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Tested: The 8 Best Outdoor Watches For Exploration

Best Analog Outdoor Watches 0 Hero
All Photograph: HICONSUMPTION
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Anytime you’re going to be spending a significant amount of time outdoors, you need to make sure you’ve got the right gear. Comfortable shoes that will hold up in any terrain, plenty of water, sunscreen, a good knife, and clothes to protect you from the elements are all no-brainers, but you should also strap on a solid outdoor watch. The best outdoor watches can be highly useful tools when you’re out of doors, which is why we’ve put together a guide to help you find one that suits you best.

Best Outdoor Watches

How We Tested

Best Analog Outdoor Watches Tested
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

Outdoor watches come in many different styles and at many different price points, and ultimately, you’re going to have to choose the type that works best based on how you think you’ll be using it. If you know you’re going to be backpacking through unknown territory, then you may want to opt for a GPS watch. If you’re just taking a casual fishing trip, then a traditional water-resistant automatic watch will be perfect.

For our purposes, we looked at each individual analog category of outdoor watch, from divers to pilot’s watches to chronographs. We headed to our favorite brands and some of the more respected names in the industry, looking at durability, aesthetic, dial and bezel design, strap material, and any extra features that may be on board. In terms of digital outdoor watches, G-SHOCK led by a mile with few other brands even considered for this category.

From there, we sourced our units for testing and got hands-on with each model by spending considerable time taking it for a spin. We got to see how each watch felt and looked on our wrists while also using their respective functions. The results are all detailed below.

Analog Watches Only: While there are plenty of smartwatches that serve as tools for the wilderness with high-tech features, this guide is solely focused on non-smartwatch models. With one exception (the G-SHOCK), every model on this list will be an analog watch, typically with useful tools for the outdoors.

Timex Expedition North Tide-Temp-Compass Watch

Timex Expedition North Tide Temp Compass F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Works as a compass, thermometer, or tide tracker
  • Old-school diver feel
  • Great price
  • Easy to use once you get the hang of it
Cons
  • 100m dive rating only when buttons aren’t pressed underwater
  • Doesn’t come with instructions and can take some time to figure out
  • Some may not love the friction bezel

Best Compass Watch: While you can use most watch bezels as a makeshift compass, the Timex Expedition North Tide-Temp-Compass Watch has built-in features that help you with active navigation. A modernized take on a beloved outdoor classic designed specifically for adventuring in coastal and marine settings, the watch offers 100m of water resistance, an onboard tide tracker system, an adjustable declination angle, built-in digital air and water temperature thermometers, and, of course, an analog compass. Powered by a quartz movement, this accurate timepiece is housed in a gunmetal-colored 43mm 316L stainless steel case with a brushed and bead-blasted finish.

Timex Expedition North Tide Temp Compass F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

Not every outdoor-friendly timepiece is a tool watch in the traditional sense of the term, but the Timex Expedition North won’t ever be accused of not having enough tools, which you’ll be able to use after a bit of independent research (more on that below). However, I was impressed with how the thermometer, compass, and tide timer weren’t confusing to use after I got acquainted with them.

Style-wise, this Timex has a sort of throwback style to ’70s-era divers with its thick steel bezel and overall aesthetic. Even though it’s not the lightest wristwatch, it has a ton of presence and will enhance whatever you’re wearing that day. The friction bezel isn’t my favorite choice but it’s much smoother than other friction bezels I’ve tried out. I loved the proprietary INDIGLO backlight, which has been used for decades now and gives a uniform glow across the dial. However, my favorite aspect of the timepiece might be its amazing price, at just over $200 from some retailers. This is just an incredibly cool quartz-powered timepiece.

Timex Expedition North Tide Temp Compass F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

Many people might not love the friction bezel, which eschews clicks in favor of a free-sliding operation, but it serves a better purpose for a compass function. Speaking of the watch’s extra features, I had to do some extra research (via YouTube tutorials) to figure out how to use them since the watch didn’t come with explicit instructions. This only took about 15 minutes because these features are, admittedly, straightforward. Each of the functions is set and/or triggered with either the crown or one of the three assigned pushers. These pushers, by the way, are a pain to activate. It’s also important to note that it could be problematic if you go months without using this watch and struggle to remember exactly how it works without onboard instructions.

