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Tactical gear originated out of the need for military members to have a battlefield advantage over the enemy. After the military, tactical gear progressed to law enforcement giving them an advantage over criminals. Eventually, tactical gear found its way into the hands of civilians. Every day people started to realize the true value of tactical gear such as watches and GPS. It is from this realization that these watches, the absolute best tactical watches on the market today were created.

The wristwatch was first created in the 16th century and adapted for military use by British officers in the late 1800s. Since then the simple average wristwatch has transformed from a simple timekeeping piece meant to synchronize battle plans, into the technological marvels of today in which you can put your complete battle plans (Not that you would want to, but you pretty much could).

They can tell you your location down to a 10-figure grid, your movement speed, set and save waypoints, plot your movement, give you your distance to your destinations, act as your compass, and so much more.

In today’s expanding tactical equipment market, however, there are a lot of fakes or posers as I’d like to say. To make something and dub it “Tactical” has completely become something of a trend and marketing scheme.

This is annoying at best and life-threateningly dangerous at worst. Just because something has “tactical” in the name, does not make it truly tactical equipment.

So, with so many items and in the case of this article, watches, dubbed “tactical” how can you know that what you’re purchasing is truly a tactical and worthwhile watch to spend your hard-earned cash on?

A watch that will give you an advantage in your chosen field of battle or adventure. For that, I bring you this article “The 6 Best Tactical Watches”.

THE BEST 6 TACTICAL WATCHES

#6 – LUMINOX NAVY SEAL CHRONOGRAPH 3581.BO

The Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph 3581.BO is the only watch on this list that is not a smartwatch.

How did it make this list then you ask?

As far as the build quality is concerned, it is every bit on par with the rest of the watches. What makes it exceptional and stand out from the rest therefore making it a part of this list, is the battery life and the 25 constant year glow.

Luminox utilizes sapphire glass for the watch face which makes it nearly as strong and as hard as diamonds. With a Mohs rating of 9, very few things are hard enough in this world to even so much as scratch the face of this watch.

The case and bezel are made from Luminox’s patented CARBONOX material. CARBONOX is made from carbon powder and carbon fibres. It is 6 times lighter than steel 3 times lighter than titanium and ultra strong.

The strap is made from strong durable Polyurethane. PU is highly temperature and abrasion-resistant and is used in tactical gear across the board.

What the 3581.BO lacks in smart features, it makes up for in lifetime in two other main features it does provide! The battery life in the 3581.BO is the best on the list, lasting up to an astounding 43 months or 3.5 years!

The other feature that has an even crazier life expectancy is the tritium tubes. The hands and each number are marked with tritium tubes, a gas that constantly glows and these tubes will glow for the next 25 YEARS!!!

This constant glow technology that Luminox uses also provides the absolute pinnacle in stealth capabilities, as you will be able to read your watch any time regardless of light conditions. All the while never illuminating yourself therefore remaining completely concealed! STEALTH!!!

#5 – SUUNTO 9 BARO

The 9 Baro is made of 100% top-quality material found in tactical gear. The 9 Baro uses the nearly unbreakable and unscratchable sapphire glass common to only the most elite watches. This allows the large display face to take a beating while not showing a mark, so you won’t have any trouble seeing it even after years of use.

All though very strong, and although steel will take a beating, and do great in the elements it will also simply show more wear and tear over time. The case however is made from fiber-reinforced polymer an incredibly strong, durable, and lightweight material.

The strap being made from silicone, which is also a polymer has very much the same attributes but is much more pliable. Polymers are highly resistant to extreme temperatures and can handle all climates without succumbing to them. This means it won’t freeze and crack or break and neither will it heat up too much and simply tear apart.

The regular smartwatch mode will last up to 14 days. This isn’t great, but it isn’t poor either, it’s on par with most high-end watches today. However, where the 9 Baro shines is the four battery-saving GPS modes, which allow you to extend the battery while using the GPS function.

The longest this battery will last is up to 170 hours or around 7 days while using the GPS, and that is pretty darn GOOD!

On top of being built tough and having a pretty solid battery, the 9 Baro is loaded with features that will truly aid any soldier or adventure in a high-stress combat or survival situation.

