Top 15 Best Tactical & Military Watches Reviews 2020

Check out 15 Best Tactical Watches under $1000, $500, $100 recommended by military experts that meet your reasonable expectations.

Have you been fascinated by tactical watches thanks to their great survival functions and dynamic construction, but do not know where to start? You are in the right place.

You are saving your precious time and energy from looking around in this chaotic watch market by checking out our 15 best tactical watches under $1000, $500, $100 suggested by military experts! Our below leading-edge military-grade timepieces are available from the budgeted ones to the most high-end ones for your favored pick.

These tactical watches feature long-life batteries, rugged-build design, consistent operation, GPS, compass, durability, and other premium military characteristics that further help you cope with dangerous situations in the most extreme conditions. The military timekeepers do not only become the trendy, indispensable, and favorite gear of military activists, law enforcement operators, pilots, outdoor enthusiasts, but also those who love the dynamic. 

Let’s dive right in!

What are the Best Tactical & Military Watches?

There are two well-known brands opted by most military experts as the best tactical watches, which consist of Garmin Tactix Bravo Tactical Watch and Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Men’s Watch. Both of them are invented for the highest day-and-night performance in the harshest conditions such as mud, sludge, air, water, and shock.

In addition, these phenomenal tactical timekeepers could also be utilized as your stylish wristwear. These are fully equipped with lots of instruments, including a compass, GPS, thermometer, stopwatch, etc.

Let’s have a closer look at the 15 best tactical watches under $1000, $500, $100 with the highlighted features listed below.

Best Overall: Garmin Tactix Bravo Tactical Watch

“High-sensitivity GPS/ Glonass, altimeter, three-axis compass, barometer, night vision goggle, water-resistance, jumpmaster, smart notifications.”

Best Value: Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Tactical Watch

“Mud, shock, water-resistance; illuminated dial; rugged design; a 25-month rechargeable battery, great altimeter; digital compass, barometric altitude.”

Best for Everyday Use: German Military Titanium Automatic Watch-GPW  

“Lightweight; 200M water and shock-resistance; Sapphire crystal face; Solid titanium case; night vision; screw-down-crown; functions without a battery.”

Most Reviewed: Seiko Men’s SNK809 Tactical Seiko 5 Automatic Watch 

“Analog dial type; No battery needed; Skeleton case back; Stainless steel case; A black canvas bracelet; 30M water and scratch-resistance.”

Best for Military: Garmin Tactix Charlie Tactical Watch

“Dual-position GPS; Night Vision Goggle Compatibility; TOPO Mapping; Day and night vision; Jumpmaster; Waypoint projection; three-axis compass.”

Best for Survival: Casio G-shock Gulfmaster Analogue Tactical Watch

“Shock and water-resistance; tide graphs; moon data; world time; stopwatch; triple sensors for measuring atmospheric pressure, direction, altitude; flashlight; compass.”

Best for Under $1000: Marathon Watch WW194007 Tsar Swiss Made Military Watch 

“300M water-resistance; 316L surgical grade stainless steel; scratch-resistant synthetic sapphire face; tritium tubes.”

Best for Women: Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical Watch

“Dual-position GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Solar-Powered Smartwatch, Built-in Sports Apps and Health Monitoring, many colors; jumpmaster.”

Best for Men: Casio G-SHOCK GMW-B5000G-1JF Radio Solar Tactical Watch 

“200M water-resistance; stopwatch; timer; world time; solar-powered watch; multiband.”

Best for Shooting and Law Enforcement: Suunto Traverse Alpha Tactical Watch 

“Rugged stainless steel bezel; scratch-resistant sapphire crystal face; GPS; smart notifications; Moon time; rechargeable lithium-ion battery.”

Best for GPS: Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch Tactical Watch

“Highly performed GPS, Glonass, Galileo; Thermal, shock and water resistance; heart rate and stress estimation; smart notifications.”

Best for Compass: Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Tactical Watch

“Solar-powered; digital compass, thermometer, altimeter, barometer, world time; stopwatch; battery power indicator; long-life battery; 100M water-resistance.”

