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Military time watches are not nearly as common as their standard time (A.M. / P.M) counterparts. It is unlikely that you will find one at a big box store or at your local shopping mall. Military time watches need to be specially engineered and designed to accommodate the 24-hour timekeeping system. Luckily, much of the world uses 24-hour timekeeping so these types of watches are being designed by companies like Timex, Casio, and Armitron, among others primarily for sale in Europe, South America, and Asia. But, if you go online, you can find several options available for delivery right to your door.
Watches, just like anything that you wear, are an expression of your style and personality. There is no universal “best” military time watch. At the end of the day, what is best for you may be entirely different for someone else. We present the military time watches below using the information found online, in stores, from manufacturers, and from real people just like you. We have compiled that data to show you what the best options are when it comes to purchasing a military time watch. Some you may like, some you may not. But, we are confident that you will find an option that suits your needs in our comprehensive list below.
Best Military Time Watches for Men
The watches below are some of the best available today for men. The military time watches below are of the analog variety. We have another section below for digital versions.
Timex Weekender 24-Hour Watch
Available in dozens of colors and styles, the Timex Weekender is one of the most popular watches that offer 24 hour time available in the world. It offers easy conversion of military time with its dual 12-hour/24-hour time dial. It has an indigo backlight, and water resistance to 100 ft. It is a great value for the casual wearer.
Pro: Can tell both military time and standard time on the same watch. Great value, with many colors to choose from.
Con: Not a good watch for full water submersion. Ticking can be louder than other watches.
Price: $
Citizen Eco Drive Men’s Stainless Military Watch
Although priced a bit higher than others on our list, you certainly get what you pay for with watches in most cases. The Citizen Eco-drive is no exception. It features a real leather band, buckle closure, a gray dial with orange contrasts, and markers that are visible at night. It is water resistant to 300 ft which makes it great for swimming, and snorkeling.
Pro: Timeless styling, genuine leather band, date and time.
Con: The included band is reported to be thicker than expected. Some have chosen to replace it.
Price: $$$
Casio Classic Analog Military Time Watch
As the name implies, this inexpensive watch has a classic design with a casual look. It features an off-white round dial with 24-hour time around the outer rim and a 12-hour standard time on the inside. The watch is water resistant to 30 feet, and has a rubber resin band, resin casing, and a resin glass dial window.
Pro: Can tell both military time and standard time on the same watch. Low price point.
Con: Lower quality materials. The dial does not light up in the dark.
Price: $
Slow Jo 17 24-Hour One-Hand Watch
This unique military time watch features a single-hand design with a Swiss movement. It features k1 mineral glass with an anti-reflective coating, an Italian leather band, 300 feet of water resistance, and a stainless steel case back.
Pro: Easy to tell 24-hour time, unique design, high-quality materials.
Con: The dial does not light up in the dark, and cannot tell minutes or seconds easily.
Price: $$$$
Best Military Time Watches for Women
The watches below are specifically built for women looking for a watch that keeps military time.
Timex Weekender Watch
This colorful and stylish military time watch from Timex is well-regarded. It features a nylon slip-thru strap, a dial that comes in several colors, and a polished silver case. The face lights up at night for simple reading. It is also water resistant. This watch has the standard 12-hour time along the outside edge with the 24-hour time positioned inside it for easy conversions.
Pro: Modern design, waterproof, dual timekeeping, available in multiple colors and designs.
Con: Reports of inaccurate timekeeping, low-quality band.
Price: $$
Slow O 11 24-Hour Watch
This great-looking modern 24-hour timepiece is made in Switzerland. It has a one-hand movement and features 100-meter water resistance, stainless steel case, a hardened mineral glass face with anti-glare coating, a vintage leather strap, and a dark dial with off-white contrast.
Pro: Modern look, excellent build quality.
Con: Lack of minutes and seconds hand makes it hard to tell the exact time.
Price: $$$$
Best Digital Watches with Military Time
Digital watches are popular with those who are more active outdoors. These military time watches tend to be more durable with water and mother nature.
