Looking for a military smart watch in 2020 but don’t even know where to start? Top brands like Garmin, Casio, Timex, and T1 Tact Watch all have excellent tactical watch options on the market. To help narrow down your search, here’s a list of the 11 best military watches of 2020.
1. Garmin Tactix Bravo
The Garmin Tactix Bravo is a solid option for any outdoorsman looking for something durable and dependable but also smart.
This watch comes with all the smart functionalities like a built-in GPS and the ability to download apps. At the same time, it’s also very durable and ready to withstand rough conditions. People also love this watch for its ability to optimize the display for both day or night.
In terms of battery life, its rechargeable battery can last up to 2 weeks while in smart watch mode. In its battery saver mode, the watch lasts up to 50 hours without needing a charge. The retail price of this watch will set customers back $599.99. That’s definitely at the higher end of the spectrum, but worth it for those who love Garmin products.
2. Garmin Instinct
A bit less expensive than the Garmin Tactix Bravo, the Garmin Instinct is another great option for shoppers with a more modest budget.
It is quite a bit smaller than the Garmin Tactix Bravo, but some users appreciate that the Instinct is much lighter and more flexible than the Bravo.
This watch boasts ‘military standard toughness’ and also has multi-GNSS satellite support. It’s a smart watch as well, so it comes with all the built in apps relevant for fitness and communication.
Like the Bravo, the Instinct’s battery life lasts up to 2 weeks without a charge while in smart watch mode.
This watch’s retail price is $299.99. That prices makes it a perfect choice for someone who doesn’t want to splurge on a Bravo but still wants a quality smart tactical watch.
3. T1 Tact Watch Midnight Diamond
Another high quality and budget-friendly option is the T1 Tact Watch’s latest release, the Midnight Diamond.
This watch has the look of a classic 1990’s sport watch, but has all the modern day capabilities of smart watches. It’s also super durable, with its Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating protecting the watch from scratches, falls and bumps.
Its battery life is also impressive; lasting up to 3 years without needing replaced. At a retail price of just $89.99, this watch is perfect for those looking to take the leap from a standard watch to a smart tactical watch. It’s available exclusively through the company e-store (visit: T1 Tact Smart Watch), until picked up by major retail stores.
4. Casio G-Shock
Casio’s G-Shock series is another popular military watches option for 2020. Their latest model, the GGB100-1B, retails for $380.00; making it a solid middle of the road option.
While this watch does not have all of the capabilities of the most advanced smart watch, its claim to fame is its extreme durability. Intended for those who work in ‘extreme’ environments with ‘rubble, dirt, and debris’, this option is both shock and mud resistant.
It is also water resistant up to an impressive 200 meters and has a Carbon Core Guard structure.
5. Breitling Colt Chronograph Automatic
On the extreme high-end side of the price spectrum is the Breitling Colt Chronograph Automatic.
This watch is made of steel and comes with ‘an officially chronometer-certified mechanical movement’. Like Casio’s latest G-shock, the Colt Chronograph Automatic’s case is water resistant up to 200 meters and can endure extreme conditions.
A downside to this watch is its price. The Breitling Colt Chronograph Automatic will set you back over $5,000 dollars; making it out of reach for many.
6. Timex Expedition
The Timex Expedition is a very basic outdoor watch. It is water resistant up to 50 meters, which is much less than the Casio G-Shock and the Breitling Colt.
One of the convenient things about this watch is that it can be charged with light exposure. That makes this watch perfect for adventurers who don’t want to bring a spare battery pack and charging cable with them.
According to the company website, Timex Expeditions typically sell for between $70.00 to $100.00. However, there are several available on the website at a sale price of $48.99.
7. Suunto Core
The Suunto Core watch in all black is another great option for the adventurer in 2020. It has a built in altimeter, barometer, and compass. Not only that, but it’s built for extremely tough conditions.
Its water resistance capabilities are less than impressive, though. Only able to withstand water up to 30 meters, the Suunto Core would not work for many professionals. Currently, it retails for $219.00. That puts it on the lower end of the price spectrum for military watches this year.
8. Rolex Submariner
Coming in as the most expensive option, the Rolex Submariner will set shoppers back $8,950 dollars.
Made of one of the most durable materials, Oystersteel, the watch can endure extreme conditions while staying in style. The watch also has a certified Swiss chronometer; ensuring its accuracy in even the most extreme temperatures and situations.
Although it is not a smart watch, it is definitely one of the most accurate and durable watches available.
9. Timex Harborside
The Timex Harborside is another great military-inspired watch option for 2020.
At only $85.00, the watch comes with a stainless-steel bracelet which will definitely age well. It is also water resistant up to 50 meters. This is better than the Suunto Core which only has a water resistance of 30 meters.
This watch’s simplicity is perfect for adventurers who don’t want to have to deal with the distractions of a smart watch.
10. Luminox Black Ops
Retailing at $445.00, the Luminox Black OPS is another top military watch of 2020.
According to the product specs, this watch as a ‘Carbon Compound case and unidirectional ratcheting bezel’. The watch’s latest versions also come with an upgraded sapphire crystal, enabling them to be more scratch resistant than previous versions.
The Luminox Black Ops is also water resistant up to an impressive 200 meters.
11. Garmin Fenix
Another one of the top military watches to consider in 2020 is Garmin’s Fenix 6. Retailing at $899.99, the watch has all of the features of advanced smart watches along with the durability of a tactical watch.
It has a GPS with preloaded maps, heart sensors, and advanced tracking apps. Additionally, according to the product’s specs, it has been ‘tested to U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance.’
Like many other smart watches, the battery can only last up to 14 days, however there are settings that can extend the battery life.
