The Most Durable Watches: What Are The Toughest Timepieces?

While it’s all fine and dandy to get into the weeds of watches with the most complications, the most intricate hand-finished details, or precious metal construction, sometimes, you’re just looking for a watch that can take a beating. With that theme in mind, I’ve rounded up some of the most durable watches on the market today that you can wear confidently on your next adventure without fear of your wrist companion wimping out on you. I can’t, obviously, include every single durable watch out there, but down below, I’ve gathered durable watches with a great range of utility, style, and price point to get you started. And away we go…

[toc-section heading="G-SHOCK Mudmaster Master of G-Land"]

Case: 52.1mm Material: Resin and Steel Water Resistance: 200 meters Movement: Quartz Price: $880

I find it helpful on lists like this to begin with the most obvious. G-SHOCK is always the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about durable watches. I mean, the brand was created entirely with toughness in mind. Several pieces and sub-collections in the G-SHOCK universe would fit the bill, but I’m going to go with its Mudmaster line here. Another one to consider is the GX56BB-1, which has gotten the nickname “The King Of G-SHOCKs” and is shock-resistant from every angle. 

Made with mud-resistance and shock-resistance in mind, the Mudmaster Master Of G-Land collection is G-SHOCK’s most tactical line. If you plan on navigating the most extreme of terrains, this is the watch that’s ready to accompany you through dirt, mud, and debris without breaking a sweat. There are a few tiers within the collection, and I’m going to make a pit stop on the higher-end with the GWGB1000-3A, which has a reinforced carbon-fiber case for added durability. It’s  I also appreciate the ana-digi format along this line, as the numerals strike me as something that would be helpful in bright sunlight situations when the digital display might become less legible. The Mudmaster is in the class of durable watches made for the survivalist. In addition to the timekeeping functions, you’ve got a compass, altimeter/barometer, pedometer, temperature reader, and Bluetooth connectivity to track all your adventures. 

[toc-section heading="Sinn UX (EZM 2B)"]

Case: 44mm Material: Steel Water Resistance: 5,000 meters Movement: Quartz ETA 955.652 

Made specifically for special ops forces, Sinn’s UX EZM 2B has a suite of details designed to maintain legibility on land or deep below the water’s surface. What makes this piece specifically interesting is its oil-filled case. In addition to helping this watch achieve its 5000-meter depth rating, the oil filling makes the dial completely readable from any angle. There is none of that refracting of light you typically see on air-filled cases. Even on solid ground, this filling almost makes the dial appear two-dimensional as you rotate your wrist. Instead of a mechanical movement, the Sinn UX EZM 2B utilizes the high-precision quartz ETA 955.652 powered by a lithium battery, which is completely temperature-stabilized. This watch is regulated to withstand temperatures from –20 °C all the way up to +60 °C. Measuring 44mm and crafted in sandblasted German submarine steel, this watch also features Sinn’s proprietary TEGIMENT scratch resistance. 

[toc-section heading="Omega Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer"] 

Case: 45mm Material: Titanium Water Resistance: 30 meters Movement: Omega 5622 Quartz Price: $7,000

There are a ton of durable watches out there made to hold up to Earth’s punishing environments, but what about Mars? Omega has already begun planning for life on the red planet with its Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer, which was actually developed with some help from the European Space Agency ESA. 

The brand’s lunar legacy is already well-documented, and it's clear that it already has its sights set on being among the first watches to make it to Mars. This is, admittedly, my wild-card pick within this lineup, but given that it has gotten the ESA stamp of approval, I think that justifies it enough to be among this squad. Measuring 45mm, the Speedmaster X-33 Marstimer case is shock-resistant and crafted in grade 2 titanium, which is able to withstand high temperatures and is highly resilient against corrosion. The most novel thing about this watch is that it accounts for time on both Earth and Mars, accounting for the difference in time between the planets via a microcontroller accounting for the 2.7% longer days of the red planet. Mixing analog timekeeping atop a digital display, this watch is powered by the thermo-regulated OMEGA 5622 quartz caliber. Humans might not have set foot on Mars yet, but they already have a watch to wear when we get there. 

[toc-section heading="Luminox Master Carbon SEAL Automatic"] 

Case: 45mm Material: Carbon Water Resistance: 200 meters Movement: Sellita SW220-1 automatic Price: $1,695

Luminox has been connected to the U.S. Navy SEALs since 1992, and has had its official Navy SEAL 3000 line since 1994. The collection, as it stands, is chock full of rugged, resilient divers and durable watches. Personally, I find the carbon fiber takes on its Master SEAL line to be the most compelling, as they mix in all the shock-resistance and diving specs with the lightweight feel unique to the material. 

For its carbon, Luminox uses a proprietary alloy it has dubbed CARBONOX. Structurally, the carbon fibers used are long, and the way they are dispersed throughout has a varied, almost carbon forged-like appearance. All of this not only has a cool visual effect, but actually helps boost the material's resilience against shocks and scratching. These watches are definitely on the larger side at 45mm, so that lightness definitely pays off in making it a more comfortable wear. In addition to being water resistant 200 meters, this watch is powered by the Swiss Sellita SW 220-1 movement, which is on display through the caseback. 

