Watches are handy for outdoor adventures. They can help you keep tabs on time, tell directions and keep track of your position. But it’s not just about staying up to date. While having a high-quality watch is a good start, it may not be enough.
To truly thrive in the wilderness, you’ll need more than just a wristwatch – you’ll need the best survival watch.
Survival watches are an essential tool for navigating difficult terrain, as well as keeping track of the time. While there are several different types of survival watches to choose from, one thing they all have in common is that they all provide the functionality you need to survive.
Survival watches are a favorite among hikers, sailors, campers, explorers and outdoorsmen. If you’re looking for a timepiece that can help you with everything from navigation to staying safe in the wilderness, then these are the watches for you.
Best Survival Watch | Best Survival Watch Under $100 | Best Survival Watch Under $200 | Best Survival Watch No Battery |
 Casio G Shock Rangeman GW-9400 |  Timex Expedition Scout |  SUUNTO Core Outdoor Sports Watch |  Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T-7 Solar |
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Top 10 Best Survival Watches On The Market
Best Survival Watch : Casio G Shock Rangeman GW-9400
The Casio G Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is a watch that can take a beating and keep on ticking. It has features that will help you navigate your way through any situation, and it’s built to last.
This survival watch features an altimeter, barometer, compass, temperature sensor, and tide graph. It also has sunrise/sunset times and moon phase data. These are all crucial elements for anyone who spends time in the wilderness or out in nature.
The watch also has a stopwatch function that can measure up to 1/100 seconds and 200 hours of elapsed time. The timer mode can be set for up to 24 hours in one-second increments.
The G Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is solar powered —and when fully charged lasts for 7 months! So you don’t have to worry about running out of juice while you’re out on an adventure or traveling.
It’s also water resistant up to 200 meters (656 ft), so you don’t have to worry about it when you’re swimming or out in the rain.
Features:
- Digital compass
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- Solar Powered
- Moon Phase Data
- Tide Graph
- Sunrise and sunset date
- Mb6 atomic timekeeping
- Auto LED
- 5 Daily Alarms
- Count Down Timer
- World Time By City (48 cities and 31 time zones)
Pros
- Durable
- Feature Rich
- Long Battery Life (7 months fully charged)
- Easy to read
- Lightweight and comfortable (weighs only 3.3 ozs)
Cons
- Display is too busy (too many buttons)
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Best Survival Watch No Battery : Casio Protrek PRW2500T-7 Multi-Band Atomic Solar Wristwatch
The Casio Pro Trek PRW2500T-7 Multi-Band Atomic Solar Wristwatch is designed with the adventurer in mind. With shock and water resistance of up to 200 meters (656 ft), this watch can handle just about anything you throw at it.
It’s durable, waterproof, and powered by solar energy. This watch also has a multi-band radio signal reception feature. That allows you to receive time signals from up to six different locations around the world.
It also comes equipped with a stopwatch and world time functionality. The Pro Trek PRW2500T-7 uses an atomic clock for its accuracy. which means that it always knows exactly what time it is no matter where you are.
This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable watch that won’t let them down when they need it most!
This watch also has all the features you would expect in a good outdoor watch. It is equipped with Casio’s triple sensor technology: altimeter/barometer, thermometer and compass. So, you’ll never have to worry about getting lost in the wilderness again.
The battery life on this model is also quite impressive; it can last up to 5 months without needing to be recharged.
All things considered, there are few survival watches that can compare with the durability and reliability offered by this model!
Features:
- Water Resistant
- Shock resistant
- Low Temperature Resistant
- Tide Graph
- Moon Data
- Digital Compass
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- 5 Daily Alarms
- Count Down Timer
- World Time By City (48 cities and 31 time zones)
- Multi-band 6 radio atomic calibration
Pros
- Very Durable
- Feature rich
- Solar powered
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- Uncomfortable for persons with slender wrists
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Best Survival Watch Under $200 : SUUNTO Core Outdoor Sports Watch
The SUUNTO Core is an all-in-one outdoor watch for people who love exploring. It provides you with real-time information about the weather around you. Plus, it can help you navigate through unfamiliar terrain.
All, while monitoring your speed and distance as you move.
