The best survival watches aren’t just timekeepers; they’re versatile watches equipped for extreme conditions. Crafted with precision, these timepieces, like the renowned Casio G-Shock series, offer both durability and essential features, making them indispensable for survival scenarios.

A survival watch allows you to fire up the GPS to find your spot with a few clicks. Its digital compass can also point you back toward the familiar trail.

It may also track your health while its barometer warns you of a coming storm. Having a survival watch is like having your mini survival expert on your wrist.

Not sure where to find one? Worry no more, we’ve done the work for you.

We have compiled the 25 best survival watches on the market. Whatever your adventure, we’ve got the perfect companion for your wrist.

In This Guide:

• Top 3 Picks
  
  
  
• What Is A Survival Watch?
  

• What To Look For When Buying A Survival Watch
  
  
  
• List Of 25 Best Survival Watches
  

• FAQs

Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Survival Watches You Need Today

The Suunto Core, Garmin Instinct, and Luminox stand tall in today’s survival watch market. These models have consistently garnered acclaim, not only for their robustness but also for their multifunctional capabilities.

What Is A Survival Watch?

A survival watch is a multifunctional portable timepiece designed to aid in survival situations. Apart from timekeeping, these wristwatches offer functionalities like GPS, weather alerts, and more. Brands like Luminox have set benchmarks, ensuring their timepieces assist survivalists in demanding environments.

These allow you to navigate using GPS and often come with a compass. They also enable you to add different time zones, measure barometric pressure, monitor temperatures and atmospheric pressures, and even have emergency signal capabilities.

They are typically designed to be rugged and durable, able to withstand harsh environments and extreme weather conditions.

For example, a mountaineer trapped in a snowstorm could use the altimeter and compass on their survival watch to navigate their way to safety.

A soldier in a remote location could use the GPS function to pinpoint their location or the emergency signal feature to call for help.

Survival watches are essential tools for adventurers, military personnel, survivalists, and anyone venturing into the wilderness.

What To Look For When Buying A Survival Watch

When navigating the world of survival watches, the ABC (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) criteria are paramount. This trifecta, often embedded in high-end models, provides users with essential data for wilderness exploration.

Knowing what to look for in a survival watch can be the difference between a beneficial investment and a costly mistake.

Factors like durability, water resistance, and additional features play a critical role. Here are the other key aspects to look for when purchasing one:

Durability

From robust materials like titanium to shatterproof glass, durability ensures your watch withstands the rigors of outdoor life. The sturdiness of Sapphire Crystal lenses often dictates a watch’s endurance against knocks and falls. This crystal’s resilience ensures longevity, even when exposed to rough terrains.

Choose a watch that can withstand harsh conditions, including shocks, impacts, and extreme temperatures. Look for watches with sturdy construction, high-quality materials, and a rugged design.

Water Resistance

Your watch should be water-resistant to a certain depth, allowing you to use it in wet conditions or while swimming without damage. Such watches offer peace of mind when diving, swimming, or encountering wet conditions.

The level of water resistance can vary, so choose one that suits your specific needs. Whether you’re crossing rivers or caught in a downpour, a water-resistant watch can be a lifesaver.

Essential Features

Modern survival watches, similar to the Traser and 5.11 Pathfinder series, integrate a range of tools beyond mere timekeeping. From temperature readings to tide graphs, these features can be lifesavers in survival situations. Essential features can vary based on your specific needs but should include basics like a compass, altimeter, and barometer.

These built-in instruments offer crucial data, from direction to atmospheric conditions, making them indispensable for survival situations.

GPS Functionality

The integration of GPS (Global Positioning System) in a watch, like Garmin models, aids in precise location tracking. This function is indispensable for explorers, ensuring they’re never truly lost. GPS functionality offers the advantage of real-time location tracking. They can guide you through unfamiliar territories and back to safety.

Although not all watches have GPS, those that do offer significant benefits for navigation and location tracking. GPS-enabled watches can help you find your way in unfamiliar terrain or call for assistance in emergencies.

