Best Survival Watches for Men Reviewed

Written by Paul Morrison
| Last Updated on May 4, 2021

If you’re someone always looking for an adventure, then we’re sure you’re more likely to invest in good and reliable gear. And one such gear is a survival watch.

It’s always handy to have, whether you’re out for an adventure or a simple everyday watch. It’s reliable, functional, and comes with an impressive design!

Today, we’ll review some of the best survival watches in the market that you need to get your hands on. Are you ready? Because we sure are!

Best Overall

Casio g-shock rangeman

Casio G-Shock Rangeman

Best Value

Luminox Mens 3051 EVO

Luminox EVO Navy Seal

Best Budget

Timex mens Expidition Gallatin

Timex Expedition Gallatin

Here Are the Top 8 Best Survival Watches

  1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman
  2. Luminox EVO Navy Seal Watch
  3. Timex Expedition Gallatin
  4. Suunto Core Watch
  5. Casio Pathfinder Pro Trek
  6. Citizen Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Timekeeping Watch
  7. Garmin Fenix 6S Pro and Sapphire
  8. Suunto Traverse Alpha

1. Casio G-Shock Rangeman

Best Overall Survival Watch

Casio g-shock rangeman

Casio has been around for so long, making some of the best watches in the market. And their G-Shock Watches stand out for having some of the best features and functionality.

The Casio Rangeman is no exception to the quality and greatness of the brand.

The Casio G-Shock Rangeman stands as one of the best go-to military watches. Some might even consider it as a survival watch that’s sure to bring you home.

Right out of the box, we can already see and feel the power of the G-Shock Rangeman. It’s quite bulky, but that’s all because of the buttons and features inside this beautiful timepiece.

Despite its bulky size, you don’t have to worry about the weight of the Casio G-Shock Rangeman. It’s surprisingly lightweight and won’t tire your wrist even on a long adventure.

The G-Shock Rangeman sports a durable resin body and stainless steel details. Overall, it gives this G-Shock watch a beautiful sleek design.

But there’s more to love with the Rangeman survival watch, especially with all the features it comes with.

We love that this survival watch is solar-powered. You don’t have to worry about the battery dying on you in the middle of the wilderness!

Thanks to its solar rechargeable battery, you’re sure to have one of the best survival watches wherever you go.

The Rangeman also sports impressive tactical survival features like a thermometer, altimeter, barometer, and compass. These features combined make an awesome watch for a survival situation.

You can even take the Rangeman with you for any water adventure because it is water-resistant for up to 200 meters. You can tell the time even underwater. Sounds impressive!

Finally, the Rangeman also sports all the basic features you’d want for a watch. Like other G-Shock watches, the Rangeman still has the sunrise/sunset mode, stopwatch, LED backlight, split timer, and more.

Pros

  • Solar-powered triple-sensor survival watch
  • Quartz movement with an analog-digital display
  • Mineral crystal dial window
  • Tough and shock resistant tactical watch

Specifications

  • Model: GW9400-1CR
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Metal
  • Features: Thermometer, Altimeter, Barometer, and Compass; Sunrise/Sunset Date; Countdown Timer.
  • Temperature Resistance: -10 Celsius
  • Memory Capacity: 40 records
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

2. Luminox EVO Navy Seal Watch

Best Value for Money

Luminox Mens 3051 EVO

It’s no secret that a survival watch often looks big and bulky, which tends to intimidate a lot of people. All those buttons and crowded face can be overwhelming, especially for those new to survival watches.

Fortunately, the Luminox EVO Navy SHTF watch is as simple as it goes these days. It’s still a survival watch, but not as intimidating as others.

It has a nice and simple appearance, that looks great on any wrist.

The Luminox EVO Navy Seal is an analog watch that sports the basic features of a military watch. Navy Seal watches make great survival watches too, a lot of the time.

It sports a black body, polyurethane strap, and polyurethane case with a mineral dial window. Rest assured, the Luminox EVO can withstand any beating you throw in its direction. It’s that durable!

But what impresses us the most about this watch is how bright it is even at night. It was extremely easy for us to tell the time even under low light and nighttime conditions.

Safe to say, the Luminox EVO is a great survival watch that sports the basic features of a tactical watch. It has your usual date display and is water-resistant for up to 200 meters.

Pros

  • Japanese quartz movement watch
  • Scratch-resistant mineral crystal
  • Simple looking analog display survival gear
  • Luminous hands and markers

Specifications

  • Model: Luminox Evo Navy Seal Colormark Series 3051
  • Case Diameter: 44mm
  • Material: Polycarbonate case material and stainless steel black material; Silicone strap
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

3. Timex Expedition Gallatin

Best Budget Pick

Timex mens Expidition Gallatin

A Survival watch tends to get pretty expensive, and those trying to work with a budget are left with a limited choice. Luckily, the Timex Expedition Gallatin comes with great functions at an affordable price point.