The SUUNTO Core is a durable, affordable watch that’s built to withstand the elements. It’s water resistant up to 100 meters, so you can wear it while swimming or snorkeling. It also has a compass and thermometer, so you’ll always know what direction you’re facing and how warm or cold it is outside.
This watch is great for the outdoors, whether you’re hiking, hunting, climbing or fishing. It’s one of the best survival watches for keeping track of the weather.
It has an altimeter that tracks your elevation so you can keep track of how many feet in the air you are at any given time. As well as a barometer so you can measure barometric pressure and tell if there any changes in the weather.
The SUUNTO core also has a storm alarm feature that alerts you to any incoming storms. All great features to help you stay safe while you’re outdoors.
Features
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- Altimeter
- Digital compass
- Weather trend indicator
- Sunrise sunset time
- Depth Meter
- Storm alarm
- Water resistant (up to 100 meters)
Pros
- Very accurate features
- Long Battery Life (Up to 12 months)
- Very stylish design
- Affordable
Cons
- No GPS
Best Military Survival Watch : Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct Military Watch
This Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct is a feature packed, GPS watch designed to military standards. It has been specifically made to be used in any weather conditions, including rain and snow.
The Garmin 010-02064-00 Instinct is a self-contained smartwatch that features a 0.9″ monochrome display. It is compatible with both Android and iOS smartphones, as well as a wide range of other devices.
It has an internal GPS and GLONASS receiver for fast satellite acquisition. So you can get back on track fast – even in the remotest areas.
With an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours in training mode and up to 7 days in smartwatch mode. You will never be left without power during your adventures.
This watch is equipped with Garmin’s Elevate heart rate technology. That is able to provide you with accurate heart rate readings from your wrist.
The Garmin 010-02064-00 GPS watch also comes with triple sensor technology: altimeter/barometer and compass.
The built-in altimeter keeps track of your ascent and descent. This is especially helpful when hiking or climbing mountains.
Features
- GPS
- 3 axis compass
- Barometric Altimeter
- Heart rate monitor
- Shock resistant
- Water resistant (up to 100 meters)
Pros
- Constructed to military standard
- Durable (Fiber reinforced polymer case)
- Affordable
Cons
- Only 16 hours of battery life in GPS mode
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Luminox 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Military Watch
The Luminox 3051 EVO Navy SEAL Military Watch is an absolute beast of a watch. It was built in conjunction with the US Navy Seals to suit their requirements. So you know it’s built tough.
It’s water resistant up to 660 feet, so it’ll keep ticking even if you get caught in the rain or snow. It also has a sturdy stainless steel case with a rubber strap, so you know this thing can take a beating.
The watch’s most impressive feature is its self-powered illumination system. When exposed to light, the watch’s dials glow for up to 25 years without needing any additional power source.
This makes it easy to read at night or in low-light conditions. Which is perfect for outdoor activities like camping or hiking.
This Luminox model also comes with three chronograph subdials. That allow you to track elapsed time, split time, and seconds hands (with date display).
Features:
- Carbon reinforced polyurethane case
- Hardened mineral crystal display
- Double security gasket crown
- Constant glow display (up to 25 years)
Pros
- Very Durable
- Water resistant up to 66o ft
- Stylish and comfortable
- Excellent lighted display for viewing in low light conditions
Cons
- Oversized design may not be suitable for men with small wrists
Best Tactical Survival Watch: Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical Survival Watch
The Garmin Instinct Solar Tactical Survival Watch is an essential piece of equipment for anyone who wants to be prepared for anything. It is durable and feature rich. This watch is built to US military standards 810 for thermal, water and shock resistance.
The watch features a highly accurate compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi connection so you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet device if needed.
The Instinct Solar has up to 24 days of battery life in smart watch mode. So it will easily last through long trips without needing a charge.
Plus it has solar charging, so it charges while you’re out in the sun to extend battery life.
This watch is waterproof up to 100 meters under water. So you can swim or dive without worrying about damaging your device.
The tactical features of this GPS watch make it perfect for situations when you need to go incognito. With it’s stealth and night vision modes, that allow you to go dark and become virtually undetectable.
The Instinct Solar can also be used to track your health. It measures your heart rate, blood oxygen and stress levels.
