Best Men’s Rugged Watches: Toughest Watches

Best Men’s Rugged Watches

While selecting the best men’s rugged watches, there are a few factors you should have in mind. The best ones are durable and reliable, with great styles. They have a long-lasting life and a high level of resistivity.

Best Men’s Rugged Watches

Rugged watches are different yet a bit similar to the vast majority of sports watches, they have constructs to fit active or reckless lifestyles. Not only do they remain intact after intense activities, but their peak performance also does not drop. These watch models are favorites to passionate hikers, military professionals, construction workers, occasional adventurers, or just accident-prone people.

Having a rugged watch that comes with multiple features that becomes valuable during adventures and intensive outdoor activities is satisfying. Moreover, there are so many models of rugged watches on the market today, which makes selecting the best men’s rugged watches a bit daunting, especially if you don’t know the functions and features these models have to offer.

There are several reasons why you will want to get a rugged timepiece. However, to ease your search, we will narrow the list to help you determine the best men’s rugged watches for you.

G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400-1CR

Best Men’s Rugged Watches

By producing the G-Shock line timepiece, Casio stands out as one of the most popular manufacturers of watches you can consider as durable, reliable, and functional. GW-9400-1CR model is one the best G-Shock watches with outstanding ruggedness suitable for intensive outdoor use. It can contend with being one of the most resilient digital watches in today’s market.

Benefits / Drawbacks – G-shock Rangeman

Quality Build-up

The build-up of the GW-9400-1CR is consistent with the styles of other G-Shock models, but from an aesthetic point of view, the watch inspires pure masculinity. Viewing from the stainless steel case, the mineral crystal dial window, to the resin strap material, Casio constructed every part of this watch to be perfectly rugged for all kinds of tasks.

What’s more, it provides precision with the multi-band six atomic timekeeping feature to receive calibration radio signals via the triple sensor for accuracy. In our opinion, this is an awesome character.

Impressive Features

Asides from the utmost durability the watch offers, there are multiple functions from this remarkable piece. Some include the digital compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. Regarding the intuitive display, GW-9400-1CR shows the time, date, day of the week, and sunrise and sunset. The watch also comes with a countdown timer, 1/10 second stopwatch, calendar display, auto LED light, and five daily alarms. These alone immensely increase the usefulness of this sturdy watch and makes it attractive to men from diverse sectors of life.

Shock-resistant and Water-resistant

You must already know, when we discuss the sturdiness of a watch, we cannot ignore their ability to resist shock. Most men with an active lifestyle prefer to opt for watches equipped with shock resistance. Some watch enthusiasts referred to as the GW-9400-1CR as the unbreakable watch. This feature alone ultimately makes the G-Shock Rangeman one of the toughest watches out there.

The ruggedness of the watch extends beyond only the field use; it is also resistant to water, mud, and dirt. The water resistivity ranges up to 200 meters, so you don’t have to bother about the water damaging your new watch.

Long-lasting life

Better than most mechanical or automatic watches, G-shock Rangeman GW-9400-1CR is a solar-powered watch. This means that it runs on energy from direct exposure to sunlight. Even with this, it can stay without sunlight for up to seven months without discharging. If you want to shop for a rugged watch that can withstand almost anything, don’t think twice about this Casio model.

Suunto Core All Black Men’s Outdoor Watch – SS014279010

Best Men’s Rugged Watches

Suunto is a Finnish watchmaking company with a remarkable reputation for producing exceptional timepieces ranging from sports and dive watches to precision instruments. With the SS014279010, Suunto has taken rugged watches to the next level. This is one of the best navigator equipped timepiece you can get today. It has a built-in barometer, altimeter, compass, and weather functions. With all outdoor features coming with this stylish watch comes, you have everything needed to get prepared.

Benefits / Drawbacks – Suunto Core All Black Men’s Outdoor watch

Well Built

Suunto Core has a round all-black dial, which is a modern simplicity that makes the display easily seen. It weighs just 64 grams, with a composite case, mineral crystal face, aluminum bezel, and elastomer band that is sturdy enough for adventures and also stylish enough for everyday wear.

