Watches are one of the essentials that you need to have on your wrist all the time, but if you are in a surviving situation, your ordinary wristwatch might not be sufficient.

When things get rough, you’ll wish you had a survival watch.

We have prepared a list of some of the best watches that you can find in the market. The list was compiled based on the durability of the products along with considerations of functionality and style.

So let’s get right to it!

In a Rush? Here are Our Top Picks

Our Criteria

Our list of the best survival watches follows a strict criterion that ensures you buy a watch that is worth the money. Furthermore, it would also provide you with some insights as to notice various factors when buying a product. Therefore, it’s important to remember these factors and always look out for them even if you are not buying a watch that is on our list.

Here are a few things that your survival watch needs to have:

• Quality of sensors

One of the most important things, when you are outdoors, is the sensors. Yes, you heard it right; your survival watch may contain various sensors like a thermometer to measure the temperature and an altimeter to measure the altitude above a fixed level.

Although an altimeter might not be a scientific instrument that is in the watch to provide accurate readings, it still is a gauge that is supposed to give you the most precise estimate of the current altitude. However, regardless of that, you can expect your altimeter to deliver very accurate readings in clear and stable weather with proper calibration during the day. The readings are supposed to vary when the weather conditions are fairly unstable. All of this would be possible if your watch contains an altimeter that is high-quality because it would ensure that you are properly analyzing your surroundings in all instances.

A thermometer is a fairly common tool that we all know how works. It is to measure the temperature of your surroundings and it’s fair that your watch contains an accurate one. Since the main purpose of a trip that involves plenty of outdoor activity is about connecting to nature and a temperature only emphasizes the idea.  So, when you are in a survival situation, having a watch with a precise thermometer would let you know all about the temperature conditions and ensuring that you are well-aware of the surroundings.

• Durability

This is one factor that sets the regular wristwatch apart from a survival watch. Durability or resilience would ensure that your watch can withstand the high and tough demands of the outdoors. Since, there are many situations that you may come across including various temperature conditions, a lot of dust and sand, etc. it needs to sustain all of it.

Additionally, these tools are used as a survival mechanism that also provides various other information apart from just telling the time including the weather, temperature, compass, elevation, and altitude, all these features would be functional for a long time if the overall durability of the watch is good enough. If you break your watch during a hike, how is that supposed to help you in the long run? So, whenever you are buying a survival watch, it’s essential to look for one that contains high-quality durable material. The straps are strong enough and the watch overall is water-proof and the watch has a solid construction and is shock-resistant.

• GPS Capabilities

One of my favorite features of a survival watch is its GPS capabilities. Having a built-in GPS function is one of the best features that you can find in a watch. Plus, it’s interesting because one of the most sought-after features of any outdoor trip is being able to find the direction manually using a compass. An analog watch that contains a GPS would let you roam around a lot more freely without the fear of getting lost. Additionally, some watches would also provide you with pinpoint locations and you can use them to find your way back to the civilization in case you are lost.

• Battery life

The final two features are also some of the most noticeable ones. Battery life would allow you to continue your trip without the fear of your survival watch dying. Furthermore, since if you are using the watch as a survival tool, you would lose much more than a time showing the mechanism. So always look for the battery life.

• Water resistance

Water Resistance is one feature that shouldn’t surprise you on the list. It’s so important that your watch is water-proof to ensure that it can sustain the demands outdoors. It is because you never know you might encounter rainfall during the trip since nature is unpredictable and if your watch isn’t water-proof good luck using the compass, barometer, altimeter on it.

Top Survival Watches

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar GPS –Top pick

• Solar-powered watch
• 1.3-inch display Made with durable stainless steel, titanium, or DLC coated Bezel
• Track surfing sessions
• Activity profile allowing you to track all actions
• Barometer, Altimeter, GPS features
• Durable straps

Why is the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar our top-pick?

