Arrival Time: Around the Clock Confidence Wristwatch

Maybe you’re a member of an elite military unit who needs state-of-the-art equipment. You could also be a LEO who needs nifty hardware to track workout data. Or maybe you’re a regular Joe who thrives outdoors, and you want a nice watch you can rely on.

We don’t need to tell you that technology keeps expanding by leaps and bounds, and these timepieces are a perfect example of that. Whether you need one for tactical applications or tactical training, these watches will get the job done. And then some.

Do you remember when watches were used just to keep track of the time? Those days are long gone.

RESCO/MANUS

CASE
316L Stainless-Steel DLC Black Finish

MOVEMENT
Swiss Ronda Quartz

CRYSTAL
Slightly Domed Sapphire

SIZE
42mm Diameter, 13mm Thickness

DIAL
Matte black with BWG9 super luminova

OVERVIEW
The owner of this company is a former Navy SEAL, so he had the operator in mind when he produced these watches. Although this watch performs a number of tactical functions, you could also wear it as a dress watch because it looks so good.

The metal is similar to the metal on a Sig 229—it even has that slightly oiled feel. The casing is also durable, so it is protected against the elements. Resco is laser-engraved on the face, which is a cool touch. They did not use any numbers on the face. Instead, two rectangles represent 12; there are dots for the 1 and 2 and a single square for the 3, 6 and 9. The functionality is also impressive. The hands and the numbers glow in the dark, so you can always tell what time it is. It’s not oversimplified, but it is so simple that it is classy looking.

MSRP: $1,185

SUUNTO/AMBIT 3 PEAK BLACK

CASE
Polyamide

MOVEMENT
Firmware

CRYSTAL
Mineral

SIZE
50mm Diameter, 18mm Thickness

DISPLAY
128 x 128 Backlit LED

OVERVIEW
And you thought the only hybrids were in the auto industry. In a sense, this watch is a hybrid, as it is sporty and tactical. Not only is it Bluetooth capable, it has a heart-rate monitor to track workouts. The GPS solves the tactical purposes, and works with the compass to take the guesswork out of navigation. After all, not everyone is an Army Ranger.

It is definitely cool for tactical applications or tactical fitness. It has a light-lock feature that allows you to keep it lit up so you can read the dial. This is nice because you do not have to push any other buttons to keep the light on. Durability is good, too. It has a thick, wide rubber strap so it is easy to pull it tight and forget about it. The back of the watch is smooth and rounded, making it comfortable to wear for long periods of time without it eating your wrist up. The face is big, featuring a digital screen that completes the simple, effective design.

MSRP: $500

MTM SPECIAL OPS / TITANIUM GRAY FALCON

CASE
Solid Titanium

MOVEMENT
MTM’s Proprietary Quartz With Recharging System

CRYSTAL
Scratch Resistant Anti-Reflective Sapphire

SIZE
44mm Diameter, 14mm Thickness

DISPLAY
128 x 128 Backlit LED

WATER RESISTANCE
330 Feet / 100 Meters

OVERVIEW
You only get one chance to make a first impression, and this MTM watch scored big time. Many military-style watches have a nylon strap, but MTM’s is wider, increasing its comfort. A thicker stem on the closure makes it easier to slip the watch on and fasten it. You can use one hand, place it on your chest, pull the strap, and you are good to go.

The facing is like a gun metal that is a cross between silver and sand, and that contrasts well with the watch case, which is carbon fiber. It also has a military-like rotating bevel around the face that can be used for calculations. A unique lighting scheme, with reflective bubbles over select numbers, allows you to see the watch clearly even in the dark. Meanwhile, it is not so bright that you have to be worried that you will give away your position in a tactical capacity. An impressive, high-quality design makes it suitable for tactical operations while allowing you to wear it as a dress watch if need be.

MSRP: $695

LUMINOX/RECON

MOVEMENT
Quartz

DIAMETER
46mm

CASE
Carbon-reinforced

CROWN
Double-security Gasket

CRYSTAL GLASS
Sapphire Glass Anti-Reflective Coating

WATER RESISTANCE
200 meters

OVERVIEW
If you are going for an overt military and tactical look, this is one of the best. The strap is rubber, and it doubles as a ruler, which is cool because you can use that to measure things like paracord during a reconnaissance mission. Plus, the rubber strap is durable, and that makes it impervious to damage from things such as salt water.
The face is cool, too. The names of cities from all over the world are on it, and you can rotate the settings so you know what time it is in these cities.

The watch face is black with yellow accents. The second hand is yellow, and everything else is black and gray. The yellow is subdued, and looks tactical and clean. The watch face is big and easy to see. It glows in the dark with a fluorescent blue. It allows you tell time, but it does not give your position away. Another nice feature is that from the hours of 1 to 8, it lights up in blue. From 9 to 12, it lights up in faint yellow; therefore, you know when you are getting into the critical hours and there are only four hours until the next day. There are also settings that allow you to check walking speed or count the cliques on a recon mission.

MSRP: $450

MAGELLAN ECHO/SMART SPORTS WATCH

CASE
Polyamide

MOVEMENT
Firmware

CRYSTAL
Mineral

SIZE
N/A

DISPLAY
128 x 128 Backlit LED

WATER RESISTANCE
Not for Swimming

OVERVIEW
Don’t judge a watch by its cover. This watch may look plain, but it is sleek. Featuring an all-black design and a large face, this watch easily and stylishly performs its functions.

The wrist strap is a wide piece of rubber that is easy to pull on and off. This watch, which can be used for tactical training, is Bluetooth-capable, and allows you to track your data to your iPhone or iPad by syncing with apps. When you link it to an app, your training data is right there on your wrist. That’s a game changer. Now, imagine trying to lift with your phone in your hand. If it doesn’t fall out of your pocket, you’re going to sweat all over it. These apps also work well for operators who want to take fitness to a new level. Among other features, it records your splits and distance run. Judge this one after you’ve used it.

MSRP: $150

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared in the Winter 2015 print issue of Tread Magazine.