Best Under $300: Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar Digital Tactical Watch 

“Tough Solar rechargeable battery; Atomic Timekeeping; 200M water-resistance; Moon Data; Digital Compass; Thermometer; Barometer.”

Best Under $200: SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Tactical Watch 

“Altimeter; Barometer; compass; sunrise and sunset time; water-resistance; weather forecast; dual times; date display; alarm.”

Best Under $100: G-Shock Men’s GD120MB Black Tactical Watch

“100M water-resistance; dark knight style; blue LED; accuracy; giftable; light button; two-year battery; alarm; high durability; stopwatch.”

Best Tactical & Military Watches – Comparison Chart

We also compare these 15 best tactical watches’ basic features under $1000, $500, $100 in the table below for your easy reference:

Top 15 Best Tactical & Military Watches Reviews 2020

Let’s check out the detailed reviews of 15 best tactical watches under $1000, $500, $100 advised by military experts below. All the product specifications, key features, pros, cons, and expert points of view are underlined.

Best Overall: Garmin Tactix Bravo Tactical Watch

Key features

• High-sensitivity GPS/ GLONASS
• Altimeter, barometer
• 3-axis compass
• Non-reflective design
• Night vision goggle compatible
• Wireless connectivity
• Jumpmaster

Garmin Tactix Bravo has been well known as one of the leading brands in the tactical watch industry. Thanks to its high durability, high-fashion design, excellent GPS device, and high-performed tactical instruments, Garmin Tactix Bravo stands out for the best overall tactical watch.

This timepiece is not just your smartwatch; it can also be your fashion accessory, which could be with you in any circumstances. The most distinguishing traits are the set of built-in smart instruments compatible with different sorts of outdoor activities such as Jumpmaster, climb, hike, trail run, and run. Let’s pick a specific mode; this smart timekeeper will help you to achieve your goal.

This medium-size tactical watch is well equipped with the novel antenna, GPS/Glonass system, compass, altimeter, barometer. You can now utilize these to track the path and guide you to where you want to be and be aware of your elevation, temperature, and direction. Moreover, by accessing the IQ store, you can personalize the look on the watch’s face. There are many more incredible features than those above.

If you want to kick things up a notch, Garmin Tactix Bravo Tactical Watch is highly recommended.

Best Value: Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Tactical Watch

Key features

• Twin sensor capabilities
• Rugged design
• 25-months rechargeable battery
• Include USA manufacturer warranty
• Mud, water, vibration-resistance
• Spot-on compass and barometer included
• Solar power and screw-in-crown

Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Tactical Watch is worth every penny that you spend. This best value tactical watch is mainly constructed for outdoor enthusiasts who work under very roughest conditions and usually expose to the dirt, mud, debris, and strong vibration.

It comes in black and rugged design ( a very flexible strap made of resin comes along with a sizable, sturdy case) that will appeal to you from the first sight. Moreover, thanks to two big fluorescent-covered index hands and four good-size hour indicators, the back panel is well luminous and easy to read no matter how dark or blurry the condition is.

Being well fortified with a digital compass, temperature reading, barometric pressure or altitude, this valuable tactical watch can also help you predict the weather and give you the spot-on direction. This best value Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Tactical Watch has more than our expectations. 

Best for Everyday Use: German Military Titanium Automatic Watch-GPW

Key features

• Functions without a battery
• Strong sapphire crystal along with anti-reflection coating
• Protected screw-in locked crown
• 42.5 mm titanium case
• Electromagnetic pulse resistance
• Date calendar at 3 o’clock
• Water-resistance

If you are looking for a German military watch, which can be used as your everyday timekeeper, and sometimes can be dressed up for your fancy night out. Especially excellent performance in any conditions, the German Military Titanium Automatic Watch-GPW would be an outstanding option for your everyday use.

The classical-style case and a titanium composition offer a lightweight, simple, and tactical look. GPW crown is easy to grasp, firmly positioned for your accurate adjustments accordingly. This tactical watch is rated at 200M water-resistant, so it is compatible with swimming or diving activities.

Moreover, the bezel acts smoothly, precisely, and the screw-in crown is not wobbly in either direction. This GPW timekeeper is well equipped with a titanium bezel, which is a 120-click monodirectional rotation. The automatic movement is one of the excellent features that this luxurious brand is renowned for. The longer you wear it, the more appealing it is.

