Smartwatches are essentially wearable computers that are in the form of a watch. They have become extremely popular and are literally outselling all the other types of watches combined. Now, if you are someone who is in military, law enforcement, or another field that would benefit from a heavy duty watch that will deliver more than just time.
Tactical smartwatches are meant to be rugged and intended by all means for military easy. As such, most tactical smartwatches are certified to military standard certified which is a certification given to equipment that passes US military standards. These watches are designed to be resistant to severe wear and tear while being practical and reliable. Here are our top 5 favorites.
Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical – $500-$550
The magic happens on the Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical. Its construction complies strictly with U.S. military standard 810 in terms of shock and temperature resistance. Additionally, it uses solar energy to charge and is waterproof up to 100 metres. It has a stealth mode that enables you to turn off wireless communication and data sharing, protecting the privacy of your location. Additionally, it has a barometric altimeter and a 3-axis compass for simple navigation and location determination. For precise position information, it also has GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo functions. Additionally, the Instinct Solar smartwatch has activity tracking capabilities, making it a useful training partner. It can monitor a variety of sports, including swimming, weightlifting, cycling, jogging, and more.
SUUNTO Traverse Alpha (Stealth) – $450-$500
The Suunto Travers Alpha features a tough, incredibly durable design, with a water-resistant nylon band, sapphire crystal glass that resists scratches, and a bezel made of knurled stainless steel. You may be sure that the Travers Alpha has undergone extensive testing throughout the development stage because it complies with the military standard (MIL-STD-810G). This smartwatch is a good option for divers because it is water-resistant up to 100 metres. The Travers Alpha also notifies you of the best times for hunting and fishing by monitoring moonrise and moonset times with a moon phase calendar. With regular use, the battery can last up to 14 days, or 100 hours when using GPS. This is a great tactical smartwatch because it has dependable battery life and automatic shot detection. The user interface is a bit complicated but once you learn it you are all set.
SUUNTO Core – $200-$250
The SUUNTO Core is a superior option for tactical missions thanks to its robust stealthy construction. Its past use as the U.S. Navy SEAL’s official watch says a lot about its capabilities. It has a composite construction that blends comfort, style, and durability. Additionally, the mono display is exceptionally readable in all lighting conditions. Along with a barometer, an altimeter, and a compass, the SUUNTO Core elevates weather tracking by including a storm alarm that alerts you when a storm is anticipated. The battery can be changed by the user and has a typical lifespan of 12 months. Along with anticipated timings for dawn and sunset, an alarm, and a 30-foot depth metre, the SUUNTO Core also features dual time and date displays. Despite the fact that the SUUNTO Core lacks connectivity and GPS functionality, it can be just what you need.
G-Shock GPR B1000 Rangeman – $350-$400
The G-Shock GPR B1000-1 Rangeman was released in 2018, yet it’s still one of the top tactical smartwatches available today. This device’s dual-purpose GPS antenna in the bezel, higher temperature tolerance, and enhanced barometer, altimeter, and thermometer monitors are some of its highlights. Additionally composed of ceramic, the caseback enables wireless charging in addition to solar charging. However, due to its few capabilities, it isn’t necessarily the smallest smartwatch available. The Rangeman’s GPS navigation and log feature, however, are its main draws. Only after the smartwatch has been Bluetooth-paired with a phone running the G-Shock app can these functionalities be used.
Casio PRT-B50 – $250-$300
Including a step counter, termometer, digital compass, altimeter, and barometer, the Casio PRT-B50 has a quad sensor arrangement. They can also be Bluetooth-connected to your smartphone. For ultimate durability, the PRT-B50 includes a mineral glass dial pane in addition to a resin casing and a polycarbonate band. I particularly enjoy that it has a water resistance rating of 100 metres, meaning that it can undoubtedly sustain deep dives. There is a very useful function that Casio refers to as the “Hand Retraction Function.” When a hand crosses over the LCD, the hour and minute hands are essentially retracted. This guarantees the finest LCD visibility possible.
Stay safe!
Ben