18 of the Best Military Watches (Seiko, Casio, Marathon, Tudor & More)

[@andhenny]

As a service member, I’d say it’s key to have a non-connected watch. Many secure environments with open storage of classified materials will not permit Bluetooth or WiFi enabled devices.

[@bowedonut22]

Yep. If you get found wearing a connected watch in a secure space you’re getting your shit pushed in.

[@specteractual1]

There have already been a few black sites located because of fitbits years ago

[@davidgrimmer7264]

Bluetooth is fine, gps is fine, WiFi and cell connectivity are not

[@markburk7022]

Thanks

[@codycurnutte9778]

@@davidgrimmer7264not at all. Anything wireless other than a car key fob is prohibited

[@navyrotarylife]

Navy helo pilot here. I would always wear automatics when I flew on deployment because the high power output from the radars can cause quartz movements to freeze and can brick an expensive smartwatch.

[@davethrasher4124]

Makes you wonder what that output did to the human body. We had ECMs in our MRAPs and on foot that caused headaches.

[@robertregalia2029]

⁠@@davethrasher4124for those not familiar with military jargon. Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) and Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP). To the point, getting blasted with high power frequencies cannot be great for the watch or the body.

[@szymonc5150]

What about all the electronics around? Wouldn't those magnetize an automatic?

[@krasnyypartii]

Really

[@albertsmith9315]

I did 22-plus years in the U.S. Military and spent a dozen years in various war zones. I and most of my buddies used the Casio G-Shock or similar watches in the middle east. They were dependable, accurate and rugged, plus they were cheap enough to have spares on hand in case they were damaged while operating. One thing that I always read about but only seen in the Saudi desert is the LCD going black at high temperatures. It does happen with the G-Shock during the hottest months. When cooled down, the display returns to normal, but it can be a pain. The disadvantage of the digital watch is that certain missions require a large group of people to sync our watches to a single time, usually the boss's watch. So many also kept an analog hacking watch also for that reason.

[@Z-u-m-a]

Interesting insights - thanks.

[@eric2892]

Does that imply digital watches are more difficult to sync to the second than analog? Being a long time Casio user, setting the running seconds comes second nature to me.

[@albertsmith9315]

@@eric2892 You can sync the time, but it's not intuitive in a group. You have to go to the time-setting screen, then there's the always ticking seconds... zero to 29 seconds and the time hacks to the previous minute, then 30 to 59 seconds and it foes to the next minute. When you are in a room and the briefer says, "On my mark, the time is 1615 hrs...3, 2, 1 Mark!", an analog watch is fast and easy when you simply pull the crown out when the second hand hits the 12.

[@ChopperChad]

I spent 20 yrs in the Army as a pilot and we routinely synced watches. No issues syncing digital watches.

[@stephendrum3365]

@@ChopperChadagreed

[@theleastsignificantbit4794]

My dad landed on Omaha Beach wearing a US ORD watch issued to him by the US Army. It is 32mm in size (to slide under the cuff of his M41 field jacket); 17 jewels (for durability), made from chromium-plated brass (steel was rationed). It withstood an amphibious landing and brutal combat in hedgerow country. And while it looks complete like hell, it still runs. I wear it as a dress watch on an original OD3 strap (it was formal enough to wear with a tie and formal uniform so I wear it with a suit). For a time, I wore it everyday after my dad died, but it’s just too fragile to do that now. My point is that his watch did not have a screw-down crown or other specs watch enthusiasts wring their hands over. Like the man who wore it into combat, it was reliable and tough and did its part to defeat the enemy. A $100 Seiko SNK809 would probably be a better choice than an expensive watch for a combat zone. Great video! As always, stellar photography, great information, and solid production value.

[@CaptainWillard830]

Thank you for sharing your dad’s story, your story. That watch is very special, like your father. He saved us all from enslavement. The Greatest Generation must never be forgotten. Semper Fidelis, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Retired)

[@welshskies]

My wife's grandfather was a pilot in the RFC in 1917 and we still have his watch in the family. My father served in North Africa, Italy and Northern Europe between 1940 and 1945 and we still have his Smiths watch. I served during the Cold War and I still have my Talis 21 jewel Swiss watch (ETA movement) and which keeps excellent time even forty years later.

[@R.E.factor]

That’s really special that you still have her grandfather’s watch. I’m going to retire in a couple years and plan to engrave my retirement watch. I hope it stays in the family long after I’m gone too.

[@maxinahunt8652]

Wow!! That’s an amazing heirloom! I have my father’s WWII photos.

[@cheesychester9647]

I wore a G-Shock Mudmaster during my time in. Took it to 2 tours through Africa. And like others have mentioned, no smart watches allowed for OPSEC

[@JamesStephen710]

smart watches are dumb anyway. no idea why people shill for that chinese garbage. they still have to look at the phone.

