25 Most Affordable Military Watches That Are Built to Last

Name three must-have accessories that will get you through a wild adventure. Personally, I’d pick a sturdy pair of shoes, a multi-purpose backpack, and a resilient military-grade watch. As someone who’s always craving adventures, picking just the right accessories can indeed be a challenge. However, nature can be quite unpredictable. Therefore, bracing yourself for anything that comes your way is a must. So, I make sure that everything I have with me is multipurpose and sturdy. For this purpose, I turn to military watches.

You may think that military watches are only for soldiers. I’d love to break it to you that every survivalist and adrenaline seekers need these, too. In essence, they can be just as tactical on the battlefield as they are in your adventures. More than just stylish accessories, military-grade watches are significantly more resilient and functional. In the light of an apocalypse, we bet these watches have a higher survival rate than others. No kidding.

But with an array of options in the market coupled with enticing marketing tactics, choosing the best one that will suit us can be tricky. Luckily, we’re far more scrutinizing than that. To be able to choose the best, we must identify what makes a watch worth our time and money. Are military smartwatches any better than your regular watches? What features should we specifically look out for? Which ones are unquestionably worth their prices? From analog to smartwatches, read on to learn more about affordable military watches.

What Makes the Best Military Watches?

Every survivalist seeks the best military watches as they have the features needed for endurance. There can be several reasons why these watches navigate more to these people. First of all, their ventures require accessories that can keep up with them. They need more than just embellishments but gears. So they need watches made specifically for them. Durable, all-around, resourceful watches sound just like it. Not to mention, sustainability has been a high selling-point as of late. With this in mind, let’s list down all the things that make a watch military-grade.

Key Features of Military Watches

It’s no secret that watches these days provide more than just style and luxury to its wearer. We’re way past the point of just flaunting aesthetic. At this time, with technological advancements, we’re all treated with superb quality watches. Moreover, these innovations give us extra features we never even know we needed.

Military watches chiefly provide functions that are fundamental to survival. For example, they usually include a compass, thermometer, or tachymeter. However, we’ve seen further advancements with built-in barometers and even tritium gas. Not to mention, alarms and Bluetooth connectivity are almost the most common features we’ll encounter.

For Environmental and Atmospheric Changes

As aforementioned, there are times when nature is erratic. It shouldn’t be a surprise especially when you’re outdoors. Worry not for army-grade watches can withstand these changes. You should particularly look into a watch’s scratch, water, shock, and pressure resistance. High ATMs can surely win against atmospheric pressure changes. You should also look for a water resistance of 50m to 100m or deeper. High-grade crystals also provide further durability and resistance. Additionally, movements help with the watch’s shock resistance.

In general, quartz movements are more shock-resistant than their mechanical counterparts. Given that quartz has lesser parts and has no balance wheel to break. It’s easily every survivalist’s overall choice. However, watchmakers continue to advance the mechanical movement. As a matter of fact, you’ll find some mechanical watches that are military-grade.

Analog or Digital

In more ways than one, the choice to go analog or digital for military watches can be critical. While the line often gets blurred between the two, there are still differences to consider. Analog watches significantly last longer. Digital watches, on the other hand, are usually easier to use and more functional. However, an analog watch can provide just about the same functionality as a digital watch. Technology has come as far as allowing people to have the freedom to choose which one works best for them. Whether you’re a digital or analog type of person, there should be a military watch just for you.

25 Best Military Watches Under $500

Now that you know what makes a good military watch, it’ll be easier to pick among these choices. In this list, we aim to share the most affordable military watches in the market today. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find the best military watches sans the sky-high prices. Look no further for the most budget-friendly military watches that fails to disappoint. Read on to find which one suits best for you and your adventure.

