Tactical watches are watches that are designed to endure extremes, usually those expected from use by law enforcement, military personnel and private contracting. Watches these days are treated as a fashion accessory but they can be so much more, especially if you pick the right one. Tactical watches, also known as military watches, are designed to withstand harsh and extreme conditions, making them ideal for use by military personnel, law enforcement officers, hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who needs a rugged and reliable timepiece.
These watches come equipped with features and functionalities that make them stand out from regular watches, such as durability, water resistance, shock resistance, and special features like GPS, compass, and stopwatch. If you are looking for a watch that also offers utility and durability than continue reading. We’ve examined the top watches that serve a “tactical” purposes as well as the normal watch duty and whether it has other functions such as a compass, barometer, Bluetooth, etc.
When choosing a tactical watch, it is important to choose a high-quality watch that will meet your specific needs and withstand the demands of your activities. A high-quality tactical watch will not only be reliable but will also provide accurate timekeeping and have features that are useful for your specific purpose.
Table of Contents
- Criteria for selection
- Suunto Core Tactical Watch – $224.99-249.99
- Garmin Tactix Delta Solar Edition with Ballistics – $1,799
- Suunto Traverse Alpha Tactical Watch – $279.99
- Luminox EVO Navy Seal – $449.99
- Casio G-Shock The 6900 Military – $69.99
Criteria for selection
When selecting a tactical watch, there are several important criteria to consider. Obviously keeping time is going to be the top priority in selecting any watch, however when considering something a bit more “tactical” in nature you should also consider some other points.
Durability and ruggedness
Durability and ruggedness are essential for a tactical watch to withstand harsh and demanding environments. A watch made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, carbon fiber, or titanium can ensure its longevity. It should also be resistant to shock, impact, and scratches, making it able to withstand rigorous activities without any damages.
Water resistance
Water resistance is another critical factor to consider. A tactical watch should be able to withstand water, especially if you plan to use it in wet environments. A water-resistant watch can withstand exposure to rain, splashes, and even submersion in water. The level of water resistance varies among watches, so it is important to choose one that meets your specific needs.
Accuracy and reliability
Accuracy and reliability are also crucial in a tactical watch. You need a watch that can provide accurate timekeeping, even in extreme conditions. A watch with a high-precision quartz movement or automatic mechanical movement is ideal. It should also have a long battery life or self-winding mechanism to ensure that it is always ready for use.
Special features and functionalities
Lastly, special features and functionalities can add to the overall usefulness of a tactical watch. Features such as a built-in compass, GPS, stopwatch, and backlit display can be useful in various situations. A watch with these additional features can help you navigate, track your progress, and monitor your activities.
Suunto Core Tactical Watch – $224.99-249.99
The Suunto Core Tactical watch features a nice blacked-out design and a low profile screen which looks great. It features an altimeter, a barometer and a compass so you can see where you’re going and into what you are getting into. This watch also tracks the weather which is handy when trying to plan your next move as well as helping you navigate. It’s a great watch for someone looking for features wrapped in a durable body, with a low profile design!
Garmin Tactix Delta Solar Edition with Ballistics – $1,799
Normally I wouldn’t include a watch at this price point but this thing is so cool! The Garmin Tactix Delta Solar Edition with Ballistics is a watch that features a solar charging lens with a BIL-STD-810 build quality. It’ll do everything you need it from GPS, thermometer, barometer, and 56 other apps/features all built in! The part that makes this watch more tactical is the fact that the Garmin Tactix Delta Solar Edition features integration with AB Elite software for long-range aiming, a jumpmaster app, night vision, kill switch modes, and even way point projection. It’s not cheap, but it’s certainly cool!
Suunto Traverse Alpha Tactical Watch – $279.99
Suunto has really come up in the market with great “smart” tactical watches that target hikers, hunters, and trekkers. The Traverse Alpha Tactical watch comes with a solid exterior that is durable allowing the watch to be water resistant to 100m but is still comfortable to wear. But it also comes jam packed with all your comfort features, Bluetooth, heart rate monitor, step counter, etc. making a great EDC watch.
Luminox EVO Navy Seal – $449.99
Luminox designed the Evo Navy Seal specifically for, well, Navy SEALs… and as such they built a rock-solid reliable watch that is all business. In the Evo Navy Seal you get a Swiss-quartz movement, wrapped in a polyurethane case that is water-resistant to 200m. The watch is designed for low-light or no-light situations, utilizing technology that makes the watch much more visible than others on the mark. If you are looking for a no nonsense watch that does traditional watch things, this is it!
Casio G-Shock The 6900 Military – $69.99
There is something just so classic about the Casio G-shock watch series and the 6900 Military is one of our favorites. Casio has built a rock solid watch that lives up to their almost indestructible philosophy. It is also water resistant up to 200m Definitely a great watch to check out if it’s your first one or if you are just looking to add to your list!
Ultimately, the best tactical watch for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. By considering the selection criteria and reviewing the top 5 tactical watches on the market, you can make an informed decision and choose the watch that is best suited for your activities and lifestyle.
Ben