10 Best Survival Watches for Men in 2021

Are you an outdoorsy person? If so, a good survival watch should definitely be at the top of your list of essential items to have. We never know what’s going to happen when you are out in the open, right? Survival watches can be crucial when you are lost in the woods; they can help you when you do not know what time is it when you need color topographical maps, and provide other such orienteering features.

 

There may be many survival watches in the market today, but the ones we’ve listed below promise to provide you with the best build quality, features, and affordability.

Quick Recommendations for Best Survival Watches

1. Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Solar 44mm
2. Casio Pro Trek (PRW-6600Y-1JF)
3. Timex T49612 Expedition Shock
4. Garmin Fēnix® 6S – Pro and Sapphire Editions
5. Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman
6. Suunto Core All Black Watch – SS014279010
7. Casio G-SHOCK GA 100-1A1 Military Series
8. Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Land Series – 3782
9. Citizen Promaster Altichron Eco-Drive
10. Suunto Traverse Alpha

Best Survival Watches

1.   Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Solar 44mm

Timex has always been at the top of lists of best watches, regardless of what type of watch you might be looking for. In terms of a suave, reliable survival watch, the Timex Expedition Gallatin Solar Watch for men ranks number one on our list. It comes in several models, all of which have rather similar features. A few things that the different models all have in common are the two-month power reserve, the ability to charge with any light source, and being powered by natural energy. Furthermore, the Timex Expedition Gallatin Solar series is made for the outdoors, but it does not compromise the comfort of the wearer. Let us take a detailed look at the features of the Expedition Gallatin Solar 44mm.

Specifications

This watch uses the U.S. Rockies as the ultimate inspiration for creating its rugged 22mm blue fabric strap. If you check the strap of this watch, you will see that it comes with a double-layer slip-thru that makes it easier to wear and take off. The strap is smooth and extremely easy to adjust. The 44mm resin case is lightweight, so it doesn’t feel like a burden on your wrist and reduces hassle in your outdoor activities. It protects the hour, minute, seconds, and date functions, all of which come in big sizes for more visible readability. Adding to its readability are the red accents that mark the date display and 12 o’clock position. These accents also serve to add a smart-looking contrast to the face of the watch.

Features

This watch can be charged with any light source and has a two-month power reserve. The 50-meter water resistance will allow you to enjoy a regular hiking trip and short periods of swimming. For less than $70, you can get a sturdy acrylic-made watch that is resistant to almost any kind of scratches and bumps. The Expedition Gallatin Solar 44mm is the traditional, straightforward and affordable men’s survival watch that you can get for yourself today.

2. Casio Pro Trek PRW-6600Y-1JF

Coming from one of the popular brands of watches, the Casio Pro Trek PRW-6600Y-1JF joins this list as one of the most useful survival wristwatches. This watch belongs to the outdoor collections of Casio, with some additional functions and features. It is a better alternative to the cheaper G-shock models, which are also frequently used for outdoor adventures.

Specifications

The Casio Pro Trek PRW-6600Y-1JF has a rugged look and sturdy build. Just like any survival watch, it is made of stainless steel and a resin case that measures 51.6mm by 51.5mm by 13.6mm. The color combinations of black, white, silver, and green blend well together and would definitely match any outfit you wear for your exciting escapades. To support you on your travels, the watch also provides a large world time display on the dial for various time zones.

Features

This model is one of the most innovative survival watches from Casio and can be bought at a very affordable price of $429.00. It is equipped with Tough Solar Multiband6 for accurate time display. The Caliber 5571 powers the watch, giving it a 100m water resistance, a 1/100-second stopwatch, and a countdown timer. The barometric pressure, bearing, and temperature, and barometric pressure graph and alarm comprise the triple sensor feature of the wristwatch. Lastly, the excellent quality of the watch’s build means it can handle all sorts of low temperatures and impacts that you might encounter during your outdoor activities.

3.   Timex T49612 Expedition Shock

Another great survival watch from Timex is the 49612 Expedition Shock. This is perfect for anyone who is looking for a good survival watch but is on a tight budget. For less than $500, you can get a watch that passes the ISO standards for shockproofing. Plus, you will be amazed at how this watch comes with many essential features that can be used in hunting, swimming, sleeping, showering, and other daily uses. Although its functions are innumerable, we assure you that it is a user-friendly watch that even beginners will have no trouble figuring out.

Specifications

This model gives you a military survival watch that is built to be sturdy and tough. It has a large case that measures around 48mm in diameter and 16mm in thickness. The 14mm resin strap is also created to be durable and rugged. If you are looking for a lightweight watch that can take a few hits or scratches, this is a good pick for you. It has a lightweight green case, which is topped with a gray ring bearing compass headings.

Features

As mentioned, this watch is equipped with several features for your outdoor events. Its dial allows you to be able to read the day, date, and time display with just a quick glance.  Adding to its readability is the Indiglo backlight with Night Mode feature, which illuminates every button with just a single push. It has three time zones, a digital compass, a chronograph, and a daily alarm. You can use the Occasion Alarm Mode to remind yourself about appointments and events such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries,, monthly due dates, and more.