1. Victorinox Swiss Army Infantry Vintage Chronograph 

Victorinox is one of the most renowned brands in the industry. The brand continues to produce watches that defines affordable luxury. Moreover, they create the sturdiest watches that are military-grade. The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s Infantry Vintage Chronograph Watch is exactly that. Aside from your typical stainless steel case and bracelet, it also has a fixed gunmetal PVD bezel. The watch has an anti-reflective mineral crystal for scratch-resistance. Its luminous hands and Arabic numeral markers make reading easier even in the dark. As a tactical device, you’ll admire its telemeter around the outer rim. It also includes three subdials displaying 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours. It can go as deep as 330 feet with 100-meter water resistance. It’s movement? The quartz ensures overall precision that all Swiss watches have.

2. Timex Men’s Expedition Scout

Timex never fails to deliver affordable yet functional watches. One of their greatest offerings is the Expedition Scout. It charges from any light sources including indoor lights. With this, the watch also has a 4-month power reserve. The Scout model comes in either a leather or fabric strap that can withstand any environmental challenge. Moreover, this watch also has 50m water resistance and scratch-resistant mineral glass that ensures the legendary Timex durability.

3. Garmin Instinct

Garmin is no stranger to innovation. Their timepieces are sure to wow you with its capacity and incredible features. The Garmin Instinct for one is, without a doubt, one of the best out there. It’s available at a significantly affordable price. The watch meets the U.S. Military standard 810G, so you’re sure that it can withstand just about anything. Thus, making the watch thermal, shock, and water-resistant for up to 100 meters. Moreover, the Instinct is a smartwatch that will keep you on track and connected. It lasts for up to 14 days in smartwatch mode. Meanwhile, it lasts 6 hours in GPS mode and up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.

4. Casio G-Shock Military GA-110 

The G-Shock is one of the most durable watches from the Japanese brand Casio in the market today. You’ll surely find multiple models from this brand. They’re irresistible among the survivalist, especially with their durability and affordability. Despite its many functional features, the G-Shock wanders around the ~$100 range. If you can’t decide whether to go analog or digital, the Casio G-Shock Military GA-110 is for you. This analog-digital watch is, of course, shockproof as all G-Shock watches are. This watch is also water-resistant for up to 200 meters. Not to mention, it is magnetic resistant so it will remain accurate from wherever you are.

5. Alpina Startimer Pilot Chronograph Watch

The Alpina Startimer Pilot is a chronograph watch, a military watch, and more. With a PVD-coated 44mm stainless steel case, it’s exterior is evidently durable. But it doesn’t stop at that as it also has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal for protection. It also has luminescent hands for optimum readability. Its sub-dials include a second hand, 30-minute counter, and 1/10th of a second counter. Its water resistance especially astounds at 100 meters.

6. Seiko Prospex Divers Solar Watch

The Seiko Prospex is indeed a diver’s watch. However, its features make it just as durable in any situation as it is underwater. The solar-powered watch has a uni-directional rotating stainless steel bezel. It also has luminous hands and markers so you can read the time even in the dark. Moreover, the chronograph watch has three sub-dials for 60 seconds, 60 minutes, and 24 hours counters. Powered by the Caliber V175 quartz movement, common among Seiko watches, the watch remains undoubtedly precise through and through. For divers, it also includes a wet-suit extension buckle to perfectly fit your diving suit. Go as deep as 200 meters with this watch any time you desire!

7. Luminox 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark 

This has to be one of the most functional watches on the list. The Luminox Men’s 3059 EVO Navy SEAL Colormark Watch may be a mouthful but trust us, it’s worth it! From the name itself, you’ll know exactly what it is for — the water. Unlike other watches, this watch doesn’t rely on external sources to charge its luminosity. Luminox made sure that this watch is readable 24/7 for up to 25 years with its light technology. Furthermore, the watch’s CARBONOX case makes it ultra-lightweight. It is also non-metallic, therefore, it is anti-magnetic and anti-allergenic. It is scratch- and shock-resistant up to 550-650 Vickers. What’s more, its water-resistance goes beyond you can imagine at 200 meters! You’ll surely feel safe to explore the depths of the ocean with it. We can go on and on with everything great about this watch!

8. Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Watch

The Citizen Eco-Drive watches push forward sustainability as their unique selling point. It converts any light, natural or artificial, into energy. In the long run, these watches require no battery changes — ever. Another key feature of this particular Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver is its water resistance. It can go as deep as 200 meters! That is to say that you can wear it in the shower, for snorkeling, water sports, or even scuba diving! As a tactical watch, it should have an anti-reflective mineral crystal as well as luminous hands. Not to mention, it has a unidirectional bezel and date display window.

9. CakCity Men’s Military Watch

The CakCity Men’s Military Watch can be your gateway to digital military watches. It has a large dial with an LED backlight function, making reading easier. The watch also appeals to many adventurers with its shock resistance, auto-date, alarm, stopwatch feature, and more. Above all, you can go as deep as 50 meters underwater with this watch. Anyone who’s only beginning to dive into the tactical watch deal can start with this model!

10. Casio G-Shock G9000 Military Watch

The G-Shock G9000 Military Watch is just as good as the others, if not better. It is, of course, shock-resistant with an auto-LED backlight. Not only does it have five alarms but also an hourly time signal and a flash alert. It also provides all your timing needs with a 1/100 sec stopwatch, countdown timer, and a full auto-calendar. You can also choose between the available 12- and 24-hour formats. In addition, underneath its 52mm resin case is a quartz movement. What’s more, you can use your G9000 for any surface water sports or a quick dip with its robust 220m water resistance.

11. Suunto Core Military Sports Watch

The Suunto Core Military Sports watch has everything anyone would generally need for the great outdoors. Not only does it have a compass to safely guide you through the wilderness, but it also has an altimeter and barometer. The altimeter tracks your ascent and descent as well as gauges your overall climb progress. This, indeed, is a mountaineer’s must-have as you can track air pressure trends with its barometer. What’s more, you can also track the sunrise and sunset for over 400 locations worldwide.

12. SureFire Wristlight 211 Signature

We know SureFire for their high-intensity and compact flashlights. But more they produce a lot more than just WeaponLights. They later created a new tactical illumination called the WristLight watch. It’s a high-performing watch as well as a flashlight with wide beam of blinding white light. It is, indeed, made for tactical operations: compact and durable.

13. Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Watch

Among the Hamilton watches, the Khaki Field is the original soldier’s watch. True to its roots, the Khaki Field Mechanical, indeed, meets military standards. Aside from its 38mm matte stainless steel case, it also has a NATO strap reminiscent of the brand’s roots. In addition, it has an 80-hour power reserve. It can also withstand splashes with a 50m water resistance.

14. SMAEL Digital Military Watch

The SMAEL Digital Military Watch is an ergonomic choice of military watch. Not only is it comfortable to wear but it makes reading time come with ease. It is water-resistant for up to 50 meters with a shock-resistant shell to ensure durability. Moreover, you can choose between a 12- or 24-hour format for your own ease.

15. Bertucci A-2S Field Watch

The Bertucci A-2S Field Watch is a lot durable than it looks. It’s not embellished with all corners of your usual military watch but it has the same durability as them. The case of this watch is in US-Patented solid stainless steel, making it tenacious and strong. It also has Swiss super luminous hands and markers that are in 12- and 24-hour formats. In addition, it can be brought as deep as 100 meters underwater.

16. Vostok Amphibian Automatic Military Diver

The Vostok Amphibian Automatic Military Diver is time on your wrist at its finest. It’s one of the most prominent watches in its home, Moscow. It boasts 200 meters of water resistance as well as durability at any given environment. It works at any temperature and can withstand pressure and blows given its standard quality.

17. Timex Allied Coastline

Timex watches are a lot more than style and comfort. Its line of military watches are also functional as they’re pleasing to the eyes. The Timex Allied Coastline is your companion not only on land but also at sea. Like the Expedition, it also has the INDIGLO® Night-Light feature. Besides that, you may also take it to the sea with a 100m water resistance.