The watch has a mineral crystal as its glass material and composite case material to keep you on the go during your outdoor activities. To top it off, the watch is not only waterproof, but it also comes with features for freediving and can function for snorkeling. The stylish modern design does not compromise the functions of this watch as one of the best outdoor smartwatch models with its durability and features.

Excellent wearability

Not just for looks and durability, the Suunto core all black offers a unique wearing experience. To contribute to the comfortability of the watch, it has a durable elastomer strap. With the Suunto Core, you have all you need from a rugged military watch and, at the same time, a modern and exquisite look for casual settings. As part of the build-up, the watch weighs only 64 grams, which is pretty comfortable if you ask me. This is a stylish watch with features suitable for outdoor activities.

Special features

There are also other features like the altimeter, digital compass, and barometer. It can track weather trends and sunsets in up to 400 different locations to keep prepared and avoid nasty surprises. Suunto core has unique weather features that set the watch apart from the rest. It displays the sea level pressure in graph, temperature, sunrise and sunset times, weather trend indicator, and an alarm function. The temperature display ranges from -20°C to 60°C and -4°F to 140°F, and the watch records weather length to about seven days. To ease your access and options while navigating, it has a multilingual menu. You have the option of setting up one daily alarm with your watch.

Marathon Search and Rescue TSAR Military Divers

Best Men’s Rugged Watches

Built to meet with the US Government high standards, the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan wore the Marathon TSAR watch. For a watch model to have this kind of recognition, you can be sure of its capabilities. Unlike other rugged watches, the Marathon TSAR watch has designs suitable for search and rescue missions. The fact that this watch comes with the features you need for military operations is what makes it more special.

Benefits / Drawbacks ­– Marathon Search and Rescue TSAR Military Divers

High-quality construction

Marathon TSAR has a round stainless steel case of 41 millimeters diameters and thickness of 14 millimeters. Even if the length is unisex, it is more suited for men. You may be surprised, but the rubber bands are vanilla-scented. However, if you have anything against this, you have other available strap options.

There is also a unidirectional bezel function. It uses a reliable and trustworthy Swiss automatic movement. One of the most advanced technology in the Marathon TSAR is the self-illuminating tritium gas tubes that can last up to 25 years. This allows the watch to charge without needing any external light source. It performs excellently in water, and it’s also always visible regardless of the light conditions.

Durability at its peak

The base purpose for producing the Marathon TSAR diver is for military use, which is good enough reason to trust the strength of the watch. Thanks to the high-quality and durable construction, it is probably the toughest timepiece for the military and toughest analog ever made. The watch comes with a durable Italian-made vulcanized rubber strap for durability. From the appearance to all its functions, every aspect presents it as one of the best men’s rugged watches.

Water-resistant

It comes with some features that make the watch stand out from the rest. For instance, the water-resistance of the watch goes all the way to 300 meters in depth. While this is one feature that extreme divers and military men always take seriously. It makes the list of the best automatic dive watch under 1000.

There are not so many watches on the market with water-resistant ability as this timepiece. However, even if the waterproof capability of a watch is not what you need in your day-to-day life, it’s always an advantage to have. More so, to support their diving ability, they are self-illumination so you can read time underwater or in dark condition environments.

Final thoughts on the best men’s rugged watches

From our review, we gave three timepieces to consider – G-shock Rangeman GW-9400-1CR, Suunto core all black men’s outdoor watch, Marathon search, and rescue TSAR military diver. All these watches are clear winners from industry leaders.

In our opinion, these are not only reliable, but their construction also allows them to resist almost all types of outdoor use and intense activities. They may be a bit costly because it is difficult to get one of the best men’s rugged watches in the market that wouldn’t run into problems at a cheap rate. If you want a one at a more affordable price, check out the best military watches under 200.

Regardless, take into account your needs, preferences, and budget while you shop for your watch.

Best Watch for EMT: Rugged Timepieces for EMT Workers

Best Watch for EMT

A paramedic’s or EMT’s job is downright hectic and unpredictable. As an emergency care provider, you are constantly put in high-pressure situations which means you need all the help that you can get. In the field, one of the most important tools that you can have is a watch.

But not just any watch.

You’ll be constantly moving around, so you need a watch that can take the abuse. At some point, you’ll be measuring someone’s pulse, so you need an accurate timepiece. Essentially, you want a rugged, durable, and accurate watch.