4.   Garmin Fēnix® 6S – Pro and Sapphire Editions

Garmin is a popular brand for survival watches and their timepieces offer a wide variety of functions for you to enjoy. In particular, we recommend the Pro and Sapphire Editions of the fēnix® 6S survival & tactical watch. Its muted colors, elegant design, and size are perfect for those looking for a sleek and functional survival watch. For less than $550.00, you can have this essential watch for all your travels and adventures.

Specifications

Durability is a clear priority in this GPS survival watch. It uses a Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX for its lens material to enhance the readability of the watch by 75%. The bezel is made from a Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coated steel that is resistant to corrosion and bumps. It has a sturdy 42mm diameter case with QUICKFIT™ watch band and strap material of your choice: silicone, suede, or nylon. In addition, its compass sensor and 32GB memory space available make it a survival watch like no other on the list.

Features

The numerous features that the fēnix® 6S offers might be a little overwhelming at first, but they are sure to come in handy for everyday and occasional use. Besides the usual clock features, it also offers health monitoring, multiple sensors, daily smart features, safety and tracking features, tactical features, activity tracking features, sports features, and more. In particular, more experienced users love the GPS feature that allows every user to add mapping, music, and intelligent pace planning to their watch. Plus, its battery lasts up to a stunning 9 days of usage, even in smartwatch mode. This could be the ultimate survival watch that you have been looking for.

5.   Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman

Here is the quintessential military survival watch for men. This timepiece surely serves you well during any difficult situations outdoors. Like other G-shock models, the Casio G-Shock GW9400 Rangeman can be bought for around $200. It comes with several interesting features and a tough and durable build meant to last you a long time. The bulkier appearance of the watch is intentionally made to give greater resistance to shocks and waters.

Specifications

This survival watch for men has the ability to support your ultimate outdoor experience through its design specifications. It might look a little bulky, but it is actually quite light around your wrist. It uses a lightweight resin material for the 53mm case and stainless steel for other parts of the watch. This is a digital watch with a lot of buttons on the case that specify its essential functions. Its masculine style and color combination of black, white, silver, and red are definitely what every man would love to have.

Features

G-shock watches are highly regarded for their water, shock, and mud resistance. Hence, they are already popularly used for the outdoors. However, this particular piece offers additional features like a triple sensor that comes with an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer, and a digital compass. It is equipped with a Multiband 6 Atomic Radio that gives you an unfailingly accurate time and date display, even in places with lesser signals. It is also equipped with the Tough Solar technology, which allows you to charge the watch using any light source, in case you have no other power source in your area.

6.   SUUNTO Core All Black Watch – SS014279010

This All-Black military survival watch with a compass from SUUNTO is one of the brand’s best-selling survival watches. Its popularity skyrocketed when it was featured in the Equalizer Films, worn by Denzel Washington. It incorporates the SUUNTO Core collection’s key functions that are essential for the outdoors. Unlike many other watches on the list, this piece features a minimalistic look with modern features that is well-suited for both men and women alike. It is an affordable timepiece that can be purchased for less than $150.00.

Specifications

The SUUNTO Core All Black Watch is protected by mineral crystal on its 49mm case to give more durable resistance to shocks and water. It only weighs 2.26 ounces and measures 1.9 inches in diameter. The strap is made of elastomer, which is more durable than the straps in other watches. Elastomer is also more resistant to fire and can last without wear and tear for several years. Its essentialist design gives us an all-black finish with time, weather, compass as its main display on the dial.

Features

This watch features three categorized modes: Time, Altimeter & Barometer, and Compass. Each essential mode has different displays that are easily accessible using the menu button. It also has intelligent features like the Storm Alarm and compass to keep you informed about the surrounding conditions while you hike, bike, or camp. In addition, its prediction times for sunsets and sunrises will keep you updated to help maximize your daylight hours.

7.   Casio G-SHOCK GA 100-1A1 Military Series

If you are looking for an excellent Analog-Digital tactical watch for men, then this would be a great pick for you. This Casio G-Shock military watch has a rugged, tank-like build that makes a bold statement while also being affordable for everyone. It is sturdy and easy to use in all sorts of adverse outdoor circumstances.

Specifications

The matte black color is one of the reasons why many find it very attractive. It adds to the simplicity of the watch, making it suitable for anyone to wear, even at casual events. The 50mm case is a bit oversized, but it is lightweight enough and won’t be heavy on your wrist, making it comfortable to wear all day. A prominent urethane bezel is used to protect the watch from scratches and bumps. The highly shock-resistant case can also withstand extreme physical abuse when worn outdoors.

Features

This G-shock survival watch has analog and digital time displays that are designed for military use, hence, a 24-hour format is applied. A world time is also featured with 29 time zones that you can choose from. Orange LED light is also added to the watch, to help you see the dial clearly if you are in the dark. Some other noticeable features include its resistance to shocks and magnetic waves, 660 feet of water resistance, a countdown timer, and a stopwatch function of 1/1000 second. All these features come at a price of $100 only.

