Tactical Watches for the Military

How to Choose a Tactical Watch

A tactical watch should be durable, easy to read at night and resistant to water. That is why watches for military personnel are chosen by display type, case, water resistance and backlight, with insignia coming last.

Display, Case and Water Resistance

An analog army watch can be read at a glance. A digital one adds a stopwatch and an alarm, and some Vik-Tailor models even have an altimeter or a barometer. An analog-digital watch combines both approaches: the hands show the time, while the display handles the timers.

A large case is easier to read, but it is heavier and catches on a sleeve. The steel Awarder Patriot 023 line suits both uniform and civilian clothing. A 30 m (3 ATM) rating means protection against rain and splashes, while 50 m (5 ATM) also covers short-term swimming, but not diving.

Backlight, Compass and Strap

Electroluminescent backlight evenly lights the whole dial, while LED gives a brighter but spot light. Remember that any light gives away your position at night, so turn it on while covering the dial with your hand.

A built-in compass can help you find your bearings when your phone is dead. Such models are available among tactical watches with a compass, for example the Awarder 036 or M-Tac. It is not a precise navigation instrument, but it is enough for determining the general direction. If necessary, a paracord strap can be unwoven into a strong cord.

Insignia and a Watch as a Gift

The dial may feature the trident, or the emblems of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Emergency Service, the police, the Security Service of Ukraine or the Territorial Defense Forces. A watch with a trident is appropriate for anyone, while an Armed Forces of Ukraine watch or a model with a departmental emblem is better given to someone who serves in that very unit. Most Awarder watches carry this kind of insignia. For a gift to a service member, choose a color to match the uniform — olive, camouflage or black — and a model with simple controls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which military watch should I choose for everyday wear?

An analog-digital one with backlight and 50 m water resistance. It shows the time at a glance and has timers for watch duty.

Can I swim with a tactical watch?

Only with a model rated for 50 m (5 ATM), and without diving. A watch marked 30 m is designed only for rain and splashes.

Do I need to replace the battery in an army watch?

Yes, quartz and electronic movements are powered by a battery. When the display fades or the backlight dims, it is time to replace the battery. After replacing it, check that the case back is tightly closed, otherwise water resistance will suffer.