A watch is an indispensable tool when traveling or venturing into the wilderness, and today’s market is filled with quality options, reflecting a variety of designs, features, and price points to appeal to a range of interests. The criteria for inclusion in this review were simplicity, ruggedness, and functionality. Most models have a commando motif as they were originally designed for (or inspired by) military applications. None have advanced technology like communication capability, GPS, or an altimeter, and are instead satisfying for their singularity of purpose.
The selection includes models from manufacturers that may not be widely known but offer quality watches at reasonable prices. High-end watches are missing for three reasons: wearing a luxury timepiece may attract undesired attention, excellent options abound at more accessible prices, and spending less on a watch means more funds for travel, which is what we really want to do.
The movement is the engine of the watch—literally what makes it tick. Models in this test feature two types of movements: quartz and automatic. Quartz movements are battery-powered, have fewer moving parts, and retain a high degree of accuracy over long stretches (+/- 10 to 20 seconds per month). They are also relatively inexpensive, and their simplicity lends itself to durability; however, their limitation is power. If the battery expires in the wilderness, the watch becomes useless. You can mitigate this risk by replacing the battery before extended trips or by setting a calendar reminder for renewal.
Automatic movements are mechanical with springs, gears, and cogs powered by a rotor that winds itself as the wearer moves. The main advantage is that an automatic has an inexhaustible power supply, provided you wear it. Most automatic movements have about a 40-hour power reserve. Tradeoffs are a higher price and lower accuracy than quartz (+/- 20 to 40 seconds per day), so they require frequent adjustment. Furthermore, their delicate parts are more vulnerable to abuse than quartz movements, which is why the automatics in this review are carefully protected.
Testing involved months of subjecting these watches to the activities and abuse of an athletic lifestyle, including hundreds of miles of mountain biking and trail running, open water swimming, repairing vehicles (thank you, Land Rover), thousands of miles of driving, and a two-week trip to Europe. In short, replicating the routines of overlanding and travel. One of the lessons I learned is that there are tradeoffs to having so many watches, particularly automatics. At one point, I was wearing one on each wrist, keeping one in my pocket, and cycling through them several times a day to keep them all running. Thankfully, if you make a good choice, one is all you will need.
The review evaluates the watches against criteria such as fit, quality, features, ease of use, and readability in the dark. All models excel in their own ways and have tradeoffs. There is no “best” watch in this review, as each user has unique priorities. The goal is to illustrate what the experience of leading an active lifestyle with these watches is like to help readers make choices that meet their individual needs.
Luminox Original Navy SEAL Diver 3051
$575 | luminox.com
Luminox is practically synonymous with the US Navy SEALs, having supplied watches to this group for over 25 years. From specialist military contractor origins, the company has expanded to a wider array of civilian purposes, including search and rescue, aviation, outdoor sports, and even formal dress. Throughout all its product lines, Luminox weaves a consistent thread: bright and reliable visibility in the dark.
The Original Navy SEAL is one of Luminox’s most basic models, and its longevity in the product line reflects an enduring design and popularity. Everything about this watch is big and bold. The case, the numbering, the markers, and the bezel are all oversized, resulting in it being the easiest model to read in the test. The white-on-black markings stand out sharply, and the hands are big enough to see at a glance without blocking out the numbers, which mark every hour except for 3:00, where the date window sits.
The engineering highlight of this watch is in the markings. Small tubes of tritium gas (a radioactive isotope of hydrogen) form the hour markers on the dial, the 12:00 marker on the bezel, and the spines of the hands. These glow with a clear intensity and are designed to last 25 years. One fizzled on my personal watch after about 10 years, and the cost to replace it was close enough to the purchase price that I live with it, but the rest are still going strong.
Country of manufacture Switzerland
Movement quartz (Swiss Ronda 515)
Dimensions (millimeters) 44, polycarbonate case
Mass (grams, as tested) 58
Water resistance (meters) 200
Crown push-in
Crystal mineral
Strap/retention rubber/spring bar
The 60-click bezel mechanism is firm with distinct, positive detents and is easy to operate, even while wearing gloves. The size of this watch is not to be underestimated (it feels like wearing a small hockey puck), but don’t assume that big equals heavy—it’s the lightest watch in the review.