[@renebollengier1111]

I spent almost 1/2 my life in a submarine engine room. Wore a citizen quartz dive watch for my last 15 years. Still wear it today as my daily go to. Never missed a beat. Now that I’m retired I wear it most often because it’s always running. My automatics just don’t get worn enough to keep em wound. But I do fire them up for special events like going to church or even a weekend camp out with friends and family. Then back to the citizen, because it just keeps running with or without me.

[@jlzab6914]

Idem 😁

[@johnkiessling51]

You need a watch winder, lol.

[@johnkiessling51]

I should have added, my engine room watch was mostly a Timexx Ironman, still have one as well.

[@suttonmatthew]

I am surprised that the Cabot Watch Company was not on the list of military wristwatches. These are classic and still in service today.

[@willkriegforkartoffeln4878]

Currently in and currently wearing an Addiesdive dive watch with a Seiko NH35 movement on a NATO strap. The functionality of a diving bezel has been extremely valuable to me in keeping track of time counting down to known events like ETAs to emergency landings or the passage of time from any given event. Dive watches definitely still have a place in the modern military. As soon as a conflict kicks off, everyone will have to lose their smart watches for security reasons. Technology always comes back around to the basics. That's why we still have iron sights on our rifles despite the availability of optics. Redundancies to computer based technologies will always be necessary!

[@Kev_inu]

The addiesdive Willard homage is a beast. The lume is insanely bright

[@wesleybarrett9502]

I just recently got that watch too. I still lean heavily on my Citizen Eco Drive. I have had that watch close to 5 years and love it to death.

[@pauliewalnuts5241]

​@@wesleybarrett9502 love my eco drive too

[@zacharybuckwash6466]

Currently 15 years in the US Navy. I love my seamaster but also wear a Cabot Watch Company diver. CWC is still being issued to our brothers across the pond.

[@lasses3887]

Which cwc are you using? Looking for one and I’m thinking of getting a quartz diver from them

[@zacharybuckwash6466]

@@lasses3887 I have the quartz diver and love it! You won’t be disappointed!

[@user-zx5yd4cf3y]

​@@lasses3887dont wate you money on cwc. They are extremly overpriced watches with $10 quartz movement.

[@stephenscharf6293]

Yeah, the CWC’s are great; i’m going to get one one of these days. i really their no-frills, no froufrou, no ‘effin’ around’ design and build.

[@user-zx5yd4cf3y]

@@stephenscharf6293 400+ pounds watch with $15 Ronda movement? No thx

[@DomiAngel]

Greek military here. The Casioak didn't leave my wrist for 2 months during basic and advanced training. It's not a figure of speech I truly wore the watch all day every day showers and sleep included. Durable, lightweight, reliable, exactly what you need.

[@JohnKanuck]

My vintage Rolex Oyster was given to my father when he enlisted as a paratrooper in the Canadian Army during WWII. Some genius decided that if men were going to parachute into enemy territory and engage in complex operations, they had better have reliable watches (to engage in all that "let's synchronize our watches, gentlemen" chitchat we see in movies), so the Army bought up massive supply of Rolexes around '39 or '40. I don't know if Rolexes were viewed as the luxury brand they are now, or just had a reputation for accuracy and reliability (I suspect the latter), but they were handed out like candy to paratroopers. Fortunately, my father never had to parachute into battle, but he got to keep the watch anyway, and he wore it most of his life until it gave up the ghost in the '90s. More recently, I had it restored and am proud to wear it today. Frankly, these watches are not very impressive looking, but I like the story behind it.

[@edstacey4209]

My father got an Oyster at 18 when he joined the Canadian navy. WW 2. Ran till he was 90. Bought him a new one

[@JohnKanuck]

@@edstacey4209 So you have virtually the same story as me! That's interesting, because I only learned about this a few years ago. Before that, I assumed my father (long deceased now) had been given the watch as a graduation gift. But when those dates did not line up, I dug deeper and discovered this story.

[@BrianJones-cu2sx]

Oyster Lipton by chance?

[@BrianJones-cu2sx]

Incredible stories fellas. Love every bit of it and am grateful for your families service time with the allied forces as well as you’re families sacrifices back home

[@bowedonut22]

I wore a square G-shock through my entire time in the Navy. It got ruined when the ships crew was ordered onto the flight deck with the radar dish operating at max output. Completely scrambled the electronics and probably my insides.

[@speedracer2please]

What kinds of watches would have survived that? Anything mechanical? Something super antimagnetic?

[@JFinns]

@@speedracer2please The Co-axial or other movements that have 15,000 gauss (1.5 tesla) rating are okay.