Most Reviewed: Seiko Men’s SNK809 Tactical Seiko 5 Automatic Watch

Key features

• Analog dial type
• Pull and push crown
• Skeleton case back
• Date, day function
• Arabic number
• Silver-tone luminescent hands
• Operation without battery

Seiko Men’s SNK809 Tactical Seiko 5 Automatic Watch becomes the most reviewed timepiece in the tactical timekeeper industry. This durable, versatile, precise watch comes with a stylish look and a similarity that can be fashioned for every occasion.

Seiko 5 SNK809 has a round face that offers a rounded black dial panel along with date and day windows, a skeleton case back, and luminous sword-shaped hands. The stainless steel case and hardlex mineral window help protect it from scratch, damage, and water. Seiko SNK809 

is operated automatically by the movement of the wearers’ arm. Therefore, to keep the accuracy, it’d be better to be worn more than 8 hours a day; when not in use, it could be charged with an automatic watch winder to maintain the exactness.

If you are always on the move, your hands are in constant movement, and you are interested in the analog display at a reasonable price, Seiko Men’s SNK809 Tactical Seiko 5 Automatic Watch is right for you.

Best for Military: Garmin Tactix Charlie Tactical Watch

Key features

• Premium GPS/ GLONASS function
• Night vision goggle compatibility
• TOPO mapping
• Health check system
• Waypoint projection and Jumpmaster
• A three-axis compass
• Barometer and altimeter and gyroscope
• 12-days battery life in smartwatch mode

Garmin Tactix Charlie distinguishes itself for the best tactical watch for the military. It is well-known as one of the most long-lasting tactical smartwatches with tons of excellent tactical features that military activists require.

This tactical smart timepiece comes with titanium bezel and rear cover and stainless steel for its lightweight and high durability over time. It comes with dark and non-reflective surfaces for better obscuring your position in the dark or the field. It is also easily wearable and very stylish, so it is not only your military watch, but it can also work like your fashionable accessory for any occasion you might have.

Garmin is well-known for its premium GPS and GLONASS. This Tactix Charlie offers the most detailed TOPO map of the USA and improved accuracy compared with other competing items. This handy tactical mode navigates you precisely to the target zone. There are many more advantages that this excellent tactical watch offers that will appeal to you.

Best for Survival: Casio G-shock Gulfmaster Analogue Tactical Watch

Key features

• Triple sensors
• The compass and the pressure function
• Shock-resistance
• Water-resistance
• Tactical functions

Casio G-shock Gulfmaster Analogue is the best tactical watch for survival. It was developed with robustness in mind, something that could withstand magnetism, dust, liquid, water, vibration, etc. More than 15 tactical instruments are well equipped, including world time, triple sensors, clock, weather forecast, etc. that will keep the best performance in even the roughest conditions and something that you can rely on in any survival circumstances.

Another incredible feature that Gulfmaster offers is sync daily with the atomic clock to ensure perfect accuracy. The metal bezel with numbers from one to ten on both sides is engraved excellent depth into it. The great backlight is luminous for quickly showing the dial and digital. The rubber band is supple along with a double tang buckle, making it durable and sturdy.

If you are looking for something high functioning, perfect accuracy, and capable of standing up with most challenging conditions, then please do take Casio G-shock Gulfmaster Analogue Tactical Watch to your excellent attention.

Best for Under $1000: Marathon Watch WW194007 Tsar Swiss Made Military Watch

Key features

• Three jewels ETA F06 high torque quartz movement
• Tritium gas tubes
• 3mm-thick scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
• 300M water-resistance
• Swiss-made watch
• Up to three years of battery life

Marathon Watch WW194007 Tsar Swiss Made Military Watch is preeminent among the tactical timepieces on the market, standing out as the best tactical timekeeper under 1000. Some people just wanted to try a bit to get used to the size, but then ended up not wanting to take it off anymore.