One thing the instruction manual does say, however, is that this watch is not a diver and no buttons should be pressed underwater, so keep that in mind. Another thing to point out is the built-in thermometer is less accurate if you’re actually wearing it. So in order to test the temperature of the air or water accurately, you’ll probably need to take the watch off. Even though this watch is extremely rugged, I should also note how heavy this watch is, which might detract the wearers who are looking for something lighter.

Timex Expedition North Tide Temp Compass F 8 24 4

Verdict: An impressive analog watch with tactile pseudo-smart features, the rugged Timex Expedition North Tide-Temp-Compass has built-in sensors that make adventuring more fun and more hands-on, literally. The learning curve is a bit steep since the model didn’t come with instructions but once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to stop using it on the trail.

Case Size: 43mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100m

G-SHOCK Rangeman GW9400-1

GSHOCK GW9400 F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Pretty basic functionality
  • Time is always accurate
  • Able to function as compass, altimeter, and barometer
  • Probably the most durable on this list
  • Solar powered
Cons
  • Not heavy but large size may cause it to fall back on wrist

Best Digital Watch: If you head out into the wilderness with any G-SHOCK, you’ll have made a good decision for your outdoor partner. But if you really want the best G-SHOCK has to offer in terms of rugged survivability, then you’ve got to go with the iconic Rangeman. This unassuming and affordable G-SHOCK boasts a shock-resistant triple sensor with an Altimeter, Barometer/Thermometer, and Digital Compass. It’s low-temperature-resistant, mud-resistant, and water-resistant to 200m. And thanks to Multi-Band Atomic Timekeeping, it will always know the precise time no matter where you are.

GSHOCK GW9400 F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

Known for making some of the most indestructible watches on the planet, G-SHOCK has put a bunch of cool adventure features on this Rangeman watch without overloading it. And best of all, the operation is pretty straightforward despite having five operation buttons (plus a sixth for illuminating the dial). The middle button on the right handles all the ABC features (altimeter, barometer, and compass), while the top and bottom on the right side handle the stopwatch. On the left, you have just the top and bottom buttons which largely handle the time.

As opposed to other G-SHOCKs, which require you to leave your watch against a window overnight to sync up accurately with the atomic clock, this one does so by holding down the bottom left button, which I loved. Some of the more advanced features, such as when finding the bearing objective and change in altitude, take a bit to get the hang of, but I appreciated that you can easily get tons of use out of this watch without needing to tap into these features.

I’m a sucker for G-SHOCK’s overall aesthetic, and this Rangeman 9400 does a good job of pairing the modern look and tech of today’s G-SHOCKs with its retro history, especially the offerings in the late-’90s/early-’00s. Unlike some of the brand’s dial LEDs, the way the lume operates on the Rangeman is quite effective, actually illuminating the entire display evenly.

GSHOCK GW9400 F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

For a 53mm timepiece, the Rangeman 9400 isn’t a heavy watch, per se, but it does have issues with staying put, constantly falling towards the back of my wrist. My other main complaint (and it’s a small one) is that the “home” time display button doesn’t have single-press activation. Instead, you have to hold down the bottom left button for a few seconds in order to see the time, which took me a few minutes to figure out the first time around. It also needlessly delays your ability to check the time.

GSHOCK GW9400 F 8 24 4

Verdict: Incredibly capable, and for just around $300, the G-SHOCK Rangeman GW9400 gives you tons of features and the ability to use it on both beginner and advanced levels. We also loved how the watch blends old-school and new-school seamlessly with its visual design. While it may be too heavy for some, the 53mm watch is still relatively lightweight, even if it may move about your wrist at times. Nonetheless, we recommend this watch to adventurers who want to enhance their outdoor experience with useful information.

Case Size: 53mm
Movement: Solar Atomic Quartz
Water Resistance: 200m

Citizen Aqualand JP2007-17W

Citizen Promaster Aqualand F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Really cool aesthetic with the fully-lumed dial
  • Large case still wears very well on wrist
  • Dive-specific features are operated on a digital display
  • Tons of wrist presence
Cons
  • Lume isn’t as bright as we hoped for
  • Doesn’t use Eco-Drive solar movement like other Promasters

Best Dive Watch: Fully-lumed dials and hybrid timepieces are each having a bit of a moment right now. And who better to give us both of these on a single watch than Citizen, a brand that’s never shied away from fun, interesting, and left-of-center designs? Paired with some digital dive-specific functions, this retro-inspired Promaster Aqualand is incredibly cool. ISO-compliant with 200m of water resistance, this quartz timepiece also features maximum depth memory, rapid ascent alarm, and auto-start dive mode readouts on the digital screen up top. There’s also a unidirectional 60-minute bezel that’s ever-so-satisfying to click.