Battery Life

Battery life can be the deciding factor in survival situations. Dependable battery life ensures that the watch’s critical functions remain operational when they’re needed most. Opting for a watch that has a long battery life is ideal as you may not have access to charging facilities in the wilderness.

Some watches have solar charging capabilities or energy-efficient systems, ensuring they won’t run out of power when you need them most.

Legibility

Legibility is important when you’re in stressful or low-light conditions. A watch’s ability to remain readable in diverse conditions can be the difference between safety and peril. Features like backlighting and large numerical displays contribute to a watch’s readability.

The watch display should be easy to read in various lighting conditions, including low light and bright sunlight. Look for watches with a clear display, luminous markers, or backlighting features such as Indiglo or Super-LumiNova.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit matter when you’re wearing your watch for extended periods, even during physically demanding activities. Adjustable straps and lightweight materials can make all the difference in long-term wear. Consider the watch’s size, weight, and strap materials when making your decision.

Price and Value

Price and value are not always synonymous when it comes to survival watches. A higher price tag may offer more features and durability, but ensure it aligns with your specific needs.

Survival watches come in various price points, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Determine your budget and assess the features and quality offered by different watches to find one that offers the best value for your money.

For those on a tight budget, there are great survival watches, such as models from Casio and Timex, that offer a balanced mix of cost-effectiveness and key functionalities like compass navigation, weather forecasting, and durability.

Despite lacking some high-end features, these affordable watches are well-equipped for outdoor adventures with their essential survival functions.

The 25 Best Survival Watches

This watch isn’t just a timepiece, it’s a performance machine. The Bear Grylls Survival watch is designed to help you conquer any conditions, just like Bear Grylls himself. 

This watch has all the features you need for outdoor use, which are all housed in a 45mm military-grade stainless steel case.

And let’s not forget the bold orange and black design that makes a statement wherever you go.

The SUUNTO Core Alpha Watch is a military-grade timepiece that offers the essential outdoor features you need, packed into a rugged yet comfortable US Army-compliant textile strap.

Despite being lighter than anticipated, it doesn’t feel cheap. Instead, the weight makes it an ideal companion for active pursuits, allowing it to sit higher on your arm without impeding wrist movement.

It’s a watch that adapts to your lifestyle, not the other way around.

The GGB100 Mudmaster isn’t just about rugged aesthetics and durability. It’s smart too.

With Bluetooth connectivity linking your watch to the special G-Shock app, setting up your timepiece is a breeze.

The app not only helps with configuration, but it also records altitude data, route information, and step counts — essential tools for any adventurer.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the intricate features of some watches, don’t fret. The G-Shock app makes learning and managing these features easy and intuitive.

With this watch on your wrist and the app at your fingertips, you’ll feel like the master of your time.

The Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar Watch is constructed to military standards.

It has a carbon-core guard structure case that shields the inner workings of the watch from shock-induced damage, so it’s a reliable companion for thrill-seekers.

It also features Stealth Mode, which enhances privacy and security by disabling GPS tracking and wireless connectivity — an invaluable feature in scenarios where location confidentiality is critical or when battery conservation is necessary.

Also, the solar charging feature offers up to 70 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in GPS mode.

Moreover, this watch doesn’t stop at survival. It caters to your everyday lifestyle and fitness goals as well.

Are you an angler or a hunter? This watch has you covered.

Its unique fishing and hunting features, such as a moon phase calendar, shot detection, sunrise alert, and weather trend, provide invaluable tools for your outdoor activities.

And when night falls, and visibility is low, the red backlight comes to the rescue, ensuring that you can still use your watch effectively.

Now, let’s be real. The watch does have its shortcomings. The dim display may require you to use the backlight more often, and the user interface may take some time to get used to.

But isn’t that a small price to pay for a device that can potentially save your life in the wilderness?

This watch isn’t just a timepiece. It’s a companion designed to match the pace of your active lifestyle.

This watch features the Expedition Solar technology, which is charged by any light source and boasts an impressive two-month power reserve. 