To help you out, we have made a list of the best watch for EMT that can stand up to the specific challenges of the profession.

Best Watch for EMT

Key Features

Our Rating

Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 Tough SolarShock resistant construction, 20-bar water resistance, EL Backlight, Atomic timekeeping, Solar powered★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Garmin Tactix Charlie1.2” high-resolution, sunlight-readable display, Preloaded TOPO mapping, Black diamond-like carbon (DLC) coated titanium bezel, Built-in navigation sensors include GPS and GLONASS, Up to 12 days battery life★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Casio G-Shock Rescue ConceptShock-resistant, Chronograph with 12 and 24-hour formats, 50 mm resin case with mineral dial window, Red resin band with buckle closure, Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft)★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Citizen BM8180-03E Eco-DriveStainless steel, Japanese-quartz movement, Mineral crystal dial window, Luminosity, Textured crown, Water resistant to 330 feet (100 M)★ ★ ★ ★ ½
Speidel Original Scrub WatchDesigned for medical professionals, Easy to read white dial, Easy to clean 100% Silicone band, Available in a variety of scrub matching colors★ ★ ★ ★
Timex Expedition Scout 40Water Resistant, Adjustable green 20 millimeter nylon strap, Black dial with date window at 3 o’clock, Gray 40 millimeter brass case, Water resistant to 50 meter (165 feet)★ ★ ★ ★

Best Watch for EMT

1. Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 Tough Solar

Best Watch for EMT

The Casio G-Shock has always been my go-to for watches that can deliver in terms of durability, legibility, and functionality. The Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 Tough Solar is exactly that and more.

Won’t Let You Down in the Field

The Casio G-Shock GW6900-1 is about as basic as you can get as far as tough watches go. However, it does offer a number of other functionalities that make it a worthy pickup.

Obviously, the main draw of this watch is its toughness. It features a shock-resistant construction which makes it highly resilient against vibration and impact. Just by feeling the watch alone, you can see that it can withstand the rough nature of an EMT’s job.

On top of the excellent durability and toughness, the watch also features 20-bar water resistance. From the shower to emergency water rescues, your watch will not give in just because it came in contact with water.

The GW6900-1 is also solar-powered which means that as long as you are wearing it, replacing the battery is a non-issue. The watch can still work even after 5-23 months of not receiving any light.

Best of all, the GW6900-1 is an affordable timepiece that’s currently on-sale for less than $100.

2. Garmin Tactix Charlie

Best Watch for EMT

The Garmin Tactix Charlie is somewhat of a premium pick. It’s not the most affordable in this best watch for EMT list but it’s an easy recommendation for those who are looking for a watch with a ton of features.

One Tool Watch to Rule Them All

The Garmin Tactix Charlie is described as a premium GPS watch – you can expect no less than Garmin.

Is it tough enough to handle an EMT’s job?

Well, the case of the Tactix Charlie is reinforced polymer with a titanium back plate. Plus, the bezel is DLC coated titanium while the watch is protected by sapphire crystal. As you can see, the Tactix Charlie is not playing around as far as durability goes.

After all, it’s a watch that’s designed for tactical purposes.

The main selling point of the watch is the navigation features. The watch comes with GPS/GLONASS along with pre-loaded topo maps. Many Garmin GPS staple features are here such as the ability to set project waypoints. You can also easily save your location in a hurry. The navigation features should come in handy if you are responding to a rural or unfamiliar location.

And one thing, it’s also an excellent activity tracker and fitness tool.

The Garmin Tactix Charlie is by no means a cheap watch but it offers a mind-blowing number of features that many EMTs should appreciate.

3. Casio G-Shock Rescue Concept

Best Watch for EMT

If you want the best watch for EMT with a thematic twist, the Casio G-Shock Rescue Concept is worth looking into. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more than just a watch with eye-popping red color.

Thematic Twist to a Tough Watch

One look at the Casio G-Shock Rescue Concept and your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful red color. When mine arrived, I was so pleased that it looks even better in person. This is a colorful alternative for EMTs who are tired of the same old black watches.