Citizen Promaster Aqualand F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

Admittedly, I’ve never worn a watch with a fully-lumed dial before and wasn’t sure what to expect (although I was excited to strap this on). As expected, the full lume on the dial was pretty darn cool, adding a unique style to my wrist, and I got a few compliments throughout the day, even if it didn’t glow how I wanted it to at night. The watch wears very well also, with a comfortable polyurethane strap that has two threading loops –– one of which is set far enough from the buckle that it doesn’t become a difficulty. Oftentimes these fixed strap loops are kept too close. On the other hand, the second loop was a bit difficult to move up and down while wearing the watch.

I wasn’t sure exactly how the wider case would fit on my wrist, with the nub that houses the alarm sticking out on the left side, but it never became an issue, likely because it doesn’t really add anything in the way of the lug-to-lug length. Although, I wouldn’t plan on doing any push-ups. As a right-handed watch wearer, I appreciated the fact that two of the pushers were on the left side of the case because it made them easier to operate for me.

Citizen Promaster Aqualand F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

As much as the lumed dial provided a cool aesthetic in the daylight, the nighttime glow never got as bright as I wanted it to get. Even so, it had to get pitch black in order for it to really shine at all. Perhaps my biggest complaint is that the hour markers don’t really pop as much as I would have liked them to during daytime hours. While they glow a different color at night, there’s not enough color contrast between the markers and the rest of the dial when it’s bright out. Many fully-lumed dials operate better with numerals instead because of how they create a sort of negative space when reading the time.

As for the dive-specific functions, they take a while to get the hang of but once I got comfortable with the pusher layout, it seemed rather intuitive. It’s also important to note that, unlike other Promaster watches, this Aqualand variant is not powered by Citizen’s legendary Eco-Drive solar movement.

Citizen Promaster Aqualand F 8 24 4

Verdict: While it doesn’t utilize the famous Eco-Drive solar movements of other Promaster watches, Citizen’s quartz-driven Aqualand is a retro-inspired analog-digital hybrid watch with a fully lumed dial that will get you plenty of compliments. Much more comfortable than its 50.7mm case size suggests, this timepiece wears very well with its polyurethane strap and lighter weight despite the steel construction. Checking a very specific list of features, this is simply the best version of this type of watch that you’ll find.

Case Size: 50.7mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200m

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm

Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Vintage look
  • Tons of clarity with the dial design
  • 24-hour dial
  • High-quality NATO strap
  • Lightweight and really comfortable on the wrist
Cons
  • Zoomed-out reflections in crystal are distracting
  • More function than form

Best Field Watch: Sometimes, the old-fashioned ways are best, and it doesn’t get much more old-fashioned than wearing one of Hamilton’s Khaki Field Watches. Considered the prototypical example of the field watch category, Hamilton’s flagship models were worn by American G.I.s during World War II and the Pennsylvania-based watchmaker even shut down regular production to exclusively make the GG-W-113 for the U.S. Army. The modern-day version is still tough enough for the trenches. A bead-blasted stainless steel case, 24-hour dial, and manual-wind movement with 80 hours of power reserve provide the basics you need to get the job done. No more, no less.

Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

I’ve always loved the simple look of the Hamilton Khaki Field Watch. It’s not aiming to win any style awards but it can pair with any outfit with ease. On the other hand, it’s insanely comfortable and lightweight on the wrist. I tested the 38mm version but there’s a 42mm version as well for those who have larger preferences. I love the clarity of the dial design with the stark contrast between the black dial and white markings, the straightforward, evenly-spaced numerals, and a sword-style minute hand that seems to extend from each minute marker it crosses. And then you have the smooth sweeping of the second hand to let you know instantly if this thing is ticking or not.

The stock NATO strap is comfortable enough but its style is notable. I loved the brown leather flairs, such as on the loops and the perforations –– the latter of which serves an actual purpose of durability as well. Likewise, the metal buckle here feels premium. On the other hand, if you don’t like the strap, NATOs are quite easy to swap out for third-party options affordably.

Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

Many watches have non-reflective crystals and even the ones that don’t can get by without much issue most of the time. The sapphire crystal on the Khaki Field, however, has a strange sort of reflection happening. While I can clearly see the watch face from most angles, the head-on view creates a strange result. Distractingly so, my entire face shows up in the crystal’s reflection, which only creates a hurdle when glancing at the time quickly.

I will also say that you won’t be getting as much wrist presence with the Khaki Field compared to other outdoor watches, but that seems to be the case with most field watches. They’re certainly more function than form. However, you should also note the 50m of water resistance, which should be fine for most adventures but is still worth mentioning.

Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm F 8 24 4

Verdict: It might have more function than form but the Hamilton Khaki Field Watch is an undeniable legend for a reason. Once you get past the zoomed-out reflection on the sapphire crystal, you’ll notice how well the watch has been designed for legibility, from the color contrast to the hand and marker layout. Also, the 38mm field watch is as lightweight and comfortable as it gets, with a premium-feeling NATO strap to boot.

Case Size: 38mm
Movement: Manual-Wind
Water Resistance: 50m

Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB210

Seiko Alpinist F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • One of the best-looking picks on this list
  • Has an inner rotating compass
  • Versatile style
  • Comfortable on the wrist
Cons
  • Might not be robust enough for some people

Best Automatic: The roots of Seiko’s Alpinist line go back to 1961 when the watchmaker made durable and dependable watches for Japanese mountain climbers. The modern-day version of the Alpinist is the best that Seiko has ever made, and it’s still plenty capable of accompanying you on your next mountaineering expedition. An evolution of the beloved previous-gen SARB017, the Prospex Alpinist features the improved 6R35 automatic movement and better case finishing but maintains the sapphire crystal, 200m water resistance, inner-rotating compass, and classic good looks of its predecessor.

Seiko Alpinist F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

The first thing you’ll notice about the Alpinist is just how handsome it is. You might be hesitant to wear this on the trail but trust us, it will stand up quite well and you’ll have the best-looking wrist in the wilderness. The green dial seems to change color in different like and visually pairs perfectly with the PVD gold-finished bezel and dial accents (there’s also a version with a natural steel bezel which might appeal to some). Gold is also used for the numerals, hands, and dial text. The color scheme also perfectly complements the brown strap with light brown threads for accenting. The rotating compass chapter ring is a really cool feature, even if I didn’t find myself needing to use it much. However, it’s always fun to show off to your hiking buddies (perhaps followed by eye rolls).

Aside from the striking wrist presence, the Alpinist is just really comfortable. This is in part thanks to the favorable 39.5mm diameter, 46.4mm lug-to-lug, and 13.2mm thickness. Likewise, the strap provides a great deal of comfort to the overall experience too. It benefits from the classy, durable leather and the adjustability of a metal clasp. Most leather straps disagree with me because of how finicky they are when adjusting; there are no half sizes. However, with this clasp, you have a virtually stepless adjustment system.

Seiko Alpinist F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

There’s not really anything to complain about when it comes to the Seiko Alpinist. Perhaps some wearers would prefer something a bit more outwardly robust and even larger for when they take on the outdoor elements but this watch is one of the best trail companions you’ll find, and without weighing you down.

Seiko Alpinist F 8 24 4

Verdict: An agreeably sized timepiece for those who might want something closer to an everyday watch, the Seiko Alpinist has an unmistakably handsome design that looks fantastic off the trail and an inner rotating compass ring that adds function to the form. Also, its leather strap has a metal adjustment clasp that we preferred over the typical buckle closure. This is a fan favorite for a reason.

Case Size: 39.5mm
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 200m

Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon

Victorinox INOX Carbon F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Carbon case was used by NASA for space shuttles
  • Lightweight considering 43mm size
  • Comes with paracord strap for survival
  • Useful tucked strap design
  • Unique colorway
  • Solid dial clarity
Cons
  • No functional bezel
  • Hefty paracord strap takes some getting used to
  • Crown unscrews too easily
  • Pricey for a quartz watch

Best Carbon Fiber: As the survivor of 130 extreme endurance homologation tests, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. was already one of the toughest watches on the planet. But the Carbon version takes things to a whole other level. With a highly scratch-resistant case that’s made from the same carbon composite NASA used to protect the space shuttle during re-entries, a potentially useful paracord strap, and military-inspired styling and visibility, this is the most brutal and robust rendition of the I.N.O.X. ever.