Features
- GPS
- Blood Oxygen Sensor
- Heart Rate Sensor
- Weather Updates
- Barometric altimeter
- Accelerometer
- Thermometer
- Compass
- Stealth Mode
- Night Vision Mode
- Water resistant (up to 100 meters)
Pros
- Built to military standards
- Solar Charging
- Very Accurate
- Excellent battery life
- All Day Health Monitoring
- Tactical Features (stealth mode, night vision mode)
Cons
- Small screen
- Can’t use a screen protector
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Survival Watch
The Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Survival Watch as with all g shock watches is built rugged and durable. It comes with triple sensor technology: a thermometer, altimeter/barometer and compass. Plus it is shock resistant, mud resistant and water resistant to 200 meters.
So it can stand up to to the elements. It also has a world time function that lets you track the time in 29 time zones around the globe.
The G-Shock Mudmaster is made out of resin with a stainless steel case, so it’s incredibly tough. Plus it is solar powered and has a battery life of 6 months with normal use.
So you don’t have to worry about losing power while you’re outdoors.
This watch is designed to be used in the field, so it’s got a rugged design that looks good and is durable. It has a mineral crystal face and a resin band, which means it won’t scratch easily or break down under pressure.
The watch also has a super bright double LED light. Making it easy to tell time no matter where you are or what conditions you’re in.
Features:
- Water resistant
- Shock resistant
- Mud resistant
- Solar powered
- Altimeter
- Barometer
- Thermometer
- Digital compass
- 5 Daily Alarms
Pros
- Very Durable
- Water resistant to 66o ft
- Large clear Analog display
- Accurate compass and thermometer
- Stylish
Cons
- Large
- Pricy
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Watch
The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Watch is designed for use in the wilderness. It comes with a durable case, strap and attached compass.
The Bear Grylls Survival Watch also has a 300-meter water resistance rating. Plus a sapphire crystal lens, with anti-reflective coating.
In addition to timekeeping functions like:
- Alarms,
- Time zones (including UTC)
- Calendar functions (day/date)
- Chronograph features (stopwatch),
- World time indicator,
- Countdown timer
- Second time zone indicator
– It has a night vision mode that makes it easy to read in low light, even when you’re outdoors at night.
– It has a compass feature, which allows you to use the watch as a directional guide. Which is great for exploring new terrain or moving through areas without landmarks.
Features:
- Water resistance up to 300 meters
- Always visible constant glow dial (up to 25 years)
- Compass attachment
- Anti-reflective dial
Pros
- Attached compass
- 50 month battery life
- Durable
Cons
- Dial is too busy
- Pricy
Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch
The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s I.N.O.X. Watch is a great choice for the outdoors. Or for any situation where you might need to be able to tell time in less than ideal conditions.
The watch is made from stainless steel with a rubber strap. What’s more, it is the only Swiss watch to outlast 130 extreme endurance tests.
So, it’s built to last and can survive just about any environment you can throw at it!
It comes with quartz movement and features luminous hands and indices. So you’ll always know what time it is even if your watch gets wet or covered in mud.
If you’re looking for an all-around great watch, this one is a good choice. It’s stylish, durable, and useful in many different situations.
Features:
Water resistance up to 660ft
Pros
- Very durable (stainless steel case/rubber strap)
- Easy to Read dial
- Stylish design
Cons
- Uncomfortable fit
Best Budget Survival Watch : Timex Expedition Scout
The Timex Expedition Scout is a rugged watch that is designed for people who are always outdoors. It has some features you might not expect from a budget watch. It’s water resistant to 50 meters, and has an Indiglo light up dial.
The Timex Expedition doesn’t come with many of the features that other survival watches on this list may have. But it’s the best survival watch in its price range.
So, if you’re looking for a durable and very affordable watch that looks good. Then this is the survival watch for you!
Features:
- Water resistance up to 50 meters
- Light Up Watch dial
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Long battery life
- Water resistant up to 150 ft
Cons
- Loud ticking sound
Why You Need A Survival Watch
The best survival watches are a crucial part of the survivalist’s toolkit. They can keep you safe, help you survive, and even help you get home when you’re lost.
If you’re wondering why you would need a survival watch, it’s simple: they’re versatile! You can use them in all kinds of situations. From hiking and camping to surviving in the wilderness after an accident.
Here are just some of the ways that having a good survival watch can help keep you safe:
1. Keep track of time
The most obvious benefit of having a good survival watch is being able to tell time.