If your wrist is large enough for this watch, it’s an extremely comfortable fit. The rubber strap is soft and wide, and the bulky shielding on the case and lugs stay out of the way. The only performance tradeoffs are due to its size: sweat collects on the back of the case during rides and runs, and the bulk doesn’t always play nicely with a jacket or shirt cuffs. Otherwise, it’s so light that it vanishes during athletic activities. The crown is at 3:00 but doesn’t protrude far and is protected by the case.
The claimed battery life is five years, though real-life experience suggests it’s a bit shorter. The 24-hour markings on the face are the only thing about this watch that is too small, a shortcoming most users will ignore. My Luminox has withstood years of abuse and has been a reliable performer snorkeling in Hawaii, rafting the Zambezi, and canyoneering in Costa Rica.
Bertucci A-2SEL Military Ultra-Duty Field Watch
$205 | bertucciwatches.com
With a mouthful of a name, you’d expect this watch to have an abundance of rugged design features. Bertucci has been making one thing, field watches, since 2004. The beating heart and skeleton of this model are basic and functional, a Japanese quartz movement embedded in a stainless steel case with a hardened mineral crystal. There are no additional functions, and this watch just displays the time. With olive, tan, off-white, and matte steel components, it looks every part the military kit. The face is spare, numbered in 12 and 24 hours at every position, and its sword hands stand out from the dial, with an inner ring around the edge of the face showing minute hash marks.
The design of this watch takes a different approach from most others in terms of withstanding abuse. Rather than safeguarding the internals by insulating them carefully within the case, Bertucci surrounds the case with an elastomer bumper, with the added benefit of shielding the crystal and the case; however, the utility of the bumper is subject to its durability. After extensive use, it showed no signs of wear, but resilience to long-term use and UV exposure was outside the duration of the test. Should the need arise, replacements are available and inexpensive. The crown is tucked away at the 4:00 position. Partially recessed into the case, it is unnoticeable, yet fidgety to operate while wearing the watch.
Country of manufacture United States
Movement quartz (Japanese)
Dimensions (millimeters) 40, steel case
Mass (grams) 82
Water resistance (meters) 100
Crown push-in
Crystal mineral
Strap/retention polyurethane fused webbing/lug bolts
Illumination of the hands is twofold. They glow in the dark, although not as brightly as other models in the review. The button at the 2:00 position activates a light that bathes the entire face in a blue glow. When lit, all features on the dial are easy to read. Two separate batteries power this watch: one for the movement with a claimed four-year lifespan and another for the illumination with a claimed 1.5-year lifespan.
The Tridura strap is perhaps the most noteworthy piece of engineering on this watch. Threaded under the lug bolts, the polyurethane-fused webbing with laser-cut holes is light, strong, and breathable. For being a synthetic material, it feels like a thin suede leather. It doesn’t slide around on the wrist and doesn’t stretch. The result is a consistent, predictable fit with no movement during intense physical activity. The strap also has a low profile that stays close to the wrist and doesn’t catch on shirt cuffs, although it does bulge a little around the buckle.
The elastomer bumper adds height to the edge of the watch face, and consequently, the dial is more recessed than on other models. This tall edge casts a shadow across the face that makes the smaller characters harder to read in some conditions. Without the light, the face is hard to read in the dark. The elastomer bumper feels like a distraction, and if you don’t always need Ultra Duty, it is quick to remove.
It’s a very comfortable watch, well balanced in size and weight. At this price and with this protection, there’s no hesitation in exposing it to the abuses of travel, sports, or vehicle repair.