The Garmin Fenix 6 pro-solar is our top pick simply because it is a complete survival tool. It provides countless features that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. The first thing is that it is a solar-powered watch which means that it uses sunlight to extend the battery life. Overall, it has a very appealing appearance with a 1.3 inches display and a titanium stainless steel or DLC coated bezel.

In terms of its features, the watch is second to none. Apart from providing a highly precise GPS, Barometer, Altimeter it offers a lot more features. You can use various profiles based on the type of activity i.e. running, bike, etc. The Backcountry ski mode allows you to remain informed while you are in the snow, The MTD dynamics trackers let you track the detail of each ride with mountain biking metrics, it also contains surf-ready features, animated workouts, wrist-based heart rates, body energy meter, hydration tracker and performance metrics.

Overall the watch is high-quality and excellent making it the top pick on our list.

Things we like:-

• Watch quality
• Features
• Precise Sensors
• Numerous activity profiles
• Solar-powered ensuring a long battery life

Things we don’t like:-

• Some buyers might find it expensive

How does this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- Yes
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- Yes
• Water-resistant:- Yes
• Long Battery life:- Yes

SUUNTO Traverse Alpha

• Water repellent straps
• Suunto’s automatic shot detection technology
• GPS tracker
• Provides location for best hunting times
• Battery type:- Rechargeable lithium-ion

What is it that sets the SUUNTO Traverse Alpha apart from its competitors?

The SUUNTO Traverse Alpha is an excellent watch that provides both functionality and resilience. The watch contains a stainless steel bezel along with a nylon strap that is water-resistant and scratch-proof sapphire crystal glass.

One of its most noticeable features is the auto shot detection technology which keeps a track of shots and maps out the GPS coordinates for viewing later. The GPS tracker of the watch is high-quality and lets you find the right path through the breadcrumb trail. It also has a calendar that is location-based moon phase which tells you the best fishing and hunting times with an operating temperature of 20° C to +60° C / 5° F to +140° F

The battery type is the rechargeable lithium-ion that lasts over 14 days which is excellent.

Why isn’t the SUUNTO Traverse Alpha our Top pick?

Although the survival watch is an excellent quality durable choice that provides functionality, comfort, and durability it still lacks behind in terms of features. The other choice on the list provides a lot of customization choices and lets you choose from a variety of profiles while also providing a higher number of sensors.

Things we like:-

• Excellent GPS function
• Comfortable
• Durable construction
• Water-resistant
• Ideal for outdoors

Things we don’t like:-

• The customer services aren’t very supportive

How did this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- Yes
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- Yes
• Water-resistant:- Yes
• Long Battery life:- Yes

Timex Intelligent Tide Temp Compass

• Resilient construction
• Compass with an analog display
• Tide tracker
• Digital thermometer
• INIGLO night-light

Timex Intelligent Tide Temp Compass provides multiple functions which include a temperature sensor, electronic compass, tide tracker which you can easily and efficiently use. It has an adjustable 16 mm leather strap that would fit your wrist. It also is a water-resistant watch that you can wear during a swim however it isn’t advisable to use it for diving.

The survival watch also contains a compass with an analog display and a tide tracker which are two sought-after features for any camper or hiker. Furthermore, it contains a digital thermometer that is capable of measuring ambient air temperature or a place underwater for water temperature. The INDIGLO night-light would allow you to see during the dark.

What we like:-

• Durability
• Straps quality
• Comfort
• High-quality sensors

What we don’t like:-

• The watch contains analog readings which might not be the most attractive option for some users

How did this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- Yes
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- Yes
• Water-resistant:- Yes

SUUNTO Core Outdoor Sports Watch

• Contains various features like storm alarm, altimeter, barometer, and compass
• Predicts sunrise and sunset time
• Versatile and durable watch
• Scandinavian design

If you are looking for a modern watch design then the SUUNTO core is a choice that you should consider. It is a versatile and durable watch that you can expect to use for years to come as it contains an excellent and high-quality construction. Contains functions that are suitable for outdoor adventures for easier and better access.

