People often discover that a reliable watch is one of the best survival tools. The best tactical watch options help with navigation, time management and even locating survival resources. However, it’s not easy to sort through the wide variety of options out there.
In this list we’ll examine the ten best choices for a reliable tactical watch. We’ll use features and reliability as the main metrics when judging these watches. But price will also push selections higher or lower on the list when appropriate. Each selection also showcases the pros and cons so that one can consider his own preferences.
10. Eornmor Super Bright Tactical Watch
Good for: This tactical watch from Eornmor is ideal for people who want basic features without a hefty price. It has a basic black design, LED display and only the most fundamental tactical features.
Pros
It offers up the basics such as military time, cardinal directions and a powerful flashlight. And it does so at a price anyone can afford. This combination provides one of the most dependable tactical watches for people who just want the basics.
Cons
Anyone who needs more than time, directions and a flashlight might want to pass on it. It’s solid, but only offers minimal features.
9. CakCity Digital Sports Watch
Good for: The CakCity Digital Sports Watch comes in a fairly slim and stylish circular design. It’s designed around a low price point and usability in both the dark or in water.
Pros
The large, backlit, LED display can be read even in total darkness. Additionally, the watch can function even after total submersion in water. It’s a step up from the lowest price options while still keeping costs down.
Cons
It doesn’t offer much beyond basic watch functionality. If one needs more than time related functionality than it might be best to consider other options.
8. KDM’s Digital Analog Big Face Watch
Good for: KDM’s offering provides a combination of digital and analog functionality. It offers a stylish military design that’s also quite durable.
Pros
The watch gives the best of both worlds by providing both analog and digital readouts. The analog compass is particularly accurate compared to lower cost digital offerings. And while it comes at a low cost, it has the appearance of something much more expensive.
Cons
The functionality is fairly basic compared to the more expensive choices. It offers little beyond a compass and time related functionality.
7. Fanmis Military Multifunctional Waterproof Wristwatch
Good for: This offering from Fanmis offers a step up in overall durability thanks to a ruberized design. The water resistant rubber design also sports dual analog and digital display.
Pros
This is one of the most durable low cost options. And it offers some impressive features such as multiple time zone display. It also uses a combination of analog and digital to utilize the strengths of both.
Cons
Like most of the lower cost options, it’s fairly limited in terms of features. It’s best suited to people who have specific needs.
6. Timex Men’s Expedition Classic Digital
Good for: The Timex is among the best tactical watch choices for people who want a more mid-range option. It combines style, high quality construction into a reliable and attractive package.
Pros
It takes the general purpose watch functions and makes them even more reliable. It’s made for people who might find themselves outdoors at any and all times. It’s even usable in total darkness.
Cons
It’s one of the few lower cost options which lack a compass. People who need that feature might want to consider the previous or following options instead.
5. Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Watch
Good for: This watch is the first to really look powerful. Almost every part of the watch features information of some kind or another.
Pros
It combines a full range of features with impressively sturdy design. Even the watch band features sturdy claps which one can rely on. It’s among the best tactical watch options for people who want a wide range of features.
Cons
It’s also among the first watches to jump ahead into luxury prices. As such people with limited funds might want to carefully consider it before buying.
4. Luminox Men’s A.8831.KM Recon
Good for: This black watch instantly showcases the high quality metal case. It’s lined with compass positions and instantly shows one’s direction and even pace.
Pros
It has some incredibly useful features such as the ability to track one’s pace. It’s designed for people who aren’t just outdoors. But who are instead looking for the best tactical watch to help them thrive out there.
Cons
The price might be somewhat high for people who aren’t going to use the majority of the features. For example, people more interested in stationary camping than mobile hiking.
3. Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout
Good for: The Luminox Evo Navy Seal Blackout is one of the best tactical watch choices for people who want both style and durability. It offers most of the cutting edge tactical watch features while still maintaining an attractive appearance.
Pros
It looks more like a stylish luxury watch than a tactical option. But when one needs tactical features then they can be relied on. This includes 200 meter water resistance, a compass, low light functionality and durability.
Cons
It lacks a few features found in other options. In particular, the slim design doesn’t leave room for a flashlight.
2. SureFire 2211 Rechargeable Variable Output WristLight
Good for: The SureFire 2211 is a little bulkier than the other top-tier options. But the bulk comes from something those options lack. It’s easily the best tactical watch for people who need a powerful watch flashlight.
Pros
It offers an incredibly powerful flashlight without adding too much extra weight or bulk. In fact, the watch was designed primarily around the needs of people who have to combine mobility with visibility at night.
Cons
The flashlight does add extra bulk to the SureFire 2211. And it also requires regular recharging over micro-usb.
1. G-Shock Rangeman
Good for: This large watch instantly showcases how it’s different from the other options. The additional sensors are apparent on first glance. And it’s instantly useful in tactical or survival situations.
Pros
It has the most features and sensors out of any item on this list. This includes everything from barometric pressure to altitude. It even has a special sensor screen for extra information. And it’s priced closer to what one would expect from mid-range watches.
Cons
The only con comes from its appearance. It’s a watch designed for functionality rather than elegance and it shows.
Recommended read: Now that we’ve take care of one of the most essential wearables for survivalists, you may also be interested in knowing about the best tactical backpacks for storing other survival items.
Final Words
One should consider the sheer amount options showcased within this list. There’s almost certainly a watch out there which perfectly fits one’s own needs. But finding the best tactical watch often comes down to discussion. As such, one should feel free to talk about one’s own experiences or ideas.
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