They have constructed according to the US Government, and three jewels ETA F06 high torque quartz. Marathon Watch WW194007 Tsar Watch is specially designed for search and rescue missions thanks to high-level water-resistance, shock-proof, dirt-resistance, extreme accuracy, and the sturdy structure. The self-luminous tritium glass tubes are for up to 25 years and help ensure constant visibility in even low light situations.

Marathon has been proudly recognized as a leader in making dive watches with both tactical and fancy looks. If you are looking for a timepiece that you can count on in severe conditions, but you can also utilize to dress up for a fancy night out. Marathon Watch WW194007 Tsar Swiss Made Military Watch is for you.

Best for Women: Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical Watch

Key features

• Solar power
• Follow to US military standard
• Three-axis compass, GPS, GLONASS
• Barometric altimeter
• Tactical features
• Many colors
• Health and wellness system
• Smart notifications

Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical is the best tactical watch under $500 for women. Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical offers many colors for your preferred pick. Interestingly, the face of the watch could be tailored as your favorite. The shape is both elegant and tactical, so it is suitable for both men and women. 

This Instinct Solar lineup might look like an existing Solar Instinct at first glance. However, this has more than that, and especially its battery longevity is a significant improvement. These include newly added solar powering technology, a pulse oximeter, stealth mode, newer optical HR sensor, improved customization, saving power mode, and changed GPS chipset to Sony.

This timekeeper is excellent for those who know how to function with the latest tech. If this lightweight and the breathable watch is the type of timepiece you need, you will never be disappointed.

Best for Men: Casio G-SHOCK GMW-B5000G-1JF Radio Solar Tactical Watch

Key features

• Water and shock-resistance
• Solar charging system
• 20-atmosphere water-proof function
• Mobile link function
• Battery indicator display
• Day/ Date display

Casio G-SHOCK GMW-B5000G-1JF Radio Solar is the best tactical watch under $500 for men. It comes with a simple look, sturdy design, and lots of tactical functions.

The G-SHOCK GMW-B5000G-1JF is an evolution of the original GW5000 model. The improvement of the strap, meta bezel, lighting system, strap keeper, and Bluetooth offer more comfort, modernness, and convenience for wearers. This timepiece is water-resistant and shock-proof, would stand up in any roughest conditions, even in the deep sea. The solar charging system and radio wave reception function are other remarkable features.

It has the mobile link function via Bluetooth so that you can set up clock settings, reminders, automatic time correction, etc. easily. Other instruments include a timer, alarms, time signal, stopwatch, and world time are available as well.

Best for Shooting or Law Enforcement: Suunto Traverse Alpha Tactical Watch

Key features

• GPS/ GLONASS navigation
• Automatic shot detection
• Moon phase calendar
• Sunrise alert
• Weather trend alert
• Bluetooth and TOPO mapping system
• Compass, barometer

Suunto Traverse Alpha is the best tactical watch for shooting or law enforcement activities. It is fraught with military features, superb durability, and high-fashion look.

The water-repellent strap provides maximum comfort and remarkable persistence over time. High water-resistance and shock-proof enable you to perform in any condition competently. The premium GPS, compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, moon, and sun calendar make it correctly for you to track your activities and guide you to where you want. 

Interestingly, the automatic shot detection technology helps maintain the track of when and where you shoot, combining with GPS mapping features for your last check and review. It is the main reason that Suunto Traverse Alpha stands out for the best tactical timepiece for shooting activities and law enforcement.

Best for GPS: Garmin Instinct, Rugged Outdoor Watch Tactical Watch

Key features

• GPS/ GLONASS and Galileo
• Heart rate checking system
• Three-axis compass
• Graphite
• Up to 14 days in smartwatch watch
• Tactical features
• Smart notifications

If you search for the best GPS tactical watch under $500, Garmin Instinct Rugged Outdoor Watch would be an excellent choice for you. This timekeeper will offer tremendous benefits for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in hi-tech watches.

It is constructed to the US military standard 810G, so this timepiece is resistant to thermal, shock, and water. Various global navigation satellite systems, including premium GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo combine to keep track precisely in the most challenging conditions than the GPS alone. It is perfect for trekking, camping, and hiking thanks to the Tracback feature, three-axis compass, and barometric altimeter. You would be able to navigate, save the same route back to your starting destination, and arrange your trips in advance.

