A reliable watch is vital to the orderly execution of mission timelines or… getting through your day on a tight schedule. A well-ordered man is timely in any environment or context. A watch has been a historically important piece of many respectable men’s wardrobes. I personally have worn many of the following watches and know several SEALs who wear these brands and models of tactical timepieces. Some are well-known watches while others are more obscure; the Rolex Submariner is the most expensive (by a lot) while a sturdy basic G-Shock could be found for under $100. Most watches on this list range in between, from $300-$1200.
There are several critical features that I have considered to make this list, which I explain below. I have worn and reviewed watches in real-world harsh environment and I stand behind the watches I recommend. To answer the numerous requests I get about purchasing advice and recommendations, I originally selected very specific watches from each brand that I knew, but after some consideration I decided to point out broader series of quality watches because there are various features that may attract different users. For example, I replaced my usual digital G Shock with a Traser Swiss Made Officer Automatic, which doesn’t require batteries and charges from the movement of my wrist. I wanted a simple, no-maintenance watch with a metal bracelet that would tell the time day or night with no features or distractions, but that may not be for everyone. So here are the top watches/series that I recommend.
(Disclaimer: I do NOT receive any compensation for these recommendations and this post does NOT contain any affiliate links. These recommendations are strictly my opinion and I personally recommend these watches because I believe they are the best.)
Casio: G-Shock
First mention, in my opinion, goes to the famous G-Shock watch line. Almost any watch with the G-Shock logo will be a solid performer. Usually the watch band will wear out or the battery will need replacement several times before there are any issues with the actual “case” of the watch. I have witnessed several of the cheaper G-Shock watches get some moisture behind the crystal but none have ever stopped working altogether, which is astounding considering the abuse I put them through. Be aware that some of their models do get pricey with some higher-end features, such as sapphire crystal faces and more advanced digital features, but anyone can find something good within their price range with the Casio G-Shock line.
You can find the G-shock line of watches here.
Luminox
Luminox is a great brand all around. They came out with their Navy SEAL watch for a durable, simple contender, worthy to bear the name of the most elite Special Operations unit in America. The Luminox Original Navy SEAL dive watch is robust and lightweight, uses Sapphire Crystal for the glass and is rated for 200m. Luminox uses this high quality glass on most of their other watches and all of their watches are rated to 100m or more. Their watches use tritium tubes for completely power free illumination of the watch hands without any need for any external power source or charge.
You can view the Luminox Original Navy SEAL dive watch here.
Traser
Traser Watches are a more obscure but trusty brand of solid watches. They utilize the tritium tube technology for a no-charge lighting solution. Swiss Made quartz movement (the movement is the mechanical “guts” of the watch) ensures a smooth sweeping motion of the hands and 100m minimum depth for this line of watches.
Rolex
This is the genuine Navy SEAL classic watch. The Rolex Submariner was actually issued to SEALs early in the history of the Teams. While by far the most expensive watch on this list, these watches will last a lifetime and many are handed down to children or sold for large amounts of money. This iconic heavyweight is the ultimate status symbol for adventure watch users.
MTM
The MTM watch brand is a more premium brand with some very attractive features. The construction uses materials that are high quality and durable. Sapphire crystal is non-scratching and the brand boasts many celebrity users. Many users find the robust case and the detailed knurling on the knobs to be rugged and fashionable.
Casio: ProTrek
The Casio ProTrek series is a well-known traditional adventure watch that has been used by outdoorsmen and survivalists for years. Appealing to serious outdoorsmen and discerning adventurers while being one of the more affordable watches on this list, this watch balances budget and quality. The ProTrek watch line packs many advanced digital features such as barometers, an altimeter, a compass, and temperature instruments that are built into a compact package that fits on your wrist.
Citizen Promaster
The Citizen Promaster series of watches is notable. The Skyhawk is a very solid choice for a multifunction digital watch with analog hands over-lay. Coupled with solar charging, a sapphire crystal, and multiple digital features like alarms and backlights, multiple time zones etc, and you get a great watch. A favorite of aviators due to its features and lightweight materials, you will soar over the day with the Promaster!
Garmin
Garmin is a heavyweight brand boasting the latest in technology and unveiling innovative new features every year. The “wearables” line from Garmin has many cutting edge digital instruments that are not available from many other watch brands. While the reputation of “smart watches” has improved over the years, you will generally have to charge these watches more unless you shell out more cash for a solar watch that charges itself with exposure from the sun.