[@miket9724]

Service person here (UK). Everyone has a Casio when going through basic and trade training, and I mean everyone, just so useful for crow bags. But honestly most people move onto wear smart watches day to day. For me personally, I love an auto field watch, got a couple of cheap ones from Baltany and Boddery that are just so legible. Another one that's great for me is my Citizen Promaster Sky AT, analogue clock with a digital display. Very easy to switch between world times because of the radio control and I have it set to always show UTC on the small digital display which is great for paper work whilst travelling. Stirling is a great microbrand by an ex UK service person, makes well specced military styled watches in stealthy black designs.

[@Z-u-m-a]

Stirling look great. New to me. Cheers.

[@oniwagamaru]

I thought one of the founders of Stirling is still currently serving? Great watches though. Almost bought a Gibson Qilo X Stirling.

[@36ronjon]

I’ve served in the US military for 12 years and I bought a Casio pathfinder for $200 right out of basic. Over the last 12 years it’s been to 3 continents with me, took scuba diving on several dives, never had to replace a battery thanks to the solar function, and beat the living crap out of it. It’s one of the top durable field/military watches I can think of.

[@Iexpedite1]

The bad thing about a watch like that, it’s disposable. When your career is done, your kids won’t be fighting to get your Casio. It will have as much meaning as the ink pen you used to sign your last performance report.

[@eric2892]

@@Iexpedite1not as disposable as my MacBook Pro (undesirable year between 2015 and 2020). I’m a software engineer and there’s just no sentimental or retro value for that kind of tech. My G Shock is way more compelling a hand me down. Would be as useful as ever, but with heartfelt memories of dear old dad… i hope!

[@Iexpedite1]

@@eric2892 I don’t think sentimental value is related to actual value, but something of actual value is more likely to be held in esteem. If ronjon had a mechanical GMT that he used to tell him when to call his family. A watch that physically displayed the scars of his service. It’s going to be repairable and far more likely to mean something to his family. Fact is, if his Casio broke today, he would trash it and buy another. It’s a cheap disposable tool.

[@stephenscharf6293]

I’d also include the Sinn EZM-3, which was designed by Sinn for use by the German GSG-9 Special Forces dive unit. These utilize Sinn’s AR-dehumidifying technology and run reliably and accurately for *far longer* between service intervals than other types of mechanical watches. The EZM-12 mentioned below, also has it. I have owned two EZM-3s, and they are the most accurate mechanical watches I’ve ever owned, *by far.* Both of mine ran to only *+0.75 seconds* per day regardless of how often I wore them.

[@billybenson3834]

F91W is what I had in the Marines in the late 70's. Tough and dependable plus if it got destroyed (hard to do) super cheap to replace. I had an off brand quartz field watch then too, it was a dependable and good looking watch. When I got out and began firearms instruction I tried multiple watches and fell in love with a Wenger Terragraph quartz field watch. Still have it and it still keeps great time today. I have a little more money today so I wear a Hamilton khaki automatic unless I am shooting 500 rounds or more in a day, then its back to a F91W or a Seiko solar quartz .

[@nwest6451]

Completely agree. I lost mine in one of the tunnels on Woodbury Common back in 1988.

[@pabloplaysguitar]

I still have my original obama/osama from boot camp :) lasted over a decade. I replaced the battery and it prob cost more than a new watch it self haha, but it's mine and fits perfectly, so why change it? glad to see it getting some love. I got it for around 7 bucks back then

[@8d4o0c4]

When I served, I learned to dislike digital watches while training in very cold (north Norway, Canada, Maine) and very hot (North Carolina, California desert - I never was sent to the sandbox) regions. I found analog watches much more reliable, and years later became enamored with mechanical/automatic movements. Now the only quartz watch that really sparks my interest is the Bulova Lunar Pilot, for its historical side.

[@jouwenlee7829]

What’s the hindrance from using digital watch (do you mean digital display, including quartz analog watches) at those extreme weather? I want to learn more from your experience. Thanks.

[@8d4o0c4]

@@jouwenlee7829 In extreme cold and extreme heat quartz digital displays can fritz out. My preference for mechanical analog over quartz analog is just a personal one (plus, no batteries!).

[@j.j.h.atemycereal]

If you work in a sensitive compartmented information facility, no Apple Watches, no Garmins, nothing with memory or that connects to the internet. Most of us bought the cheapest digital watch at the Exchange, but the PT monsters had a Timex Ironman or G-Shock.

[@R.E.factor]

The Timex doesn’t get enough love. I’ve been using them for over 15 years.

[@oshoc01]

Timex Ironman has gone into pools, oceans, mountains, gyms and bike accidents with me. That is a rough watch that deserves way more appreciation!