Aposon Men’s Digital Military Time Watch
With the sleek design of this watch, it would be easy to confuse it for one that was much more expensive. Due to the fact it offers a digital screen on the dial, it offers both standard time (12 Hour) and military time (24 hours). It also offers a dual time zone function so that you can switch between time zones easily. The watch case is made of rubber and plastic and so is the band. The dial is covered in mineral glass for an overall great look. Water rated to 164 feet.
Pro: Dual timekeeping (12/24 Hours), dual time zone, stylish, stopwatch mode, backlight for night use.
Con: Scratches easily, large face, low-quality LED display (hard to see), Low build quality.
Price: $
CakCity Men’s Digital Military Sports Watch
A highly rated military time watch with a sports design, the CakCity digital watch features a large face with functionality for both standard time and 24-hour military time. It also has stopwatch and alarm functions. It is shock resistant and offers a backlight for nighttime use. It also is waterproof up to 164 feet. It is made from rubber and plastic with a resin glass dial cover.
Pro: Good looks, good price, dual timekeeping, LED backlight, multi-function stopwatch, and alarm.
Con: Difficult to see in bright daylight, questionable build quality.
Price: $
G-SHOCK The GA 100 Military Series Watch
This rugged watch from Casio G-shock is built tough. It features shock resistance, 200 meter water resistance, a stopwatch, speed indicator, LED backlight, calendar, 29 time zones, auto time switching, 4 alarms, and easy-to-read negative display.
Pro: Robust feature set, great build quality, shock resistant.
Con: Very large dial face, issues for some owners with reading analog time.
Price: $$
Suunto Core Digital Watch
Available in several styles and colors, the Suunto Core watch pairs great rugged looks with function. It features an altimeter, barometer, compass, weather information, sunrise/sunset information, and alarm (time, temperature, and storm.) Overall this is an excellent military time watch for those who love the outdoors.
Pro: Dual timekeeping (12/24 Hours), tons of features, excellent design and look.
Con: Very large dial face.
Price: $$$
Unique Military Watches
For those who are looking for a durable and reliable watch, a military time watch is a perfect choice. These watches are designed to withstand the toughest conditions and provide accurate timekeeping, making them ideal for soldiers, law enforcement officers, and anyone who needs a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
G-Shock Rangeman GW9400
The G-Shock Rangeman GW9400 is a rugged and reliable military time watch that is perfect for outdoor adventures. The watch features a shock-resistant design that can withstand the toughest conditions, including drops, impacts, and extreme temperatures. The watch is also water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it suitable for a variety of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving. One of the standout features of the G-Shock Rangeman GW9400 is its digital compass, which allows you to easily find your way in the great outdoors. The watch also features a barometer, thermometer, and sunrise/sunset data, making it a versatile and useful tool for outdoor enthusiasts.
Luminox Field 3051
The Luminox Field 3051 is a stylish and durable military watch that is perfect for everyday wear. The watch features a Swiss-made quartz movement that provides accurate timekeeping, as well as a rugged, scratch-resistant case that is designed to withstand the toughest conditions. One of the standout features of the Luminox Field 3051 is its illuminated dial, which glows in the dark for up to 25 years without needing to be recharged. This makes the watch easy to read in low light conditions, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs a watch that can keep up with their active lifestyle.
Timex Expedition Scout Chrono
The Timex Expedition Scout Chrono is a stylish and reliable timepiece that’s perfect for the modern adventurer. Its rugged design features a durable, water-resistant stainless steel case, a comfortable nylon strap, and an easy-to-read, full-color digital display. The watch is powered by a reliable quartz movement, and it boasts a suite of advanced features, including a chronograph, countdown timer, and multiple time zones. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, hitting the gym, or simply seeking a dependable timekeeper for everyday use, the Timex Expedition Scout Chrono is a perfect choice. With its bold style, advanced features, and reliable performance, this watch is the ultimate companion for any adventure.
