Tough Watches: Battle for the Most Rugged Watches in the World
Tough watches are reserved for those who love and need toughness more than anything else. But what do you define as toughness?
There are watches that are designed to withstand extreme shock and vibration but yet highly sensitive to chemical exposure such as insect repellent or even sweat. There may not be a universal metric as to what defines a watch as being tough. But I see suitability of a watch to be used by the military as probably the best testament to this quality.
If we go by this metric alone, it is easy to conclude that some of the most rugged watches in the world have to be the likes of G-Shock and Luminox military watches.
Ever since Casio unveiled the first G-Shock watch to the world 30 years ago, G-Shock watches continues to build their reputations as the toughest watches on the planet.
There are also tough watches other than G-Shock but most of them excel only in specific conditions that they are optimally designed for. Furthermore, no other brand offer such extensive tough watches collection as Casio G-Shock does.
Brands such as Seiko may have earned respect from the community for some of their watch models but that is all. None of them, not even the likes of Luminox and Suunto, is able to diminish Casio G-Shock’s status as the tough watch specialist.
Tough watch hunters are made up of different types of people.
If you are an adventure seeker who loves parachuting or skydiving, only the toughest watches can survive the menacing forces of gravity. If you are an adventure seeker who loves scuba diving, only the toughest watches can survive the pressure at 100m below the ocean surface. If you are an active member of the military, you jolly well know any battlefield is unpredictable and only the toughest watches can survive the harshest and extreme condition of a battlefield.
If your watch is required to survive both inland and on water, G-Shock Frogman is something that is well worth considering. While you may still find tough watches other than G-Shock that are suitable for use by professional scuba diver, only G-Shock aviation is good enough well, for the aviators.
G-Shock Military Inspired Watches
Casio has also released few G-Shock military inspired series. The latest treat for military watch lovers come from G-Shock’s camouflage line-up.
Other than extraordinary toughness, G-Shock military watches boast one additional characteristic.
These military watches have been carefully designed to be worn along with camouflage uniforms. Typical camouflage colors such as olive green, navy blue and black have become the characteristic of military inspired line of G-Shock watches.
However, with the battlefield shifting from jungle to the desert, Casio is quick to address the growing demand. Recently, white has been added to the typical camouflage colors that have been the trademark of G-Shock military series. If you like the idea of a white tough watch, white G-Shock collection may be your cup of tea.
Luminox Military Watches
Luminox military watches are popular alternatives to those who are looking for tough watches other than G-Shock. Design of G-Shock watches is highly polarizing. With extra large bezel, you can tell with one look if a watch you are looking at is a G-Shock.
You either love it or hate it. Luminox watches is not the first thing that comes to mind when one is exploring alternatives for the toughest watches, but they are in fact, among the best alternatives to G-Shock.
Luminox started way back in 1989. It was only in 1993 that the brand received its first taste of stardom when it was commissioned by US Navy SEAL to develop a watch that the world’s most elite forces can use and depend on. Up till today, the watches developed for this purpose are still marketed under the same Luminox 3000 series.
To be selected by US Navy SEAL and Air Force definitely qualifies Luminox watches as tough but being tough is not quite the same as being the toughest.
Take a look at the video below to see how guys at Casio G-Shock take their game of toughness to an entirely unimaginative level. Do you believe that you can hammer down a G-Shock and it will still survive intact? Take a look at the video and let me know what you think.
Other Tough Watches than G-Shock
Lesser known alternatives for tough watches other than G-Shock include Marathon and Suunto.
These names may not be familiar among casual watch seekers but they do have strong reputation in their own right.
For example, the latter makes some amazing watches for adventure seekers and Suunto dive watches are popular among professional divers. If you are looking for watches that boast not only toughness but also style, selected models from brands such as Seiko and Citizen are definitely worthy of your consideration.
Seiko SKX007 is one model that regularly pops up with the mention of watch that is both stylish and tough. Seiko BFK SKA371 is another model that has attracted quite a cult-like following. This is following the watch’s ability to withstand boiling temperature, weight of a car and many more.
In summary, I think G-Shock is still the champion when it comes to rugged watches. To me, the question is not about which brand but which G-Shock model is the toughest. Do not be confused with the G-Shock military term used. G-Shock military inspired series simply means that they are going to be of camouflage color. Take a look at our simple guide and see how you can decode G-Shock serial number instantly. If you are looking for the toughest digital watch, you only need to look at G-Shock Master of G series.
If you are looking for the toughest analog watch, the story is of a much more different picture. If I had to pick 3 contenders for the World’s toughest watches, they would be G-Shock GWA1000FC-5A, Luminox F-117 Nighthawk 6400 Series and Marathon Chronograph Pilot.