The 9 Baro can access the world’s 5 different GNSS (Global Navigation Satellites Systems) constellations. That means NO MATTER where in the world you are, this watch can pinpoint your location within only meters.

The compass will make sure you are always headed in the direction you need to be going and the different climate meters will make sure you’re always informed about the shifting elements, so you’re ready for absolutely anything.

With Tactical and survival features like point-to-point navigation, GPS speed and distance, real-time breadcrumb navigation, and full-on preloaded topo maps on your wrist and accessible at the touch of a button, you’d be crazy to leave your home without it!

No matter where you go or what you do, the 9 Baro has you covered and will make sure you always end up at your final destination..home

#4 – GARMIN TACTIX DELTA – SOLAR EDITION WITH BALLISTICS

The Garmin Tactix Delta is one of the most unbelievable watches on the market today. Garmin however, never settling for anything but the absolute best, analyzed it and made it better, creating the Solar edition with ballistic capabilities.

The Tactix Delta Solar is made with the absolute toughest material around. The face is made using Garmin’s patented Power Sapphire Glass, which combines the unbelievable strength of sapphire glass with Garmin’s solar charging capabilities.

The bezel is made from Diamond-like carbon-coated steel, and the case and strap utilize materials such as Fiber-Reinforced Polymer, and ballistic nylon making the Tactix Delta top-tier in its strength and toughness!

Of all the things you have to worry about in life, the Tactix Delta stopping to getting knocked around is not one of them!!!

The Tactix Delta Solar is very unique in the fact that it has an amazing battery life but then you throw in the ability for it to charge its battery using solar energy and this watch is next level! 21-24 days of just standard everyday smartwatch use is pretty good.

When that time comes though and you find yourself lost in the woods or stranded somewhere in a survival, the Tactix Delta Solar will give you 60-66 hours (about 2.5 days) of full 3 GNSS use. Using the GPS max battery option you get up to 120hrs – 148hrs (4-5 days) and with their expedition GPS mode you can get up to 56 days.

The Tactix Delta Solar comes with every tactical and survival feature you can find in a top-tier watch. A compass, so no matter where you are you can navigate your way to safety and every environmental sensor possible so you can keep track of the weather and preemptively take the actions you need to, to survive.

Boasting features such as Point-to-Point Navigation, trackback, GPS speed and distance, sight-N-go, full topographical maps, and man, soooo many more. The Tactix Delta is one of the VERY FEW watches truly earning the moniker Tactix in its title!

Three unique and outstanding features for both the tactical and adventurer community that the Tactic Delta Solar has are its Live Track, Incident Detection, and Assistance.

These three features together monitor your vitals and location. If or when they detect abnormal stress, automatically a signal is sent to predetermined contacts with your location. Ensuring that help can get to you quickly when you need it most!

#3 – GARMIN TACTIX 7 – PRO EDITION / PRO BALLISTICS EDITION

The Tactix 7 Pro series is among the absolute top-tier tactical and survival watches in the known universe! The Pro series watches do it all! If the Dwarf King Eitri who forged Thor’s hammer (Marvel reference for you nerds) in the heart of a star also forged a watch, he would have forged the Tactix 7 Pro or Pro Ballistics Edition.

The Tactix 7 Pro series uses Garmin’s patented Power Sapphire Glass which combines the indestructibility of sapphire glass with a solar charger. This means the Pro series can take a beating and charge your watch’s battery at the same time!

The bezel and rear of the watch are made from ultra-strong and lightweight titanium! The case is constructed from fiber-reinforced polymer and the strap was created from nylon or silicone.

These materials are the best of the best this world has to offer the tactical community!

The Tactix 7 Pro series truly stands out in its incredible battery life. In just standard smartwatch mode the Pro series lasts over a month with solar charging, up to 37 days. In battery saver mode with solar the Pro series will last you OVER A YEAR without doing a single standard charge.

Using only the GPS The Tactix 7 Pro series will continue to guide for up to 89 hours (approx. 4 days) or with solar 122 hours (approx. 5 days). However, if you want even greater accuracy with your location and want to use all the GNSS constellations the Pro series has access to, then with solar they can last for up to 77 hours (approx. 3 days).