Elliot Brown Holton Auto GMT (model 101-A20)
$853 (subject to exchange rate) | elliotbrownwatches.com
Elliot Brown is a small, British watchmaker with deep roots in engineering and horology that aims “to build the most wearable, affordable, toughest watches on the planet.” They test their models by affixing them to sailboats and Land Rovers and sending them around the world. The Holton Auto GMT is their latest offering, designed expressly for enduring harsh conditions. The hardened steel case contains an automatic Seiko movement suspended in a shock protection system. A handful of finishes are available, as are quartz and non-GMT versions.
The face is simple, clean, spacious, and extremely easy to read in all light conditions. Hours are labeled at the 12-3-6-9 positions with large hash marks at the intermediate hours and smaller minute markings. The sword hands are chunky and contrast sharply from the second and GMT hands. This watch is big, as it must hold both a larger movement and shock protection, yet it doesn’t feel excessive. Solid rods screw into the lugs to hold the webbing strap (as tested) securely. A 120-click bezel displays 24-hour markings, and its knurled edge makes for operation with minimal effort.
The Super-LumiNova hands and markers are bright in the dark, so bright that I kept the watch face down at night when not wearing it. The bezel and 12:00 position have glowing triangle markers for orientation in low light.
Country of manufacture United Kingdom
Movement automatic (Seiko NH34 GMT)
Dimensions (millimeters) 43, steel case
Mass (grams, as tested) 134
Water resistance (meters) 200
Crown screw-down
Crystal sapphire with anti-glare
Strap/retention webbing/lug bolts
This is the only watch in the review with a GMT function, which allows the wearer to track the current time in two different time zones simultaneously, a valuable feature for digital nomads or travelers who need to keep in contact with distant family. The GMT hand is a distinctive shape, making it easy to read the second time zone. The 24-hour scale for the second time zone is on the bezel.
You definitely feel the mass of this watch while running, riding, or swimming. It’s the heaviest in the review, but its close fit means it doesn’t knock around on the wrist. The crown barely protrudes from the case at the 4:00 position, keeping out of the way.
The date display is small, making it tricky to read in low light, and the webbing strap is bulky when doubled back through the hardware, but these are minor quibbles (the rubber strap has a lower profile). Everything about the Holton exudes quality, craftsmanship, and durability. It feels like it should be more expensive than it is, and its clean layout is user-friendly. Between its toughness and performance specs, it can handle hard use on land, underwater, and on distant travels.
Marathon Anthracite GSAR
$2,100 | marathonwatch.com
With roots dating back to the 1890s, Marathon has an authentic pedigree as a watch manufacturer for military forces since 1941. Designed in Canada, the GSAR (government search and rescue) is a graceful workhorse and a bona fide dive watch. The 41mm case is well proportioned, compact enough to be unobtrusive but large enough to read easily.
The face layout is busy with logos, date, and 12- and 24-hour numbering, but it has enough real estate that it doesn’t feel crowded. Every hour is labeled, and the 12:00 marker glows a different color to help orient it in the dark. The luminescent markers on the Marathon were among the brightest in the test, and slender hands are easily distinguished from each other. The second hand is very thin, so it doesn’t obscure the numbering, but its expanded point directs the eye to the hash marks around the edge of the dial. There is no second-guessing the time with this display.
The shape of the watch is an elegant cylindrical design, and the bezel’s edge extends slightly beyond the edge of the case, making it ergonomic to grip and rotate, as do the deeply machined, blocky teeth. The 120-click bezel is crisp and responsive, requiring enough force to move that it won’t reposition inadvertently, with markers for every minute and numbers at every tenth minute, which allows for accurate readings of elapsed and countdown time. A luminescent marker at 12:00 shows its position in darkness. The GSAR line comes in three case sizes to accommodate a range of wrists: 36mm, 41mm, and 46mm.
Country of manufacture Switzerland
Movement automatic (Swiss Sellita SW200-1 with Incabloc shock absorber)
Dimensions (millimeters) 41, steel case
Mass (grams, as tested) 118
Water resistance (meters) 300
Crown screw-down
Crystal sapphire with anti-glare
Strap/retention rubber/spring bar
As the second-heaviest watch in the test, its mass is noticeable. The softness of the rubber strap made for a comfortable fit and, properly adjusted, the Marathon was hefty without being clunky. It was no distraction while running or on the bike, but I didn’t forget it was there. With the highest degree of water resistance in the test, it is versatile across terrestrial and more ambitious aquatic pursuits. The GSAR line comes in a range of finishes, straps, and prices, and includes stainless steel options if you prefer a look that’s a bit dressier; the TSAR alternatives offer models with quartz movements.