Hamilton Khaki Field
The Hamilton Khaki Field watch is a classic timepiece with a timeless design that’s perfect for the modern adventurer. Its rugged, yet sophisticated style makes it ideal for those who appreciate both form and function. The watch features a reliable Swiss-made movement, a durable stainless steel case, and a comfortable leather or nylon strap. The legible, easy-to-read dial is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. With its water resistance of up to 50 meters and its rugged construction, the Hamilton Khaki Field is ready for any adventure. Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors or simply seeking a reliable timekeeper for everyday use, the Hamilton Khaki Field is a perfect choice.
Marathon Navigator
The Marathon Navigator watch, with its precise quartz movement (based on the Siekois the ultimate timepiece for the rugged outdoorsman. Its large, clear LCD display with a backlit screen showcases essential features like a compass, barometer, and altimeter, providing real-time data for any adventure. The watch’s durable case, crafted from titanium or stainless steel, is shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it ideal for diving and other aquatic activities. The comfortable nylon or silicone band secures the watch to your wrist, while its rotating bezel and screw-down crown provide extra protection. With its long-lasting battery, easy-to-use controls, and advanced timing functions, the Marathon Navigator is a reliable companion on every excursion.
Citizen Nighthawk
The Citizen Nighthawk watch is the epitome of versatility and style. This sleek timepiece boasts a sleek black dial with bold white hour markers, making it easy to read, even in low light conditions. The watch is powered by Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, which harnesses the power of any light source to keep the watch running, eliminating the need for battery changes. The stainless steel case and bracelet are durable and built to last, while the day-date function and 1/100th second chronograph make it a versatile choice for both work and play.
Whether you’re exploring the wilderness, navigating the city streets, or simply seeking a reliable timekeeper, the Citizen Nighthawk is a perfect choice. One of the few watches that features both a quartz movement and also does not require a battery! This concept was originally pioneered by Seiko with their AGS Quartz watch in 1988!
Difference between a Standard AM/PM Watch and a Military Time Watch?
Both go on your wrist and help you tell time. The primary difference is in the timekeeping system presented on the dial. Military time watches will feature a 24-hour timekeeping system on its dial either in analog (numbers around the outer rim of the dial) or in digital (numbers presented on a digital screen.) Military time is generally regarded as more precise and easier to communicate.
Military Watches versus Ordinary Watches
Military watches have a long history of serving in combat and are essential for many reasons. They are known for their accuracy, durability, and synchronization capabilities, making them an excellent choice for a range of activities. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between military watches and ordinary watches and the various types of military watches available in the market today.
Synchronization: The Key Feature of Military Watches
One of the crucial features of military watches is synchronization, which makes them stand out from ordinary timepieces. On the battlefield, a split-second timing can make the difference between life and death. This is why military watches come equipped with a “hack” feature, allowing users to synchronize their watches to the last second, ensuring the proper execution of each mission.
Mass Availability of Military Watches
Military watches are no longer limited to military use only. With the rise of the internet, many enthusiasts are purchasing army watches online, leading to an even greater demand for the product. If you’re looking for a genuine military watch, there are several things you need to keep in mind.
Types of Military Watches
General Watches: These are mass-produced watches that are suitable for general field needs. They are designed to be accurate, cheap, and easily replaceable, making them a popular choice for soldiers.
Diving Watch: As the name suggests, diving military watches are specially made for underwater exploration. These watches are the most expensive of all military watches as it takes massive resources to create high-pressure-tolerant watches.
Pilots Watch: Pilot watches were the driving force behind the creation of military watches. Precision timing is essential for take-off and landing, and high-quality watches are necessary to achieve this. Although not as expensive as diving watches, pilot timepieces come with a high price tag, making them a luxury item for many enthusiasts.
What to Look for in a Military Watch
When it comes to military watches, choosing the right one can be a daunting task, especially with the variety of options available on the market. To make the right choice, it’s crucial to understand the three basic function types – physical, environmental, and timing. In this article, we’ll discuss the most important features to consider when shopping for a military watch.