18. Garmin Fēnix 5X Plus

Garmin is, indeed, the ultimate tactical watch brand. They continue to prove their excellence with the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus. This GPS watch not only keeps you on track but makes sure you follow the right path with a topo map. It also estimates your heart rate through the Pulse Ox Acclimation sensor. In addition, you can store up to 500 songs in your watch and listen through your Bluetooth headphones. Furthermore, it lasts 20 days in smartwatch mode. Meanwhile, with the GPS and music on, it lasts up to 13 hours.

19. Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

G-Shock continues to prove its range of military watches. The G-Shock Rangeman is, in general, the friendliest among the bunch. It has textured pushers as well as red contrasts. Moreover, as a representative of solar-powered watches, sustainability is ensured with it. In addition, the Rangeman features a compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. It also has auto LED and five Daily Alarms as well as a 1/10-second stopwatch. Not to mention, you’ll be able to get a countdown timer and even a day, date, and month calendar in one. It’s indeed everything you’ll need in an adventure watch ever and more!

20. Casio Pathfinder Multi-Function Sports Watch

Aside from the G-Shock, among the Casio watches is the Pathfinder. This solar-powered watch features a triple sensor for all the tools you’ll need. It has an altimeter, barometer, thermometer as well as a compass. It’s indeed a traveler’s must-have with a world time feature and low-temperature resistance. You may also see the city code display and set the daylight saving on and off. In addition, it is water-resistant for up to 100 meters.

21. Victorinox Swiss Army Maverick

Victorinox watches takes Swiss excellence beyond luxury with the Maverick. The Victorinox Maverick is easily one of the most durable in the list. Not only is the watch’s sapphire crystal scratch-resistant but it’s also anti-reflective. In addition to that, to make reading even easier, its hands and markers are also luminous. You can take it to the ocean with a 100m water resistance.

22. Citizen Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Timekeeping Watch

Citizen provides not only the most sustainable watches but also the sturdiest ones. Like all Eco-Drive watches, the Navihawk is light-powered. It also has orange accents on the dial with luminous markers to make reading easier for its wearer. Aside from the digital information displays, it also has featuring multi-function chronograph. In addition, you’ll find an option to toggle daylight savings on and off on this one. And to prove its durability the watch features water resistance of up to 200 meters.

23. Suunto Traverse Alpha

The Suunto Traverse Alpha is as rugged as it’s functional. Made for the outdoors, it has knurled stainless steel bezel as well as a durable water repellent nylon strap. Not to mention, it’s protected by a premium scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. It’s friendly especially for hunters as it keeps track of where you shoot. It also has a GPS function to keep you on track through an automatic breadcrumb trail.

24. Garmin D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot Watch

If you think you’ve seen the best of Garmin, think again. The D2 Bravo Titanium Pilot watch may be the priciest on the list but it sure makes every cent worth. This GPS Pilot features a customizable face art to match your style. If flying is your adrenaline source, this will undoubtedly keep you at ease above the clouds. It has METAR and TAF screens to demonstrate updated aviation weather information at a glance. Not only does it have various timers for precision but it also includes Zulu/UTC time reference. It’s everything you need in a military smartwatch and more!

25. Luminox 8831.KM Recon NAV

Last but not least on the list, Luminox goes beyond military-grade with this tactical watch. It includes a second timezone bezel as well as a dive-timing unidirectional ratcheting bezel. It is also highly scratch-resistant with its sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coatings. You also get to enjoy a walking speed scale that works like a tachymeter. You even get to choose whether to display the scale in km/h or mph. This watch is truly made for the military.

Military Watches: Beyond the Battlefield

A lot of people would think that military watches are simply for the ones seeking adventure. However, these watches are also made for the city and beyond. Some of the models mentioned may also work well with a dress suit or a casual day out. What these military-grade watches prove is that there’s no limit to what we can do. They’re our constant reminders to take a leap and be confident with the risks we take. These watches are, indeed, more than just accessories. They’re also tools for us to move forward and lead the race. So face your adventures with one of these choices and follow the path it leads you to.

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Looking for the best watches to accompany you through tides and reefs? Check out these dive watches that won’t break the bank but breaks barriers under the sea.