This watch is almost flawless. Of note, the crown is at 3:00 and protrudes further than other models in the review, which didn’t cause discomfort in testing, but it has the potential to be a nuisance depending on how close you wear the watch to your wrist joint. The spring bar strap retention is the only weak point in an otherwise impeccable design and execution.
Casio G-Shock 6900 Series (DW-6900-WD-1)
$110 | gshock.casio.com
The Casio G-Shock is like a shark: it has been around for ages, is highly evolved in a specialist niche, and is very good at what it does. When I was a kid, this was the watch I coveted. Casio has subjected the G-Shock to more abuse than any of my testing activities, and it deserves its reputation for durability.
The 6900 is iconic in the G-Shock range. While the model tested is new, the updates are purely a cosmetic riff on an enduring theme. The white background contrasts with the all-black watches in the category. The face has a familiar layout with features that remain unchanged after 25 years. Its home screen shows the time, date, day of the week, and status of other features like the alarm and stopwatch.
The resin case is tall and blocky, a situation of form serving function. It wraps around the edge of the face, forming a protective ridge above the mineral crystal. The small buttons positioned around the edge of the case are nestled between chunky bumpers that shield them. This defense is effective, but makes the buttons tricky to depress. If you’re wearing gloves, good luck. The accessible central button operates the light.
Once you learn the features of the 6900, it’s intuitive to operate. One button cycles through the modes: time, stopwatch, countdown, and alarm. The other buttons operate settings or start/stop functions. After a while, it becomes second nature to use, even in the dark.
Country of manufacture Thailand
Movement quartz
Dimensions (millimeters) 41, resin case
Mass (grams, as tested) 63
Water resistance (meters) 200
Crown none
Crystal mineral
Strap/retention resin/spring bar
Digital watches are not for everyone, but if you want a few handy features without the hands, the 6900 is a reliable companion. With a claimed battery life of five years, there’s less to worry about regarding running out of power. With 200-meter water resistance, there’s no reason not to play as hard in the water as on land.
The curved resin band is comfortable but feels thin, plasticky, and traps sweat. As the third-lightest watch in the test, it’s feathery enough that I forgot I was wearing it. If you like timing your run, waking up to a cheerful beep, or counting down the seconds until your tea is ready, this is the ticket. Its retro character is charming and unpretentious.
For the price, I didn’t expect the same touches as on a more expensive watch, but I also wouldn’t be heartbroken if we unintentionally parted ways. It’s a solid value considering all it does. The G-Shock range offers a bounty of flavors from which to choose, many catering to the peculiar needs of specialized sports. If you’re into digital watches, this is a proven performer. With the money you save on this purchase, you’ll have more left over for adventures.
Boldr Supply Company Venture Sand Storm
$299 | boldrsupply.co
Contrary to need and demand, there aren’t many women’s specific models in this category, and much of what’s on the market doesn’t match the same performance standards as men’s watches. Enter the Boldr Supply Company and its Venture range. Founded in 2015, the company is relatively new but only makes watches intended for travel and outdoor activities. Based in Singapore, it sources components from Japan and Switzerland and has committed to using sustainable materials in its products and packaging.
The Venture’s design is modest, and the Sand Storm version’s singular purpose is to tell the time. There’s no date display, no bezel, just a plain dial with 12- and 24-hour numbering. The face is clean and easy to read, with sans-serif numbers at every hour. All three hands are distinctive from each other, with needle tips pointing precisely to the hash marks at the edge of the face. In the dark, the key features glow brightly enough to read without difficulty, the hour markers punctuated by dots that blend into the face in daylight.