Victorinox INOX Carbon F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

Blending traits of both field watches and divers, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. is a solid tool watch pick that doesn’t necessarily pigeonhole itself into one specific category. It is, however, tailormade for the outdoors with its survival-focused paracord, robust and lightweight 43mm carbon composite case, and 200m of water resistance.

Both the minute and second hand are quite long, reaching the notches on the outer dial easily, even though they’re inherently small and harder to read otherwise. I really loved the light blue-green accents against the black, which felt like a unique pairing, especially for an adventure watch.

The unique “tuck” style of the paracord strap takes some getting used to but I quickly found it preferable, and actually more logical, to the standard loop design. It’s much quicker and more efficient; there’s no need to struggle with the oft-finicky loops. Also, undoing the watch was easy as can be once you untuck the strap end.

Victorinox INOX Carbon F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

The paracord-style band takes some getting used to with its added bulk and rigidity over a standard NATO strap. Luckily, the carbon composite watch is lightweight enough to counter the added heft. The watch also came with an additional rubber strap, which was a bit more comfortable, although I liked the tucked feature on the nylon strap.

A major issue I had was with the crown. Despite being protected on either side, it’s a bit too easy to unscrew, which could compromise water resistance and accuracy if you don’t realize it’s been undone. As much as this watch has in common with dive watches, it could also use some sort of rotating bezel.

As it stands, the bezel has no real function outside of adding weight to the watch. However, the watch comes with a compass “bumper” that gives you the ability to use the hands as a compass. I’ll also hold that $900 feels like a lot for this specific quartz watch, regardless of its style and capabilities.

Victorinox INOX Carbon F 8 24 4

Verdict: Part field watch, part diver, the Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon is a cool-looking timepiece with a robust, lightweight carbon composite case. Despite the lack of a functional bezel, the watch does have some nice features like the clear dial contrast, a paracord strap, and 200m of water resistance. $900 might be steep for this quartz watch but it will certainly find its fans thanks to its unique traits.

Case Size: 43mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200m

Marathon 41mm Steel Navigator w/ Date

Marathon Steel Navigator 41mm with Date F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Developed in partnership with Kelly Air Force Base
  • Cool asymmetrical design
  • Wears very well despite 41mm case
  • Meticulous dial configuration yields high legibility
Cons
  • Small dial markings
  • NATO strap could be leveled up
  • Tritium lume not as bright as coating

Best Pilot’s Watch: There is arguably no modern watch company more associated with the world’s militaries than Marathon, with their Steel Navigator actually made and developed in partnership with Kelly Air Force Base in Texas and worn by American servicemen, specifically pilots and parachutists. This re-engineered version of the original from 1987 is a modern take with a large 41mm profile. Now featuring a date window for the first time, the aviation timepiece is intended for ultimate accuracy and visibility, with an ETA F06.412 HeavyDrive-PreciDrive Quartz movement and long-lasting tritium lume on the markers and hands. It’s also been tested at altitudes up to 35,000ft. You wouldn’t think a pilot’s watch would make a very good outdoors watch but this Marathon piece is your best bet.

Marathon Steel Navigator 41mm with Date F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

Let me be clear: Yes, the Steel Navigator is a 41mm watch, but no, its dial is not that of a normal 41mm watch. In fact, its numerals appear even smaller than on most 38mm timepieces. While many will take issue with this design, I was actually a fan. And I also realized the method to the madness. In order to fit both the numerals and the long hour marker lines behind them, the numerals had to be smaller. While it’s not as common as having triangular notches or nothing at all, the fact that both of these elements are present brings a more definitive reading to the dial when telling the time, like a true pilot’s watch. And it works well in conjunction with the handset design.

Taking a page of notes from the Hamilton Khaki Field Watch, the Steel Navigator has these lance-style hands with points at the end. Except here, the minute hand extends even farther towards the markers, as does the hour tip, making legibility quick and easy. To eliminate obfuscation even further, the second hand is tipped in a red color and stretches nearly all the way to the outer dial edge. Also, despite the fact that this is 41mm across, the asymmetrical case actually wears much smaller thanks to its 48mm lug-to-lug and mere 11mm thickness.

