Best Survival Watch 2024
Do you love exploring the great outdoors? If you’re an adventure junkie who loves to go on expeditions, you gotta have a survival watch on your gear list. It’s not just a timekeeper, it’s a versatile tool that can help you navigate, track your activities and keep you prepared for any unexpected situations.
In this article, we’re gonna explore the world of survival watches, their key features, and give you a list of the top 5 survival watches on the market. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect survival watch that you can take with you on your next adventure!
I did a lot of digging before creating this list. I checked out all the product specs, user reviews, and expert opinions from the outdoor and watch communities. I’m big on exploring and love the latest tech, so I’ve been collecting G-Shock watches for years now and have quite a few in my possession.
For this list, I consolidated all the important details on various survival watches from multiple reliable sources. My goal was to give adventurers and enthusiasts a detailed overview so they can make informed choices based on what they need and what they like.
What is a Survival Watch?
A survival watch is a specially designed wristwatch that offers features beyond timekeeping. These watches are built to withstand rugged conditions and provide essential tools for survival and navigation. From compasses and altimeters to barometers and GPS tracking, a survival watch offers a wide array of functionalities to assist you in various outdoor situations. Whether you need to navigate through unfamiliar terrains or monitor weather changes, a survival watch is equipped to handle it all.
Top 5 Survival Watches on the Market
SUUNTO Vertical
The SUUNTO Vertical Adventure GPS Watch is a feature-packed timepiece designed for outdoor enthusiasts. With its large 49mm color display and free global offline maps, it offers exceptional navigational capabilities. The maps display accurate paths, contour lines, water features, and landmarks, making it easy to explore unfamiliar territories. The watch boasts an impressive battery life of up to 500 hours in tour mode and up to 60 hours in the most accurate tracking mode. Additionally, the Titanium model comes with solar charging, further extending the battery life by 30% on sunny days.
One of the standout features of the SUUNTO Vertical is its exceptional accuracy. It utilizes dual-band GPS technology, ensuring reliable performance even in challenging environments. Whether you’re surrounded by cliffs, valleys, or skyscrapers, this watch will provide precise positioning. The watch also offers smartwatch functionality, including a touch screen, flashlight, phone notifications, and the ability to control music on your phone from your wrist.
With its heritage of high-quality craftsmanship and innovation, SUUNTO delivers a reliable and durable timepiece. The SUUNTO Vertical is made in Finland using 100% renewable energy and is fully carbon compensated. It’s water-resistant up to 100m, allowing you to confidently wear it during water activities. For outdoor enthusiasts seeking a robust GPS watch with impressive features, the SUUNTO Vertical is a top choice.
Luminox Bear Grylls Survival
The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival watch is a rugged and reliable timepiece designed to withstand the most extreme conditions. Developed in collaboration with survival expert Bear Grylls, this watch is built to help you conquer any situation you may encounter in the wilderness.
With its impressive water resistance of 300 meters, the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival watch is suitable for diving and water activities. The sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating ensures durability and excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. The unidirectional rotating bezel allows for precise timekeeping and tracking elapsed time.
One of the standout features of this watch is Luminox’s Light Technology (LLT). The green and orange LLT markers on the dial and hands provide self-powered illumination that remains visible 24/7 for up to 25 years. This means you never have to worry about pressing a button or relying on an external light source to read the time, even in complete darkness. The Luminox Bear Grylls Survival watch features a black CARBONOX case with a comfortable rubber band. The chronograph function and date display add to its functionality, making it a practical tool for outdoor adventures.
Crafted in Switzerland and officially imported by Mondaine Watch Ltd., the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival watch comes with a trusted quality guarantee. It’s backed by a 2-year warranty and can be serviced or have its battery changed by authorized Luminox dealers.
If you’re seeking a durable and reliable watch that embodies the spirit of survival, the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival watch is a top choice. Its rugged design, luminescent technology, and collaboration with Bear Grylls make it an ideal companion for any outdoor enthusiast.
G-Shock Carbon MUDMASTER
The G-Shock Carbon MUDMASTER is the ultimate companion for adventurers who thrive in rugged and demanding environments. This watch is built to withstand the toughest conditions, making it the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
The MUDMASTER is designed to handle mud and sand, with a shock-resistant construction that ensures durability and reliability. The carbon core guard case structure and forged carbon bezel offer excellent protection, while stainless steel pipes and silicone buffers add extra reinforcement. The watch is water-resistant up to 200 meters, allowing you to dive and explore without worry.