Victorinox 241444 Chronograph Classic: A Display of Swiss Engineering Excellence
Proudly sporting an arc of text at the six o’clock position and an embellished logo at the 12 o’clock mark, the Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241444 chronograph isn’t shy about its heritage. The timepiece renounces conservative styling by promoting elegance and classic refinement. The black dial is framed by an inky bezel that’s marked at equal points by a beautifully engraved tachymeter scale. Combined with the three chronograph subdials, the overall emphasis of the watch is obviously on pairing unparalleled timekeeping with striking good looks. Victorinox Chronograph Classic: A Display of Swiss Excellence Product Highlights All the elements required to chisel the best tough analog watch in the Victorinox class are assembled in the Swiss Army Men’s 241444. A leather strap with tight stitching hugs the wrist of the man lucky enough to own the wristwatch. A twist of the same wrist is all it takes to show off the dial and the three elegant subdials as they count off hours, minutes, and seconds with peerless accuracy. A closer look at the face of the 241444 shows why the Victorinox range always makes it into the rarefied heights of the best tough chronograph watches list. I’m talking about pure toughness and waterproofing. I’ve personally worn this watch, and it looks good, feels better, all while radiating an assured sense of durability. This feeling doesn’t come from any sixth sense. It comes from keenly observed details and practical additions as precisely engineered by a Swiss made legacy of top timekeeping engineers. Just to illustrate my point, a triple-coated anti-reflective coating reduces glare when taking the watch down to its maximum diving depth of 100-Meters (330-Feet). That coating sits upon a sapphire glass crystal window, a protective layer designed to defend the classic good looks from disfiguring scratches. What I Love about this Victorinox Classic A wristwatch capable of combining highly-fashionable style with a rugged stainless-steel case is one thing, but the story doesn’t stop here. The Victorinox Swiss Army Men’s 241444 chronograph classic is one of my favorite timepieces because of more than class-leading dependability and a reputation as one...
read moreAlpina Geneve Startimer Automatic AL525B4S6: Simple but Stunningly Elegant Aviation Watch
Alpina watches might ring a bell with watch aficionados out there. This company has been around since 1883, making them one of the oldest watchmakers around. Although they recently sold and merged brands a few years ago, they are still releasing high-quality products across the board, like the Alpina Geneve Startimer. To find out whether or not this watch meets the standards of other quality watches on the market, we’ll take an impartial look at the highs and lows of the Startimer. Introducing Alpina Geneve Startimer: A Watch Made for a True Aviator Alpina Geneve Startimer Product Highlights The first thing of real note about the Alpina Geneve Startimer is that it is a true pilot’s watch, which means it is a large watch that really stands out on the wrist. It is not bulky by any stretch, but it does have a lot of heft. Whether or not it qualifies as the best analog watch depends on one’s personal preferences, but it is certainly a large, attractive watch that is quality constructed. Another area where this watch stands out keeps with the design theme. The style of this aviator pilot’s watch really blends vintage style with modern luxury quite well. For those in the market for the best tough watch they can find, you might appreciate the tough-as-nails stainless steel body and the thick quartz. You may also appreciate that this watch is water resistant up to 200 meters. The band of the watch is nothing fancy, but the high-quality black leather used does make this pilot’s watch stand out as a quality piece of merchandise. The automatic function means no tampering to get the watch to work, and the big-face display is easy to read while the crystal is scratch resistant and really doesn’t show fingerprints or other grit at all. So it’s not a watch you have to worry about cleaning and safeguarding against simple everyday activities. Pros and Cons of Alpina Geneva that You need to Know The Alpina Geneve Startime might meet some people’s requirements for the best tough watch on the market, while...
read moreTissot PRC200 Chronograph: For Active Men and Women who Want to Be Seen at Their Best
Swiss watches have held onto their reputation for quality over the decades and Tissot has stood out as one of the more highly-regarded manufacturers. For over 150 years, this company founded by Charles-Felicien and Charles-Emile Tissot has provided accurate and durable timepieces with admirers throughout the world. Among their offerings are men’s chronograph watches like the Tissot PRC200. This model possesses a ruggedness and functionality comparable to the best analog watch along with luxurious style. Tissot Men’s PRC200: For Active Sportsmen who Demand Aesthetic Perfection Few Key Highlights Starting with the technical aspects of the watch, the body consists of a 42mm diameter case, roughly 12mm thick, and joined to a 19mm wide wristband. The whole thing’s built of stainless steel. As you’d expect from a chronograph, besides the analog watch hands, the PRC200 also provides a 30-minute timer, 60-second timer, and a tenth-of-a-second timer. It even includes a tachymeter for making your own calculations. Making all the parts precisely work in unison is a Swiss quartz movement. An additional feature that tells me this is a pretty serious sports chronograph is its water resistance that’s rated down to 660 feet or 200 meters, ideal for scuba diving. The best tough watch in this category couldn’t perform any better. Keeping the water out under such high pressure is the job a sapphire crystal. This synthetic material resists scratching, which is handy when exploring coral reefs. An In-depth Look The PRC200 has a style that perfectly blends outdoors strength with formal elegance. It’s at home at both a race track or an ornate restaurant. The first thing that struck me about its appearance is the relatively thin bezel surrounding the face. This feature allows for a larger face with more easily-read dials. As with many sports models created by Tissot, what appears to be the second hand is actually the 60-second timer. The everyday seconds are measured by a separate dial located above the six-o’clock position. Up near the 12-o’clock position sit the 30-minute timer and tenths-of-a-second timer dials, respectively. Controlling the dial operations is done through the two buttons...
