10 Best Survival Watches – Detailed Overview, Expert Advice & More

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Best Survival Watches

Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master of G Series Survival Watch: Best Overall

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TIMEX MENS EXPEDITION GALLATIN WATCH

Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch: Best Tactical Watch

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CASIO MENS PATHFINDER TRIPLE SENSOR MULTI FUNCTION SPORT WATCH

Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sport Watch: Best Battery-Life Watch

Are you planning an outdoor activity like camping, hiking, hunting, or backpacking? Then, you need things for your survival out there. Even though it could be a fun experience, you need to be heavily prepared for whatever comes your way. One of the many things you will need is a survival watch.

Out there in the woods, your options are limited, especially for your survival – no smartphones to get you through the whole experience. You could even be faced with terrible situations, and only whatever you have at your disposal would help you. With a survival watch, you can keep track of time, as well as stay toughened up.

Also, a survivalist who wants to imitate James Bond-style would need this type of tactical watch to achieve that. Not to worry, this review of the 10 best survival watches is an ultimate guide to help you figure out what is perfect for you.

Each of the watches below has been described with unique features and specifications that are convincing enough. Furthermore, there is a section that talks about things you should know about these watches; thus, you should be careful reading that.

Learn more about survival tips, tricks, and more HERE.

Best Survival Watches - Top 10 Reviews

1

Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master of G Series Survival Watch: Best Overall

Casio is one of the biggest brands when it comes to making watches as well as other devices with top-notch quality. Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master of G Series survival watch is quite incredible both in functions and performance. It is often used by several outdoorsy people to check the time, as well as read weather or height information. Moreover, it has a quartz movement with an analog display for easy readability.

Casio G-Shock Rangeman Master of G Series has unique features, such as a gray dial color and a mineral crystal window, which is protective. There is a digital compass as well to track location. Also, it is solar-powered, so you don’t have to worry about the power running out.

Further, this survival watch is waterproof and can be used to set alarms and set stopwatches.

Checking a list of other features of this G-series watch, it comes with a Stainless-steel body with multiple displays, red displays, and textured pushers. For safety, it uses a buckle closure. Without a doubt, it is one of the best choices out there to pick.

Key Features:

  • Gray Dial Color
  • Quartz Watch Movement
  • Solar-Powered
  • Mineral Crystal Dial Window
  • Digital Compass
  • LED
  • Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer
  • Waterproof
  • Buckle Closure

Specification:

  • Brand name: Casio
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Resin
Pros
  • One of the best survival watches for everyone, i.e., survivalists, hikers, campers, etc.
  • Offers multi-functions, such as pressure, temperature, height checks
  • Highly durable and reliable
  • Great to use underwater
  • Perfect for tracking location
Cons
  • Mineral crystal window is not scratch-resistant

2

Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch: Best Tactical Watch

Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch is the best tactical survival watch that will make a difference to you. This watch is not ordinary because of its impressive quality and easy readability. It is mostly known for its luminous nature, which makes it perfect during the day, as well as at night. Generally, it is used not only for survival but for other purposes such as swimming, since it is waterproof.

Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Watch has features such as an Indiglo light-up watch dial as well as a black 44-millimeter resin case with an acrylic lens that is durable and protective. Also, it has a black 22-millimeter double-layer band strap, which is adjustable to different sizes for convenience. In the same vein, it works up to the 8-inch wrist circumference.

Additionally, this survival watch uses an Analog Quartz movement and features a black dial with a date window for convenience. Based on the design of the Timex Expedition Gallatin Watch with its revolutionary backlight technology, it is worth the price it is offered. It is indeed a trusted companion.

Key Features:

  • Analog Quartz Watch Movement
  • Adjustable Black 22-millimeter Nylon Double-Layer Strap
  • 8-inch Wrist Circumference
  • Indiglo Light-Up Watch Dial
  • Black Dial with Date Window
  • Black 44-millimeter Resin Case
  • Acrylic Lens
  • Waterproof
  • Luminous Hands

Specification:

  • Brand name: Timex
  • Color: Black/Blue
  • Band Material: Fabric
Pros
  • The best tactical survival watch with an incredible quality
  • Not destroyed by water
  • Bright and reliable
  • Great durability
  • Readable and safe
  • Scratchproof dial
Cons
  • The nylon double-layer band strap is not so great

3

Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sport Watch: Best Battery-Life Watch

Have you ever wanted a survival watch that would last longer than you expected?

Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sport Watch is fantastic in that light. This survival watch is solar-powered, with a power-saving function to ensure longevity during your time in the woods. Additionally, it has a backlight function to enhance readability at night.

Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sport Watch consists of several features that aid its top-notch performance. Since it is multi-functionary, it offers incredible benefits other than time-check. For instance, it can be used to set daily alarms, check the calendar, and read pressure, height, and temperature.

Also, this survival watch has an A-class digital display which comprises a digital compass, countdown timer, city codes, and so on. It is encased in a mineral dial window and 51-mm stainless-steel case, which are somewhat durable and averagely scratch-resistant. In the same vein, it is waterproof and suitable for swimming, as well as snorkeling.

Key Features:

  • Black Solar-Powered Watch
  • Quartz Watch Movement
  • Low-Temperature Resistance
  • Multi-functions – Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer
  • City Code Display
  • Battery Power Indicator
  • Digital Compass
  • Multi Alarm
  • Power-Saving Function
  • EL Backlight
  • World Time Zones
  • Countdown Timer
  • Full Auto Calendar
  • Gray Dial Color
  • Digital Display
  • Mineral Dial Window
  • 51-mm Stainless-steel Case
  • Buckle Closure
  • Waterproof

Specification:

  • Brand name: Casio
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Resin
Pros
  • One of the best survival watches with excellent battery life
  • Great to use for other purposes, such as swimming and snorkeling
  • Encompasses a lot of features for maximum satisfaction
  • Stylish in design
  • Durable and safe to use
Cons
  • The backlight is not so bright after all

4

Suunto Traverse Alpha Survival Watch: Best Smartwatch

Do you want a survival watch that is stylish and effective? Suunto Traverse Alpha Survival Watch is an incredible choice from a list of options available. This watch uses top-grade technology to make sure it delivers excellent performance to its user. For instance, it uses GPS tracking and a GLONASS system to track location if you get lost while fishing or hunting.

Suunto Traverse Alpha Survival Watch is ultra-durable because it is water-resistant as well as scratch-resistant. It also features a rugged, knurled, stainless-steel bezel to ensure it is used without having worries. Other features include an automatic shot detection technology to map coordinates, a repellant nylon strap, built-in flashlight for illumination.

With Suunto Traverse Alpha Survival Watch, you could read changes in weather because of the built-in barometric pressure reader present. Furthermore, this watch is compatible with mobile devices for the Movescount App to get vibration alerts and other relevant information.

Key Features:

  • Rugged, Knurled Stainless-Steel Bezel
  • GPS and GLONASS Systems
  • Automatic Shot Detection Technology
  • Repellant Nylon Strap
  • 50-mm Dial Size
  • 14-mm Thickness
  • Scratch-resistant
  • Water-resistant
  • Sapphire Crystal Glass
  • Built-in Flashlight
  • Red Backlight
  • Vibration Alerts
  • Built-in Barometric Pressure Reader
  • Built-in Digital Compass

Specification:

  • Brand name: Sunnto
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Resin
Pros
  • The best survival smartwatch
  • Comes with improved technology and tracking features
  • Suitable during the day and at night
  • Compatible with iOS and Android devices
  • Great for hunting and fishing activities
  • Not easily destroyed by water or scratch
  • Durable with military-grade materials
  • Helps you monitor changes in weather
Cons
  • Inconvenient nylon watch band because it feels big

5

Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch: Best Paracord Watch

Ever wanted to try out a paracord survival watch? Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch is the ultimate choice for you to consider. This 6-in-1 watch is the best for any outdoor activity you can ever think of because of the wide range of supplies. For instance, it consists of features such as a rescue rope (paracord), a whistle, a fire starter, etc., which are useful in case of emergencies.

Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch has other features like a dual digital display with a compass, quartz movement dial, and so on, for operational performance. It has a compact design while being corrosion-resistant to show how durable it is. Besides, it is waterproof, which means it can be used underwater.

Interestingly, this bracelet watch with multi-functions can be used to set the alarm, check the calendar. Also, Vikano Survival Bracelet Watch comes to your rescue if you are lost, all thanks to the digital compass to give you coordinates of your location. Lastly, it can be adjusted to fit precisely into different wrists because of the 2-in-1 wrist strap present.