Equipped with triple sensor measurements, the MUDMASTER keeps you informed with direction, altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature readings. The large Arabic numeral indexes, arrow-shaped hands, double LED lights, and sapphire glass provide exceptional visibility in any situation. The textured rubber band and knurled buttons enhance the watch’s practicality and ease of use. The MUDMASTER is powered by Tough Solar technology, harnessing solar energy for continuous operation.
Featuring world time, a stopwatch, timer, and multiple alarms, this watch offers versatile functionality. The auto hand home position correction and power-saving features further enhance its convenience. With its reliable accuracy and robust design, the G-Shock Carbon MUDMASTER is a timepiece that can handle the toughest challenges. Whether you’re exploring the wilderness or engaged in extreme sports, this watch is built to accompany you on every adventure.
COROS VERTIX 2 GPS
The COROS VERTIX 2 GPS is a powerhouse adventure watch designed for next-generation outdoor exploration. With its impressive features and premium materials, it delivers a top-notch experience for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the standout features of the VERTIX 2 is its global offline mapping capability. With Landscape, Topo, and Hybrid map modes, you can navigate confidently even in remote locations. The watch communicates with all major satellite systems simultaneously, ensuring unparalleled GPS accuracy even in challenging environments.
The VERTIX 2 boasts a 1.4-inch screen with 16% higher resolution, providing clear and detailed information at a glance. It supports up to eight data fields on a single page, allowing you to customize your display to suit your preferences. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 140 hours of standard full GPS tracking and 60 days of normal use. This ensures that the watch will keep up with your adventures without needing constant charging.
With features tailored for various sports and activities, including running, hiking, swimming, skiing, and more, the VERTIX 2 caters to a wide range of fitness pursuits. It also includes EvoLab by COROS, providing advanced fitness analysis to evaluate your workouts and recovery. Built with premium materials such as a sapphire glass screen and a scratch-resistant titanium bezel, the VERTIX 2 is built to withstand the demands of rugged outdoor environments.
Overall, the COROS VERTIX 2 GPS is a reliable and feature-rich adventure watch that combines durability, accuracy, and advanced functionality. It is a worthy companion for any outdoor enthusiast seeking to push their boundaries and explore the world.
Garmin tactix Delta Solar with Ballistics
The Garmin tactix Delta Solar with Ballistics is a robust and advanced tactical GPS smartwatch designed for military professionals and outdoor enthusiasts. With its durable construction and specialized features, this watch is built to withstand tough conditions in the field.
One of the standout features of the tactix Delta Solar is its solar charging lens, which utilizes sunlight to extend battery life. With custom power manager modes, the watch can achieve weekslong battery performance, making it reliable for extended missions. The watch can last up to 21 days in smartwatch mode and up to 15 hours in GPS mode, with the ability to charge through solar power as well.
Equipped with Applied Ballistics Elite software, the tactix Delta Solar calculates aiming solutions for long-range shooting, providing valuable assistance for precision marksmanship. The watch also offers specialized tactical features such as Jumpmaster mode for high-altitude release points and waypoint projection for easy navigation. In addition to its tactical capabilities, the tactix Delta Solar includes features for fitness tracking, music playback, and advanced training.
It comes with preloaded TOPO maps, ski maps for 2,000 resorts worldwide, and support for multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) for accurate tracking in challenging environments. With its military-grade construction, including a black DLC-coated bezel and nylon band, the tactix Delta Solar is designed to withstand rugged use. It also offers smart features such as heart rate monitoring, smart notifications, Pulse Ox sensing, and Garmin Pay for contactless payments.
Overall, the Garmin tactix Delta Solar with Ballistics is a highly capable and reliable tactical smartwatch that combines military-grade durability with advanced features. Whether you’re in the field or exploring the outdoors, this watch provides the necessary tools for navigation, training, and mission success.
Key Features to Look for in a Survival Watch
When choosing the best survival watch, it’s important to consider certain key features that will enhance your outdoor experience and ensure your safety. Here are some essential features to look for:
Durability and Water Resistance
In the wilderness, your watch is exposed to harsh conditions, including impacts and water. Opt for a survival watch that is built to withstand rough handling and is water-resistant. Look for watches with robust casings and scratch-resistant materials like stainless steel or reinforced polymers.
