To say that a tactical watch is extremely functional might be an understatement. The best tactical watches can be real lifesavers. Whether you’re trying to navigate a mountain range or losing your track in a forest, you need a watch that is equipped to fulfill your needs. This is where tactical watches come in handy.
They have numerous features that keep you alert irrespective of the altitude, terrain, or whether you are in. These tough pieces are ultimately designed for action. Highly specialized and often heavy-duty, they are useful in a variety of situations. From a military professional to an amateur survivalist to mountain biker to first responders to marathon runners, these are preferred by many.
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Let us take a look at the top recommendations of the best tactical watch.
Top 14 Recommendations For The Best Tactical Watches 2021
1. CKE Men’s Digital Sports Watch
This digital watch can easily be voted the best tactical watch 2021 owing to its fashionable and sporty design along with a large dial and numbers with a backlight. These features not only enhance your style and give you a modern look, but it also shows you the time clearly in the dark too.
You can use the imported EL lamp to precisely see the time. This watch is especially appealing to people who are into sports. Its shock resistance makes it perfect for all kinds of indoor and outdoor activities like running, climbing, fishing, swimming, etc and the 12/24H time mode increases its utility.
The LED backlight proves highly useful in both sports and daily use. The multifunction watch is great for all the usual but essential functions like checking the date and setting alarms and stopwatches. This waterproof watch is effective even in submergence up to 50 m. However, we advise you to refrain from pressing any kind of buttons underwater.
Pros
- Shock and water-resistant.
- Functions well in water up to 164 feet of submergence.
- 12/24H mode
- Easy to read in the dark.
- Modern design
Cons
- Ineffective button behavior reported
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2. Casio Men’s G-Shock Model: GA-700UC-5ACR
Undoubtedly one of the best tactical watches 2021, the G-shock GA-700UC-5ACR makes a statement appearance with its classic black and white design along with the modern 3D analog watch face. The shorter hands of the watch give the user better visibility of its dual-time display.
This particular model from Casio comes in a case with a matte blank finish and white accents. It is a part of the modern XL series launched by Casio and is available in a 51 mm oversized case. Although the features of this watch are fairly advanced, the watch is not quite equipped to be a ‘tough solar’ product.
You will find that the World Watch is the most advanced function on this watch. The watch also features a front LED button which enhances the user’s accessibility in low-light and dark surroundings.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Great presence on wrist
- 2-5 years of battery life
- Modern and contemporary design that looks good in any setting and with any outfit
Cons
- Weak backlight reported
- Smaller screens can be difficult to see in sunlight
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3. PALADA Men’s Digital Sports Watch
This digital watch comes with a fashionable sporty design in a military-style. It has big numbers and a display with a backlight along with a large dial. It shows time clearly even in low light scenarios, making it one of the best tactical watches 2021.
This sports watch is ideal for men who indulge in sports and love multifunctionality. It is great for both outdoor and indoor sports like fishing, climbing and even swimming. It is resistant to water even at 164 feet of depth. However, you can use this watch for long periods of time underwater, say, while diving. It displays time in 12/24 formats and the rubber band is of supreme quality. It is comfortable to wear and looks trendy.
Pros
- Acrylic mirror window dial ensures high transparency.
- Shock resistant
- Water-resistant
- Fashionable design
Cons
- Not suitable for long hours underwater
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4. Infantry Big Face Military Tactical Watch
If you are looking for the best tactical watch that is both affordable and multifunctional alongside being made of military-grade materials, then you should check out Big Face’s Military tactical watch. The watch serves many purposes. It features alarms, stops watches, a backlight, 12/24 hour format time, day-date-month calendar, hourly chimes, and a rotating bezel.
What’s better? This watch is about 46mm in diameter with a heavy-duty, big face and an anti-scratch mineral dial window. It comes with a tough stainless steel case for enhanced durability. The dual precision Japanese analog-digital movement offers precise timekeeping and an easy to read format which eases the user experience.
Not just that, this watch can resist splash, hand washes, and is a perfect option for those rainy days. It suits both your casual wear and business wear perfectly well. However, we do not recommend using it while diving, swimming, or bathing. The digital display is only visible when the backlight has been turned on in the dark.
Pros
- Trendy design
- Made from military-grade materials
- Multifunctional
Cons
- Not usable for swimming, diving, or bathing.
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5. Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical Smartwatch
One of the best tactical watches 2021, this watch is powerful and large. It is designed for long fitness sessions outdoors. The solar charging capabilities of the Garmin instinct solar tactical watch and the longevity of charge are unmatchable. . The watch is durable and its tough construction with military-grade materials scores high marks.
Its vast extended battery life is a big win for everybody considering buying this solar watch. This rugged GPS watch is water-rated to about 100 meters and is proved to be resistant to water, shock, and thermal barriers. The in-built 3-axis compass and barometric altimeter along with other global navigation systems keep a track of higher challenging environments.