Key Features:

  • 6-in-1 Bracelet Watch
  • 2-in-1 Wrist Strap
  • Parachute Cord
  • Adjustable Fit
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Multifunction
  • Waterproof
  • Unique Compact Design

Specification:

  • Brand name: Vikano
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Resin
Pros
  • The best paracord survival watch with multi-functions
  • Premium-quality and highly durable
  • Not affected by water
  • Suitable for fishing, hiking, hunting, and many other outdoor activities
  • Can be adjusted to a precise fit
  • Perfect for tracking location
  • Provides a rescue rope in case of an emergency
Cons
  • None thus far

6

Casio G Shock Mudman Multifunction Survival Watch: Best SHTF

Another incredible Casio survival watch that makes a difference is the G Shock Mudman Multifunction Survival Watch. This watch is quite incredible if you consider the body structure and the multiple features it has for maximum performance. As a waterproof wristwatch, it can be used both in and out of the water; thus, it is suitable for every outdoor activity.

This survival watch has features such as a Digital Compass to help you with coordinates, a Tough Solar Power, and saving mode for operation. Also, you will find a Thermometer and a Moon Graph in this Casio G Shock Mudman Multifunction Survival Watch to check the temperature, as well as moon age with a specific date, respectively.

Additionally, Casio G Shock Mudman Multifunction Survival Watch has an auto EL backlight, which makes it perfect to use at night. The impressive quality of this watch is that it is shock-resistant and gives hourly time signals with ease.

Key Features:

  • Japanese Quartz Watch Movement
  • Gray Dial
  • Digital Compass
  • Tough Solar Power
  • Waterproof
  • Shock-resistant
  • Moon Graph
  • Thermometer
  • Digital Compass
  • Full Auto EL Backlight
  • Declination Function
  • Power Saving Function
  • Battery Level Indicator
  • Hourly Time Signal

Specification:

  • Brand name: Casio
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Resin
Pros
  • The best shtf watch that comes with several fantastic features
  • Offers absolute protection against shock
  • Suitable use during the day, and at night
  • Accurate and reliable
  • Adjustable to different time formats
  • Perfect for checking moon age and moon phase graph
  • A good battery life with saving function
Cons
  • None thus far

7

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk Dual: Best for All Occasions

So many survival watches, but none beats Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk Dual because it is suitable for all occasions – formal, casual, or adventures.

This watch is not called “Nighthawk” for no reason; it has good luminous markers that provide illumination at night. It further uses a foldover push-button clamp to get things done. Indeed, it is a good watch to invest in for survival.

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Promaster Nighthawk Dual has fantastic body functions, such as good durability and water-resistant qualities. Also, it is encased in 42-mm stainless steel to make sure it is properly protected when it falls. In the same vein, there is a non-reflective mineral crystal dial window to protect the black dial.

This survival watch uses an analog display Japanese Quartz Watch movement with a dual-time display for readability. It is easily operated via the inner chapter ring at the 8 0’clock position. Additionally, the battery and saving mode of this watch is impressive all-day.

Key Features:

  • Black Dial
  • Japanese Quartz Watch Movement
  • 42-mm Stainless Steel Case
  • Waterproof
  • Low-Charge Warning
  • Luminous Markers
  • Non-Reflective Mineral Crystal Dial Window
  • Dual-Time Display
  • Foldover Push-Button Clasp

Specification:

  • Brand name: Citizen
  • Color: Silver
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel
Pros
  • Water-resistant and safe to use for most outdoors
  • Offers powerful functions and excellent quality
  • Good battery life with power-saving mode
  • Great luminosity to use at night
Cons
  • The dial window is not scratchproof

8

Timex Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch: Best for Snorkeling

Timex has always proven to be one of the best brands in the business; with Expedition Scout Chronograph Watch, their game got improved. This survival watch is one-of-a-kind as regards its performance and outstanding quality.

This watch is made of a water-resistant material with other features to accompany for outdoor purposes. For about 30 minutes, the Chronograph measures up to 1/20th second, which is good enough.

Timex Expedition Scout Chronograph comes with a beige dial and a mineral glass crystal to ensure easy readability and protection, respectively. Also, it has an adjustable leather strap that is durable and safe to use on wrists up to 8-inch in circumference.

Other features of this survival watch include a cream dial with a date window at the 4 0’clock position and an Indiglo light-up technology for nighttime. Ultimately, it is a convenient choice if you want to go snorkeling or swimming.

Key Features:

  • Beige Dial
  • Adjustable brown 20-millimeter Genuine Leather Strap
  • 8-inch Wrist Circumference
  • Silver-Tone 42-mm Brass Case
  • Mineral Glass Crystal
  • Water-resistant
  • Cream Dial
  • Date Window
  • 30-minute Chronograph
  • Classic Outdoor Design

Specification:

  • Brand name: Timex
  • Color: Brown
  • Band Material: Leather
Pros
  • The best survival watch for snorkeling and swimming
  • Durable and reliable in performance
  • An adjustable watch with a precise fit
  • Lights up in the dark
  • Versatile with a classic outdoor design
Cons
  • Not suitable for diving

9

Seiko Men’s Kinetic GMT Ion Watch: Best

Witness breath-taking moments with Seiko Men’s Kinetic GMT Ion Watch due to the way it is powered and the various features that complement its performance.