The Not So Good

It goes without saying that there will be some wearers who aren’t fans of the smaller watch face, so keep that in mind when shopping. My biggest, gripe, however, is the power of the tritium lume. Yes, these gas tubes will glow for much longer than an average applied lume coat but they are also not always as powerful, as is the case here.

While the NATO strap was a bit long, it was able to curl back over with enough slack to thread through the top loop again. However, the strap itself feels a bit chintzy for an $800+ watch. Compared to the Hamilton strap above, this one seems like a third-party option, many of which are even sturdier than this one. However, you won’t often get matte, cement-like gray hardware like you do here, which I actually loved.

Marathon Steel Navigator 41mm with Date F 8 24 4

Verdict: Whether or not you love, like, or dislike the small face design of the Marathon 41mm Steel Navigator, there’s a method to the watch’s madness. Big on legibility, the timepiece benefits from meticulous dial configuration. We weren’t huge fans of the cheap-feeling NATO strap but this watch still wears really well thanks to its favorable case dimensions and low weight. If you’re looking for a comfortable pilot’s watch that’s easy to read at a glance, you can’t do much better than this.

Case Size: 41mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100m

Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Watch 45mm

Luminox Bear Grylls Watch F 8 24 1
Photo: HICONSUMPTION
Pros
  • Incredibly durable
  • 300m of water resistance
  • Luminox Light Technology lighting system offers 25 years of constant glow
  • Satisfying bezel clicking
  • Has a dual compass and center-seconds chrono function
Cons
  • Very heavy on wrist
  • Pricey for quartz

Best Chronograph: If you’re going to take one person’s advice on what to wear in the wilderness to help you survive, it should be Bear Grylls. So when the famed adventurer teamed up with one of the toughest Swiss watchmakers in Luminox, it was clear that the fruits of their labor would be a watch that was ready for anything. And that’s exactly what this chronograph is, with Grylls-approved features like a strong but lightweight CARBONOX case (a forged carbon fiber composite), 300m water resistance, a physical compass, and Luminox’s always-on illumination that lasts up to 25 years. Powered by a Swiss-made Ronda 5030.D quartz movement with a 50-month battery life, the watch also comes paired with a rugged rubber 24mm strap complete with an analog compass and 316L stainless steel hardware.

Luminox Bear Grylls Watch F 8 24 2
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Good

More tactical than your average tool or compass watch, the Luminox Bear Grylls model ups the ante with its triple-register chronograph function, which isn’t too common amongst other watches in its category. To help you see the precise seconds in larger detail, the chronograph seconds are kept track by the center seconds hand rather than one of the subdials. From a utilitarian perspective, I love the configuration of the hour notches, which alternate between flat and pointed, making it easier to read the time at a glance. And for a dial that’s this busy, it’s nice to remove the large numerals which would have only cluttered it even further (there are still numerals present but they’re small and harder to see, which is fine).

Perhaps my favorite aspect of the timepiece is the bezel, which not only features a satisfying click when you turn it but sports directional markers for those who know how to use the bezel as a compass. If not, there is an actual compass attached to the strap as well.

Luminox Bear Grylls Watch F 8 24 3
Photo: HICONSUMPTION

The Not So Good

Luminox watches are undoubtedly rugged and durable; you can tell from the moment you hold them in your hand that they’re not ever going to break. On the other hand, something like this Bear Grylls model is durable to a fault. Despite the carbon fiber-based materials used, it’s incredibly heavy and can be cumbersome over the long haul of your daily journey. While some wearers won’t be bothered by the extra weight, I didn’t love how the heft was pressing against me throughout the day. Even when I loosened it, it just felt weird on my wrist.

It’s also important to note that the watch’s $1,000 price tag is a lot for a quartz watch, even though you’re getting a slew of extra features.

Luminox Bear Grylls Watch F 8 24 4

Verdict: Not for everyone due to its heft and its busy dial, the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Explorer is still a great pick-up for anyone who wants a serious outdoor watch designed in part by the man synonymous with surviving the elements. Although it’s quite pricey for a quartz watch, it sports dual compass functions, 300m of water resistance, a long-lasting lume, and a triple-register chronograph quartz movement.

