaders decided to equip their soldiers with tactical watches that could not fall out of pocket. Time passes and the watch industry has evolved significantly.
In this article, we will review some of the best tactical watches that are all worth it for military life. Although the United States Army does still issue timekeeping tools, the military personnel are allowed to provide their own for as long as the watch meets the military requirements set by the US DOD for timekeeping devices.
2 Properties United States Army Watches Must Have
Thanks to the constantly developing technology, wristwatches are much more improved and they offer many new features that are necessary for the members of the army, especially when they are on challenging missions. Some of the most famous watch brands that fill these requirements and are widely used by US army members are Luminox, Seiko, Timex, Suunto, and Casio.
Durability
A military watch must be reliable so opt for those that have quartz movements as they are more accurate and not sensitive in case of shock or impact. It is better if their crystal is made of sapphire crystal as they are scratch-resistant. And keep an eye open for water resistance. Your future watch should not only be resistant to splashes and rain but must also be suitable for diving or long swims.
Functionality above Design
Understandably, the function is considered above fashion. For a watch to be designated as a United States Army watch, it is important to have: an alarm, a compass, a barometer that can predict sudden changes in the weather, a thermometer, GPS, and if possible, a solar movement that can convert light into electricity. Also, opt for dark watches with luminescent paint. This will ensure you can keep track of time at any time of the day.
6 United States Army Watches on the Open Market
G-Shock GW 9400 Watch
It is known as “the watch that never breaks” because of its toughness. It is made of a 54mm black resin case, mineral glass and it is water-resistant up to 200 meters. From those, we can understand that this watch is designed for tough environments and situations. What’s more, the buttons are sealed with gaskets and pipes to protect them and prevent mud and dust from getting inside the watch.
One of the key features of this tool watch is the triple sensor that allows the wearer to keep track of the altitude, the barometric pressure, the temperature, and the direction.
The Casio G-Shock GW 9400 has a digital dial that displays the date, day, time, and compass. Some other features are the countdown timer, the stopwatch, and the alarms. Last but not least, this tactical field watch is solar-powered and can last up to seven months without being exposed to the light. The watch costs approx. $300 and it is well worth it and necessary for a US army member.
The All-black Luminox Evo watch
This watch is preferred a lot by the army, principally by the Navy. It is a lightweight tactical watch and has a case diameter of 45mm. As with every diving watch, this one also comes with a rubber band. Its scratch-resistant mineral crystal is crucial if you find yourself in a tough environment.
What’s more, it is water-resistant up to 200 meters. It also has a quartz movement, luminous hands, and a protected crown. This wristwatch costs around $450, so if you are looking for a watch that can easily be accustomed to challenging situations, it is worth the money.
Seiko Prospex ‘Arnie’ Tactical watch
If you’re looking for one of the most popular United States Army watches look no further as this is the one. This tactical watch comes with a silicone strap, a screw-down crown, and LumiBrite Illumination has been used for the watch hands and markers. It has a case diameter of 47mm and a water resistance of 200 meters. This watch features a solar quartz movement meaning that it is solar-powered.
No worries about batteries as this badass durable watch can last for six months with only one charge. The Prospex ‘Arnie’ Tactical watch costs around $400 and considering its durability and reliability, it deserves to be on a solid wrist.
Timex Expedition Shock XL
Another timepiece that belongs on the United States Army watches collection. This is a suitable watch for the US Army members and it is particularly designed for tough environments. It has a 42mm case that is shock-resistant and made of resin. It also has a silicone band that can last for as long as you can.
This watch comes with some excellent features such as a vibrating alarm, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, and the famous Indigo nightlight. Besides the time it also tells the date. A quartz movement is used due to its accuracy and sustainability. and it is also water-resistant to 200 meters. This Timex watch costs less than $100. It is both affordable and unique.
Suunto Traverse Alpha Stealth
Traverse Alpha Stealth from Suunto offers many features for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. It has a red backlight for nighttime use and is water-resistant up to 110 meters. The watch displays the date, time, and weather info.
It also allows you to track your location by showing a map of your position and informs you about the path you should follow. The watch has a textile band and comes with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. Its price is $373, and might as well be the last watch you’ll ever need due to its supreme durability.
Suunto Core All Black Military Watch
This model from Suunto is specifically made for military use considering its amazing features. Firstly it has a silicone band and a 49mm case made of carbon fiber. It uses quartz movement and is water-resistant up to 30 meters. Secondly, the watch has an altimeter that tracks your movement, a barometer that tracks and predicts changes in weather, a compass and has storm alarms that indicate if a storm is approaching.
Some other features are the stopwatch and the countdown timer. Besides these features, it also displays the sunrise/ sunset times and the date. For around $250, you can get your hands on one of the best United States Army watches.
Brands with the Best Tactical Military Watches
LUMINOX
Luminox is a watch brand founded in 1989. It is one of the most trusted watch brands by the military. Thanks to its self-powered illumination feature, the watch is readable in all types of conditions, especially during night operations. Overall they have quartz movements which are known for their accuracy. The majority of tactical watches from Luminox are water resistance of up to 200 meters. As for their prices, they range from $270 up to $1400. Considering the technology and durability these watches bear, the prices are quite reasonable.
SEIKO
Seiko is a well-known Japanese watch manufacturer first established in 1881. Their survival watches are some of the most popular choices by army members all around the globe. They manufacture watches that are not only stylish but also durable and of high quality. Seiko watches are water-resistant and have different varieties of movement such as quartz, solar, and automatic. The technologies used in Seiko watches make them more suitable for military life and this is why they are so popular.
TIMEX
Timex was first launched in 1854 and since then has always manufactured affordable watches. They are popular for their simplicity, durability, and good quality. The US-based watch manufacturer has a variety of collections from which you can always find what you are looking for. United States Army watches make no exception.
SUUNTO
Suunto is a Finnish watch brand founded in 1963. The company manufactures high-quality tracker watches which display the pace, distance, time and date, calories burnt, heart rate, and many other features. Their GPS tracking system is truly accurate and excellent.
CASIO
Casio was founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Japan. This is a very popular brand due to the technology used in their timepieces. They have many collections and the most known is their G-Shock collection which is most appropriate and suitable for the military.
In Final Words
To sum up, these watches are all popular choices by the US army members. So if you are thinking of joining the army, you will need one of these. For as long as you focus on the functionality and the durability of the watch, you should be okay. Look for a watch that’s up to the challenge and can adapt easily to different terrains and the weather as well. The badass durable watches mentioned above are some good examples of what you should opt for. Anything less is simply not worth it.