Navigation and Tracking Functions
A reliable survival watch should have navigation and tracking functions to assist you in finding your way and keeping track of your route. Look for watches that include a built-in compass, altimeter, and GPS capabilities. These features will help you navigate through challenging terrains and ensure you stay on track during your outdoor adventures.
Emergency Features
In critical situations, having access to emergency features can be a lifesaver. Look for survival watches that offer essential emergency features such as an SOS signal, distress beacon, or a built-in flashlight. These features can help you attract attention and signal for help in case of emergencies.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial when it comes to survival watches. You want a watch that can last throughout your outdoor excursions without running out of power. Opt for watches with long battery life or those that offer power-saving modes to extend the usage time.
Design and Comfort
While functionality is essential, you also want a survival watch that is comfortable to wear and suits your personal style. Look for watches with adjustable straps, lightweight designs, and clear displays for easy readability. Additionally, consider features like backlights for nighttime visibility.
What to think about
Consider the Durability and Water Resistance
Assess your intended outdoor activities and choose a watch that can withstand the conditions you’ll encounter. If you engage in water-based activities, ensure the watch is water-resistant and suitable for diving or swimming.
Evaluate the Navigation and Tracking Functions
Consider the level of navigation and tracking you require. If you frequently venture into remote areas, opt for a watch with advanced GPS capabilities and precise tracking features.
Look for Emergency Features
Evaluate the emergency features based on your adventure plans. If you often go on solo trips or explore remote locations, having emergency features like SOS signals and distress beacons is crucial.
Assess the Battery Life
Evaluate the battery life based on the duration of your outdoor activities. If you go on extended trips, opt for watches with longer battery life or those that offer alternative charging options like solar power.
Consider the Design and Comfort
Choose a watch that suits your personal style and ensures comfort during extended wear. Look for features like adjustable straps, easy-to-read displays, and a design that aligns with your preferences.
The Benefits of Owning a Survival Watch
- Safety and Preparedness: A survival watch equips you with essential tools and features to ensure your safety and preparedness in challenging situations. From navigation aids to emergency signals, these watches are designed to assist you in emergencies and keep you prepared for the unexpected.
- Versatility: Survival watches offer a wide range of features beyond timekeeping. They serve as multi-functional tools, combining compasses, altimeters, barometers, GPS tracking, and more. With these versatile features, you can navigate, track your activities, monitor weather conditions, and even calculate altitude.
- Durability: Survival watches are built to withstand rugged conditions. They are made from durable materials such as stainless steel or reinforced polymers, making them resistant to impacts, scratches, and water. Their sturdy construction ensures that they can endure the toughest environments.
- Convenience: Having essential survival tools on your wrist provides convenience during outdoor adventures. Instead of carrying multiple devices, a survival watch consolidates various functionalities into one compact and easily accessible device. This frees up space in your gear and reduces the chances of losing or misplacing important tools.
- Peace of Mind: With a survival watch on your wrist, you can embark on your outdoor activities with peace of mind. Knowing that you have a reliable tool that can assist you in navigation, emergency situations, and tracking your progress gives you confidence and enhances your overall outdoor experience.
Conclusion
If you’re someone who loves going on outdoor adventures, it’s always a good idea to invest in a top-notch survival watch. These watches are packed with features like navigation, timekeeping, and survival tools that can make a big difference in your outdoor escapades. By checking out what features matter to you, assessing your needs, and exploring the best options out there, you can easily pick the perfect survival watch that will keep you safe and enhance your overall outdoor experience.
FAQs
Can I use a survival watch for everyday wear?
Yes, many survival watches are designed to be versatile and suitable for everyday wear. They often feature sleek designs and can seamlessly transition from outdoor activities to everyday use.
Are survival watches only for outdoor enthusiasts?
While survival watches are popular among outdoor enthusiasts, they can also be valuable for individuals who work in challenging environments or those who prioritize preparedness in their daily lives.
Do survival watches require special maintenance?
Survival watches, like any other timepiece, require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning, battery replacement, and servicing.
Can a survival watch replace other survival tools?
A survival watch can consolidate various functionalities into one device, reducing the need for carrying multiple tools. However, it is still important to carry additional essential survival tools depending on the nature of your outdoor activities.
What is the average price range for survival watches?
The price range for survival watches can vary depending on the brand, features, and quality. Entry-level survival watches may start around $50, while more advanced and feature-packed models can range from $200 to $1000 or more.
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