What is a Survival Watch?

A survival watch, as the name implies, is designed to assist in surviving challenging and often unpredictable outdoor situations. They are packed with features that go far beyond simply telling time; they are essential tools for any survivalist or outdoor adventurer and even for urban survival.

Why a Survival Watch is Essential for Survivalists

Survival watches can be the difference between getting lost and finding your way, between being unprepared and being ready for unexpected weather changes. It’s not just about survival; it’s about thriving and being prepared for anything Mother Nature throws at you.

Key Features of a Survival Watch

Durability and Resistance

Arguably, the most important feature of a survival watch is its durability. These watches are crafted to withstand a vast array of environmental stressors. Rugged construction is a standard, with most survival watches featuring robust materials like stainless steel or titanium for the case, and hardened mineral glass or sapphire crystal for the face. These materials provide the necessary resilience against physical shocks or impacts that are often unavoidable in survival situations.

Water Resistance

A superior survival watch is characterized by impressive water resistance. Depending on the model, survival watches offer different levels of water resistance, ranging from being able to withstand a rain shower to being suitable for diving. This feature is crucial as it allows the watch to function correctly irrespective of the aquatic conditions one may encounter – be it a river crossing, a downpour, or even an unplanned swim!

Scratch Resistance

The lens of the survival watch should be highly scratch-resistant. Whether you’re navigating through dense foliage, climbing rocky terrains, or involved in any other demanding outdoor activity, your watch face is likely to come into contact with abrasive surfaces. A scratch-resistant lens ensures the watch retains its readability over time, no matter how harsh the conditions are.

Navigation Tools

A survival watch isn’t complete without built-in navigation tools. This feature is a lifesaver when you find yourself in unknown territory.

Compass

A traditional tool for navigation, a compass is essential, and having one built into your watch is incredibly handy. A compass will always give you a sense of direction, even when electronic tools fail.

GPS

A more modern and advanced feature, built-in GPS, is increasingly common in survival watches. It provides more precise location information and can help you map your route, track your progress, or help you find your way back when you get lost.

Topographic Maps

Some high-end survival watches even include topographic maps that can be downloaded onto the watch. This feature can be immensely useful for planning your route and avoiding potential geographical challenges.

Health and Environmental Monitoring

Monitoring your body’s responses and the environment around you is vital in a survival situation, and some watches come equipped with functions to do just that.

Altitude and Barometric Pressure Sensors

By measuring atmospheric pressure, these sensors can give you data about your current altitude and even predict weather changes. A sudden drop in atmospheric pressure could mean a storm is coming, giving you time to seek shelter.

Heart Rate and Sleep Monitors

Maintaining good health is crucial in a survival situation. Modern survival watches often include features that monitor your heart rate and sleep patterns, giving you data to manage your energy levels effectively. They can tell you if you’re pushing too hard or if you’re not getting enough rest, both of which can be vital in a survival scenario.

Thermometer

Some survival watches also feature a built-in thermometer. While it might not always provide a 100% accurate environmental temperature (as it can be influenced by body heat), it can still offer a reference point to anticipate weather conditions.

Solar-Powered Battery

In survival scenarios, the ability to replenish your watch’s power can be critical. This is where solar-powered survival watches come in handy. They harness light from the sun to charge, negating the need for a power source or carrying extra batteries.

Every survival watch model will offer a different combination of these features. When selecting a watch, it’s important to consider which features are most relevant to your needs to ensure you have the best tool for your adventures.

Top Survival Watch to Consider

Survival Watch #1: Garmin Fenix 6 Pro

The Garmin Fenix 6 Pro is one of the most highly rated survival watches on the market. Known for its remarkable durability and plethora of advanced features, it’s a favorite among survival enthusiasts.

Strengths: The Fenix 6 Pro offers a broad range of features, including GPS, heart rate monitoring, altitude and barometric pressure sensors, and topographic maps. It also includes smart features like music streaming and contactless payments. The watch is made with premium materials, ensuring it can withstand harsh conditions.

Weaknesses: The sophistication of the Fenix 6 Pro can be its downfall for some users. The watch has a learning curve due to its numerous features. Additionally, its high price tag may be a deterrent for some.

Survival Watch #2: Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

The Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is another highly-rated survival watch. Renowned for its durability and resilience, this watch is made to last.

Strengths: The Rangeman GW-9400 includes a compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer, providing essential survival tools. It also features solar-powered charging, making it ideal for long-term outdoor adventures.

Weaknesses: Unlike the Fenix 6 Pro, the Rangeman GW-9400 does not have a built-in GPS or health monitoring features. Its design is also quite bulky, which may not be to everyone’s liking.

Survival Watch #3: Suunto Core All Black

The Suunto Core All Black is a stylish yet practical choice, packed with features for outdoor adventures.

Strengths: It offers an altimeter, barometer, and compass, as well as a weather trend graph and storm alarm. The watch is designed with a user-friendly interface and comes at a more affordable price point.

Weaknesses: The Suunto Core All Black does not have GPS, heart rate monitoring, or sleep tracking features. Also, the watch is not as durable as others on the list, with some users reporting issues with the watch band over time.

Survival Watch #4: Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron

Citizen is known for their reliable watches, and the Eco-Drive Promaster Altichron is no exception.

Strengths: This survival watch features a unique analog display for the altimeter and compass, adding to its rugged appeal. It uses an eco-drive movement, which means it can charge using any light source, not just the sun.

Weaknesses: Despite its name, the Altichron does not include a chronograph function. Additionally, it lacks advanced features like GPS and health monitoring.

Survival Watch #5: Timex Expedition Shock XL Watch

The Timex Expedition Shock XL offers solid survival features at an affordable price point.

Strengths: This watch includes basic survival features like a compass and is designed for shock resistance up to I.S.O. standards. It’s also water-resistant up to 200 meters, which is a nice touch for a budget-friendly survival watch.

Weaknesses: The Timex Expedition Shock XL lacks advanced features like GPS, altimeter, and health tracking. Some users also find the compass to be less precise compared to other models.

In conclusion, the best survival watch for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Make sure to consider these factors when making your decision. And remember, the ultimate survival tool is knowledge and preparation!

Conclusion

In essence, a survival watch is a crucial tool that every survivalist needs on their wrist. Not only does it help in navigation, but it also keeps track of essential health metrics and environmental conditions. When selecting the perfect watch, ensure it fits your needs, whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a rugged adventurer.

Check out these websites like GearJunkie or OutdoorGearLab, which regularly post detailed reviews and comparative studies of various outdoor gear, including survival watches.

FAQs

Can I use a regular watch instead of a survival watch?

While you can use a regular watch, a survival watch provides much more than just time-keeping. It’s packed with features that help in navigation, health monitoring, and predicting weather changes, making it an essential survival tool.

Are survival watches expensive?

Survival watches come in a range of prices. While some high-end models can be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options that offer key survival features.

Can survival watch withstand extreme conditions?

Absolutely. Survival watches are designed to be durable and resist extreme conditions, whether that’s underwater or at high altitudes.

What is the most important feature of a survival watch?

The importance of features varies depending on your needs. However, durability, water resistance, and navigation tools like a compass and GPS are generally the most essential.

Is survival watch suitable for daily wear?

Yes, survival watches are not just for outdoor adventures. They are often stylish and packed with features useful for daily life, like fitness tracking and weather forecasting.