Your parents were onto something when they told you to go play outside—and strapping one of the best outdoor watches on your wrist before you head out the door is equally smart advice. Not only is taking a stroll among the trees and critters good for your body, but studies have shown that it’s one of the best ways to improve your mental health, too. Also a good way to improve your mental health? Looking at those trees and critters instead of your phone. A properly rugged timepiece means you can keep an eye on the time (and maybe more) without getting sucked into your notifications. And even if the most intense thing you do all day is fish the last beer out of an ice-filled cooler, an outdoor-ready watch teams up nicely with a sturdy pair of boots, some stylish-yet-weatherproof outerwear, and a flannel or sweater.
We should say: we’ve left smartwatches and fitness watches out of this round-up for a reason (and we’ve got a whole separate guide to the best dive watches). Outdoor watches can handle a whole lot without needing to sync over Bluetooth. Essential features to look for include shock-resistant cases, water-resistance ratings of at least 100m (enough to handle rainy hikes and impromptu lake swims), and dials with a backlight or bright lume (a.k.a., the glowing stuff on the hands, face, and bezel). You can always your inner Bear Grylls with more advanced integrations like compasses, barometers, altimeters and tide trackers.
To help you narrow the field, we’ve selected our favorites, from feature-packed G-Shocks to classic field watches, all of which will be right at home in the forest primeval.
The Best Outdoor Watches Under $200
Casio
As crunchy and approachable as a summer camp counsellor, minus the acoustic guitar and hemp beanie.
Fossil
Just like its namesake Land Rover, this ’90s field watch is a study in rugged good looks and timeless style.
Luminox
Luminox watch dials feature a unique system of tiny glass tubes filled with a phosphorescent gas that emits a bright green glow in the dark—no “charging” in the sun needed. This was originally added for the benefit of Navy SEALs, but it’ll prove just as useful next time you’re yawning through a movie-theater dud and wondering when it’ll end.
Timex
Expedition Tide Temp Compass Watch
With an onboard thermometer, tide tracker, and 100-meter water resistance, this watch is made to help you claim maximum bragging rights at your next polar bear dip.
Bertucci
A-2T Original Classics Watch
The platonic ideal of a no-nonsense field watch, with a light-but-strong titanium case to boot.
Orient
Whether it’s your first automatic watch or your fifth, no one hits the bullseye of affordability and style better than Orient. Indices instead of numbers on the dial help it go from day to night nicely, too.
The Best Outdoor Watches Under $500
Casio
Thirty years ago, the idea of having a solar-powered compass, barometer, altimeter, thermometer, and stopwatch on your wrist was as wild as carrying the entire Sun Ra discography in your pocket. Thanks, science!
Timex
Timex x Todd Snyder Utility Ranger Watch
The king of classic American menswear knows a thing or two about what makes a great field watch, and this Timex collab distills all of his expertise into one slick, sturdy package.
G-Shock
By combining the best high-tech features in the G-Shock stable with a nigh-indestructible case that’s resistant to mud, sand, and all manner of hard knocks, the Mudmaster is built to go places few other watches can.
Lorier
At 36mm across the dial, this 1950s-inspired field watch is universally flattering, in a way that makes it just as handsome on workdays as it is on weekends.
Victorinox
I.N.O.X. Professional Diver Titanium Watch
With several meters of paracord woven into the strap (in case you need to McGyver something) and a case that can withstand being run over by a 25-ton digger (yes, really), both you and this Swiss-made ticker should be able to escape any tough situation.
Momentum
Like the battered Levi’s, rugby shirts and boat shoes that Thomas Magnum wore on Magnum P.I., this classic diver strikes the ideal balance between all-around utility and ’70s swagger.
Raven
Like everything made by this Kansas-based indie brand, Raven’s pilot watch is understated and adventure-ready. You get sapphire glass and 200 meters of water-resistance, though the internal (though non-rotating) bezel that helps the Airfield feel a little more elegant than some of the more mud-ready pieces here.
Seiko
Arnold Schwarzenegger popularized this XXL Seiko when he wore it in Predator and Commando. Forty-some years later it’s still a massive flex—even if you don’t have the biceps to match.
The Best Outdoor Watches Under $1,000
Marathon
Stainless Steel Navigator Watch
Marathon created the Steel Navigator in partnership with the U.S. Air Force in 1986. Thankfully, its original Pac-Man-esque bezel (and legendary accuracy) remain unchanged in 2023.
Hamilton
Khaki Field Expedition Auto Watch
Thanks to a new compass bezel, a fresh vintage look, and an ultra-reliable automatic movement, the updated-for-2023 Khaki Field retains its twin titles as one of the best Swiss watches under a grand and the perfect complement to your woodsiest sweaters and jeans.
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