This watch uses a kinetic movement, i.e., arm directions to stay active on the wrist; also, it executes all functions without being battery-powered. It is one of the few simple yet amazing wristwatches to use for snorkeling and swimming, but not diving.

Seiko Men’s Kinetic GMT Ion Watch comes with a 45.5-mm stainless steel case diameter, which is durable and protective. There is also a strong hardlex crystal to further enhance protection so that it doesn’t get destroyed easily; thus, it is scratchproof. Since it is a suitable choice for swimming, that means it is water-resistant as well.

Another feature you may find on this survival watch is the Japanese Quartz watch movement that ensures easy readability and a date function when needed. Overall, it is a great watch that will contribute to your survival.

Key Features:

  • 45.5-mm Case Diameter
  • Kinetic Movement
  • Hardlex Crystal
  • Water-resistant
  • Japanese Quartz Watch Movement
  • Black Dial
  • Date Function
  • Stainless Steel Case

Specification:

  • Brand name: Seiko
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel
Pros
  • One of the most durable survival watches available
  • Packed with exclusive features for active performance
  • Scratchproof and waterproof
  • Aligns with arm movement
Cons
  • Sometimes, crowns go off
  • The battery runs down over time

10

Outdoor Edge ParaClaw CQD Tactical Watch with Knife: Best Watch with Knife

Another perfect paracord bracelet watch that is suitable for any outdoor activity is the Outdoor Edge ParaClaw CQD Tactical Watch with Knife. This survival watch is strong and reliable because it provides you with everything needed for survival during camping, hiking, hunting, or fishing. It is small but one of the most effective choices that guarantee your safety.

Outdoor Edge ParaClaw CQD Tactical Watch with Knife comes with several amazing features like a 550 heavy-duty paracord rope, which serves as a rescue tool when needed. There is also a 1.5” hawkbill knife blade that can be used for protection. Both the rope and blade are stored in the paracord knife band for maximum safety.

In the same vein, ParaClaw CQD Tactical Watch comes in a Titanium coated Zinc Alloy case with a PVD coated frame for durability and scratch-resistance. Further, it has a nightglow lume face, that is perfect to use at night. Regardless of your wrist size, this survival watch can be adjusted in sizes to ensure a precise fit.

Key Features:

  • Paracord Knife Band
  • Waterproof
  • Titanium Coated Zinc Alloy Case
  • Knife Blade
  • Titanium PVD Coated Frame
  • 550 Heavy Duty Paracord
  • Nightglow Lume Face
  • Adjustable Size
  • Japanese Miyota Quartz Movement
  • Buckle Closure

Specification:

  • Brand name: Outdoor Edge
  • Color: Black
  • Band Material: Stainless Steel
Pros
  • The best survival watch with knife
  • Safe and easy to use
  • Worth a good value for money
  • An ultimate outdoor survival bracelet watch
  • Comes with a rescue rope and knife in case of an emergency
  • Highly durable and waterproof
  • Available in various adjustable sizes
Cons
  • Unlocking and locking blade may be uncomfortable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

With so many options available to you, there is a need for a guide to tell you how to choose what will be perfect for you. This section has answers that may help you realize how vital it is to choose what is right, as well as pick the most suitable from the best survival watches reviewed above. Read carefully and find out what is worth your money.

What is the best survival watch? What are the best military watches?

A survival watch is different from the regular fashion watches you wear around because it consists of several incredible features than the dials. This type of watch offers extra functions, such as weather, temperature, pressure checks, GPS tracker, LED display, digital compass, and so on.

You may never find these functions in a normal wristwatch. Besides, a survival watch is solely designed for survivalists, hunters, campers, hikers, backpackers, and any outdoorsy person.

Above is a list of the best survival watches that will fulfill all demands and provide you with all the things you need for survival in the woods. In case you are looking for the best military-grade watches as well, they are also quite incredible to serve as one.

However, brands like Casio, Timex, and Suunto produce the best premium-quality, military-grade watches.

What are the toughest watches? What is the toughest luxury watch?

Generally, there are 3 types of watches – the fancy/fashionable, the exclusive, and the toughest. Most survival watches fall in between the exclusive and the toughest watches based on the design and quality of the material.