[@googleaccount8865]

Army and Navy vet here. The Timex Ironman reference TW5M44900. The combination of a highly legible display, small form factor so not to get snagged on clothing or gear, and the subtle Indiglo backlight that doesn't light up a room with 100m WR makes it a no brainer. In addition, the ability to swap 3 time zones with the push of a button makes it a true world watch.

[@kristianhn2479]

As an infantry soldier, I used an Omega Speedmaster Moon for daily base duty and a Seiko 7548 diver quartz in the field. Both watches survived and are still with me 🤠

[@crisfehr]

Had the first Tudor Ranger a few years ago & regret selling, but still have a BB 58 in blue and a BB Dark...love this brand.

[@BeanTownBurrs]

There is currently a major shift back towards analog devices and being able to go analog in light of A.) The electronic and sometimes GPS signature emitted by these digital watches. B.) acknowledging possible batteries shortages C.) EMPs D.) Soldiers losing land navigation skills due to reliance on GPS devices. Seeing more and more folks with analog watches in the force

[@brandenleshock9934]

24 Years Army Retired, wore either a G-Shock or Timex every work day. Weekend watch was an Omega, would never take a mechanical watch anywhere near work.

[@technom3598]

Why

[@brandenleshock9934]

@@technom3598 never knew from a day to day standpoint what I was going to be doing that day. Didn’t want to take a chance messing up a watch. I could be down in the motor pool messing with vehicles with my Soldiers, wouldn’t want to take off a nice watch so I could get my hands dirty

[@technom3598]

@@brandenleshock9934 ohh well that's not because it was mechanical it was because it was nice or expensive.

[@DoctorDefiler]

I was an active duty enlisted Marine from 1999 to 2003, I used a mix of G-shock and Timex Ironman watches. Most of the close friends I worked with all had similar watches. Now, I work with active duty Marines as part of my job and if they're not working in SCIFs where smartwatches and other electronics are not allowed in, they are wearing mostly garmin and apple smartwatches in garrison. But, I still see a mix of Gshocks and random mechanical dive watches worn around the base where I work at. The px on base has a decent watch counter with plenty of variety. A few weeks ago, I picked up a seiko srpe93 for $300 during a sale.

[@mikerocha6070]

As a veteran of the 1990’s I wore a Seiko 7002, a few Casio DW6600’s, the cheap gold dialed Casio diver from the PX, and a Luminox clone of the Marathon Navigator/Benrus Type 1. All of these watches held up in multiple environments and different activities. A lot of people don’t know how solid Seiko watches are, but I wore my 7002 so much and it only failed years after I left the Army. Thanks for this video.

[@ctbarillas]

I’m in the Navy rn and I see all manner of G-Shocks and Casios in general the most, they’re reliable and readily available at the Nex. Some smart watches and some analog watches too; it’s good to have a non-smartwatch as a backup because there’s a few spaces where they’re not permitted.

[@josephrogers5337]

Most people talk down Timex. Yes they are not the grand watch at $1000.00 or more. They have a great varsity of easy readers. Arabic numerals at each hour. At my age of 82 I need a simple watch that I can read not one that has to be cocktail hour watches meant to dazzle but one to easily tell time.

[@stew_redman]

I have a CWC G10. I bought it in 1998 from a military surplus store for 50 GBP when I lived in the UK. It has the stamps for having been issued in the UK in 1997. I've changed the battery a few times and been through a few NATO straps, but it's never missed a beat. It's a regular wearer for me.

[@13Tyres]

I’d love one but the prices these days..madness

[@TBone-i6d]

I lost my Casio f-91w in a snow bank just found it few days ago still running. No issues whatsoever was sitting in the snow bank since around Christmas until now.

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

Mechanical watches for military use died out a good 30 years ago. Gshocks ruled for a good 20 years now Garmin. Having said that, I wish I had discovered mechanical watches 20 years earlier.

[@0dayExploit]

Good seeing you here, Jeff. Yeah as much as I love my Marathon for range use, it’s not nearly as practical as even a cheap non-GSHOCK Casio. As a daily wear though I love a mechanical watch

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

@@0dayExploit I run a Seiko Monster as my range watch!

[@thefreedomwarrior]

EMP 🤔

[@nuudelz3711]

@@thefreedomwarrior-30C or +40c too 😂 my gshock used to go dim to not working just during ice fishing trips up in north bay. My Hamilton and tag still work though

[@matyasd007]

They also use Protek watches

[@oshoc01]

For me, the list could also include: - Vostok Amphibia/Komandirskie (what can be more military than having a tank/jet/sub printed in your dial?). - Timex Ironman (mine has been abused for years and still works without a single issue). - Bulova Hack (beautiful, very affordable field watch).

[@shanehannafey1361]

My Vostok Amphibia is over 32 years old and I LOVE it!!

