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. 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.
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!
Ben