You can be sure of understanding and assessing your health and wellness better with its ever-so-reliable Pulse Ox. However, it is worth noting that pulse ox is not a medical device and hence it is not intended to be used in diagnosis.
Pros
- Pulse ox health and wellness tracker
- Long life
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo tracking features
- US Military standard 810
Cons
- Improper calibration of GPS and other navigation protocols observed.
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6. Suunto Core All Black Sports Watch
Along with the uber-cool looks of this watch, it has got a large face, and a rugged digital dial made to resist any kind of pressure. It is super durable and you can accomplish any kind of activity with peace. Whether it is hiking or saving people from burning homes, it can survive the toughest of scenarios.
It is easy to use and has a variety of features that easily put it on the list of the best tactical watches. The watch features an altimeter that tracks vertical movements alongside having a barometer and a compass. It can also track the weather and the sun. In fact, it features a weather trend graph that is presented with sunset/sunrise times for more than 400 locations.
Pros
- Intelligent storm alarm detector
- Other useful features – altimeter, compass, barometer, weather indicator
- Stylish design
Cons
- Low quality of buttons.
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7. Casio Men’s G-Shock DW6900-1V
This is one of the most basic yet sophisticated pieces designed by Casio and is definitely the best tactical watch out there in terms of durability and precision. It is resistant to shock and water. You can dive into a pool of water that is as deep as 200 m. The EL backlight with the afterglow is great for low-light scenarios.
The watch also features a flash alert option that comes in handy in any kind of unanticipated situation. It features an hourly time signal, countdown timer, time-up alarm, and a flasher that buzzes for alarms along with a 1/100 second stopwatch. This stopwatch measures time via different modes names split time, elapsed time.
Pros
- Full auto-calendar, countdown timer
- Multifunctional
- Shock and water-resistant
Cons
- Low quality of LCD screen reported
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8. WISHFAN Men’s Digital Sports Watch
This digital sports watch is equipped with a reliable zinc alloy case which is perfect for both outdoor and indoor activities. It can display time by both numbers and pointers. 304 stainless steel bottom enhances its waterproof performance by a great deal. You can set different time zones from two places as well.
It is multifunctional and includes 12/24H formats along with alarm/hourly chimes, a calendar, and a stopwatch. Not just that, the manufacturer guarantees very good quality and excellent customer service.
Pros
- Dual display digital watch
- 304stainless steel bottom and 4 tighten screws take care of waterproof performance
Cons
- Poor build quality
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9. G-Shock GG-1000
This tough-looking analog-digital watch is one of the best tactical watches from G-shock. It is shock-resistant and can be used for both indoor and outdoor activities like running, hiking, climbing, and swimming. This watch is also resistant to water and you can rely on this one to be your friend up to 200 m of submergence underwater.
The ISO 764 class magnetic resistance is another great feature of the GG-100 tactical watch from the line of G-shock. Its straps/bands are interchangeable and the dial features a mineral glass that ensures transparency. It is combat friendly and can also resist abrasion. Available currently in beige, the quartz watch movement of this watch is quite precise.
Pros
- ISO 764 class magnetic resistance
- Water-resistant upto 200 m
- Shock resistant
Cons
- Poorly sealed dial lets fog inside
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10. Garmin 010-02064-00 Watch
The rugged GPS watch from Garmin has been manufactured in order to help users withstand the toughest environments. It is constructed as per the 810G thermal, shock, and water resistance standards of the US Military and has 3 in-built features namely the compass, barometric altimeter, and multiple global navigation systems.
You can also monitor the rate of your heart, track activities, and also train with preloaded activity profiles. You can use the TracBack feature to make your way back to the initial point of your route and use the Garmin Explore website to stay ahead and plan in advance for your trips.
Although this is the refurbished version of the watch, it looks like it’s brand-new and works perfectly well. It is also backed by Amazon’s guarantee for 90 days. This pre-owned product has been professionally inspected, tested, and cleaned by suppliers certified by Amazon.
Pros
- Long battery life up to 14 -16 days depending on the mode of usage
- TracBack and Garmin explore features
- GPS, GLONASS, Galileo tracking facilities available.
Cons
- Poor quality of buttons reported
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11. Digital Survival Sport Watch
This watch is known for its outstanding survival capabilities along with features like dual timezone, calendars, hourly chime, LED display, backlight etc. It is resistant to water, shock and is perfect for all sports and for daily usage as well. It comes with 3 interchangeable straps and has a great wrist presence.
This waterproof watch can survive underwater submergence up to 98 feet and can be trusted to function well even when raining, bathing and swimming. However, we recommend you to not press any buttons in the water. It is a perfect choice for activities like hiking, mountaineering, backpacking, camping, etc.