This sounds simple, but it’s actually really important. When trying to figure out how long it’s been since something happened.
Or if it’s still light out yet so that you know when it will be safe for you to move from your current hiding spot.
2. Know where north is
This may seem like an obvious one, but knowing where north is can be life-saving in some situations!
If there are no landmarks around (things like trees or rivers. Then knowing where north is makes a huge difference.
This could be the difference between having enough light left in the day to find your way home. Or having no idea which direction will lead back towards civilization.
3.Keep track of the weather
Some survival watches are specially designed to provide information about the weather. Like wind speeds and barometric pressure. Which can help you survive in extreme conditions.
Having access to the details of your surroundings is crucial when you find yourself in a dangerous situation.
Survival watches offer many different features for outdoor situations. Including altimeters, GPS’s, barometers, thermometers and compasses.
Features that ensure you have everything you need to get through a survival situation.
Buyer’s Guide: What to Look for in Survival Watches
Survival watches are so much more than just a timepiece. These watches are designed to keep you safe in the most extreme conditions – and can often be used as a compass, altimeter, and even a whistle.
The right survival watch can mean the difference between being stuck on the side of the road with no food and water, or being able to find your way home when it’s pitch black outside.
But if you’re looking for one of the best survival watches on the market. It’s important to know what features they offer and how they function.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the features you should look for in a survival watch. As well as explain how each feature works and why it’s important.
So what should you look for in a survival watch? Here are some things that you should look for to get the best survival watches.
Features
Look for survival watches that are feature rich. The more information you have at your fingertips, the better off you’ll be.
Apart from the time and date. Some of the common features you’ll find in the best survival watches are: thermometer, altimeter, barometer and compass.
A compass and altimeter are helpful in terms of navigation. A compass will help to guide you in the right direction. While an altimeter shows your altitude when ascending and descending a mountain.
A thermometer and barometer help you gauge what weather conditions are like. Which is very helpful when hiking, camping or hunting.
Other great features to look for are glowing dials, built in LED lights. That help you to be able to see when lighting conditions aren’t the best.
As well as moon data, tide graphs, and depth gauges that are great for when you’re out at sea or on the lake.
Run Time
The next thing to consider when purchasing a survival watch is how long it will run without needing recharging.
You should look for watches with long run times. so they can last through any emergency situation.
You’ll find that some watches offer much longer run times than others, but this comes at a cost.
Some survival watches have shorter run times due to their use of advanced technologies. Like GPS capabilities or compasses.
Accuracy
Having a survival watch with all the features in the world, won’t help you if it isn’t accurate. If you have a compass that’s showing you that north is actually south. You’re in a worse position than being without a survival watch.
The same goes for other features such as a barometer or thermometer. In a survival situation, accuracy can be the difference between life and death.
Power Type
The next step is determining what type of power source your watch uses. This could be either solar powered, battery powered or manual winding (manual winding is when you manually turn the crown).
Battery power is the least desirable when trying to choose the best survival watches. Batteries have to be replaced from time to time. You wouldn’t want to find yourself caught in a survival situation with a dead battery.
So, look for a watch that’s manual or runs on solar power.
Durability
Having a durable watch is important when you’re out in the wild. The elements can wreak havoc on your watch. It’s important to look for a watch that is shock resistant. As well, as made from durable materials like stainless steel and rubber.
Typically, survival watches have some level of shock resistance built into them. But if you’re going to be using your watch in environments where there’s a lot of physical activity (like hunting or hiking).
Then look for one that has higher levels of shock resistance built into it. So that it doesn’t break easily when dropped on hard surfaces like concrete or rock surfaces
Water Resistance
Most survival watches are water resistant. So this isn’t usually a major factor in choosing one.
However, if you plan on wearing your watch while swimming or snorkeling. Then, it’s worth checking out how deep they can go before they get damaged.
The best survival watches have water resistance of a 100 meters or greater.
Final Words
If you want to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with carrying a survival watch. Then do the research to make sure you get the best survival watch for your needs.
Look for a watch that has all of the features you need while keeping an eye on price. A good watch can last you a long time, so take the time to find a quality tool that will have your back when you need it.
In my opinion, the Casio G Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is the best survival watch money can buy. It has all the features a survival watch should have and at an affordable price.
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