On Garmin’s unique Expedition mode, the Tactix 7 Pro series with solar will last you over a third of a year!!! Up to 139 days to be more precise!

As far as tactical and survival features go, the Tactix 7 Pro series comes with the most advanced features you can find in watches these days.

A compass, so no matter where you are you can navigate your way to safety and every environmental sensor possible so you can keep track of the weather and preemptively take the actions you need to, to survive.

The Tactix 7 Pro series boasts features such as Point-to-Point Navigation, breadcrumb trail in real time, barometric trend indicator with storm alert, sight-n-go, GPS speed and distance, full topographical maps, and many more.

The Tactix 7 Pro series comes with three unique and outstanding features for both the tactical and adventurer community Live Track, Incident Detection, and Assistance.

These three features together monitor your vitals and location. If or when they detect abnormal stress, automatically a signal is sent to predetermined contacts with your location. Ensuring that help can get to you quickly when you need it most!

#2 – COROS VERTIX 2

The Coros Vertix 2 stands out among all the watches this world has to offer in some very significant ways!

Its build is second to none, utilizing high-grade titanium and durable polymers. This watch boasts the best standard battery life of any watch on this list, it has access to all 5 GNSS constellations, and it will operate anywhere on God’s green earth regardless of climate.

The Coros Vertix 2 uses Diamond-like coating sapphire glass for the face, a glass so tough that even Superman would struggle to put a scratch on it.

The bezel and case are both made from grade 5 titanium alloy with PVD coating. Grade 5 Titanium is the workhorse of the titanium alloy family, known for its exceptional strength! Grade 5 titanium is also known for its ability to handle any climate including salt-laden sea water and it can handle temperatures of up to 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

The strap comes in either extremely durable nylon or polymer. NO MATTER where you go or what you do, the Vertix 2 will stay strong through it all.

The Vertix 2‘s battery is truly a masterpiece. The standard battery life is 60 DAYS!!! While using just the standard GPS you will have 140 hours (approx 6 days) of battery life or with the Coros UltraMax GPS mode you will have 240 hours (10 days) of battery life!

These numbers in and of themselves are crazy! Garmin only has these numbers beat when you look at their number from solar charging

With the Coros Vertix 2, you will have access to not only 3 GNSS constellations but to all 5 of the world’s GNSS constellations.

This provides the most accurate and updated loc. stats no matter where you are on earth. On top of that with the multi-frequency positioning, you will never lose signal.

The Coros Vertix 2 comes loaded with the usual top-tier range of sensors to keep you up to date on the weather and any potential life-threatening hazards while you’re in a survival situation, such as storms.

Loaded with tactical and survival features such as point-to-point navigation, GPS-based distance time and pace, back-to-start, off-route alert, and many more.

The Vertix 2 will make sure you always get to your final destination and with its unique off-route alert you will always be warned if you stray too far away from where you need to be.

The preloaded topographical maps offered on the Vertix 2 or second to absolutely none!

I can’t think of anything more valuable in a serious survival situation than having a detailed map and a GPS showing you exactly where you are on that map.

With the Coros Vertix 2, the ability to walk, and some serious fortitude you’ll walk out of any situation and you’ll be stronger at the end.

#1 – GARMIN INSTINCT 2 SOLAR – TACTICAL EDITION

The Garmin Instinct 2 Solar Tactical Edition is a truly out-of-this-world watch.

Among all of Garmin’s outstanding features, the one feature that makes this watch stand out is Garmin’s claim of UNLIMITED battery life.

The 2 Solar Tactical comes standard with the finest materials that Garmin has to offer. The face is made with Garmin’s patented Power Sapphire glass, combining a glass nearly as hard as diamonds with solar panels giving this watch the ability to endlessly self-charge!

The bezel and case are both made from lightweight yet extremely durable fibre-reinforced polymer, giving the 2 Solar Tactical the capability of handling absolutely any environment and coming out victorious.

Now this is where the 2 Solar Tactical truly shines, battery life. In standard smartwatch mode it lasts 28 days, but with solar charging its battery has UNLIMITED LIFE!!! In battery saver mode it lasts up to 65 days, but with solar charging again….UNLIMITED!!!