Besides, this excellent GPS tactical smartwatch could help to monitor the stress levels and heart rate so that you can control yourself and know how to balance it.

Best for Compass: Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Tactical Watch

Key features

• Solar charging system
• Digital compass
• Altimeter, barometer, thermometer
• Battery power indicator
• Power-saving system
• Water and low-temperature resistance
• Multi alarm
• Stopwatch and world time

Casio Men’s Pathfinder PAG-240 is the best tactical watch for the compass. With a pricing range of 500$, you can easily get an incredible timepiece with a premium compass included. However, if you just need an EDC tactical watch with an excellent compass at a competitive price, please do not miss Casio Pathfinder PAG-240.

This solar-powered timekeeper’s battery can last very long if you keep it exposed to the light quite often. This watch is also well integrated with a version three triple sensor, including an improved digital compass, precise thermometer, altimeter, and barometer, which is very suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. It comes with 100M water-proof as well. Therefore, with this excellent watch, you can go hiking, trekking, swimming, snorkeling, etc. without worrying about getting lost.

This model offers the bright-grey light for comfortably reading, digital display, and quartz movement for the most timing accuracy. You will never get disappointed with this timepiece if this is what you need.

Best Under 300: Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar Digital Tactical Watch

Key features

• Tough Solar Power System
• Pro Trek triple sensor
• Multiband atomic timekeeping
• DLC display
• Tide graph, tide, and moon data
• Stopwatch, world time

Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW2500T Tough Solar Digital is the best tactical watch under 300. This atomic digital timepiece provides plenty of functions and is the perfect gear for any upcoming adventure.

It features a triple sensor, including a barometer altimeter, digital compass, and thermometer. Many meteorologists were involved in inventing this type of Casio Watch to ensure that the sensors’ highest accuracy is delivered. The LCD on this model is divided into lower and upper parts with graphic details for better information delivery when you are on the move.

This timekeeper includes great tide and moon data/graph specification and 200M water-proof features, which are excellent and convenient for fishing, sea kayaking, trekking, rafting, etc. This tactical wristwear will never be out of style.

Best Under 200: SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor Tactical Watch

Key features

• Weather indicator
• A compass, altimeter, barometer included
• Storm alarm
• Other tactical features

SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor is the best tactical watch under 200. It is very well-known among law enforcement operators, hunters, military activists, and outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its high durability and various functionality.

SUUNTO Core Military Watch is constructed with its own best components. Besides the barometer and the altimeter functions, this timepiece is well equipped with a depth meter to read the water depth up to 30 feet. Moreover, this watch is set up with multilingual such as English, German, Spanish, etc. The most incredible feature is the local weather forecast. It comes very handily and conveniently for users, as it helps update you on the weather condition in advance. The storm alarm is capable of sensing an upcoming storm and notifying you with sound and flash. The digital compass and other sensors will guide you to your targeted destination without getting lost.

SUUNTO Core All Black Military Men’s Outdoor deserves to be your excellent companion for all of your outdoor adventures and your everyday life with those extraordinary qualities.

Best Under 100: G-Shock Men’s GD120MB Black Tactical Watch

Key features

• A calendar
• A stopwatch
• A countdown timer
• A daily alarm
• An auto-illuminator
• World time
• Shock-proof and water-resistance

G-Shock Men’s GD120MB Black stands out for the best tactical watch under $100. It offers a rugged and blacked-out look that draws the attention of most outdoor adventurers. Moreover, plenty of advanced features deliver accurate and reliable information useful for outdoor activities and even everyday life.

The most incredible function is the seven-year-life battery, which makes this timepiece for easy and free use. An anti-reflective coating on the window covers it; this mineral crystal lens dismisses the light so that you will not feel like being dazzled or blinded.

If analog dials do not make you satisfied, then please do take this G-Shock Men’s GD120MB Black tactical watch to your attention; you will be happy with this timekeeper.

Tactical Watches Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose A Good Military Watch?

Tactical watches are wrist accessories that are particularly constructed for heavy-duty, strategic, military, and outdoor activities. Honestly, the perfect tactical watch does not exist since each person has different tastes, needs, and purposes.

