If you find yourself in challenging situations on a regular basis, the best tactical watch for men is an essential tool in your arsenal. Great men’s military watches are built for strength and practicality, so you can keep track of time whether you’re doing a deep-water dive or jumping out of a plane at 14,000 feet. Some models use a no-frills design offering just the pertinent information; others are built with all of the bells and whistles you need to make it through a harsh climate or intense activity. Although it’s handy to have in survival situations, a combat watch is a must-have piece for any adventurer.
15 of the Best Tactical Watches for Men
1. Breitling COCKPIT B50
Source: breitling.com
With its titanium case and 100-meter water resistance, the Cockpit B50 is one of the men’s tactical watches that’s engineered for exceptional durability. It’s powered by a battery that lasts for up to 10 years, so you can set out on an extended expedition with confidence. The dial offers both digital and analog displays for easy reading, and a dual time-zone option tracks the zone of your choice. For aviators or skydivers, the chrono flight feature makes it easy to keep track of the time in the air. With options including a countdown and count-up timer, two alarms, a tachymeter, and a compass, this model is built with adventurers in mind. When visibility is limited, a quick tilt of your wrist activates the backlight; you can also push the crown when both hands are free.
2. Suunto Core
Source: suunto.com
Sporty yet stylish, the Suunto Core is a combat watch that’s made for the great outdoors. Stay on track during a mountain expedition with the altimeter, compass, and thermometer. The built-in storm alarm warns you of oncoming squalls, while the sunrise/sunset alerts make it easy to plan the day’s route. This watch operates smoothly in temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a suitable choice for desert hikes and snowboarding trips. With its durable composite case, the Core is suitable for light-duty water use; it even comes with a snorkeling depth meter that works up to 10 meters below the surface. No matter what you’re doing, the elastomer strap is gentle on the skin even in harsh weather.
3. Traser H3 P6600 TYPE 6 MIL-G
Source: traser.lt
When you’re looking for the perfect blend of sleek aesthetics and serious performance, the Traser H3 P6600 TYPE 6 MIL-G should make your top contenders in the search for the best tactical watch for men. The all-black design is right at home everywhere you go, and the white markings ensure maximum visibility. An integrated Trigalight marks each hour with a green light and the 12:00 position with orange light. Military time markings on the inner bezel allow fast conversions. Most importantly, this watch is a beast — it’s built to meet military standards, and features a steel container and a glass fiber reinforced resin shell for incredible strength and durability in demanding conditions. It’s particularly well suited to water use, with a water-resistance rating of 200 meters.
4. Marathon TSAR
Source: marathonwatch.com
The Marathon TSAR was engineered to meet the unique demands of divers and search-and-rescue workers, which means that it’s tough enough for the most challenging adventures you can dream of. If you’re looking for the best tactical watch for men for diving, the TSAR should be on your list. The high-torque movement and durable case ensure accurate readings and water resistance in water as deep as 300 meters. With this model, you never need to worry about visibility — a brilliant gas-powered lighting system illuminates the hands and markers, so you can see them clearly whether you’re deep underwater in a cave system or walking through a snowstorm. Rely on the vulcanized rubber strap for temperature-safe comfort in the heat or cold, and trust the stainless-steel case to match the U.S. government’s requirements for strength.
5. Luminox Navy SEAL 3601
Source: luminox.com
The Luminox Navy SEAL 3601 is part of the third generation of the brand’s original SEAL series watch, which was designed in partnership with an actual officer. One of the most notable features of this watch is the case. Constructed from CARBONOX, it’s ultra-tough, but more importantly, it’s non-reflective to ensure that you can move quietly through the dark without attracting attention. In fact, the sapphire crystal glass is also non-reflective. When you need to check the time, the self-powered Luminox lighting system has your back. Even better, the illumination is designed to last for up to 25 years without losing its brightness. If you’re underwater, the handy dive bezel features textured edges for easy movement, with or without gloves. With a water-resistance of 200 meters, this watch is suited to a range of dives.
6. Casio G-SHOCK DW6900LU-1
Source: gshock.com
If you’re looking for the best tactical watch for men on a budget, the Casio G-SHOCK DW6900LU-1 is an exceptional choice. There’s a reason this is a legendary combat watch — it’s lightweight, comfortable, and completely practical. The rugged case resists shocks and stays water-resistant to a depth of 200 meters. A handy alarm, stopwatch, and hour signals keep you on track, and the backlight enables easy readings in any lighting conditions. When it comes to style, the G-SHOCK DW6900LU-1’s rich black finish and rugged styling reflects its durable construction. Since the exterior is matte, this watch reduces reflectivity when you want to keep a low profile.