Pros
- 3 ATM Water-resistant
- 3 Survival bracelet bands
- Perfect for outdoors
Cons
- Watchband quality is not up to the mark.
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12. Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1 Digital Sport Watch
This tough, solar-powered watch from Casio is undoubtedly one of the best tactical watches that comes with resistance in water (up to 100 m) and low temperatures. Its long battery life is brilliant. The watch has an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds per month and features a full auto-calendar that has been pre-programmed until the year 2099. Other useful features include the Barometer( with a display range of 260 to 1,100 hPa), digital compass, countdown timer, full auto LED backlight (super illuminator), altimeter, etc.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Great levels of accuracy
- Pre-programmed calendar up to the year 2099
- Full auto LED
Cons
- Some users reported a weak battery performance
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13. Garmin Tactix Bravo
Garmin’s Tactix Bravo is perfect to be the best tactical watch, given its highly sensitive GPS/GLONASS positioning feature that allows precision navigation. Along with the aforementioned features, it also features an automatic calibrating altimeter, barometer, and a 3- axis compass which is greatly useful in unexpected and extreme situations.
The black, non-reflective design is very cool and is inspired by the requirements of tactical gear that has high utility on the field. It is also compatible with night vision goggles, as the backlight settings can be reduced such that it does not interfere with the goggles. It is safe in water submergence of up to 100 m and thus can be suitable for swimming.
Pros
- Wireless connectivity possible
- Unique features like Garmin connect
- Trendy design
Cons
- Comparatively, poor build quality.
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14. Garmin Tactix Delta Solar
The tactix delta solar powered watch from Garmin contains a solar chagrin lens that utilizes sunlight to enhance the battery life of the watch. It’s custom power mode manages to last several weeks with its improved battery life. You can train with this rugged and sophisticated watch that features a black DLC coated bezel. It comes pre-programmed with TOPO maps and a public land map as well.
In addition, there are also ski maps for about 200 ski resorts spread across the world and have multi-GNSS support. The specialized features of this tactical watch include the jumpmaster mode, waypoint projection, dual-position formats, preloaded tactical activities, stealth mode, and kill switch.
Pros
- Unique and specialized functions available
- Rugged and sophisticated
- Solar charging model
Cons
- Some Users Reported Weak Gps Functioning.
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Factors To Consider While Buying The Best Tactical Watch
Irrespective of what your purpose is, all of us want superior functionality and resilience from a tactical watch. The best tactical watches are made from the best materials and incorporate a wide range of built-in tools and functions which come in handy on a variety of occasions.
In a nutshell, when you are looking to invest in a tactical watch, you should take the following into consideration.
- Is the watch equipped with tools like a compass, barometer, thermometer, alarm, tachymeter and/or tritium gas?
- Is there Bluetooth connectivity available?
- Is it resistant to water to at least 100 m?
- Can it withstand rapid changes in atmospheric pressure? Does it feature a high ATM?
- Is it resistant to scratches?
- Is it shock proof?
- Do you want an analog watch (often lasts longer) or a digital watch (which is easier to use and provides better functionality) ?
Let us now explore the common features you need in a tactical watch in brief.
1. Durability
The best tactical watch features a resin case that is resistant to shocks and protects their movement. Such a watch is better at resisting scratches and generally weighs less than metal watches. The straps used to support the watch should be made of thick rubber or nylon which enhances its durability.
2. Dark And Non-reflective Surfaces
If you are a police officer or military personnel, dark and non-reflective surfaces are often beneficial in offering protection and concealing you while on the field. It not only reduces the risk of the sun or a flashlight reflecting sheen off the surface of your watch and compromising your safety but also keeps you from drawing any kind of unwanted attention.
3. Reliability
Obviously, reliable and accurate timekeeping is an essential feature of the best tactical watch. A quartz watch does this job precisely. In comparison to mechanical movements, they are more accurate and not sensitive to any fluctuations resulting from sudden changes in temperature and can also stand strong in the face of shock and impact.
4. Legibility
Of course, this goes without saying. The best tactical watch should obviously be easy to read, especially in the dark. Having luminescent paint on the hands and numerals is ideal as you would not need a spare hand to flash a light in low-light or dark conditions. Some tactical watches also take this a notch higher. They complement large numbers with tritium tubes so they glow on their own without the need of another light source.
The brightness is enough for the user to tell the time. However, it is not so bright as to interfere with the night vision goggles. These features last for several years even with low or no maintenance.
Best Tactical Watches – Summing up
It is highly likely that you will wear a tactical watch for sports and other activities. Remember that they are designed to be used in tough situations like mountaineering, underwater diving, blizzards, etc. They need to be nearly indestructible and be able to withstand great amounts of shocks and pressures. Thus, we advise you to take our tips into consideration and buy the best tactical watch.