Physical Features
- Reversible LCD Screen -The reversible LCD screen is an important feature, especially in stealth situations. The black background of the screen and the light color of the digits make it easier to read the time without being noticed.
- Carbon/Titanium Fiber Case – The case of the watch is an important aspect to consider. Carbon or titanium fiber is the lightest and most durable material for military watches, making it a great option for those who want a watch that can withstand heavy wear and tear.
- 100M Water Resistance or More – This feature is particularly important for navy seals who may be operating in wet conditions. A depth meter is usually included to help determine the wearer’s depth.
- Depressed Button – This feature helps prevent problems with webbing straps, ensuring that the watch stays secure on the wrist.
Environmental Features
- Low-Temperature Operation – This function is important for military personnel stationed in cold areas, as the watch should be able to work even in extremely cold weather.
- Storm Alert – This function calculates air pressure to alert the wearer of an incoming storm. Although it may not be 100% accurate, it can be a useful tool in the field.
- Barometric Monitoring – This feature is mostly required by snipers.
Timing Features
- Sunrise and Sunset Times – This feature is used as a point of reference during military situations. It’s considered necessary for those in the field.
- Red Backlight LED – The red light helps enhance night vision and makes it easier for the eyes to switch from daytime to nighttime vision.
- Solar Powered – With no access to a stable source of power in the field, it’s crucial that the military watch can easily derive and convert power from the sun or other easily accessible means.
- World Times – This function is highly useful if you change time zones often or need to communicate with others from different locations.
- Altimeter – This feature can be used by pilots to find their height while in the air, but can also be used for other high-altitude activities like climbing or parachuting.
- Flashing Alarm Mode – The alarm helps inform the wearer when it’s time to complete a task or mission silently and accurately.
- 24-Hour Time Conversion – To prevent confusion, military watches are usually set at 24 hours, but should also be easily converted to a 12-hour format and vice versa.
- Countdown Timers – You never know when a countdown timer might come
What to Avoid in a Military Watch
When it comes to choosing a military watch, there are certain factors that you need to take into consideration to ensure that you purchase the best one for your needs. Not all military watches are created equal, and some can be lacking in key features that are important for outdoor and military activities.
Avoid Watches Without Durable Construction
The first thing to avoid when choosing a military watch is a watch that is not built to last. A military watch should be able to withstand extreme conditions and rough handling, so it is important to choose a watch with durable construction. Look for a watch with a sturdy case and strap, made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or a military-grade polymer. The watch should also have a shock-resistant design, and be water-resistant to at least 100 meters.
Avoid Watches Without Reliable Timekeeping
A military watch should always be accurate and reliable, so it is essential to choose a watch that has a reliable timekeeping mechanism. Quartz watches are known for their accuracy and are a popular choice for military watches. However, if you prefer a mechanical watch, make sure to choose one with a high-quality movement, such as a Swiss-made automatic movement. Avoid watches with inaccurate or unreliable movements, as this can be frustrating and can even put you in danger.
Avoid Watches Without Essential Features
When it comes to military watches, the essential features that you need to look for include a backlit display, a compass, and a barometer. A backlit display is important for low-light conditions, and a compass is essential for navigation. A barometer is also useful for predicting changes in weather, which can be important for outdoor activities. Avoid watches that lack these essential features, as they may not meet your needs for military and outdoor activities.
Avoid Watches Without Adequate Battery Life
A military watch should have an adequate battery life so that it can last for an extended period of time without needing to be recharged. If you choose a quartz watch, make sure that it has a long battery life, and that the battery can be easily replaced. Avoid watches with short battery life, as this can be frustrating and can lead to you being without a reliable timekeeping device when you need it most.
Avoid Watches Without a Warranty
Finally, it is important to choose a military watch that comes with a warranty. A warranty provides you with peace of mind, knowing that if anything goes wrong with your watch, it will be covered by the manufacturer. Avoid watches that do not come with a warranty, as this can be a sign of poor quality, and you will be left with no protection if anything goes wrong with your watch.