read moreHamilton HML-H69419363 Khaki Field Green: One of the Finer Choice for Military Men and Women
Hamilton Watch Company is a maker of fine watches popping onto the scene in 1892. However, they did not make their big splash until World War I, when the company started developing wristwatches for soldiers to use in the field. Keeping proper time was crucial to ground soldiers and to battle strategies, and no watchmaker was as reliable as Hamilton in the trenches. Their excellent craftsmanship propelled the American-based brand to new heights in the second World War and beyond. And today, Hamilton still creates top-shelf military wrist watches, such as the Hamilton Khaki Field Green Dial. Is Hamilton Khaki Field Green a Top Military Watch? Hamilton Khaki Field Green Dial Highlights One cool aspect about the Hamilton Khaki Field Green Dial is that you can actually shop for a variety of styles and colors. The classic green dial with greenish-brown (khaki) band and stainless steel case is a superb-looking watch, but there are also options with brown or black leather. For the classic green dial, which we will speak about in this review, it has that classic military, in-the-field look about it. The green band and green dial play very well, looking much like an Army uniform. So, right off the bat, the watch impresses with its aesthetics. Another area where the Khaki Field Green Dial stands out is in its quality construction. Those looking for the best tough watch out there may appreciate a military watch. The hand movements are mechanical, so you know the time will be reliable. Using the age-old movement methods, there are no batteries or solar issues to worry about. The tough-as-nails sapphire crystal face also protects the watch from scratches and cracks with a material that is much stronger than typical quartz. It is also a lot clearer, like comparing acrylic to basic glass, so the watch visibility is at a premium, even under direct sunlight. The Hamilton Khaki Field Green Dial was also constructed to take a beating. Through the mud and the muck and the water, this watch will still continue to work. It is water resistant up to 50...
read moreTissot T Touch Expert: Made by the Expert for the Experts
When people go looking for the best tough watch their money can buy, they often look at the Swiss for products. This is the case with people who are fans of the Swiss watchmakers Tissot. Founded in 1853, Tissot has been churning out quality, reliable products for well over a century, and one of their newest releases is the Tissot T Touch Expert. Though how, exactly, does the Tissot T Touch stack up as a high-quality watch? Tissot T Touch Expert: Only the Expert Knows what’s Best One of the first things to notice about this watch is that it is incredibly attractive. More than keeping time or finding the best tough watch available, nobody wants to wear an ugly watch. That’s just out of the question, and it’s why you don’t see anyone wearing weird wrist pieces. Tissot T Touch in particular has a very classic look and feel to it. It is a simple stainless steel watch, but the black face behind that quality quartz really makes it pop. It looks rather on the ultra-expensive side, ala Rolex or Patek Philippe. However, it’s not exactly in that class. It’s a very refined-looking watch that uses stainless throughout its construction. Not only are the band and body stainless, but the hands of the watch face are also stainless. The use of stainless throughout the entire construction also gives the watch a lot of heft; i.e. it feels like a quality piece of machinery in your hand. It’s also a hybrid watch, meaning it blends the classical movements with the modernity of LCD function. By pressing the “T” owners can access various functions of the watch, such as a timer and alarm, compass, and calibration features. Wearing the watch is also quite comfortable. With many stainless bands, they tend to catch arm hair and sometimes even skin in the link gaps. The Tissot T Touch is designed much tighter, meaning there isn’t any open space between bracelet links. This might not be an important feature for a lot of people, but for anyone who’s ever been pinched by a...
read moreAlpina Diver 300: Probably the Best Dive Watch Companion for Ladies
Finding the best tough watch that will fit your wrist so perfectly that you don’t even notice it as you’re wearing it is a tough task that even I have trouble identifying at times. The watch under review here is known as the Alpina Seastrong Diver 300. For those that may not be aware, dive watches are ones that can be worn up to a certain amount of meters under water and are generally water resistant, which can prove useful for a number of reasons. I wore the Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 to test it out and the following is my review of the highlights of the watch, as well as the pros and cons. Alpina Seastrong Diver: The Perfect Companion for Serious Lady Divers Noteworthy Highlights The Alpina Seastrong Diver has a number of notable highlights that are important when searching for the best tough watch. For instance, the stainless steel frame is quite durable and definitely scratch resistant. The battery life is advertised as being 45 months. While I haven’t worn it nearly that long, the battery has held up so far, which is always a good sign. The overall aesthetic of the watch is really sleek and sophisticated, with the black in the case juxtaposed nicely against the silver of the rest of the watch. The watch itself consists of a one-directional rotating diving bezel, as well as a water resistance of just over 600 ft. The crown and case-back are also screw-in, which allows for easy maintenance. Pros and Cons There are really a lot of things I liked about this watch. For one, while many dive watches are often somewhat uncomfortable to wear, the design of the Alpina Diver 300, which consists of a stainless steel frame, actually makes it quite comfortable to wear. There are no hard edges and the way the back of the watch rests against the skin is really nice. The stainless steel strap outfitted to the case is nothing amazing, but does the job adequately. While I would have preferred a rubber strap instead, the steel strap is more...
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