[@gregpalmer9902]

I retired from the Navy back in 2019. Throughout my time in working with SEAL Teams, I wore the Casio G-Shock, Citizen Garrison Eco-drive, and finished out the career with the Rolex Submariner 116610LN. I would recommend any to fellow service members.

[@deanc7476]

Which G-Shock and Garrison model served you in this capacity? Very interested in those. Thank you.

[@W4TCH3NJOYER]

When thinking about the characteristics of a military watch, several words come to mind: Robust, Reliable, and Discrete. However, I think the most important factors to consider is if the watch inspires confidence in the user. The increase in confidence alone could be the motivation that propels a person through a tough time, or could even inspire a boost in resilience! I’d bet anyone who’s served has experienced a time where they could’ve used a morale boost. -USMC Vet

[@CaptainWillard830]

I agree! I would also add the need for Value. A watch that costs more than $100 is a big purchase. I remember making a decision to buy my first Ironman, after I was commissioned, from the Marine Corps Exchange because it was a good value. I love that Teddy highlights the Casio F-91W, a watch that cost between $16 and $19 bucks. Semper Fi, Devil Dog. Rah

[@Nuka-Paladin]

Hey Teddy, I’m a current U.S. Army officer serving in Kuwait. I’ve recently taken interest in automatic watches thanks to your KZbin channel. My first watch purchase, which has now become my daily-wear watch, is the SEIKO SSK001. It’s a perfect blend of style and durability, and the GMT function lets me know what time it is at home. Thanks for all the great content! P.S. Is it ok to shoot small arms while wearing an automatic watch, or do I run the risk of damaging it?

[@tomp6522]

I deploy every 4 months with a bremont MB3/Tudor BB GMT/Sangin kinetic pilot and never had an issues. Shoot away sir.

[@Nuka-Paladin]

@@tomp6522 great to know, thanks!

[@whatthe6532]

Depends if someone is shooting. If yes then yes.

[@michaelparker6472]

I bought a Casio F-91W way back when I went through Air Force basic military training in April 1998. I still have this watch in my collection (just put it on a NATO strap) and it STILL gets wrist time to this day.

[@hl4321]

Current USAF Enlisted Aircrew here, I currently wear a Seiko SKX013, a vintage 1987 Hamilton GG-W-113 and a Gylcine Airman No. 1 GMT when not flying. As a big history nerd I prefer analog, mechanical watches but I do wear a Casio AE1200 in the air.

[@nicholasreed1192]

The watch I wear the most while in the field is my Marathon GSAR. It’s survived everything: jumping out of airplanes, saltwater, mud, sand, extreme heat, extreme cold (-25 Fahrenheit), range time, you name it. That watch is tough as nails, and I never have to worry about it failing. I also have a black Pelagos FXD that I’ve put through its paces, just not quite to the extremes as my GSAR. Both are fantastic watches for military service

[@ET-mr4iu]

Timex, got me through 13 years Army service and three tours.... I'm still wearing it right now and I didn't have to ruin myself 👍

[@karlsenula9495]

May have been in the previous video but: Sinn, Panerai, Laco, CWC, Yema.

[@evans_northwest]

As always, really appreciate the videos. For what I did, a Timex or G-Shock with an alarm always worked just fine. Zero issues. I mostly needed something to wake me up!

[@canadianwatchmonkey3992]

I love true military watches❤ I own Laco, Stowa, CWC and Marathon watches. I gotta say the Marathon watches with the Tritium Tubes is very impressive! 😊

[@jason042779]

The undisputed modern military watches are G-Shocks, Ironmans, etc. But I think if you wanted a simple, rugged, automatic analog watch, a Damasko Dk32 would be a great choice.

[@CaptainWillard830]

Thank you for highlighting the Casio F-91W. It’s a beautiful watch, iconic, and at $16 to $20 bucks, a great value. I recently picked one up at Walmart, in a subdued candy apple green case with black wrist strap. It’s a watch I recommend newly minted PFCs, 2ndLts, newly minted tradesmen, C-Suite executives, and entrepreneurs add to their collection. Start their collection with 🎉

[@jaydenstauffer3638]

Currently I'm active duty army and I typically wear one of my few Casios (F91W, G-Shock, A168W) while on duty and whenever I'm off-duty or wearing AGSUs I wear my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical since I don't want to destroy it (and it pairs perfectly with the AGSUs).

[@sarmeddangerous6462]

Entering the AF as a medical services officer at the moment and recently celebrated that life goal with a blue Longines Hydroconquest ceramic 43mm. The long-term goal is working as an emergency med doc with aviators and special operations in combat casualty care and personnel recovery, hence the need for a mechanical diver with strong resistance to water/fluids. Love your channel Teddy, I've been fully immersed in military watches for years and I'm thrilled to see you made a video engaging this unique community.

