Tactical Watches for Military Use Review

Rugged and durable, military watches offer the best features for those who have to face the most extreme conditions.

They are used mainly by hikers, hunters, mountaineers and soldiers, but thanks to their modern and elegant designs they can be anyone’s everyday watch.

Let’s review the best tactical watches, so that you can compare features, designs, qualities and prices.

Top 10 Tactical Watches Review

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Garmin Fenix 7X Solar

The Garmin Fenix 7X is an awesome watch equipped with features like thermometer, barometer, altimeter, advanced GPS, preloaded maps, solar battery, heart rate monitor, Wi-Fi, Chroma display, calorie and step counter, 100-meter water resistance, etc.

I love the Garmin Fenix series. In my opinion, what sets this watch apart from its competitors is its top-notch topographical maps. Also, this model has evolved a lot compared to previous Garmin Fenix models. Now, it features a touchscreen, which is really helpful. In addition, it has a solar charging system.

Pros: Resistant, great design, many features.

Cons:  The solar charger could be improved. It’s not great.

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Garmin Tactix Delta Solar

The Garmin Tactix combines tactical functionality with smart multi-sport features, all in a beautiful design. It features an all-black, non-reflective and resistant construction for extreme environments. Its dual-mode operation optimizes the sunlight-readable display for daily use or night vision goggle compatibility.

It’s equipped with all the key features like an altimeter, barometer, compass, GPS, solar charging lens, Wi-Fi, sunlight-readable color Chroma display, super resistant sapphire lens and more.

If you compare the Tactix with the previous model (the Garmin Fenix), you’ll notice that it features some specific military functions, such as Jumpmaster mode and Waypoints projection. On the downside, the battery doesn’t last as long as I’d like, and the unit doesn’t have a touchscreen. For me, this is kind of a dealbreaker. I really miss a touchscreen on this model.

Pros: It has advanced tactical functions, solar battery.

Cons: The battery life could be better. The unit doesn’t have a touchscreen.

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Suunto Core Black Military

This model is already a few years old. However, it’s quite reliable and resistant. I think it’s a good choice for mountaineers, adventurers, hunters, and soldiers.

The Suunto Core Black is equipped with analtimeter, a digital compass and a barometer that alerts you when a storm is coming. It doesn’t come with many advanced features and it doesn’t have a GPS. However, it’s functional, super rugged and easy to use even in the dark. Also, it’s pretty cheap.

Pros: It has a long-lasting battery.

Cons: I think it’s a bit outdated. It feels quite bulky on the wrist and heavier than previous models.

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Garmin Instinct 2

The Garmin Instinct 2 is one of the best-selling multi-sport watches of the year. It features a military construction, designed to withstand harsh environments, shock, and extreme weather, and a chemically reinforced screen for strength and durability.

It’s equipped with GPS technology, an altimeter, a barometer and a compass, preloaded profiles, Bluetooth, point-to-point navigation, Trackback function (it takes you back to the starting point of the trail), heart rate monitor, and other advanced functions.

The navigation system is a bit simple if you compare it with previous models, but it works great, and it’s easy to follow. The biggest advantage of this model is that it has a fantastic price!

Pros: Great features and design, good value for the money.

Cons: No premium features, although this was predictable for its budget price. In my experience, it doesn’t feel as robust as previous models.

SUPER RESISTANT MODELS

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Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400

This a tough watch designed to withstand the worst conditions and be practically indestructible! 

It’s fully equipped with a barometer, altimeter, thermometer, digital compass and most resitant G-Shock system. It’s extremely solid and durable!

Pros: Pretty good battery life.

Cons: It doesn’t include many military features. Also, it doesn’t have a navigation system.

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Casio G-Shock GA100

This watch stands out for its solid construction and basic features, all at a very attractive price. It’s made of resin, is 200 M water resistant and is ready to withstand any extreme situation, never to break!

The batteries are designed to last for more than two years. It also has a stopwatch, anti-magnetic structure, auto LED light with afterflow, full auto-calendar and world time.

It’s not that good as a hiking watch because it doesn’t feature an altimeter, barometer or compass, but it’s the perfect watch for hunters, soldiers or anyone looking for a watch that can really take a beating. 

Pros: It’s very lightweight. The battery can last more than 24 months.

Cons: It doesn’t have advanced features. It’s larger than the rest of the models on the list.

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Casio G-Shock G100-1BV

It features anti-magnetic resistance, dual time, an alarm, a stopwatch, an auto calendar and 200M water resistance. Unfortunately, this model is not equipped with a barometer, altimeter or compass, so keep that in mind if you want to use it on your hiking routes.

Let’s compare this with the previous model. Both watches have a resistant construction, ideal for extreme activities. However, this model differentiates itself from its competitor by being lighter and more compact. Also, I like that this watch has a slightly more sober design. It’s more discreet.