Since this is a G-Shock model, there’s no surprise (or rather a shock) here when it comes to inherent toughness. Casio’s construction is always on-point. The watch feels appropriately weighty and it just provides a solid feel overall. You just know that it’s a watch that won’t fail you in the field.

The G-Shock Rescue Concept comes with a decent list of features such as moon/tide graphs, auto EL backlight, low temp LCD, flash alert, world time, and daily alarm. It’s no Tactix Charlie or the Suunto Traverse Alpha but it’s hard to go wrong with the price.

In conclusion, the Casio G-Shock Rescue Concept is an excellent rugged watch with a color scheme that fits the EMT theme.

4. Citizen BM8180-03E Eco-Drive

Best Watch for EMT

Citizen’s Eco-Drive collection has always impressed me. They’re some of the most robust and well-respected watches in the industry. The Citizen BM8180-03E Eco-Drive is no exception.

Quality EMT Watch for a Great Price

The Citizen BM8180-03E Eco-Drive is one of the best-selling watches on Amazon, and it’s not surprising at all.

The BM8180-03E is a military-inspired watch and a stylish one at that. While it’s indeed a rugged military watch, it features a nice and clean design. The army green color scheme of the strap contrasts rather well with the stainless steel case and black dial.

Speaking of the dial, I love the BM8180-03E’s black dial. It’s just so clean and immediately readable. The red second hand adds an interesting contrast against the black dial face. Plus, you can easily use the seconds from timing a patient’s pulse and the like. When things get dark, the hands and numerals are lumed and it’s is pretty good.

Being an Eco-Drive model, the BM8180-03E is solar powered and it’s one of the better solar-powered watches available. It can be charged both in sunlight and artificial light sources like lamps. In case you run out of solar power, the watch also comes with a reserve battery which is a nice bonus.

All in all, this is a great-looking watch with sufficient ruggedness and functionality to offer for a great price.

5. Speidel Original Scrub Watch

Best Watch for EMT

The Speidel Original Scrub Watch is a watch specifically designed for doctors, nurses, surgeons, and of course EMT workers. This watch is simple, durable, and easy to read – sometimes, that’s all you ever need from a watch.

A Medical Professional’s Watch

I’ll be frank: the Speidel Original Scrub Watch is simply a basic analog watch. Don’t expect it to sync with your smartphone or count your steps. The idea here is to keep the basic timekeeping needs of medical professionals.

With that said, the dial features large Arabic numbers and a bright red second hand, emphasizing “at a glance” readability. True enough, the Speidel Scrub Watch boasts excellent readability regardless of the lighting conditions. The bright red second hand comes in handy when counting a patients pulse or breathing.

The watch is available in many different colored wristbands which you can match with your scrub uniforms, hence the name. The silicone band takes a bit of getting used to. However, it does provide a good bit of comfort and doesn’t make my wrist itch which is a plus. The silicone band is very easy to clean as well.

Overall, the Speidel Scrub Watch gets the job done and does it well. It’s a basic watch every step of the way and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. Luckily, the watch is available for a good price.

6. Timex Expedition Scout 40

Best Watch for EMT

Timex is a brand known for its budget-friendly and durable watches. The Expedition collection is more of a field watch and it’s perfect for an EMT’s everyday wear. The Timex Expedition Scout 40 is one the best entries in that particular collection.

Affordable and Durable Choice for EMTs

Like the Citizen Eco-Drive model earlier, the Timex Expedition Scout 40 is easy to read with clear white Arabic numbers on a black dial. The numerals and hands just pop out and you can easily tell the time at first glance. The numerals are bold and large which is always a plus for readability.

The Expedition Scout 40 also features the Indiglo illumination technology which I am a big fan of. When it comes to timekeeping in the dark, you won’t have a problem with this watch. The Japanese Quartz movement is always reliable and offers enough practicality for the timekeeping needs of emergency responders.

The Timex Expedition Scout 40 is a watch that EMT workers can buy with confidence. Plus, it’s hard to go wrong with the sub-$50 price tag.

Found Your Next EMT Watch Yet?

This wraps up our roundup of the best watch for EMT professionals. Hopefully, we have helped you find a watch that can serve you well while on the field.

Should you wish to get a specific review of the best watches for firefighter EMT, click here.