8.   Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Land Series – 3782

The Luminox watch brand has released different survival watches for everyone to use, which can be bought at an approximate price of $510. But the Bear Grylls Survival Land Series would be the best option if you are out for exploration in harsh terrains. This is a wilderness watch that is intended to survive all sorts of tough waters or heavy rain flow. This survival watch is inspired by Bear Grylls himself, who is a famous British adventurer.

Specifications

The Bear Grylls Survival watch is equipped with 200 meters of water resistance, which is suitable for recreational divers and swimmers. It has night vision tubes that allow you to be able to read the watch clearly in the dark. The black and the bright orange color combination is designed for the watch to be easily spotted in the unlikely event that you lose it. Additionally, the strap is created to be easily removed and unwound. The dial bears three sub-dials with luminescent hands and indexes.

Features

The presence of a chronograph in this watch allows you to track your speed by comparing the distance covered to the time spent. The case material, made of CARBONOX, functions as a resistance to chemicals, low thermal extension, and is weatherproof. The compass attachment on this survival watch can be easily slid on and off from the strap, so if you find it inconvenient you can simply remove it. Meanwhile, the Luminox Light Technology is a unique feature that works as a self-powered illumination system, giving the watch a constant glow all throughout the day. This illumination system can last up to a whopping 25 years.

9.   Citizen Promaster Altichron

The Citizen Promaster Altichron is one of the best survival wristwatches on the market. This belongs to one of the brand’s Eco-Drive collections, which are created to be sustainable and reliable. This watch is designed to be a traveler’s essential companion on any sort of adventure and risky circumstances. And just like other Citizen watches, quality craftsmanship is a guarantee in this survival wristwatch.

Specifications

As mentioned, this is an ideal watch for any outdoor activities. It has a compass ring on the bezel, a built-in altimeter, and has an analog appearance for a time display that can be more easily read. An ion-plated stainless steel case matches the black and brown calf inlay nylon strap. The oversized Arabic numerals, hands, and the time display frame are also designed with luminous material, especially intended for dark areas.

Features

This men’s survival watch is equipped with light power technology and offered for around $380 only. It uses solar energy to keep it working, so you don’t have to worry about its battery. This model is a GPS survival watch with important functions such as an Imperial altimeter and sub-altimeter. Plus, it is built to let you enjoy water activities up to 200m deep, making it suitable for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and more.

10. SUUNTO Traverse Alpha

Last but certainly not least, the SUUNTO Traverse Alpha is another GPS survival watch that can be worn by both men and women. The SUUNTO brand is especially reliable when it comes to survival watches since it specializes in producing timepieces for an affordable price that are suitable for adventurous people. For an approximate price of $550, it possesses several features for hiking, fishing, hunting, and any other adventures you could have in the wild.

Specifications

This watch has a distinctive case made of composite material, measuring 50mm in diameter. It provides you with a water-repellent nylon textile strap, which is a good option if you do not want to wear an uncomfortable wet strap when in water. The dial comes with a red backlight that is compatible with night vision goggles. The dial itself has a large display of the time, date, and weather.

Features

The key features that this GPS survival watch offers are the GPS and GLONASS for route and POI navigation to ensure you will never lose your bearings in the wild. It is also able to measure altitude and barometric pressure and monitor your health by tracking your daily steps, calories burned, and some other activity profiles. When connected with the SUUNTO app, it will provide new routes with heatmaps and mobile notifications.

Do You Need a Watch for Survival?

It is essential to have a survival watch during your most tested times in life. This kind of watch is designed not just to tell you what time and day is it but, it is also equipped with features that everyone surely needs, especially if you love outdoor adventures. Purchasing one is like investing in your own safety and needs. Survival watches can come with different characteristics depending on what you need most. There are military watches, GPS survival watches, field watches, or basic survival watches. Sure, a smartphone might save you from some unfortunate circumstances but it does not possess the features that only a survival watch can give. When planning the purchase of your ideal survival watch, make sure that it has a majority of these essential features:

 

• Accuracy of time and date display
• Long battery life
• Durable strap or wristband
• Water-resistant
• Durable materials
• Shock-resistant

Final Thoughts

A basic watch is already essential for our everyday use, especially for those who don’t like checking their phones for the time. Imagine, then, how much more a survival watch could do, considering all its additional functionalities and features. The watches listed above have so much more to offer than regular wristwatches. If you are looking for a survival watch that has the best value for money, the Timex Men’s Expedition Gallatin Solar would be a good choice. If a GPS survival watch would match your needs, then go for the Garmin Fēnix® 6S – Pro and Sapphire Editions. On the other hand, the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Land Series – 3782 watch is a good pick if you are looking for the best night vision feature.

 

Ever heard of 24 Hour watches? Check out our guide on what they are, along with our picks for the most debonair 24 Hour Watches for the Vintage Lover that are sure to make you stand out in a crowd.

 

Photo credits: All photos courtesy of the brands’ official websites.