This might not seem like a big deal as we’re not even at the battery life while using the GPS and other features, however, when in a prolonged tactical engagement such as war or when in a prolonged survival situation this will still provide you with the time, date, sun rise/sunset, compass, bearing, and other solid features that will greatly aid you in surviving and thriving.

Using the GPS the 2 Solar Tactical can last you up to 48 hours (2 days) and in max battery GPS mode 370 hours (approx. 15 days). In Garmin’s expedition GPS mode, it can last 32 days or again UNLIMITED with solar.

Truly one of a kind

Outdoor sensors such as a barometer, altimeter, and compass are easily accessible always allowing you to keep an eye on weather.

The 2 Solar Tactical has access to 3 GNSS constellations making you always have the capability to find your location worldwide. Add in the multi-frequency positioning and you never have to worry about whether you’ll be able to access GNSS.

Garmin has made sure that the 2 Solar Tactical comes with every prime tactical and survival feature possible today. Features such as point-to-point navigation, bread comb trail in real time, trackback, back to start, and sight ‘N go will aid you as you traverse through the worst terrain this world has to throw at you.

Among all the things you’ll be worried about, getting lost won’t be one of them.

The 2 Solar Tactical comes with Garmin’s live track, incident detection and assistance 3 of the most important features when in possibly dire situations as they will alert your pre-loaded contacts of your distress allowing help to be called for you when you can’t call for it yourself.

WHAT I EVALUATED

I went through all the top GPS and self-titled “tactical” watches on the market to find the 6 best tactical watches. I looked at and examined watches from Garmin, Sunnto, Coros, Polar, G-SHOCK, Luminox and more.

As I was looking at what criteria set a watch apart as a “tactical” watch, three main categories stood out:
1) Physical Build;
2) Features;
3) Battery Life.

The materials a watch is made out of have to be tough and rugged. It has to be able to take a beating and keep on ticking. It also has to be material that is not easily affected by the harshest of elements, able to function in extreme cold and heat, and while soaking wet without stopping.

The last thing anyone needs is for their watch to fail in their time of greatest need.

Smart watches these days provide features that do pretty much everything, except cook your meal and tuck you into bed. However, as handy as many of these features are for everyday life, not all smartwatches have features that focus on personal survival or tactical situations.

I don’t necessarily want to say that of the three criteria I evaluated the battery life is the most important, but it very well may be.

A watch can have all the features you want, and be as tough as Gunny himself, but if the battery dies in a couple hours then it is useless!

If a watch excels in just the materials category, then sure it would be classified as a very tough watch, but NOT A TACTICAL WATCH. If a tough watch is all you want, then a company that EXCELS in tough watches is the company G-SHOCK.

You’ll love the tough-as-nails watches they create. I mean they can take a Rocky Balboa-style beating and and keep on going. Here’s a couple of their finest:
1) G-SHOCK GWG2000-1A1
2) G-SHOCK GBDH1000-1
3) G-SHOCK MUDMASTER GGB100-1B

If a watch excels in all features except personal survival and tactical situations, then it is NOT A TACTICAL WATCH, it is purely a smartwatch and these days smartwatches are a dime a dozen, they’re everywhere.

If a watch lasts for eternity, but does little besides give you the basic time, then it is NOT A TACTICAL WATCH and isn’t any better than a 25c watch from those children’s toy dispensing machines.

A watch must excel in not just one of these areas, but in all three of these areas to legitimately be considered a “tactical” watch.

MATERIALS

The material used in tactical gear is pretty standard across the board. Meaning no matter what kind of tactical gear you’re looking at, there’s a good chance they’re using some of the same materials.

600-1000D Cordura nylon, polymers, fiber-reinforced polymers, titanium, steel, and in the case of the watch’s sapphire glass are some of the most common materials you’ll find.

Why these materials?

These materials are used because time after time they prove themselves to be effective materials in the tactical world! They’re extremely strong, extremely durable, and generally very lightweight.

They can take a beating and NEVER STOP! They don’t bend and brake under the pressures they’re put under. They perform at elite levels until the job is done.