7. Breitling Emergency
Source: breitling.com
The Breitling Emergency is the cream of the crop; as its name suggests, it’s engineered to help you survive emergency situations. The Emergency is the best tactical watch for men who love to push the boundaries of human capability. Whether you’re heading up a search and rescue team or taking on a backcountry skiing expedition, it’s there to help. An integrated distress beacon sends out an emergency signal on two different frequencies, helping rescue teams find their way to your location. As you’re battling through a wilderness setting, the compass bezel improves your wayfinding capabilities. At the same time, the convex sapphire crystal prevents glare from the interior and exterior, ensuring that you can get an accurate reading in any lighting. Styled with a combination of sporty and luxurious accents, this watch makes a statement on the golf course or in the wild.
8. Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Auto
Source: hamiltonwatch.com
If you need a watch that looks elegant enough for a board meeting and is still tough enough for the field, turn to the Hamilton Khaki Field Titanium Auto. The streamlined exterior case and simple dial are versatile enough to pair with jeans or a suit, and the rubber strap adds a subtle hint of texture. Markers for seconds, hours, and 24-hour time enable efficient tracking and fast readouts. This model lasts for up to 80 hours on a single charge, so it’s a good option for shorter backpacking trips or weekend adventures. It’s fine to wear in the rain and stays water-resistant to 100 meters.
9. Casio Pro-Trek PRW2500T-7
Source: casio.com
Made to withstand challenging conditions and the toughest conditions on earth, the Casio Pro-Trek PRW2500T-7 is a watch for adventurers. Anytime you need to stay on top of the weather, this model has you covered; in fact, it was designed in partnership with meteorologists to ensure excellent barometric pressure tracking. The case is water-resistant to 200 meters, so you can wear it on whitewater rafting trips, on a jet ski, or in practically any type of wet conditions. When you’re on the ocean, the integrated tide graph is an essential feature. The battery recharges via solar power, ensuring that the altimeter, digital compass, and thermometer work everywhere you go. This model comes with a huge variety of features, including a calendar, countdown timer, time-up alarm, and information for 31 time zones across the world.
10. Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech
Source: panerai.com
Panerai is the brand that’s favored by the servicemen in the Italian naval forces, and the Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech is one of the company’s top options. It’s the best military watch for guys who are serious about both style and performance. You’ll see the Italian influence right off the bat in the sleek lines, all-black finish, and simple geometric hour markers. This model is as functional as it is appealing — the tough case can be submerged in water up to 300 meters deep. The textured rotating bezel helps you keep track of your time below the surface, and the large LumiNova are designed for fast reading in complete darkness. Equipped with a rubber strap, the Submersible Marina Militare feels comfortable whether you’re sweating it out on the treadmill or doing a bit of open-water diving.
11. Marathon Desert Tan Pilot’s Navigator
Source: marathonwatch.com
Inspired by the look and feel of aviation accessories, the Marathon Desert Tan Pilot’s Navigator is one of the men’s military watches that make a distinctive statement. The tan color is designed to look great even after constant exposure to dust and dirt, and the ballistic nylon strap takes a beating without tearing. If you’re looking for men’s tactical watches that are engineered to meet military requirements, this model is a great choice; its high-torque quartz movement works effortlessly even at the high altitudes required of pilots, skydivers, and climbers. The case uses a fiber shell design for comfort and weight reduction.
12. Luminox Recon
Source: luminox.com
Tackle any type of land-based adventure with the help of the Luminox Recon. This is the best tactical watch for men who love to hike, bike, or perform extreme sports. A separate compass on the strap helps with navigation, while the tachymeter makes it easy to track your distance. The sapphire crystal panel prevents reflections in the sunlight, and the self-powered illumination system boosts visibility in low light. If you need to get in the water, trust this watch to power through to a depth of 200 meters. Rugged and tough, the carbon-reinforced case and PU strap hold up to a range of activities.