[@MikeOBrien1945]

When I was on active duty 68-76 any watch you were wearing was a military watch…and you probably got it from the PX/BX. People weren’t too fussy. I think I had a Zodiac.

[@megasoid]

Served in two branches and enjoyed most of this list. Thanks Teddy and congratulations on passing the one million mark.

[@orenkassner2510]

I think eventually as a former soldier, a stopwatch function for those in training is critical, and nothing beats a G shock legibility and durability.

[@shanehannafey1361]

While not made anymore and not really a military watch, my dad was a Navy Seabee and when he passed, I received his watches. One of which was a Chase Durer Air Assault Team. This watch is a tank. Stainless with black PVD coating, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance. It has a Swiss quartz ETA chronograph movement. I love it for the memories, but also how strong it is. I have a Tudor Black Bay 58, but the Chase is the only one I've been in the ocean with and it is my vacation watch. The company went under but was recently resurrected by Invicta. I have a bad feeling about that!! :)

[@thereelangler2391]

Casio Gshock or Pro Trek are also amazing watches for the rugged use in the miltary. I deployed with a casio or garmin every time. They never failed me.

[@magicaardvark1]

Used to wear an Casio F91-W back in the day, and the only time it had a problem with getting wet was going surfing. It crapped out. However, I popped the module out and left it on a sunny windowsill for a couple of days and it was revived as soon as it dried out fully. Fresh water was no problem. I still have one, just wish it didn't look so small on my now much larger wrist.

[@chris555]

I'm in the UK submarine service & it a nice service because we have mutual interest with the USA. Everyone has to have a watch at sea & I can't stress enough the respect we have for an F-91W. Every noob recruit or 'oxygen thief' as we call them is told to go & buy one immediately if they don't have a watch. Reliable, robust, cheap & its easy for people to check the time in a pitch black bunkspace (where we all sleep) without the need for lume. Downside is there is always one guy that gets yelled at because he left the hour siren on & nobody appreciates a "beep beep" when they want some well earned rest! Accuracy is important so I personally prefer a quartz watch out of my collection when I go to sea so that I can synch it to Zulu time which is our atomic clock onboard although I have been known to take a Vostok Komandirskie just because it is a bit of fun & I enjoy the winding to let me know thats another day or so I've ticked off beneath the waves.

[@johnkelly6181]

Airborne Infantryman here, if you want something tough and simple than G shock all the way. Garmin for utility as long as OPSEC allows it. But I like my khaki field expedition cause class 🤙

[@warren6899]

From South Africa my daily wear is a Victronix military issue black dial, quartz analog woman's watch, but it sits well on my wrist, tough as a honey badger (what we call a ratel), stainless steel bracelet, with the double lock mechanism on the clasp. Living in one of the most dangerous country in the world, they ain't gonna rip it off in a hurry

[@scottsinaz3000]

How did it get so dangerous?

[@warren6899]

@@scottsinaz3000 you obviously refer to the country.... Simple, currupt government, currupt police. Yes ther are still a few police who serve, but by far the majority are in the pockets of the criminal cartels, or utterly incompetent and unwilling to serve

[@pauldobe5021]

1st of all. Back in the day enlisted personal could not afford a $1000.00 watch. I bought my Seiko 6309 in Olongapo P.I. at a pawn shop for $60 bucks. Still have. Still runs. Still wear it.!

[@CaptainWillard830]

I served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 22+ years. I wore Timex Ironmans in garrison and when deployed. My wife gifted me a new TAG that she would purchase at the Marine Corps Exchange, every time I was promoted, beginning with my first promotion to First Lieutenant and ending with my last promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. I wore my TAGs on weekend, to social events, and when I had to engage with the public while conducting business when I oversaw recruiting operations, throughout my career. I now work at the Headquarters overseeing retail operations (27 different businesses) for the USMC. We sell Seiko, Citizen, Casio, Timex, Armitron, etc. I recently bought the Seiko Turtle pictured, and the Bulova Lunar watch at the Marine Corps Exchange in Quantico. I also recently bought a Seiko “Deploy” from Teddy’s online shop 😊

[@Ace2021]

Teddy I’m wearing a citizen fugu on a NATO right now and it performs perfectly, thanks for featuring it. 11 years US Army Active Duty.

[@PatrickHenry-t1s]

Former high speed here. Garmin Tactix Delta is the smart watch go-to, I also have a Breitling Montbrillant A41370 which can calculate flash to bang time and speed of vehicles. I never used it for its intended purpose but for vets its a cool piece and is more useful than the boring field watches.

[@Ivan__77]

What I am looking for when choosing a military watch is rugged lightweight construction, excellent legibility, water resistance, great lume/light, accuracy - meaning quartz, preferably solar powered radio controlled. While I like military inspired automatics, I would always go for a quartz watch for this purpose. Upcoming Citizen Promaster Eco Drive JV1005-02W seems like a watch for the job.