SAPPHIRE GLASS

When in a high stress, possible survival situation you can’t afford to be worried about taking care of your gear because its delicate and my scratch or break. Thats why top of the line tactical watches are made using Sapphire Glass.

Sapphire is one of the hardest materials on earth! Diamonds and silicone carbide are two of the only materials on earth that can scratch sapphire.

The Mohs scale, is a scale used to rate the hardness of materials from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest a material can be. This scale gives diamonds a 10 rating which means they are the hardest a material can be on earth.

Silicone carbide is rated at about 9.5 which also makes it one of the hardest materials on earth. Sapphire has a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale.

This means the lens of all 6 of these watches is VIRTUALLY SCRATCH PROOF, as it can only be scratched by one of the few materials on earth harder than it.

POLYMER / FIBER REINFORCED POLYMER / TITANIUM

These are some of the most common materials you’ll find tactical gear made from. From gloves, to boots, to knives, watches, and much more. These materials stand out because they’re so INCREDIBLY GOOD at doing what we need them to do!

They can be beat time after time and not break making them some of the toughest and most durable materials ever created.

They can function in any climate, extreme heat and in extreme cold, arid and humid, they do it all. Also, they’re strong, extremely strong, these materials can be hit as hard as you can hit them and come out the other side.

FEATURES

All these watches are smart watches other than the Luminox, so they come with a MOUNTAIN of universal smart features that can be fun and handy for every day life. These features how ever not at all what I am interested in when it comes to looking for a serious tactical/survival watch.

These watches are the ABSOLUTE PINNACLE of tactical/survival watches because they offer unprecedented features in the realms of environmental sensors, tactical and outdoor survival, and battery life!

Their GPS and satellite capabilities allow them to hook up to any where from 3 to 5 different GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) constellations while using multiple different frequencies to connect with them.

Some of them even have smart options which allows the watch to choose the best GNSS constellation for your location, to get you the most accurate location possible.

They can give you your location to with in 1 meter any where in the world. Whether in the concrete jungle or the amazon jungle, with these top watches, you’ll never be lost again!

On top of the GPS, they come with a compass. So you can find your exact location on a map and then use your compass to navigate your way home.

You’ll have a barometer, thermometer, and altimeter at the touch of a button, in order to help you keep track of the weather. This will greatly aid you in adjusting your plans and making smart decisions when in possible life threatening out door survival situations.

The tactical and survival features give you unprecedented and priceless capabilities whether you are military, private security, or just an adventurer.

To be able to plan out your routes of travel so your never again lost, to save locations so when you are lost you can pull that saved location back up and navigate directly to it, to see how far you have travelled, how fast you’ve been traveling, and the exact path back if you’ve wandered off, priceless.

A couple of these watches even help in times of distress, sending your exact location to predetermined contacts if the watch reads that your vitals are in high levels of stress.

BATTERY

The final aspect of these watches and probably the one I scrutinized the most, was the battery life of the watches.

You never know how long you’ll be in a tactical or survival situation. You must hope for the best but plan for the absolute worst. If everything goes to hell and stays there, then you need to be ready.

These watches while offering the best tactical and survival features also come with some of, if not the absolutely best and longest battery life on the market.

In regular smart watch mode these watches offer battery life any were from 14 days at the bottom end, all the way up 60 days, and even FOREVER! Yes, that right…UNLIMITED BATTERY LIFE with the built in solar charging that garmin offers!

When lost, in distress, and fighting for your very life these watches can run their GPS’s and navigation features from anywhere from 60 hours (2.5 days), to 578 hours (24 DAYS), to again….AN UNLIMITED amount of time

These watches are NO JOKE! They very well could mean life or death depending on the situation you find yourself in. In todays world, everything costs money, but the confidence to get yourself out of any situation, and the ability to back it up…ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS!!!

Now let me introduce you to the Top 6 tactical watches on the market today! And The Last watches you will ever need!!!!

CONCLUSION

In any tactical or survival situation these tactical watches are one of these absolute best pieces of gear someone can have. These watches are what could be the difference between life and death.

So, whether you purchase from here or someone else, I highly advise you pick up one of these puppies before you head over the wire next.

Make sure you never leave home with out one of these on!

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