[toc-section heading="Seiko Prospex SNJ025"] 

Case: 47.8mm Material: Steel and resin Water Resistance: 200 meters Movement: Solar Price: $550

The original Seiko “Arnie” H558-500 might be discontinued, but the durable, ana-digi spirit lives on within the Prospex collection. This hybrid diver earns its position on today’s durable watch lineup with the combination of its steel case with protective shrouds around the bezel and pushers, which absorbs shocks from any bumps or drops. 

Featuring a screw down caseback and crown, the Prospex SNJ025 has been subjected to the rigorous testing necessary to achieve its ISO 6425 stamp of approval. As a refresher, this includes testing against rapid changes in temperature, along with shock, vibration, and water resistance to 200 meters. The 21st-century take on the “Arnie” is larger than its ‘80s predecessor with its 47.8mm diameter, and has also gotten a solar-powered upgrade via the H851 solar quartz module. 

[toc-section heading="Formex Field Automatic"]

Case: 40mm Material: Titanium Water Resistance: 200 meters Movement: Sellita SW200-1 Price: $975

Now, let’s move on to something with a little more everyday carry potential than others on this list. With its 20th-century field watch style, simple time-and-date functionality, and reasonable 40mm sizing, the Formex Field Automatic strikes me as the most wearable in this roundup for less extreme environments. But that’s not to say this thing isn’t durable itself. Formex has smartly developed a Case Suspension System that protects its movements from shocks and accidental bangs. Essentially, the case is split into an outer shell and an inner container component connected by springs. This allows the inner container, which houses the movement crown, caseback, and dial, to float and compensate for sudden movements.

The barrel-shaped case and the crown are in grade 2 titanium, an already lightweight and resilient material. But to make it even more durable, the titanium has undergone a hardening treatment that, according to the brand, boosts its hardness up to 900 Vickers (vs. the typical 145 Vickers). In the movement department, we’re working with the classic workhorse Swiss Sellita SW200-1. Additionally, this watch is water resistant to 200 meters.

[toc-section heading="Casio Forester"]

Case: 41.5mm Material: Resin Water Resistance: 100 meters Movement: Quartz Price: $45.95

Given that my colleague (and our Editor-in-Chief) quite literally took a hammer to this watch, I think the Casio Forester more than earns its keep on this list. A huge win in terms of affordability, the Casio Forester also, from an aesthetic perspective, just looks plain cool.

With its oversized numerals, the dial is highly legible, and you have the LED illuminator for checking the time in the dark. The hands are skeletonized to aid in reading the 24-hour military time scale, and you’ve got a classically positioned date window at three o’clock. The Forester is water resistant 100 meters, but I don’t know if I would necessarily use it on my leisurely swims in my gym’s lap pool with the leather details on the strap, but to each their own. This is a quartz-powered watch, which undoubtedly helps keep the price at a very reasonable $45.95 (though I have seen it marked down significantly at other retailers).

[toc-section heading="Timex Expedition Field Post Titanium Automatic"]

Case: 41mm Material: Titanium Water Resistance: 200 meters Movement: Automatic Price: $399

Made of titanium and water resistant to 200 meters, this take on Timex’s Expedition line has garnered the reputation of being the “toughest Timex you can buy.” I also think its classic field watch-inspired design makes it a great option as an everyday beater. 

Using a minimalistic color palette of gray hues complemented by its green fabric strap, this one is, aesthetically, one of my favorites on this list. The 41mm case is shock-resistant to ISO 1413 standards, and the beadblasted finish of the titanium makes it look a lot more premium than its sub-$400 price tag suggests. Powered by an automatic movement, this durable watch pick is more for those looking for something more versatile for everyday wear. 

[toc-section heading="Citizen ProMaster Land Eco-Drive"]

Case: 43.9mm Material: Steel Water Resistance: 200 meters Movement: U822 Eco-Drive Price: $795

The Promaster collection within the Citizen catalog is the destination for the brand’s most durable watches. Initially, I was going to go with the ProMaster Tough for obvious reasons, but given that it's currently sold out, I’m making a pivot to the Promaster Land Eco-Drive, which is a bit more experimental. 

To get more specific, I’m going with the U822 limited edition because I’m kind of in a camo phase right now. This is another ana-digi display watch, and is solar-powered with its Eco-Drive caliber that charges with both natural and artificial light sources for additional ease. This is a watch made for all terrain, whether you find yourself high in the air, on dry land, or at sea. Water resistant 200 meters, this watch is also packed to the gills with functionality, including chronograph, perpetual calendar, compass, and alarm capabilities. This is another piece on the large side with its 43.8mm diameter, but you have to have some real estate to work in all those functions, after all. 

[toc-section heading="Marathon Search & Rescue Diver's Automatic 41mm (GSAR)"]

Case: 41mm Material: Steel Water Resistance: 300 meters Movement: Sellita SW200-1 automatic Price: $2,000

Designed to achieve the requirements of the Canadian Government’s professional Search and Rescue (SAR) operation standards, Marathon’s SAR series is made to remain steadfast in high-stakes situations.

 Even if you aren’t planning for any rescue missions, this watch earns its slot in my book of most durable watches available for its compliance with ISO 6425 standards, and its Inablock shock absorbing system that protects the Sellita SW200-1 movement within. Because this is in the rugged, utilitarian diver category, this watch is a bit on the beefier side with its 14mm case thickness. Water resistant to 300 meters, the notchy dive bezel and large, knurled screw-down crown also make underwater operating easy, even with dive gloves on.