The 6 best tactical watches for those in need of some military inspiration

Russell Sheldrake

Any watch collector worth their salt knows the term mil-spec, and all of the action-ready watches that come along with that term. But having a tactical watch doesn’t require you to go full hog and buy a military-issued piece. Instead, we wanted to run through some of the tactical watches that give you that action-man vibe, without necessarily needing to stick to have served in active duty. Many watches today take inspiration from that aesthetic, and while they may never be tested to the same extremes, standing the test of a hotel pool shouldn’t be too much trouble. Whether they’re divers, chronographs, pilot’s, or field watches, if you need something that’s going to come along for the ride that’s at least been inspired by, if not designed for, the military, these watches are a safe bet.

Casio G-Shock DW-5600

This is the first watch I think of when this topic of tactical, rugged timepieces is brought up. While pretty much all of the G-Shock range is near indestructible, and you can read about exactly that in Borna’s recent article, the 5600 is the prototypical example of the brand. Tough resin case, every feature you could need while out in the field, and a clear, illuminating display for night ops. Whether you’re dropping in behind enemy lines, or dropping everything for a camping weekend, this feels like the watch that could handle it all. Price: US$99.95 (retail, but often on sale for a lot less)

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

While the G-Shock may be the very genesis of this tactical category, the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical is going to be the watch lover’s choice every single time. It probably makes more appearances on these lists of ours than any other watch because of just how popular and versatile it is. Classical field watch design, paired with a reliable movement and packed up in an affordable set, with enough variety across the range to give everyone something they will like. A sign of how much both us and our audience love this watch is just how many of them we sell in our Discovery Studios and online. Price: US$595, available from the T+T Shop

Vertex M36

Having spent a significant amount of time with this watch, I can confirm just how battle-ready it is. The Vertex M36 pays tribute to the original Vertex Dirty Dozen watch in its size and functionality. The three strap options it comes with means you can swap out how you wear this piece at the drop of a hat, and the big, 3D blocks of lume on the dial make it legible no matter what time of day or night it is. Price: £2,150 (∼US$2,800)

Sinn U1 S E

It doesn’t get much more functional and utilitarian than a Sinn. These Germanic timers are built to last, and the blacked-out look of the U1 S E feels like it was born ready for anything. Not only has this watch been made from the seawater-resistant German submarine steel, but it has been designed so that the bezel is almost impossible to be knocked off the case. With super clear, blocky markers and hands all covered in biscuit-coloured lume, this is a watch that feels ready to take on sub-aquatic missions in any part of the world. Price: US$3,560

Panerai Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628

The links between Panerai and underwater missions go deep, all the way back to the founding of the company. And this latest release from the Italian brand pays homage to those origins by creating a watch able to withstand modern day trials and tribulations without diverting from the original aesthetic that is so iconic in today’s watch world. This 47mm beast is run on the manually wound P.3000 movement that has a three day power reserve, so you won’t need to undo the indestructible crown lock too often to keep it running. Price: US$9,700

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Top Gun

There has been plenty of noise around the Ingenieur recently, but it’s important to remember the core of IWC’s business and identity still sits with the pilot’s watch. The Big Pilot’s Watch 43 Top Gun is perhaps an alt expression of this line, with its oversized, conical crown for ease of use, super legible dial, and scratch-resistance black ceramic case. It’s the modernisation of a historical piece that feels natural and in line with how the brand continues to be forward-looking, without forgetting its roots. Price: US$10,500