Of course, the watch isn’t perfect. It might not feel as sturdy as some would like, and the lack of a background light could be a minor setback.

But isn’t it worth the trade-off? A watch that charges itself, stays powered for months, withstands water, and is easy to read — all for a very affordable price.

For those who prefer a non-flashy, functional timepiece, this Casio survival watch is a good choice.

Its robust construction makes it suitable for an active lifestyle, and you won’t have to be constantly mindful of it. It also has a lightweight design despite its size.

The main attraction for many is its long battery life — estimated to last around 10 years.

This sets it apart from smartwatches that require regular charging. It’s a watch that you can put on, and forget about, and it’ll still do its job.

The Pathfinder PAG240-1 is a well-received altimeter watch that boasts a variety of appealing features.

What sets it apart is its user-friendly design, with clear labels on the buttons, and an impressive backlight that outshines competitors. It also offers great value for its price.

Plus, it’s entirely solar-powered and promises a long operation period. With normal use, the rechargeable battery can last approximately seven months without light exposure post-charge.

If stored in total darkness with the power save function on after a full charge, the battery can last an impressive 25 months. This resilience makes the Pathfinder PAG240-1 a reliable companion for your outdoor adventures.

The Timex Tide Temp Compass watch is a versatile and durable timepiece that combines functionality with aesthetics, all at a reasonable price.

One of the best features of this watch is the absence of traditional chronographs. Instead, it’s equipped with various tools designed for outdoor enthusiasts, including a tide tracker, a thermometer, and an analog compass.

In addition to these functionalities, the watch has a blue dial with green accents, a date window at 6 o’clock, and compass markings.

Plus, the adjustable blue 16mm silicone strap with green accents fits up to an 8-inch wrist circumference and features quick-release spring bars for convenience.

The Suunto 9 Peak is the thinnest, smallest, and toughest watch Suunto has ever made designed for peak experiences.

With 25 hours of battery life in its best GPS mode, 80 sports modes, and an impressive water resistance of up to 100m, it was built for the wild and the extreme.

What’s more, it connects seamlessly to your favorite sports apps, offering detailed training analysis and guidance.

It even controls your music right from your wrist. Best of all, its lightning-fast battery can go from 0% to 100% in an hour, so you’re never left hanging.

The COROS VERTIX 2 comes equipped with Landscape, Topo, and Hybrid global offline mapping, enabling you to navigate even the most challenging terrains with confidence.

With a whopping 140 hours of full GPS tracking and 60 days of normal use, it’s built to endure.

Constructed with premium materials like a sapphire glass screen with a Diamond-Like-Coating and a new Titanium Bezel, it’s scratch-resistant and built to last. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need an internet connection to download routes to the watch from your smartphone.

Still, its robust build quality and unbeatable battery life make it a worthy contender, especially if you’re looking for a reliable tool for your adventurous pursuits.

This tactical smart gear combines the sophistication of an analog watch with the capabilities of a smartwatch. It features traditional watch hands that transform into an all-terrain compass when needed.

Pair this with a sleek bracelet with the 100-meter water-resistant titanium watch case, and you’ve got a rugged smartwatch that doesn’t compromise on style.

The Status ensures you never miss anything important by delivering all possible notifications straight to your wrist.

It works with Android or iOS. Plus, it’s fully customizable, allowing you to configure the watch to reflect your personality.

With this watch, you’d have up to 73 hours of GPS mode under direct sunlight, thanks to its solar charging feature.

Plus, its benefits extend beyond just navigation. This watch can also be your ultimate fitness companion with its 30+ sports apps.

What’s more, this watch doesn’t just give you numbers — it helps you understand them. The heart effort indicator helps you manage your effort levels, especially during hot summer runs. 

And yes, it does have a touchscreen, making it all the more convenient to use. But it also has trusted button controls in any environment, so you always have quick, convenient access to your selections.

Crafted in Switzerland, the AlpinerX is designed to be your all-weather, all-terrain companion. Its cutting-edge technology is compatible with both iOS and Android and pairs effortlessly with the Alpina App.

