In the 20th century, the relationship between militaries and wristwatches shaped entire design eras. Standard-issue field pieces weren’t just accessories—they were essential tools of navigation, coordination, and survival. Many of those rugged originals have since been reborn as luxury objects, more likely to be found in collectors’ vaults than on a battlefield. 

Yet, the modern soldier’s wrist tells a different story. Today’s armed forces draw from a surprisingly diverse pool of options, blending personal choices with a few purpose-built instruments still designed for extreme environments. From advanced digital tech to mechanical divers built for elite specialists, the variety reflects a shift from uniformity to individuality—without ever losing sight of the mission.

1. Casio G-Shock DW-5600E-1V

Used by: Soldiers worldwide, including India

The classic square G-Shock remains one of the most widely worn military watches today. It’s cheap, rugged, 200 m water-resistant, and virtually indestructible—a personal purchase soldiers trust everywhere from Siachen to Syria.

2. Casio G-Shock GW-9400 Rangeman

Used by: Specialist troops globally

A field favourite among soldiers who need more than just timekeeping. Triple sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), solar charging, and atomic timekeeping make this a mission-ready tool for jungles, deserts, and mountains alike.

3. Casio G-Shock GG-B100BA MUDMASTER (UK MoD-issued)

Used by: British Army

Specifically developed with the UK Ministry of Defence, this tan MUDMASTER features a carbon-core build, mud-resistant casing, quad sensors, and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s one of the rare officially issued G-Shocks today.

4. Marathon GSAR (Government Search and Rescue)

Used by: United States Armed Forces

One of the last true government-issued analogue divers, the Marathon GSAR meets MIL-PRF-46374G specifications and is supplied to select U.S. Navy and Army units. Automatic, 300 m water-resistant, and built like a tank.

5. Garmin Tactix 7

Used by: U.S. Army, NATO forces, Western special units

These tactical smartwatches dominate operations needing GPS precision, night-vision compatibility, dual-position formats (MGRS & latitude/longitude), and long-life solar batteries. Some U.S. Space Force test units also use them.

6. Suunto Core Alpha Stealth

Used by: U.S. Army, NATO forces, Western special units

Favoured by soldiers deployed in extreme environments, Suunto’s Core Alpha and Traverse Alpha models integrate altimeters, barometers, and hunting profiles into ultra-rugged builds. Often used by special forces in mountainous or polar regions.

7. Luminox Navy SEAL Original 3001

Used by: U.S. Navy SEALs, Israeli special forces, allied maritime units

This tritium-lit diver has been part of SEAL kitbags since the 1990s. Its lightweight carbon-reinforced case, 200 m water resistance, and self-powered lume make it a maritime operations favourite.

8. Citizen Promaster NY0040

Used by: Italian Navy COMSUBIN divers

Issued to Italian Navy divers since the mid-1990s, the NY0040 is a left-hand-crown automatic diver rated to 200 m. Its screw-down crown, robust Miyota movement, and functional design make it a true working tool — still trusted by COMSUBIN, Italy’s elite naval special forces.