What makes a watch tough?

A watch is considered tough if it can get you through different conditions without reducing quality or performance. They are often called rugged watches because of the potential they have. So far, so good, Casio has a reputation for making the toughest watches; the G-Shock series is one of their bests.

Also, a perfect example of the toughest luxury watch is Suunto Traverse Alpha Survival Watch because of its fashionable design as well as top-notch quality and performance. Another incredible type is the Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Survival Watch.

Do soldiers wear watches? What watch do Navy SEALs actually wear?

Asides from watches being fashionable accessories to complement what you wear, they are also used for other purposes like survival. For soldiers, it is a little more for them; it provides them with accurate details of what they need to know. For instance, soldiers wear military-grade watches that provide them with information about weather, a compass for coordinates, a GPS tracker, etc.

Now, the U.S. military offers this kind of watch to soldiers while they are still permitted to provide theirs. If you are a military person and you would like to provide yours, it must meet all demands laid out in the official watch specifications handbook. A perfect brand to consider is the Casio G-Shock.

Generally, Navy SEALs go for something different when it comes to watches. Due to the nature of their job and the features needed from a watch, LUMINOX is a brand they patronize a lot.

What watch do snipers wear? What watch do soldiers wear?

Maybe you have seen several action movies that involved snipers, and you notice that they wear watches a lot – you could be confused about why they need one. First of all, snipers are trained to hit their targets at an exact time, and they cannot afford to miss that with the improper use of the watch. Therefore, they often wear a special kind of watch that provides them with all the necessary features to ensure there are no mistakes when hitting targets.

Interestingly, a popular brand, Casio, produces most of the watches used in the armed forces, and without a doubt, there is one for snipers. So far, an exclusive watch for snipers is the Casio G-Shock DW6600. Bradley Cooper wore this model of the watch in the American Sniper movie in 2014.

For soldiers, brands like Casio (G-Shock), Seiko, Luminox, and Seiko are perfect.

What watch do fighter pilots wear? What is the best inexpensive survival watch?

Fighter Pilots are not left out when it comes to wearing watches to carry out a mission. They also make use of special kinds of watches that would help them keep track of time and provide them with other relevant information, such as pressure and thermometer. Garmin, Casio, and Rolex are the top choices of brands for professional pilots.

If you are considering your budget when it comes to survival watches, then you could go for inexpensive types. There are a lot of affordable survival watches that would perform great when you need them. Examples of these watches include Casio G Shock G100-1BV, Timex Expedition Trail Series, Lad Weather Outdoor Watch, etc.

What watch is better than G shock?

You cannot deny the fact that the Casio G Shock is one of the best-selling watches on the planet today. The reason is that it provides most of the things required to deliver excellent results during a mission or an outdoor activity. For instance, a Casio G-Shock survival watch has multi-functions that will come in handy in several scenarios.

However, what happens when you cannot find a G Shock series within your budget, OR are you looking for alternatives? Timex is another perfect watch brand that can replace G Shock. They also have incredible features that guarantee excellent performance.

What is the most reliable watch brand?

When it comes to wristwatches, you need to be able to trust the brand offering them to you. On several occasions, average brands have disappointed both in quality and performance; a few days of use and your watch becomes faulty. Thus, patronizing a trustworthy brand will do you a lot of good.

Reliability is a function of years of reputation and the quality of the watch being presented to you. Brands like Tissot, Seiko, Casio, Timex, and Suunto have been able to maintain both over the years, which is why they are often patronized. However, you should make sure you check the watch closely so you don’t get unauthentic ones sold on the market.

Can a watch last forever? Why do soldiers wear their watches upside down?

Usually, tough watches are designed to be durable and long-lasting; however, there is no guarantee that they can last forever. For mechanical watches, a great way to say it is a few decades, but a lifetime may be too much to conclude. Besides, there would have been better models than the one you are currently holding onto a few years from now.

In case you are wondering why soldiers wear their watches backward, it is only to prevent the reflectiveness of sunlight from a watch’s crystal glass. Also, it is a way to be noise-disciplined, as well as to protect your wrist from getting injured when wearing gloves.

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Conclusion

Choosing a survival watch for any outdoor activity is not so difficult; however, you need what is perfect. A few of the above-reviewed watches are only great for specific situations, so you need to be careful. Look at the features as well as their pros and cons to be clear.

At the end of this article on the 10 best survival watches, you should have made up your mind on how you could invest your money. Hopefully, you have made the right decision and are ready to experience fantastic outdoor moments with your watch.

If you have any queries feel free to reach out in the comments section below.

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