Firefighters showcase the ability and durability to save lives on a daily basis. From the way they regulate their breathing rate in stressful situations to their bravery in the face of imminent danger, firefighters are a different breed.
And for such special folks, only a special watch will suffice. The design of a great firefighter’s watch must balance clarity and sturdy materials which elevate it above a mere product.
The best watches for firefighters lend helping hands when fire and rescue workers need them most. They’re designed to withstand extreme heat while also providing resistance against moisture and sudden impacts.
We’re here to help you separate fact from marketing when it comes to the top watches for firefighters right now. We’ve pared things down into a definitive list of the 6 Best Watches For Fire And Rescue Workers In 2021.
Let’s get started!
The 6 Best Watches For Firefighters In 2021
6) Casio Master of G Mudmaster Green Men’s Watch
- This watch features a carbon core guard structure case, in black with grey accents, that allows the internal mechanics of the watch to be protected from shock-induced damage
- Additionally, this watch connects via Bluetooth to a special G-Shock app that helps with the configuration, as well as records altitude data, route information, and step counts
- Official Licensed Product
The Casio G-Shock series has been a go-to for firefighters for years now. That’s we’ve included two of their popular Mudmaster models on our list! The Casio Master of G Mudmaster Green Men’s Watch has plenty of great features like a dual-LED light and auto calendar. But, its shock-resistant and water-resistant carbon/resin construction is the reason why it’s here. You get so much bang for your buck with this one.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Digital/Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Carbon/Resin
Case Diameter: 55 mm
Case Thickness: 19.3 mm
Strap Material: Plastic
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- 200 meters of water resistance and premium shock resistance? Sign us up!
- The carbon/resin watch case is almost impossible to scratch.
- The analog/digital hybrid scheme has something for everyone.
Cons
- Of the two G-Shock models on our list, it’s the harder one to read.
- The mineral crystal dial window gets scuffed a bit too easily.
5) Aquaforce Firefighter Brass Etched Dial Men’s Watch
A timepiece that’s light on features but heavy on style, the Aquaforce Firefighter Brass Etched Dial Men’s Watch is one good-looking, durable budget masterpiece! The sealed stainless steel back resists moisture from sweat and on-the-job hazards. And the attractive firefighting-themed watch dial allows any fire rescue workers to wear it on their wrist with a special kind of pride.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 40 mm
Strap Material: Silicone
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black, Rose Gold
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- The silicone watch strap is breathable and well-constructed.
- The rose gold accents look great against the stark black dial.
- This watch is a statement piece. And you can make that statement on a budget!
Cons
- While it can handle the load of a long workday, it’s not the most durable watch on our list.
- 30 meters of water resistance is adequate, but not super impressive.
4) Timex Expedition Rugged Metal Watch
- Round watch with textured sunray dial featuring placed indices, gear-edge bezel, and date window
- 43 mm brass case with mineral dial window
- Quartz movement with analog display
- Green calfskin band with buckle closure
- Water resistant to 50 m (165 ft)
Firefighters have sworn by Timex watches for over half a decade. And the Timex Expedition Rugged Metal Watch won’t change that. In fact, it’s one of our favorite watches for firefighters that the venerable brand has produced. At a budget price point, you get a durable brass casing and a comfy leather strap that doesn’t retain moisture unnecessarily. This watch lives up to its rugged billing at an extremely fair price.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Brass
Case Diameter: 45 mm
Case Thickness: 10 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Brown
Dial Color: Beige
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- You rarely find this kind of durability for under 100 dollars. This watch can often be found for under $50!
- The beige watch dial is easy on the eyes.
- It’s the perfect size for most wrists.
Cons
- The leather band is soft on your wrist, yet not nearly as durable as other watch straps we’ve profiled.
- Setting the right day and time is a cumbersome task.
3) Marathon Swiss Made Diver’s Quartz Watch With Tritium
The Marathon Swiss-Made Diver’s Quartz Watch is the most expensive watch on our countdown. But, it’s for good reason. This standout luxury watch features tritium gas tubes that keep it illuminated for years without replacement! It also has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window that’s impervious to dings and scratches. Add in a whopping 300 meters of water resistance and an exceedingly accurate Swiss quartz movement, and this watch is worth the investment!
Specs
Display Window Material: Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: TangBuckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 36 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Stainless Steel
Strap Length: Unisex
Strap Width: 18 mm
Strap Color: Silver
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water Resistance: 300 meters
Pros
- 300 meters of water resistance is a rare get for watches. This watch can go deep in the wet stuff with no problems.
- The included Swiss quartz movement is timekeeping accuracy at its finest.
- The construction materials are top-notch. From sapphire crystal to striking stainless steel, you get what you pay for with this one.
Cons
- This is a luxury watch sold at a luxury price point. It’s not for everyone.
- The watch face is smaller than most. It’s good for smaller wrists and stronger eyes.
