Best Overall Survival Watch
Casio Rangeman GPR-B1000
Lightweight watch that’s heavy on performance!
- Value: 9/10
- Performance: 10/10
- Cost: 7/10
Best Survival Watch for the Money
Casio GW9400 Master of G Solar Watch
Gets the job done without breaking the bank.
- Value: 8/10
- Performance: 7/10
- Cost: 9/10
Best Solar-Powered Survival Watch
Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1
This watch’s battery life can survive long-term emergencies!
- Value: 8/10
- Performance: 7/10
- Cost: 9/10
The best survival watch gives you everything you’ll need to survive worst-case scenarios at the touch of the fingertip. But such features and performance come with a price. We reviewed the most reliable watches in this article so rest assured your investment is worthwhile.
Comparison of the Best Survival Watches
Features to Consider
Battery
![Best Outdoor Watches – The Complete Guide [TOP 7]](https://reloadyourgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Touching-Watch.jpg)
One downside of most outdoor and tactical watches these days is battery life. Some watches are solar-powered, but you might not be able to recharge them at night or during cloudy weather. Since these watches have multiple features running simultaneously, the batteries get drained easily. So choose a watch with long battery life (or pack fresh backup batteries) because your life might depend on it.
Water Resistance
Aside from maintaining accuracy in tough environments, the best survival watch’s construction is also essential. It should be water-resistant, shock-resistant, and scratch-resistant. The most durable watches have dial windows made of sapphire, but if you want a more budget-friendly option that’s almost as sturdy, there are watches that come with mineral crystal dial windows.
High-quality survival watches have wristbands made of stainless steel, other solid metals, or resin. Other watches have canvas or leather wristbands that are comfortable to wear but less resistant to heavy use and adverse environmental conditions.
Aside from its physical construction, it should continue to function properly even under high amounts of pressure and at high altitudes. Plus it should be water-resistant up to at least 100 meters.
Functionality
You’ll most likely be using your watch for hiking, mountain climbing, or whatever extreme sports you’re into. It will be essential gear for your bug-out bag or in unfamiliar territory, so make sure it has a reliable GPS and compass. An altimeter and a barometer are also great features if you’ll be up in high and rough terrains. More advanced models allow the user to keep track of their steps and save them for next time.
5 Best Survival Watches
Best Overall: Casio Rangeman GPR-B1000
Our best overall pick is expensive for plenty of reasons. Its battery is superior to other G-Shock models. Its recharging port snaps easily onto the back of the watch and offers speedy charging. Its strap is reinforced with carbon fiber coating but that didn’t compromise comfort. The Rangeman GPR-B1000 is so comfortable to wear you’ll forget you’re wearing it! Navigation is also a breeze because its GPS gets excellent reception.
However, note that the screen is slightly smaller to give space for the solar charging panel.
Pros
- Approximately 20 hours of battery life when the GPS function is in use
- Approximately 29 months of battery life (only when power saving mode is on and when fully charged)
- Comes with a no-frills monochrome screen
- Comes with Casio International One-Year Warranty
- Can be linked to a smartphone
- Water-resistant to 200 meters
- Shock-resistant
- Lightweight
Cons
- It’s costly
What Customers Say
Best watch I have ever owned. Great survival watch. Owned 3 years love it!
John Bott
Watch is expensive but it does everything I expected it to do. Good interface with the watch app on my apple phone.
Brian Shepard
Best Survival Watch for the Money: Casio GW9400 Master of G Solar Watch
The GW9400 G-Shock is packed with features similar to Casio’s premium models. One of our features is data recall which is perfect for tracking back your location if you’ll be going on remote hunts or extensive hikes. It also comes with a triple sensor that provides swift and accurate altitude readings, compass bearings, and barometric pressure (and temperature).
This watch also allows quick timezone adjustments, which is a handy feature for those who travel a lot.
Pros
- Approximately 8 months battery life with regular use and without exposure to light after charging
- Approximately 23 months battery life when stored in total darkness and with the power save function on after full charge
- Affordable
- User-friendly
- Water-resistant to 200 meters
- Solar-powered
Cons
- It’s a big watch
What Customers Say
This is the best outdoors ‘survival’ watch ever. The truth is that in expeditions we will have pro tools but on an emergency case this would be your best friend. Accurate readings smart menu and home back button are some of the best features.
Prahsy
Very well made with good features. It is a very large watch which suits my husband. He’s very happy with it.
Sonja MacGregor
Best Solar-Powered Survival Watch: Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRG-270-1
Our next pick’s battery lasts up to 9 months on full charge even without further exposure to light. Plus it has a power-saving mode that turns off the light on the display. You can wake it up by pressing any button.
Like our previous pick, the Pro Trek PRG-270-1 is equipped with a triple sensor that provides accurate Altitude, Barometric, and Compass readings. One downside is that you’ll have to take the watch off when getting an atmospheric temperature reading, or else it will give your body temperature.