But here’s where it gets better — this watch doesn’t need daily charging, weekly charging, or even monthly charging. Its battery life extends beyond two years, so you never have to worry about losing power when needed.

However, it’s a bit bulky, and you might need to remove it for an accurate temperature reading.

But let’s face it: when you’re out there, facing the elements, these minor inconveniences fade away against the benefits. And for the price? It’s a steal.

The Marathon’s Clip Compass is not a watch, but we thought it was worth mentioning because it’s a compass you can clip or attach to your watch.

But it’s not just a compass! It’s a survival tool designed for any outdoor setting. Its compact and lightweight design doesn’t hinder your movements, and its hands-free operation ensures you can continue your activities unhindered.

It glows brightly for many hours, clearly legible for the first hour or so in the dark. However, over extended periods in the dark, the bright bezel ring may wash out the markings on the face, making them harder to read.

Despite this, its luminous material and impressive visibility make it a reliable tool in any situation.

This smartwatch’s design and functionality are meant for those who thrive in the great outdoors. Its impressive battery life of up to 21 days ensures you’re not tethered to a power outlet.

Instead, you’re free to explore with your adventure’s data tracked and stored on your wrist.

The Tactix Delta is built to provide accurate GPS, even rivaling handheld GPS devices. It’s built to give you a clear topo map, a reliable compass, and an accurate altimeter.

It’s also built to track your body functions like heart rate, O2 saturation, and calories burned.

Moreover, this smartwatch is adaptable. You can customize the widgets to reflect what you want to track or record, giving you a personalized progress dashboard.

Forget about the anxiety of your watch running out of power just when you need it the most.

The solar charging capabilities of the Garmin Instinct Tactical watch extend its battery life far beyond traditional charging, providing you with reliable service in even the most remote locations.

This is a sturdy mil-spec watch that can also work as your personal fitness and health tracker. It can also provide information with a quick glance at your wrist, so there’s no need to dig out your phone. 

Plus, it’s more than just a piece of tech; it’s a lifestyle.

From waking you up before dawn with its effective vibration and sound alarm to helping you track your sleep throughout the week, this watch can become your personal assistant.

The PRW-6600 is a triple-sensor powerhouse featuring an altimeter, barometer, and digital compass with bearing memory, making it your reliable navigator in the wild.

Equipped with a tough solar charging system, it harnesses the sun’s power to ensure you’re never left stranded.

The watch’s exceptional accuracy is ensured by its quartz movement, offering precision that few mechanical movements can match.

If you’re within range of the Atomic Timekeeping signal, your watch will stay in sync with the official time, making it your reliable partner in every situation.

The Recon Point Man watch is a leader’s best friend, designed with precision and simplicity.

With a tachymeter scale to measure your walking speeds, and a turning bezel marked with degrees, this watch acts as an efficient compass, helping you determine your position even under the brightest sun.

However, remember that the compass may be less accurate when kept too close to the watch’s metal body. But detach it from the strap, and it provides reliable readings.

The Citizen Promaster Altichron isn’t your average timepiece. It’s an investment in reliability, performance, and style.

Crafted with Eco-Drive light power technology, this watch isn’t bound by ordinary limitations.

Citizen’s has a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable watches. And this Promaster Altichron is an extremely sharp watch that delivers exceptional performance, even during round-the-clock wear.

This watch is as sturdy as a tank, ready to endure the toughest conditions without breaking a sweat.

And the best part? It never tires your wrist, allowing for comfortable wear all day long.

The Garmin Instinct doesn’t just tell the time. It’s also equipped with a 3-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and multiple global navigation satellite systems that keep you on track even when GPS alone falls short.

It also monitors your health and has additional features such as smart notifications and automatic data uploads to the Garmin Connect online fitness community.

You’ll appreciate the Garmin Instinct’s always-on screen, which offers clear visibility under any lighting conditions.

And with customizable notification settings, you can set the watch to alert you with a tone, vibration, or both, ensuring you never miss important updates.

