The 7 Best Survival Watches

Being prepared for anything is not just a good idea – it’s essential. That’s where a survival watch comes into play. It serves as more than just a timepiece – it’s also a tool for adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who values preparedness. These rugged timepieces are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, from extreme temperatures to challenging terrains, ensuring that you’re equipped with essential features when venturing into the unknown.

Survival watches boast a range of functionalities, including built-in compasses, altimeters, barometers, and even GPS tracking systems, providing crucial information for navigation and survival in remote locations. Our editors have curated a selection of the best survival watches for when you’re trekking through the wilderness, embarking on a mountaineering expedition, or simply exploring the great outdoors.

Suunto Core

Considered essential equipment for backcountry endeavors, the Suunto Core multifunction watch provides the data you need to take on some of nature’s greatest challenges. Combining an altimeter, barometer, and compass with weather information, this watch is an essential tool for your adventures. Weighing in at a mere 2.26 oz, the Core boasts a tough elastomer band.

$199

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Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar Watch

This rugged hybrid GPS smartwatch provides a classic analog experience with advanced smart functionality and a high-resolution digital screen. Train your way — indoors or out — with built-in sports apps, including everything from strength training to running to mountain biking. With 24/7 health monitoring, you can keep up with energy levels, stress, sleep, and more.

$450

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Casio G-SHOCK Mudmaster

Radio-controlled and solar-powered, this watch is also equipped with a triple sensor that keeps you updated with direction, altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature readings. Double LED lights and sapphire crystal ensure high readability so you always see the time and other readings, no matter what the conditions are like.

$800

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Citizen Garrison Watch

This Citizen military-inspired timepiece features a black ion-plated 43mm stainless steel case, dark green Cordura® strap, and black dial. Added features include analog day/date and 12/24-hour time. The watch features Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology – powered by light. Water resistant to 100 meters, it boasts an impact and shatter-resistant mineral crystal.

$325

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MTM Watch BLACK AIR STRYK II

Boasting a 45mm black solid titanium case and carbon dial, this military-inspired watch can be used as a compass, time/date display, provide time for different time zones, an alarm, and more. It also features luminous indices and hands, making it easy to read in the dark. Built for everyday tactical use, it offers 330 feet of water resistance, putting it on another level altogether.

$1,585

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Garmin Instinct Crossover Solar Watch

Combines a classic analog experience with smart functionality on an easy-to-read high-resolution digital display. This watch is ruggedly built to MIL-STD-810 for thermal and shock resistance and with a water rating of 100 meters. Understand your body better with all-day monitoring features that track your heart rate, sleep score, respiration, and more. It offers built-in sports apps for everything from strength training to running to mountain biking.

$455

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Casio Pro Trek PRW3500-1 multifunction watch

The watch combines an altimeter, barometer, and compass with solar power and precise atomic time. The efficient, large-capacity solar battery requires very little light to recharge and lasts up to 5 months without recharging. One-touch access to a digital compass, barometric pressure/altitude, and temperature readings keeps important information right at your fingertips.

$330

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