13. Garmin Tactix Bravo
Source: garmin.com
Created by the legendary multisport brand Garmin, the Tactix Bravo is up for any adventure you can throw its way. Features such as Jumpmaster and TracBack make this the best military watch for guys who aren’t afraid to hurl themselves out of planes. No matter what you’re up to, the EXO antenna, GPS, and GLONASS signal help you keep track of your position in areas that are traditionally out of range; there’s even a feature that projects your waypoints for better navigation. Switch modes after dark, and you can read the screen through your night-vision goggles. When you’re not in the field, the classic Garmin fitness trackers and smartwatch features fit your everyday life. In “smartwatch mode”, you can enjoy up to two weeks of battery life.
14. IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Top Gun
Source: iwc.com
There’s a reason this watch is called the “Top Gun” — it’s modeled after aviators’ timepieces. Race up to high altitudes or jump out of a plane; the glass is engineered to stay in place even when the air pressure changes rapidly or dramatically. Inside the durable ceramic case, an iron lining helps prevent damage when you pass through magnetic fields. This model is water-resistant to 60 meters, so it’s safe to use while you’re boating or paddling. Plus, since the sapphire glass is convex and finished with anti-reflective layers on the top and bottom, you never need to squint to tell the time.
15. MWC Navigator
Source: mwcwatches.com
The MWC Navigator is the best tactical watch for men who want both affordability and durability. Even though it offers an impressive price tag, this watch is made to match the U.S MIL-PRF-46374G specification. Though this isn’t technically one of the men’s military watches made for diving, it offers a water-resistance rating of 300 meters. More importantly, it’s engineered for high-altitude use — you can rely on accurate readings up to 40,000 feet above sea level. Wherever you go, the Navigator’s Super Luminova system allows quick readings after dark. With its fabric strap and slick metal case, this model is ideal for casual work environments and weekend fun.
What are tactical watches?
Tactical watches are special timepieces that are designed for strength and durability. The term “tactical” originated as a way to describe the gear worn by military personnel. To handle the intense conditions of a military field operation, soldiers need watches that can withstand intense desert heat, cold evenings, and extended exposure to the elements. For military divers, the watches must be waterproof and tough enough to handle the pressure of deep water. In other words, tactical watches are made for the most challenging conditions on Earth; they’re designed to resist shocks and continue to function, whether you’re jumping out of a plane or heading deep into the wilderness. To achieve this strength, many models use a monocoque case to reduce the number of joints and boost overall strength.
Tactical watches are also highly functional. They’re more than a simple accessory or a way to tell time — many models come with a selection of tools that can help you survive. At a minimum, tactical watches usually include a compass and a thermometer. Others include features such as barometers, timers and alarms, and Bluetooth connections. Even if you’re not a member of the military, you can enjoy all of the benefits of tactical watches in your everyday life or outdoor adventures.
What is the toughest watch?
Each of these watches are strong and durable, but the Panerai Submersible Marina Militare Carbotech and the Luminox Navy SEAL 3601 are the toughest models for the largest number of situations. Both models stay water-resistant to 300 meters, so you can use them under the ocean or high above the surface of the Earth.
What watch do Navy SEALs wear?
The Navy SEALs don’t have an official watch; instead, every SEAL team has the freedom to choose their own watches. However, Luminox watches are often considered to be the most popular option for SEAL teams. That’s because in 1992, Nick North, the Assistant RDT&E Officer for the SEALs, worked directly with Luminox to create the best tactical watch for men who were doing night dives. Today, the latest generation of the watch retains many of the same characteristics that the officer suggested, including an incredibly tough case and materials that don’t reflect the light during stealth missions. Since SEAL teams often work under cover of darkness, Luminox also uses a special tritium gas illumination system that doesn’t need solar energy to maintain a charge. Since that first watch, Luminox has gone on to provide watches for other SEAL teams and military units.
Another popular line of watches among the Navy SEALs is the Casio G-SHOCK. Light and designed to withstand heavy shocks, this model is designed more with land missions in mind.
Find Your Favorite Tactical Watch
Men’s tactical watches offer a rare blend of rugged style, unparalleled strength, and incredible durability. In other words, they’re made for men who love to push their limits. These watches excel at offering precise time readings, no matter where you are on, above, or below the surface. Whether you’re taking on a solo adventure or tackling tough outdoor challenges for a job in the military or another branch of service, the best military watch for guys helps you do so with confidence.
