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For first responders, a watch is more than a fashion accessory. It’s a vital tool that needs to be reliable, functional and durable enough to withstand the harshest conditions. Imagine a firefighter coordinating a rescue amid scorching heat and blinding smoke. Or a paramedic monitoring a patient’s vitals during a chaotic emergency. In these high-pressure situations, a reliable watch becomes an extension of themselves.

There are many solid watches to choose from, but the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming. This guide will help you find the best tactical watch for your individual needs.

Analyzing your environment

The first thing you need to do to find that perfect tactical watch is to look at your specific environment, because that will determine the type of watch you need. Office employees, for example, can choose from any watch style (e.g., fashion, wood or luxury). But officers and responders working in the streets will want to skip those options not made for the tactical environment.

Tactical watches are designed with functionality and durability in mind. They are made from high-strength materials, like stainless steel, carbon fiber or resin, and they are water-resistant or waterproof to withstand harsh conditions.

Tactical watch considerations

Some features to consider in a tactical watch include:

• Night vision compatibility. The watch face and backlight use a special coating that doesn’t interfere with night vision goggles.
• Dual time zones. Easily track time in two different locations.
• Compass. A built-in compass can help you navigate in low-light or no-light conditions.
• GPS. Track location and marking waypoints.
• Altimeter and barometer. Monitor altitude and weather.
• Stopwatch and timer. Time operations, training exercises or DUI evaluations.

When choosing a tactical watch, there are a few things to consider. The watch must be durable, just in case you are fighting with a suspect, pulling someone out of a burning car, or assessing a patient under a crushed vehicle. The watch should be made from high-quality materials that can withstand shocks, drops and other impacts.

A tactical watch should be water-resistant or waterproof to a depth that meets your needs. As a cop in Arizona, I don’t see myself getting overly wet during my work week, but I am concerned about dust. A sealed, waterproof watch can help prevent dust from damaging the essential components of your watch.

I didn’t really care for GPS watches for law enforcement because I didn’t think they were useful tools until a good friend used the GPS data on his watch to track his movement when chasing a suspect. The officer articulated the exact route the suspect took and plotted exactly where the suspect tossed evidence while running away. To add credibility to the case, the officer printed the map from the online app as evidence. Consider a similar use case for your day – whether it’s mapping a training run or a search for a 911 caller. If you choose a tactical watch without GPS, a compass can assist with nighttime documentation.

Popular tactical watches

Casio G-Shock

I was surprised to find out that many special operators, both in the military and police, prefer the Casio G-Shock watch lineup. G-Shock watches are built tough and made to take abuse. More importantly, they offer a wide range of features, including altimeters, barometers, biometrics and environmental data. Emergency responders like these watches because they are dependable, accurate and rugged. Plus, if something breaks, most jewelers have the parts on hand to fix it.

Garmin – Instinct Solar

Garmin offers a wide range of smart-style watches designed with the first responder in mind. They are scratch-resistant, have a decent water rating, and are built using reinforced polymer material. Several of their watches solar charge and have extended battery life. Responders can really benefit from the accurate GPS data and Garmin phone app, to track and document movements.

Luminox – Navy SEAL

Out of all the high-quality water-resistant watches I looked at, the Luminox Navy SEAL took the top spot. Most of their watches are water-resistant up to 200 meters, which makes it perfect for divers or those working in wet areas. The Navy SEAL watches are built with tactical operators in mind. They do not transmit Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Suunto Core Alpha

Suunto is best known for its top-tier professional orienteering compasses. Made in Finland, Suunto watches are built with the same quality in mind as their compasses. This is one of the few watches that is truly tested to meet MIL-STD-810 standards and has passed all nine tests, including heat/cold, shock, drop, freeze/thaw, rain, humidity and dust. It features a barometer, an extremely accurate compass, a red backlight, weather functions and more.

Timex Expedition North

If you are looking for a well-built, no-thrills quality watch on a budget, the Timex Expedition North should be your choice. They are water-resistant to 100-meters and have a comfortable fabric strap. This watch is one of the top choices of military and security guards as they are built well and are cheaper than the competitors.

Invest in a trusted timepiece

In conclusion, choosing the right tactical watch boils down to understanding your specific needs and environment. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision that equips you with a reliable and functional timepiece. Remember, a tactical watch is an investment – a trusted companion that will be there for you throughout your career.