Pros
- Approximately 9 months battery life with regular use and without exposure to light after charging
- Approximately 24 months battery life when stored in total darkness and with the power save function on after full charge
- Water-resistant up to 100 meters
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- The temperature reading is affected by body heat
- The strap is a little uncomfortable
What Customers Say
I have had it for less than a week and don’t want to take it off! I keep looking at how cool it is on my wrist. I own a G shock Rangeman, which is the most similar in functionality. I love the Rangeman, but it is actually bulkier and in my opinion not as cool looking. The only knock is that it doesn’t receive radio transmission to keep 100% accurate time. But the solar charging is even more important. Especially for the price, I’m good with it. I truly love this watch, and it is going to be my daily wearer for most situations.
Ryanpen
Has most of the features I wanted. Easy to setup and use. Do wish light would work while using other buttons.
David Tice
Suunto Core Outdoor Sports Watch
Aside from a Storm Alarm, an Altimeter, a Barometer, and a compass, this Suunto Core outdoor sports watch also comes with a sunrise and sunset prediction. This feature helps you maximize activities during the day. It can also handle daily use and abuse and can last up to 6 years. Imagine quality like that without breaking the bank! Plus its battery can last 1 to 2 years if you turn off unnecessary features when not in use.
This is a really sleek watch that I loved the look and function of during the review.
One thing we weren’t pleased with is it’s only water-resistant up to 30 meters so it can only handle minor splashes or light rain and can’t really be used when diving. But, that’s not a problem for everyone.
Pros
- Long battery life – Approximately 12 months (without activity tracking or mobile notifications)
- Made for the outdoors
- Lightweight
- Very functional
- Very Affordable
Cons
- Only water-resistant up to 30 meters
- Low-quality band
What Customers Say
“At a hundred and change I like it. Wish it had a vibration alarm. Best features, storm alert, sunset sunrise, altitude. Compass, ok, but could be much better. GPS watch Sunnto alternative is nice but requires a recharge. Based on this UI, not sure I would buy a traverse, opting for handheld GPS. Good old compass works, too. Bottom line, luxury item depending on your adventure, choose wisely.”
Veridad77
“I’m a watch junkie and this is my second favorite watch for everyday use behind the classic G-Shock DW model. Durable and comfortable. The things I like most about it are the large easy to push buttons on the sides. And we can’t leave out how awesome the setup/menu system is. It’s a phenomenal watch for the price tag. Especially if you are an athlete or in active roles. Great for tactical use too. Whether that be service and law enforcement or planning hikes or outdoor outings. The backlight could be significantly brighter though. I always love the watches with adjustable backlighting. Suunto should really hop on board.”
Mr. W
Casio Pathfinder PAG240
Last but definitely not least, is the Casio Pathfinder PAG240. You might think, they picked mostly Casio watches! What can we say, Casio is a pioneer in the watch industry and its products do not disappoint.
Our last pick gets power from a solar battery that lasts up to 7 months when fully charged, as long as the power-save function is on. The altimeter also provides accurate readings right out of the box.
One thing that could be improved is the strap’s quality. But for its price, that’s a compromise we’re willing to make.
Pros
- Approximately 6 months battery life with regular use and without exposure to light after charging
- Approximately 23 months battery life when stored in total darkness and with the power save function on after full charge
- Water-resistant up to 100 meters
- Very Affordable
- Comes with triple sensor
Cons
- Low-quality strap
- It’s a little bulky
What Customers Say
I’m on my third Pathfinder. I use them up. The watch outlives it’s band. Solar power is the best. It keeps good time, too. I’ve dived, swam, flew airplanes, built a house, and my constant companion was my Pathfinder. Easy to use. Measurements are accurate.
David Ceman
I have never spent money like this on a watch before, but I’m glad I did. I won’t bore you people with what a great watch this is, which it is, but the fact that it was solar and $100 below the regular price, I jumped on it. So far so good, so unless the watch blows up in the future, it gets 5 Stars from me! If you’re in the market for a beautiful watch with over-the-top functions for a decent price, this watch is for you! Buy it, you won’t be sorry.
Rex Fury
FAQs
What is the best survival watch?
The best survival watch is the Casio Rangeman GPR-B1000 in my opinion. And since we all have different needs and preferences, we list a wide range of survival watches above.
What is the ultimate survival watch?
The ultimate survival watch is the Casio Rangeman GPR-B1000. Its functionality and performance can’t be compared with other watches out there.
Is a watch useful for survival?
Definitely, especially multi-functional watches. Our picks above are equipped with all the tools you need during an emergency.
If you prefer military watches, we have an article that’ll help you find the best!
Last update on 2023-11-19 / Images from Amazon Product API