[@AbdulRWatches]

If I had to choose one mechanical, I would go for the Sinn EZM 12, which is used by the German Airlift emergency Services.

[@8d4o0c4]

Seconded - Sinn and Mühle both make some excellent watches for the Bundeswehr!

[@stephenscharf6293]

Yep. and, also the Sinn EZM-3, which was designed by Sinn for use by the German GSG-9 Special Forces dive unit

[@BlackOpsClues]

Glad you made a video like this Teddy! I go through several different watches, currently serving. In the field I mainly wear my Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire, but certain environments warrant having a watch that doesn't receive any signals. When I can't wear my Garmin I rotate between my Hamilton Khaki Field Bronze, although the spring bars like to yeet themselves sometimes with excessive exercise, and my Seiko King Turtle. I also love to wear my G-Shock 5610 when I'm going for simple but reliable. Most of my buddies who wear "real" watches in the military tend to go towards divers even when not operating anywhere near water.

[@amanwithnoname6687]

Dad retired from the Navy wearing Seiko divers and I'm keeping up the tradition, active duty sporting an SNJ025 Arnie, a save the ocean turtle and a 7548 Quartz. I love that I've met so many watch guys and girls in the military who wear everything from G-shock, to Rolex. Its basically apart of the uniform and the only item that can be personalized.

[@stevemccarthy4713]

Still using my Luminox Navy Seal watch 20 years later. I have others that are approaching 15 years old and they have never missed a beat.

[@zillsburyy1]

OMEGA SEAMASTER PROFESSIONAL from the 90s with the sword hands

[@ryangochuico]

When i was in (2001-2007) the army i bought a digital Timex Expedition on a velcro strap from the base PX in fort campbell. I was not knowledgeable with watches at the time and treated it strictly as a tool to tell time and nothing more. As such, there was barely any care given to that watch, but it stayed true and kept on ticking the whole time i had it. Went with me to iraq, germany, and afghanistan. Unfortunately i lost it in the hussle and bustle of moving back home after etsing out of the army. Would have been a nice memory watch now that i am an enthusiast. A good ol gshock is probably the most useful military watch nowadays. Budget friendly and tough as heck

[@roblucchetti2993]

I have the GMW-B5000, and I regularly refer to it as the most perfect watch I own. The wrist-tilt activated back light works great, it's time is NASA-level accurate, it wears well and the metal case just add's a bit "more" to it. It's comfortable, the urethane straps are really nice quality, and they disappear on your wrist.

[@WatchesCanBeFun]

My mom is retired military. She loves her black bay 36 with diamonds. I’ve never served in the military and I love my Hamilton Khaki.

[@Besnock]

Glad you mentioned Squale!! My fav watch brand I’ve worn mine for pretty much 4 years straight. Traveled around the world dove with it many times beat it up and it still looks great and never skips a beat!

[@Aaron-ck5gk]

Should have mentioned CWC, Benrus, Sinn, and even Panerai.

[@angrypenguin956]

I own a Tudor Ranger; it's a solid watch. It's well-built with no frills.

[@ewok133]

In the field, my solution is just to double wrist a Sangin or other analog watch on one hand, and a Garmin/timex ironman on the other. Is it pretentious? Probably, but I get to use my tool watches as intended. Always use your tools.

[@nicspiller2366]

Teddy, the Casio F91W is a good choice. If they were around in 1980/81 when I was an infantryman on the Angolan border, they would have been an excellent choice. Small with tiny night light. No hooking or snagging on kit or foliage.

[@mdunawaym]

I'm glad you showed them all on a smaller wrist. It really helps to see how they wear. Unless a watch is tiny, you would pretty much always know how a larger wrist could handle them.

[@texasrangersr1]

As an army junior enlisted soldier my daily wear is a SRPE 93. Its almost completely replaced my Garmin. Am I going to do any diving? Absolutely not lol but it’s an awesome watch and most importantly looks cool in uniform.

[@efnissien]

I use two watches a Seconda with a stainless steel bracelet strap. But for travelling, a Victorinox watch - one of the lower priced models (241517) in field grey with a cordura strap, it's wonderfully understated and less desirable to a thief. No bells, no whistles, just does time & date.

[@agg8355]

Not a service member, but have been LE for 8 years. I’ve been wearing a Nixon Regulus for over 5 years and it’s always worked after a good amount of hard use. Great video as always, Teddy!

[@Kamikazekman]

Aviation watches… where was Hanhart??? I think you might have overlooked this amazing German brand. Missed opportunity… thanks for this vid regardless. Keep up the stellar work Mate!