This watch is inconspicuous and compact. It doesn’t look like military equipment, but it is an unmistakably tough piece of kit. Unisex styling places function over form, and its appearance feels part of the landscape. The titanium case is hard and showed no signs of wear at the end of the testing period, despite seeing plenty of action on vehicle repairs. Its chiseled base with angular corners lends a utilitarian air, and the crown tucks away neatly at the 4:00 position.
Country of manufacture China (Hong Kong)
Movement automatic (Seiko NH38A)
Dimensions (millimeters) 38, titanium case
Mass (grams, as tested) 60
Water resistance (meters) 200
Crown screw-down
Crystal mineral
Strap/retention webbing/spring bar
The Venture range includes 19 models, so there are stylistic variations and features to suit a spectrum of tastes. Thanks to its light weight and smaller size, the watch is scarcely noticeable on the wrist and doesn’t make its presence felt during runs and rides. Although the nylon strap is soft and comfortable, it felt bulky, especially with the webbing doubled back through the D-rings. A lower profile strap (Boldr offers alternatives in rubber, canvas, and leather) would pair well.
Even with its smaller case size, the watch felt large on more slender wrists. Other watches in the Boldr stable also merited a place in this review and are worth a look. Ultimately, the Venture Sand Storm is a winning formula: titanium case, simplicity, Seiko automatic movement, water resistance, and price point. If you want a minimalist design with reliable function and quality components, this is a good value.
Hamilton Khaki Field Expedition Auto
$1,145 (depends on exchange rate) | hamiltonwatch.com
Hamilton’s legacy extends more than 130 years, starting as a watchmaker in Pennsylvania. Their watches have served the timekeeping needs of railroads, aviation professionals, the US and British militaries, and search and rescue teams. Now made in Switzerland, Hamilton’s Khaki Field range is focused on ruggedness.
The Expedition is basic, and the movement only tells time. Its face is uncluttered, showing bold, blocky numbers at each hour and individual minute markings. The white contrast of the markings pop against the dark blue background. Chunky hands shaped differently from each other make for an easy-to-read display.
A useful touch is the needle tip of the minute hand, which points precisely to the hash marks at the edge of the dial. Super-LumiNova markings are bright enough in the dark but do not glow as intensely as some of the other models in the test.
The open case back is a window through which the spinning internals are visible. Hamilton claims an 80-hour power reserve for the mechanism, which is the longest run time of any automatic in the test. Real-life experience generally bears this out, allowing more flexibility in not wearing it for longer stretches. The bezel is bi-directional and features compass markings which function as a navigational aid if conditions allow (i.e., the sun is visible). It can be useful for rudimentary navigation with basic techniques, but it is not precise or reliable enough to replace a compass. The Khaki Field range also includes quartz models with a similar layout at a lower price. It’s available in nine versions, including 38mm and 33mm for smaller wrists.
Country of manufacture Switzerland
Movement automatic (proprietary H-10 Swiss)
Dimensions (millimeters) 41, steel case
Mass (grams, as tested) 81
Water resistance (meters) 100
Crown screw-down
Crystal sapphire with anti-glare
Strap/retention leather/spring bar
One of the lighter automatics in the test, the Expedition feels unobtrusive on the wrist despite its stainless steel case. The case is relatively low profile, so it tends not to catch on shirt cuffs or get in the way of gloves. It looks classy and may appeal to people more interested in understated elegance than a commando vibe. The watch feels equally at home in a fancy restaurant, on a hike, or in the engine compartment.
The smooth leather strap has accent stitching, another stylish touch, and feels stiff until broken in. I expected a higher degree of water resistance for having a screw-down crown. Also, the crown’s position at 3:00 without structural shielding from the case leaves it exposed, but this wasn’t an issue during my testing.
The Expedition fits the bill for rugged travel that is more terrestrial in nature than aquatic. It is sophisticated enough to wear to well-dressed social engagements without being flashy, and the balance of simplicity and quality makes it a solid choice for those seeking a versatile, minimalist timepiece.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2025 Issue.
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