Pros: Good price, nice design, high resistance.

Cons: No features like a barometer, altimeter or compass.

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Casio G-Shock GD-120 CM Camo

Designed for professional military and marine activities, this great watch will hold up under all the hardest conditions.

It’s pretty “unbreakable” as are all G-Shock watches, and it’s equipped with world time, 200M water resistance, an illuminator, a stopwatch and battery life of 7 years!

The key features that will help you decide on this model are its camouflage design, its great resistance, and its good price.

Pros: Good price, high resistance, long life batteries.

Cons: No features like a barometer, altimeter or compass.

STYLISH DESIGN

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Casio Pro-trek PRG 270

The Casio PRG-270 is a fantastic watch with a beautiful design and very reasonable price.

It comes with all the key Casio features like low temperature resistance, an altimeter, barometer, thermometer, digital compass, 100M water resistance, daily alarms and world time.

It has a round stainless steel case, making it a beautiful and resistant watch for any kind of outdoor activity, especially hiking and mountaineering.

Pros: Great features, good value for the money.

Cons: Alarm is not that loud.

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Luminox Bear Grylss

This is a very elegant watch, featuring a black carbon reinforced case with an orange silicon strap and a uni-directional rotating carbon bezel.

It’s an analogical watch with luminescent hands and markers, data display, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and 200M water resistance.

This watch stands out because it features an excellent compass attached to the band. In addition, it has a beautiful, modern, and sporty design. If you are not much into digital stuff and are looking for a stylish resistant watch, this might be your best option.

Pros: It’s built with sapphire crystal. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful design on the list.

Cons: Aside from the compass, I feel like it doesn’t have many tactical features.

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Luminox Navy 3581

This is a very elegant and stylish watch with features including a date window, chronograph subdials and 200M water resistance. It’s a very popular watch; most people choose it for its cool design, but on the downside it’s not equipped with a barometer, altimeter or compass. Still, it is a very resistant and robust watch designed to withstand impacts and hard conditions.

Compared to the Luminox Bear Grylls, this model has a slightly simpler design, shorter battery life, and no compass. Another downside: The glowing markers seem smaller to me. I feel like I can see the markers easier at night on the other model. However, it has its advantages: It feels lighter on the wrist and it’s considerably cheaper.

Pros: Stylish design, good value for money.

Cons: No features like barometer, altimeter or compass. No GPS.

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Considerations to take into account when choosing the a military watch:

NIGHT VISION

Many models include a backlight to illuminate the screen. Military watches should also feature legible luminescent dials. This way, you can read all the information in the dark without using a hand to activate the backlight.

BATTERIES

When you are outdoors, the last thing you want to do is worry about batteries or think about the battery backups you must carry. Get a model with long-lasting batteries and good performance. Over the years, the watch shouldn’t lose accuracy due to poor batteries.

Many people opt for solar-powered batteries because they perform well and don’t require continual replacement. However, keep in mind that if you must replace this type of battery, depending on your location, you might have trouble finding the right replacement.

FEATURES

Some models are equipped with modern features like a barometer, thermometer, altimeter, compass, GPS and more.

The altimeter tells you the height at which you are, the barometer and thermometer tell you what weather is coming and the digital compass and GPS will help you locate your position.

DESIGN

Being designed for tactical and military activities, hunting, hiking and outdoor sports, these watches are usually dark, non-reflective and robust.

The watch’s design and size will affect your comfort. Some watches can be quite large and heavy, so keep this in mind. Regardless of the number of features you need, a good watch should be comfortable to wear, easy to read, and easy to use.

Also, the design shouldn’t interfere with your clothes or other accessories you may wear.

WATER RESISTANT

These watches are designed for a variety of outdoor activities, so water resistance is important. The watch must be totally waterproof to ensure the best performance. You don’t want to spend your money on a watch that breaks down because you’ve taken it a few meters underwater. All of them must be water-resistant, with 100 meters being the typical depth they can resist.

DURABILITY

Tactical watches are designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, so they are highly resistant. Many of them are made of titanium or resin with nylon bezels.

THE BAND

In addition to looking for a watch with a solid construction, we must look for a band that resists hits and scratches. Many people opt for silicone straps (or other plastic components) because they are comfortable to wear and offer great durability. Try to avoid metal or leather straps because, although they may have an elegant design, they are not really scratch-resistant.

CONCLUSION:

If you are looking for a full-featured watch, the Garmin Fenix 5X might be your best choice. It provides the best features and design. The body of the watch is resistant and durable, so this watch will last for many years.

If you are looking for a really tough watch (almost indestructible), I’d go for the Casio G-Shock GD 120 Camo. It’s a very popular watch for military purposes.

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Do you have any question about The Best Tactical Watches? Please, contact me!

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