As a construction worker, using your phone on the site comes with certain drawbacks. Not only are you exposing your phone to drops, but you are also jeopardizing your health by being distracted. After all, that’s not very professional. As a result, if you’re searching for a professional watch to wear on the construction site, you’ve come to the right place. We compiled a list of the best durable watches that can be worn by a construction worker.
All watches mentioned in this article fit certain criteria: They’re durable, easy to read, easy to clean, come with a simple aesthetic, and some of them have extra features for the tech-savvy. You can find the buying guide at the end of the article. But first, let us take a look at some of the best watches for construction workers.
Casio G-Shock GW6900-1
As expected, a Casio G-Shock made the top of the list in our article. G-Shock ref. GW6900-1 is the type of watch that adorns the wrists of military and law enforcement personnel alike. It will serve you well on a daily basis, with its countless features. Included are daily alarms, atomic timekeeping, calendar, shock, resistance, and an EL backlight. The watch comes with a 200 meters water resistance rating, making it suitable not only for daily wear but also for swimming. It is powered by light, thanks to Casio’s proprietary Tough Solar technology.
Seiko Prospex ‘Arnie’ Tactical watch
In the 1980s, Arnold wore this watch quite often, including in some of his finest action flicks, such as Commando and Predator, hence the reference. Although Schwarzenegger’s prototype lacked solar power, the present model does. It also has a 200m water resistant rating, two light sources, and a unique hybrid dial, which combines an analog and digital display. If you want to make a statement or if your job necessitates a durable and professional tool watch, this is the watch to wear.
Casio World Time (AE-1200WHD-1AV)
So much is the Japanese watchmaker Casio invested in the world of digital watches, that it manages to deliver its watches at a groundbreaking price, and that, without compromising quality. The Casio ref. AE-1200WHD-1AV is the perfect example. This watch can be yours for a mere $30 and it is packed with features and functions. Do you want an alarm to wake you up? Check. Battery life of ten years? Guaranteed. World Time? Available. And thanks to its multiple digital displays and the squared case, it comes with this beautiful vintage and at the same time futuristic aesthetic. Simply lovely!
Vostok Amphibia
Dive watches are the perfect choice if you want to wear your watch on a daily basis. That comes partially because of the water resistance, and partially because of the design of a dive watch, which can blend in with almost any outfit. That is the case with the Vostok Amphibia, a genuine dive watch with a 200 meters water resistance rating, a diver’s rotating bezel, and luminous hands and markers. It is indeed made for ocean depths, but it won’t mind accompanying you on the land.
Seiko SNK789 Automatic
It’s probably about time you get one! The Seiko 5 watch is so popular that millions of pieces are sold worldwide. Regardless of your occupation, whether you work in an office or on a construction site, Seiko SNK789 is one of those simple beater watches designed to be worn every day.
Citizen BF2011 – 51EE
The Citizen BF2011 – 51EE, priced a little above $100, is a terrific pick if simplicity is what you’re searching for in a watch. It is battery powered, features a day/date function, and is water resistant for daily use. And it is made by Citizen, a well-known and trustworthy watch brand. The watch’s simple design allows it to be worn in a variety of settings, from casual to dressy. It is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest watches available at this price point, worthy of sitting beneath the sleeve of your construction gloves or tuxedo jacket.
Invicta 8932OB Pro Diver
This gorgeous Invicta dive watch is quite popular among watch enthusiasts. That partially comes because its design pays homage to the iconic Rolex Submariner, resembling the watch’s aesthetic in many details. This Rolex-like Invicta, however, is being sold for a fraction of the price of a Rolex Submariner, and its features are not to be overlooked. The watch comes with a 200 meters water resistance rating, luminous hands and markers, and a reliable Japanese quartz movement.
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG1000-1A5CR
This is how a badass watch looks like. The G-Shock Mudmaster is resistant to mud, dirt, dust, and any other piece of particle you can encounter on a construction site. Thanks to the watch’s multiple gaskets, you can safely wear it daily on an active worksite. It will stay operative. Other features you can benefit from are the 200 meters of water resistance, shock resistance, the super illuminator LED light, compass, a thermometer, daily alarms, the hourly time signal, calendar, countdown timer feature, and last but not least, the super cool Neo-brite luminescent hands.
Tissot T-Race Chronograph
The Swiss watchmaker Tissot has left aside its elegant designs in order to enter the realm of unbreakable timepieces. Their T-Race Chronograph is housed in a massive 48mm 316L stainless steel casing with a black PVD coating to improve scratch resistance. The sapphire crystal (also scratch-resistant) allows you to see the sturdy dial, which is extremely readable and fully function-focused. A Swiss quartz ETA movement ticks beneath, responsible for accurate timekeeping.
Timex Expedition Shock XL
This Timex is a favorite among US army personnel, and it’s hard to believe it’s just $50, which is an excellent steal for what is on offer. I think it is a suitable watch for construction workers considering that it is mainly designed for tough environments. The watch has a 42mm shock resistant case made of resin. A silicone strap secures the watch on your wrist. It has some great features, including an alarm, a stopwatch, a calendar, a countdown timer, and the well-known Indigo nightlight. Because of its precision and durability, quartz movements are employed. It is also waterproof up to 200 meters.
Watches For Construction Workers -Buying Guide
You are a construction worker who for certain reasons is looking for a good durable watch to wear daily while on site! Good. Note that there are several properties your watch must have in order to be considered “suitable for the construction site”. That involves:
Easy to Clean
Although your watch will most of the time be under the construction gloves, there is a high possibility of it being exposed to different materials, from paint to cement, dust, and everything in between. You want to give your watch a nice clean when going home. This is why you should opt for watches that can resist water (at least 50 meters water resistance rating) and are easy to clean.
Not too Flashy
Wearing a watch on a construction site limits your choices drastically. You can either go with a badass watch or a simple watch. A dress watch is fragile and does not match your uniform. So it’s either a G-Shock or a similar digital watch of another brand, or a simple watch made for daily wear by a reputable watchmaker. Keep it simple!
Durability
Judging by this article’s topic, durable watches for construction workers, I can’t stress enough how important it is for your watch to be durable and resistant to this environment’s certain hazards. That includes water resistance (+50 meters water resistance rating), shock resistance, strong scratch-resistant glass, durable case construct, and good quality strap/bracelet.
Legibility
Keeping track of time or wanting to access your watch’s other features, has to be as simple as possible. Especially when working in a potentially dangerous work environment like a construction site can be. Therefore, a construction worker needs a watch that is legible and easy to read. Opt for watches with large and luminous hands and markers. Or digital watches with a relatively high contrast display.
Extras
This is the fun part. Any feature in addition to timekeeping is an extra. Features like connectivity/communication, GPS functions, health monitoring sensors, weather tracking, alarms, etc, are all additional instruments that can be handy depending on your occupation.
FAQ About Construction Workers’ Watches
Does a construction worker need a watch?
Although it is not required, a good watch can help you enhance your work experience. From daily alarms to health monitoring sensors, and every other feature in between, a good watch can be a great tool on site.
What are some of the best watches for construction workers?
As a construction worker, you need a durable watch that can resist the harsh conditions you will put it through. Reputable and affordable brands such Casio G-Shock, Citizen, Garmin, Victorinox, Suunto, etc, are well known for manufacturing some of the toughest watches on the market.