We consider the Expedition Gallatin pretty basic but gets the job done as a survival watch. It sports a simple analog display, coupled with a durable canvas strap.

But don’t mistake its plain appearance for a sub-par performance. One of the impressive points of the Expedition Gallatin is the fact it is solar-powered.

You can charge it under direct sunlight, and even with other light sources! So whether you’re outdoors or indoors, the Expedition Gallatin is charging itself. It’s like having an immortal watch!

The Expedition Gallatin is best described as an outdoor watch. It’s designed specifically for the outdoors, thanks to its design and comfortable straps.

The canvas strap is comfortable on the wrist, and it won’t leave you with rashes even after a long hot day outdoors. It has a nice and rugged style that gives a nice appeal to the Expedition Gallatin.

Now, the watch itself is also meant for the outdoors. It’s made with a durable resin material to protect the insides of the Gallatin. Plus, thanks to its 50 meters water-resistance, you can even wear the watch for a swim!

Overall, we’re happy to put the Timex Expedition Gallatin on this list as one of the best SHTF watch for the price. It sports a simple design, comfortable on the wrist, and perfect for any activities!

Pros

  • Charges under the sun and any other light source
  • Durable and quality materials
  • A simple yet functional survival watch
  • Affordable and comes from a reliable watch brand

Specifications

  • Model: TW4B145009J
  • Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion
  • Case Diameter: 45mm
  • Material: Fabric or Leather Strap; Resin Case Material; Acrylic Lens
  • Power Reserve: 4 months
  • Water Resistance: 50 meters

4. Suunto Core Watch

Suunto Core All Black

Suunto has one of the best lines for military watches. It’s tough, durable, and made to last you a lifetime. The Suunto Core Watch lives up to the name of the brand and its other military watches.

The first thing you’ll notice from the Suunto Core watch is its black, modern, and sleek appearance.

You’d hardly think it’s a military watch! If any, you might mistake it for a smartwatch because of its appearance!

But once you’ve powered this survival watch on, you’ll know it’s not around to play games with you. It comes with a ton of impressive features that are meant for the outdoors.

To better understand this survival watch, let’s talk a little deeper about its features.

First, the time mode comes pretty handy for telling the time. It also sports a dual time function, for you to check the time even from a different time zone!

The time mode also gives you access to all other basic features you’d want, such as the alarm, countdown timer, and stopwatch.

The second impressive mode on this survival watch is the Altimeter/Barometer reader. If you want to get specific information about the outdoors, these two features come in pretty handy!

It measures and tells you the barometric pressure, altitude, and even depth! The watch even goes as far as storing the data, for you to come back to it later!

And finally, on to the third mode of this survival watch, the compass feature. The compass comes pretty handy when you want to find your way home.

All you’ll need to do is set your destination, and the Suunto Core directs you in the right direction! It’s that simple.

All these amazing features come in a tough and durable body, thanks to its scratch-resistant mineral crystal window and resin band. What more can you ask for?

Pros

  • Nice black finish for a modern and sleek design
  • Tough and durable material
  • Tracks and stores data
  • Durable digital display

Specifications

  • Model: SS014279010
  • Altitude Range: 1,600 to 29,500 feet
  • Barometer Range: 300 t0 1,100 millibar
  • Features: Time; Altimeter/Barometer; Sunrise/Sunset Reader; Dual Time; Weather Alarm; and Compass
  • Temperature Resistance: -5 to 140 Fahrenheit
  • Warranty: 2 years
  • Water Resistance: 100 feet

5. Casio Pathfinder Pro Trek

Casio Mens Pro Trek PRW3500

Another awesome watch from Casio is the Pro Trek. It’s one of the best survival watch out there, favored by a lot of special operations forces. It’s that awesome!

If you’re always out in the outdoors looking for an adventure, the Pro Trek survival watch comes highly recommended. You can find your way back even if you’re in an unknown and dangerous location.

You can even take it with you for a swim because it is water-resistant for up to 200 meters!

The Casio Pathfinder survival watch comes with a ton of impressive features. Its triple-sensor feature is one to beat, thanks to the accurate measurements it reads.

It sports your digital compass, thermometer, and altimeter/barometer. And all the things it measures are stored in internal memory. You can always go back to the data you’ve gathered!

This survival watch also uses Casio’s Multiband 6 radio transmission system.

You’re guaranteed accurate time-keeping each time. Couple this with other features like the sunrise/sunset data, world time, alarms, and more, you’ve got yourself a powerhouse.

And speaking of power, let’s not forget that this survival watch is solar-powered. You don’t have to worry about battery replacements anymore!