[@josemedina1983]

Some forgotten brands: Laco, Stowa, Alpina, Glycine, Bulova, Timex, Hanhart.

[@wkylehamilton]

It might be a fun video to get a military KZbinr and talk about watches.

[@fredlarke3806]

Hey Terry, a great idea. Next time, how about a video on mountaineer watches?

[@bladerider235]

USAF coming up on 6 years, I'd have to recommend the Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Dive BN0150-28E. Solar power that can take a beating and look good while doing it. Mine's seen a lot of trigger time and has gone diving with me with no issue. Hope this helps!

[@thesaltyd619]

9 years TIS, I wear the same watch. It’s a tank

[@jsytac]

Alternatives: All CWC watches. All Bremont/Vertex/Christ’r Ward W10 variants. Smiths - many excellent MoD re-makes.

[@BrianAscah]

Navy ship-driver here. G-Shocks were everywhere, but I always wore something with good, natural lume on bridge watch at night. Luminox, etc. Easy to read and won't hurt your night vision. Cheap watches were most common. I only got into fancy dive watches years after I got out, as a form of nostalgia.

[@akihide.uchida]

Asa military guy who's also a watch nerd, my favorite everyday watch is quickly becoming my Grand Seiko SBGN003 that I picked up a few months ago. I never need to worry about its accuracy because of its +/- 10s per year rating and I keep the GMT hand on zulu time, which is a useful feature for me as I work with operations in different regions. It's also a great conversation piece for other watch nerds I run into

[@ShalisaDume]

got my 39mm with the white dial on the 3-link "Bader" bracelet watch on amzwatch 3 weeks ago and am loving it to pieces. Absolute fantastic watch that wears super comfortable on my 6.75 inch wrist. Chose the 3-link over the 5-link bracelet for the toolless quick adjustment. Way more comfortable than my Longines Hydroconquest 41 mm.

[@2manysigns]

Bomb proof suggestions in this video . My two cents : Muhle Glashutte SAR or Black Motion if you need a bezel . Guinand Flight Engineer or G44 Deep Wave . Christopher Ward bronze green dial Dune(once patina has formed your camo'd in style).

[@davidpettit2885]

Thank you soo much for voicing your respect for our servicemen. We certainly appreciate it and and Americans like you. Thank you sir!

[@Valera_Scotland]

I would look at CWC for great military options ❤

[@ajee3229]

Not a service member, but I recommended the classic G Shock DW5600 square and he ended up purchasing one and wore it all throughout basic, AIT, and eventually into the 75th Ranger reg. He's been wearing it for a long while now and has stood up against everything thrown at it, and I only recommended it after I've worn it for a few years as a fabricator and CNC press brake operator.

[@JACKSONTYAD]

The F-91w is the most common watch you’ll see in AIR FORCE basic training we call it the BMT “basic military training” special! I personally wore the navy seal luminox just for the band to break halfway through. I then switched to the BMT special myself.

[@adamadamson848]

UK Vet here...Carbot Watch Company (CWC) G10 is the only watch I wore around the different desserts.

[@ms.bunniesarecute2287]

I was 11B for 7 years. Iraq in 2006-07, and Afghanistan 09-10. We had timex, g-shocks or garmins. A backlight for night raids were a must. Quartz seemed better because they're robust, and accurate for a watch that actually is used in field time outside the wire

[@davidweaver189]

I have worn 3 main watches, Seiko Dive watch, a Rolex Submariner, And the Omega Seamaster Pro (which I still wear today) I spent 17 1/2 years in the U.S. Army (15 in Special Ops)

[@mrprice3338]

Check out the Nite MX10. If it's good enough for the SAS then it's good enough for me 👍

[@nwest6451]

I served as a Royal Marines helicopter pilot amongst other things. I would recommend Seikos of many models (Arnie, Turtle, Samurai and Sumo) for more 'rugged' work and Breitling for the more 'refined' moments.

[@DavidRJones82]

Teddy Bulbasaur! Garmin Tactix series watches are an Infantryman's best friend. For analog watches, I like Sangin Instruments.

[@daniellehotsky1776]

Luminox is also great brand for money in this category.

[@RL1able]

on some models of Breitling, the tabs at the quarter markers can be unscrewed and swapped...for example, swapping the 15 and 45 converts the bezel to a count-down timer

[@davethrasher4124]

When I was a paratrooper, I wore a Citizen Eco Drive Marinaut for awhile. The lume was a bit on the weaker side, but I picked it up as a dress watch anyways. I spent as much money to repair it as I did to buy it, because of my emotional attachment to it. For most of my enlistment, I rocked a Suunto of some sort that looked like the one from Clockstoppers. If Sangin Instruments had been around while I was in, I'd have worn the one I do now, the Professional. Currently worn on a Zulu Alpha strap.