Case Size: 45mm
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 300m

Outdoor Watch Comparison Chart

Outdoor Watch Case Size Movement Water Resistance
Timex Expedition North Tide-Temp-Compass Watch 43mm Quartz 100m
G-SHOCK Rangeman GW9400-1 53mm Solar Atomic Quartz 200m
Citizen Aqualand JP2007-17W 50.7mm Quartz 200m
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 38mm 38mm Manual-Wound 50m
Seiko Prospex Alpinist SPB121 39.5mm Automatic 200m
Victorinox I.N.O.X. Carbon 43mm Quartz 200m
Marathon 41mm Steel Navigator w/ Date 41mm Quartz 100m
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Watch 45mm 45mm Quartz 300m

What Is An ABC Watch?

If you frequent the space of tool watches or outdoor watches, you may see the term “ABC watch” floating around. Simply put, ABC stands for Altimeter (measuring altitude), Barometer (measuring barometric pressure), and Compass. When a timepiece has all three, it’s an ABC watch!

What to Look For

Durability: Perhaps the most important thing to look for when selecting an outdoor watch is how well it will stand up to rugged wear. You should look for scratch-resistant crystals and cases, as well as some sort of built-in shock protection. If you smack your watch on a rock or drop it from a tree, you’ll need it to keep functioning and, ideally, looking good, so choose accordingly.

Water Resistance: When spending time outdoors, there is usually ample opportunity to get wet. Whether you get caught in a rainstorm, a blizzard, or you end up in a lake, you’re going to want a watch that can handle getting wet. Most watches these days have some level of water resistance, but generally speaking, the higher the better. 30m is really only suitable for handwashing, and 50m will probably work for a very quick dip, but you generally want to stick to 100m or above if you’re going to be swimming or submerging the watch at all.

Dependability: When you’re out away from civilization, the last thing you need is for your watch to suddenly stop working. So you’ll need an outdoor watch that’s dependable. Quartz and mechanical watches can both be dependable, but make sure you understand the protocols for each. If it’s quartz, make sure you have a relatively new battery before heading out. If it’s mechanical, make sure it’s fully wound (easy to do if it’s an automatic). It also doesn’t hurt to look for watches that have been designed to resist extreme temperatures or magnetic forces, as these will continue working reliably in a wider range of conditions.

Survival Features: Depending on how hard you’ll be roughing it, you may want to look into watches that have survival features that are tailored to the outdoors. This can include such relatively simple features as a compass, thermometer, or barometer, or more tech-heavy innovations like GPS navigation, heart rate monitoring, and — in one case — an emergency distress beacon. These features aren’t always necessary, but you’ll never regret having them.

Heritage: In lieu of opting for the latest survival gadget on your wrist, you may choose to go for a more traditional style of outdoor watch. After all, the explorers of yesteryear didn’t have barometers and LCD screens on their wrists, and they were still able to travel to the ends of the Earth with nothing but a tough and simple three-hander. If this romantic adventurer ideal appeals to you, then you may want to opt for a more traditional mechanical explorer’s watch or field watch.

Honorable Mentions

This robust Eco-Drive Promaster Land Altichron from Citizen has the compass and altimeter, but we couldn’t justify including it over the Timex above, which is also a couple hundred bucks cheaper and features some cool elements.

BOLDR’s Expedition Eiger is one of our favorite field watches, and comes equipped with a fully-lumed dial. However, availability issues during testing prevented us from getting hands-on with the latest version.

Rolex happens to make one of the most revered outdoor watches in the world with its Explorer II model. However, obvious reasons prevented us from being able to test out this coveted model from the Crown.

German-based Sinn makes some of the coolest and most rugged divers around with the U50 Hydro. However, at $2,650, it’s also one of the most expensive quartz watches on the market.

With a whopping 600m of water resistance, Doxa’s SUB 600T is a bit too extreme for an outdoors-centric dive watch (as opposed to a more straightforward diver) but we felt it was well-worth a mention here simply because of its legacy.

Breitling’s simply-named Emergency watch starts at $16,000 but it’s also the first-ever watch with a built-in dual-frequency distress beacon, so there’s that.

Bremont’s MBII is a $5,000 watch made for the outdoors, despite its questionable practicality. However, we felt it was worth a mention for those interested in a luxury watch for their next adventures.

Tested: The Best Solar-Powered Watches

Best Solar Powered Watches 0 Hero
All Photograph: HICONSUMPTION

Perhaps you’d like something that ensures you won’t be left hanging while exploring the outdoors? If that’s the case, you might want to take a look at our recent guide to the best solar-powered watches.