For over 25 years, Luminox has collaborated with elite maritime commandos to craft a watch robust and practical enough to be the top choice for the world’s best warriors. The Luminox Navy SEAL watch is the timepiece that made Luminox famous. 

The crystal, though susceptible to scratches and potential cracks, has withstood the harshest of conditions — from motorcycle crashes to laborious mechanical and landscaping work.

Unless you’re wrestling a bear, this watch will stand up to the challenges of your lifestyle.

The Luminox Navy SEAL watch’s tritium vials emit an intensely bright, almost purplish-blue glow.

It may take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to the traditional green glow, but the brightness it provides is unbeatable.

Made from titanium and scratch-resistant ceramic shroud, this watch is durable, light, and more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel. It’s one of the top choices for water sports or diving.

Its size is perfect, wearable yet substantial, making a statement without compromising comfort.

At the heart of the Darth Tuna is the 7c46, a high-torque quartz movement designed to withstand shock, ensuring you never lose track of time when you’re miles from the surface.

Add to this a battery life that’s nothing short of extraordinary — five years — and you have a watch that won’t let you down.

The first thing that strikes you about the Grid Shock is its size — large and wide, making it easy to read even in less than ideal conditions.

Despite its size, it feels right at home even on smaller wrists, with a wide, soft band that promises secure comfort.

Setting this watch is a breeze, thanks to Timex’s “Easy-Set” functionality. You won’t need to fumble with a manual; clear labels guide you through the process effortlessly.

It’s comfortable to wear and features a 100-hour chronograph, a 24-hour countdown timer, and three vibrating and audible alarms. This watch is more than just a timekeeper — it’s a survival tool.

When you’re looking for a watch that blends elements of the classic pilot and rugged field aesthetics, look no further than the Seiko SNK809.

Its design exudes a military vibe, with dial markings reminiscent of traditional pilot watches.

The SNK809 is straightforward and unpretentious. It doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is — an accessible and affordable mechanical watch.

As an entry point into the world of mechanical timepieces, it offers exceptional value. It provides everything you need in a reliable, everyday watch without breaking the bank.

FAQs About The Best Survival Watches For Outdoor Adventures 

Is a watch useful for survival?

Yes, a watch is useful for survival in several ways. A watch does more than just tell time.

It often includes features such as a compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer that can help you navigate and make decisions in survival situations.

Some also have GPS functionality, which can be crucial for finding your way in unfamiliar terrain or sending your location to rescue teams in emergency situations.

Additionally, a watch can be used to measure time in various survival techniques, such as estimating distance or tracking your pace.

What watch do Navy SEALS have?

Navy SEALS often uses robust and reliable watches that can withstand harsh conditions.



The specific model can vary depending on personal preference and mission requirements.

However, popular choices include the Casio G-Shock and Luminox Navy SEAL watches due to their durability, water resistance, and range of useful features.

The Casio G-Shock watches are known for their shock resistance and comprehensive functionality while the Luminox Navy SEAL watches are designed with readability in mind.

It also features a unique illumination system that makes them easy to read in low light conditions, which is critical for military operations.

What watch can last a lifetime?

When it comes to a tactical watch that can last a lifetime, the Casio G-Shock Series is often the first that comes to mind.

Known for their rugged durability, G-Shock watches were engineered with the explicit purpose of resisting all sorts of mechanical shock and vibration. 

Another lifetime contender is the Luminox Navy SEAL Watch Series. These watches are built to withstand the challenging conditions faced by Navy SEALs in the field.

Luminox uses a Carbonox casing in some models, a carbon compound material that offers long-lasting durability without adding weight. 

Key Takeaways Of The Best Survival Watches

Packed with information that might just save your life in dire situations, survival watches are not a luxury, but a necessity.

They are your steadfast ally, designed for durability and functionality, and equipped with bonus survival features tailored to your journey’s demands.

Choosing the right survival watch is a personal decision. It should align with your needs, preferences, and the environments you’ll encounter.

But when faced with a life-or-death situation, having the right watch on your wrist can make all the difference.