Moreover, it includes various functions apart from the time that you can benefit from including a barometer, altimeter, and a compass, every function contains a dedicated display that you can easily access from the menu. Its compass mode is a straightforward one that provides accurate directions so you are never lost. Furthermore, apart from the digital compass, you can also pin a specific destination and your compass will show the directional arrows thus guiding you during the journey.

What we like:-

• Beautiful modern design
• Features
• Accurate compass
• A high comfort level

What we don’t like:-

• The strap quality could’ve been made better

How did this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- Yes
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- Yes
• Water-resistant:- Yes

Casio G-Shock Rangeman

• Solar-powered
• Quartz movement
• Protective mineral crystal dial
• Digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer
• Water-Resistant

Casio G-Shock Rangeman can be your stereotypical survival watch providing your functionality, durability, and versatility. It is available in different colors like army green, black, letting you choose the product that as per your likings.

Overall, the watch is a tough and reliable option making it an excellent choice as a survival watch. The overall build qualities along with its useful features make it a fit for you when out on a hiking or camping trip. Although the watch might seem heavy it’s lightweight and you would feel comfortable while wearing it. It has a resin body with certain stainless steel details which are both appealing and durable.

From the Functionality point of view, It is solar powered which means you won’t have to worry about replacing the batteries. Furthermore, it contains various features like a compass, thermometer, altimeter, and barometer which are essential for outdoor activities.

Things we like:-

• Durability and comfort
• Accurate sensors
• Attractive military design
• Solar-powered operation

Things we don’t like:-

• No particular feature that isn’t liked

How did this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- Yes
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- Yes
• Water-resistant:- Yes
• Long Battery life:- Yes

Timex Command Digital

• Adjustable and durable strap
• Shock resistant
• Water-resistant
• Bold display

If you are an old-school lover and would like to have a survival watch that gives a glimpse of it then this is the right choice. It has a rectangular watch face which is contrary to the traditional circular one. The digital display of the watch shows the actual time, date, and day.

Timex Command Digital is made of stainless steel case and a silicone strap with a closure buckle. Its dial although it doesn’t feature many modern features, it does contain an indigo light-up technology with a stopwatch and countdown timer. It is also shock-resistant and 100M water-resistant. The watch also contains a hydration alert which you can adjust to remind you that you need to drink water.

Things we like:-

• Old-school design
• Durable
• Shock resistant
• Waterproof

Things we don’t like:-

• It’s not the best choice for people that demand state-of-the-art features

How does this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- No
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- No
• Water-resistant:- Yes
• Long Battery life:- Yes

Garmin Fenix 6S Sapphire

• Sophisticated design
• Provides wrist heart and pulse rate
• Advanced training features
• Preloaded TOPO maps and GPS Features

Garmin Fenix 6S Sapphire is a multisport watch with GPS features. Although it has a smaller design, it will still provide you with numerous smart features. It might even surprise you that it can provide different features such as music access, mapping features, pace monitoring, and workout.

It has a very sophisticated design and contains stainless steel or DLC-coated bezel ensuring tough and durable construction. The battery life is 9 days in smartwatch mode and can go up to 6 hours in GPS and music mode while in the GPS activity mode you can use it for 20 days. The Battery saver mode further enhances it to 34 days.

The watch also contains GPS features and it has topographic maps which you can use during your adventures. The Round-trip Routing feature is one of the most desired ones as it brings you back to where you started. For more precise navigation, the watch can use the navigation satellite system such as Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS.

What we like:-

• Excellent quality construction
• Latest features
• Comfortable and lightweight
• Highly precise GPS

What we don’t like:-

• Pricey

How did this product compare with our criteria?

• High sensors quality:- Yes
• Durability:- Yes
• GPS capabilities:- Yes
• Long Battery life:- No but could be increased by limiting features

Conclusion

Choosing the best survival watch is a matter of priorities. While one user might seek a watch that contains the latest features the other might be looking for something old school. Thus, our list contains plenty of options according to everyone’s choices. 

However, although these are excellent products you should still be careful and look for any extra details once you have selected a product. It will ensure that you buy a survival watch that is worth the value.