Pros

  • Reliable digital compass, perfect for navigating
  • Comes with a ton of survival features
  • Solar-powered survival watch for a long battery life
  • Beautiful and sleek digital display

Specifications

  • Model: PRW-3500-1CR
  • Case Diameter: 56mm
  • Features: Multi-Alarm; Stopwatch; World Time; Digital Compass; Count-Down Timer; Triple-Sensor
  • Low-Temperature Resistance: -10 Celsius
  • Material: Stainless Steel Bezel; Resin Case and Mineral Dial Window
  • Movement: Quartz Movement
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

6. Citizen Eco-Drive Navihawk Atomic Timekeeping Watch

Citizen Eco-Drive NaviHawk Atomic

Citizen makes some of the best timepieces today. Safe to say, every watch they roll out in the market sports impressive features and comes with a beautiful and sleek design.

Even in the world of survival timepieces, Citizen manages to capture the hearts of many people. With its Eco-Drive Navihawk survival watch, Citizen has itself a winner.

Citizen Eco-Drive is a watch that has a lot to say. And we say this because of the overwhelming watch face of the Navihawk.

It has a lot of things going on, which might put off some people. But, all this information on the display has an important function.

This atomic watch sports an analog display. You can easily tell the time with just a glance.

The watch is also radio-controlled, for accurate timekeeping! Plus, the feature allows you to keep track of the time even from a different country!

It is solar-powered, so you can bring this watch wherever you are. You don’t have to worry about changing the batteries anymore. Plus, it’s very eco-friendly.

We love the fact that we can charge the Navihawk anywhere. Whether we’re under the sun or indoors and under artificial light, the Navihawk is charging itself.

We’re pretty impressed with how tough the Navihawk looks and feels, which assures us that we can bring it anywhere even underwater!

This watch is water-resistant for up to 200 meters, allowing you to do a wide range of water activities. Whether you go for a swim, snorkel, or dive in the ocean, the Navihawk is your companion.

Overall, the Navihawk is a survival watch you’d want to have on your wrist if you’re trying to find a way back home. It sports both advanced and basic features you’d want for the best survival watch.

Pros

  • Rechargeable solar panel cell regardless of power source
  • Analog display and Japanese quartz movement
  • Long battery life
  • Unique watch face

Specifications

  • Model: JY8035-04E
  • Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion
  • Case Diameter: 48mm
  • Features: Atomic Timekeeping Technology; Power Reserve Indicator; Frequency Scale; Digital City Display; Universal Coordinated Time Display
  • Material: Anti-Reflective Mineral Crystal Window; Stainless Steel Case; Durable Rubber Wristband
  • Movement: Caliber U680
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

7. Garmin Fenix 6S Pro and Sapphire

Garmin fenix 6S Sapphire

If you’re looking for a multi-sport GPS watch, the Fenix 6S Pro is first on our list. It sports a nice and modern design, that’s sure to get heads turning.

This watch looks relatively small, with a case diameter measuring only 42mm. Its stainless steel case adds durability to the watch and can withstand anything you put against it.

It’s unlike all other survival watches out there that’s usually bulky and intimidating to look at.

Despite its small size, the Fenix sports a ton of impressive functions we are sure you’ll enjoy. It has GPS mapping features, music access, workout monitoring, pace monitoring, and more!

Plus, you can connect this GPS watch to your phone! You’ll have access to many more features in just your wrist!

We’re also impressed with the battery life of this GPS watch. You can extend the battery by tweaking the settings based on how you plan to use it.

One of the impressive functions of this GPS watch is the topographical maps already loaded in this single dive. You can easily navigate your way anywhere, perfect for a hiker!

For added convenience, you can even use the round-trip routing feature to get you back to your starting point. You don’t have to guess which direction you came from!

We’re also pretty impressed that this watch also has access to a ton of navigation satellite systems: GLONASS, Gallileo, GPS, and more.

Overall, if you’re looking for one of the best GPS survival watches out there, this Garmin watch is a great choice!

Pros

  • Rugged and sophisticated design
  • Ideal for navigating regardless of destination
  • Up to 9 days of battery life
  • Supports contactless payment

Specifications

  • Material: Stainless Steel Bezel
  • Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer
  • Features: PacePro Technology; Power Manager; Performance Metrics; Wireless Communication Connectivity

8. Suunto Traverse Alpha

Suunto Traverse

Another awesome GPS watch on this list is the Suunto Traverse.

It has access to the GLONASS satellite navigation system, so you’ll never get lost. You can even enjoy its waypoint and breadcrumb feature, to help you retrace your steps.

The Suunto Traverse Alpha also measures altitude and barometric pressure. You can access all the information on the data log, and look back to it anytime!

We enjoyed using the Suunto Traverse because of its health-monitoring features. This GPS watch can monitor your daily steps, activity profiles, and more!

Plus, the Traverse Alpha also has the necessary functions of a watch: countdown timer, stopwatch, daylight savings option, and more!