Therefore, knowing what you want and what features to look at when picking a tactical timekeeper is the most crucial factor in getting satisfaction later.

Durability and scratch-resistance

After years of usage and impacts, an excellent tactical watch should keep fully functional. Besides, it should be designed to have a high resistance to scratch, and vibration, so that the overall look will not be deteriorated later, and the reading time will remain as easily as before.

The most scratch-resistant mineral for a lens is diamonds, and the second is sapphire. Of course, those will relate to affordable prices. Otherwise, it is safe to go with other high-grade scratch-proof substances. The case, bezels, and buckles should be made from great stainless steel, titanium, silicon rubber, polymer-plaster, ceramic, or other durable materials.

Accuracy

Accuracy is another important aspect that you should take into consideration before making the purchase. If you have to rely on your watch to complete your mission or coordinate your actions with others, then a timekeeper with high accuracy will be sufficient.

Mechanical watches offer fashionable looks while quartz or digital watches focus strictly on accuracy and precision. The mechanical timepiece is considered to be accurate as long as not drifting no more than six seconds per day, and it is quite sensitive to vibrations and heat. In the meantime, the quartz timekeeper is required strictly to drift by more than 0.07 seconds per day.

Illumination

Most military activities, hiking, and trekking operate 24 hours, so a tactical watch should offer easy-to-read features in the dark. Therefore, you do not have to modify anything or press the backlit button to see the time clearly. An excellent tactical watch should enable you to read timing information anytime, anywhere, without operating any other functions.

That is why a tactical watch featuring glowed hands and numbers is a good option to consider.

Water and pressure-resistance

A good tactical watch can tolerate at least 10ATM, so make sure to check this feature carefully if you usually work in a water environment or want to carry this watch with you for snorkeling or diving.

Tactical features

Another point is tactical functions, which a watch offers. It is imperative to pay your great attention to:

Compass

An invaluable instrument for anyone in the field and wild will guide you to your goal.

Barometer

This function allows you to forecast the weather changes by measuring atmospheric pressure.

Altimeter

Measuring altitude for navigating mountains, etc.

GPS

For tracking distance, the excellent function for running, trail running, hiking, etc.

Solar powering system

No risk of running out of battery when you are out in the wilderness areas.

Thermometer

For checking the external temperature.

Bluetooth

You will be able to connect your phone with your watch to be notified and check the notifications from your watch.

Alarm

Keep you awake when you are in the middle of a dangerous mission.

Stopwatch

Enable you to track your personal progress and for self-development.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What watches do Navy Seals use?

There are brands including Seiko, G-shock, Marathon, Suunto, and Luminox Navy Seal Watch.

These brands invent super functional and durable timepieces that can endure and well perform in any conditions such as: in the air, in the sea, and on the land. 

What is the toughest timekeeper?

Breitling Emergency is the toughest timepiece on the market today. It is meticulously made of cambered sapphire, titanium, and thermo-compensated quartz. Therefore it is tremendously durable and precise, but for sure, it is incredibly pricey.

If you find something affordable with premium quality and an elegant look, I highly recommend the excellent Marathon Watch WW194007 Tsar Swiss Made Military Watch.

What timekeeper do the US special forces use?

The Casio G-Shock models are the common choice among military activists. Because they have to conduct their military missions, so they need the best tactical watches for their survival in the most challenging environments. 

Are there any watches that last forever?

Mechanical watches are constructed to last a lifetime thanks to the feature of recharging by the wearer’s natural movements. However, it’d be better to bring them to the service center every two to four years to ensure accuracy and durability.

My Top Picks

Are you ready to announce your decision yet? 

Let’s share more about it in the comment section below. We are happy to hear your thoughts.

I have my top pick ready as follows. My decision would go with Garmin Tactix Bravo Tactical Watch and Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Tactical Watch. They are the best tactical watches that can be with you in any situation if you are looking for something around 500. These two watches are highly recommended and popular among military operators and outdoor adventurers.

Thanks to their outstanding tactical functionalities and great endurability, I am sure that they will satisfy their owners.