Rest assured, you can enjoy the Traverse Alpha for a pretty long time. Thanks to its stainless steel bezel and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, you’ve got yourself a tough and long-lasting watch.

Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 100 meters. Not bad for a smartwatch!

Pros

  • GPS and GLONASS navigation systems
  • Records and stores data
  • Accurately keeps time
  • Scratch and shock-resistant

Specifications

  • Model: SS021842000-P
  • Features: Digital Compass; Vibration Alarm; Activity Tracking; Mobile Notifications
  • Material: Stainless Steel Bezel; Nylon Textile Strap; Sapphire Crystal Glass
  • Water Resistance: 200 meters

Buyer’s Guide

Survival watches have a ton of practical uses. You might not appreciate it now, but once you’ve landed yourself in a tough situation, then you’ll realize its importance.

There’s a ton of survival watches out there, and going through them can prove to be a challenge. What should you choose?

Well, we’ve listed some of the important things you need to look for in finding the best survival watch.

A lot of survival watches comes from the best solar watches – if you want to learn more, you can read our suggestions on the solar brothers of the survival watches.

Analog or Digital

What display do you want for your watch? Do you prefer the classic analog display or an advanced digital display? Each has its pros and cons

Analog watches tend to be more accurate and reliable for some. Plus, it looks very traditional and classic at the same time. Digital watches on the other hand give off that sophisticated and functional look.

Display types are usually a matter of preference, especially in terms of understanding and telling the time faster.

Durability

As much as possible, you want to make sure you choose a durable watch. Survival watches tend to be very durable in themselves, given the nature of their functions.

We recommend choosing a watch that can withstand any weather conditions. Plus, you also want to make sure that it can withstand regardless of your activity.

Whether you’re going through high-impact activities or not, durability is always a priority.

You’d also want to pay close attention to the watch case and face of your watch. You want it to be made of a scratch-resistant and shatter-resistant mineral.

Most well-known brands make use of sapphire or mineral crystal, because of its great durability.

Health Monitoring

Many digital and smartwatches today come with a health monitoring feature. You can monitor your health closely!

Common health monitoring functions include heart rate monitor, fitness training, and more!

This function comes pretty handy for the health and fitness enthusiasts out there.

Navigation

One of the main reasons why we love survival watches is their navigation feature. It’s equipped with a built-in compass, that guides you from point A to B.

Having a navigation system can make your life a lot easier, especially if you’re walking on an unfamiliar trail. You don’t have to feel lost ever again!

Pressure and Water-Resistant

We recommend getting a watch that has high pressure and water resistance measurements.

If you’re traveling up high altitudes, you won’t have to worry about your watch failing you! It can withstand the pressure of where you’re in with no problem.

And like any other watch out there, you’d also want to pay close attention to its water resistance. Water-resistant watches can double as a dive watch.

You can bring it with you for a deep dive, snorkeling, and a simple swim. This comes in pretty handy if you’re out in the open waters for a getaway.

Conclusion

Today, we’ve listed some of the best watches in the market. We’re sure to list you only the best watches for your money!

What are you waiting for? It’s time to take the best survival watch with you for an adventure in the great outdoors!

Whether you’re off for a search and rescue operation or a simple stroll around the mountains, having the best survival watch always comes in handy.

We hope you enjoyed this review. Feel free to leave a comment below on which watch you ended up buying.

You can also share this article with your friends and family! Who knows, they might just be looking for the same thing as you.

Recommendation:

Casio G-Shock Rangeman

★★★★★

Casio g-shock rangeman

FAQ’s

What Are the Benefits of Using a Survival Watch?

A survival watch is always a good choice thanks to the different functionalities it comes with, compared to regular watches out there.

Besides telling the time, you can get yourself out of an emergency! That said, you’re always prepared for the great outdoors.

Plus, a survival watch tends to be more durable than your regular watch! The body is designed to withstand even the harshest weather conditions you’re faced with.

What Are the Different Types of Survival Watches?

Generally, a survival watch can either be technical or paracord.

Paracord watches double as a mini survival kit that’s just right on your wrist! It’s very convenient because not only does it tell the time, but it includes tools like a whistle, compass, and even a fire starter.

A paracord bracelet comes with great functionality and allows you to be on the go anytime. Thanks to a paracord watch, you’re prepared for anything!

Technical watches on the other hand are like mini survival computers. It sports important functions like compass, GOS, thermometers, altimeters, and more!

Today, there’s a ton of technical watches in the market for you to enjoy. It’s a handy tool that comes with a lot of uses.

About Paul Morrison

For years I’ve been buying and selling watches as a hobby, which led me to the decision of starting Watch for Tomorrow. I write a lot of the content, and I enjoy doing it. The most important aspect for me is the guidance of buying watches as well as avoiding bad ones. There are many bad watches out there, that are just too expensive. Hopefully, I can help you find your dream watch!