2) Ball Fireman Storm Chaser Pro Automatic Chronograph Watch
Ball’s slogan says it all — “Accuracy under adverse conditions.” The Ball Fireman Storm Chaser Pro Automatic Chronograph Watch more than lives up to this motto. It’s built to keep ticking in extreme heat and cold. Its sapphire crystal dial window and stainless steel construction straddle the line between durable luxury and pure functionality. And the included automatic movement makes it a fun retirement or anniversary gift for the horology aficionado in your department.
Specs
Display Window Material: Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Tang Buckle
Case Material: Stainless Steel
Case Diameter: 42 mm
Case Thickness: 16 mm
Strap Material: Leather
Strap Width: 22 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Automatic
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The sapphire crystal dial window has no give. It’s clear, scratch-resistant, and takes a beating.
- The leather strap doesn’t need to be broken in out of the box. It’s comfortable and expertly-crafted.
- We adore the look of the watch face. It’s busy without being too much, modern without being pretentious.
Cons
- Automatic movements require regular maintenance, unlike quartz watches.
- It’s not the most expensive watch on our list. But, it’s still sold for four figures easy.
1) Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Japanese Import GWG-1000-1AC Watch
- Construction Shock-resistant; vibration-resistant Performance 200-meter water resistance, low-temperature resistance (-10C / 14F) Radio Frequencies 77.5 kHz (DCF77: Germany); 60 kHz (MSF: UK); 60 kHz (WWVB: USA); 40 kHz (JJY: Fukushima, Japan) /
- Countdown Timer Measuring unit: 1 second (maximum 60 minutes) Alarm 5 independent daily alarms; hourly time signal Other Functions Full auto-calendar; 12/24-hour format; battery level indicator; button operation tone on/off; full auto double LED back
- Power Source Tough Solar power system (high-capacity solar-charging system)
- Radio Wave Reception Automatic reception up to six times a day (except for use in China: up to five times a day); manual reception Digital Compass Measures and displays direction as one of 16 points with the second hand; measuring range: 0 to 359;
- Altimeter Measuring range: -700 m to 10,000 m (-2,300 ft to 32,800 ft.); measuring unit: 1 m (5 ft.); manual memory measurements (up to 30 records, each including altitude, date, time); auto log data (high/low altitudes, cumulative ascent and descent
The second Casio G-Shock watch on our list, the Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Japanese Import Watch isn’t just our clear pick for the best of the two. It’s the best watch for firefighters right now! It takes the great features of our previous entry and adds two key elements — a watch face that’s easier to read and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window. At any time of night and in any situation, you’ll be able to read this durable, shock-resistant beast without obstruction.
Specs
Display Window Material: Anti-Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Digital/Analog
Clasp Style: Deployment Buckle
Case Material: Resin/Carbon
Case Diameter: 56 mm
Case Thickness: 18 mm
Strap Material: Plastic
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Color: Green
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The G-Shock series is known for its toughness. This watch takes it up a few notches!
- Anti-reflective sapphire crystal is hard to beat for dial windows. Expect clarity in nearly all conditions.
- 200 meters of water resistance coupled with an accurate quartz movement? You can’t do much better.
Cons
- We meant it when we said this watch was a beast. It’s huge and not made for smaller wrists.
- It’s not the most viscerally appealing watch. It’s got great utility, but there are much better-looking watches for firefighters out there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best watch for firefighters?
Our pick for the best firefighter watch right now is the Casio G-Shock Mudmaster Japanese Import Watch. While the price point is a bit steep, the powerful shock resistance and 200 meters of water resistance are reasons enough to buy one today.
It also has an anti-reflective sapphire crystal dial window which will keep the time clear in even the most brutal of working conditions. It has all the Casio perks like a countdown timer and great battery life, but it’s the water-resistant and shock-resistant casing that makes it the best of the best watches on our countdown.
Can firefighters wear Apple watches?
The elegance and sheer content of an Apple Watch are impressive, but it may not be one of the smartest picks for a firefighter. It can get the job done, and the Apple Watch Series 6 is one of the most durable watches yet in the series. But, it missed our list for fire and water rescue workers for one key reason — durability.
Smartwatches may be a good idea in search and rescue situations, but they’re not usually as sturdy as a shock-resistant analog or analog/digital sports watch. Apple is one of the most trusted brands in the smartwatch game, but that’s a lot to do with the bells and whistles.
It’s a good idea as a pocket watch to keep in your bag, but maybe not the right on-the-job choice for those in the fire service game.
What’s a good gift for a firefighter?
Have you asked yourself, “what gift should I get for my firefighter?”
Well, it’s a pretty simple answer — a watch! Whether it’s for work or for play, watches are a great gift idea for fire safety workers. The best watches for firefighters have useful features such as an LED backlight or tracking for multiple time zones. Yet, they’re also just really, really cool.
Whether you choose something cheaper like the Aqua Force Firefighter Watch, or something much pricier like the Marathon Diver’s Quartz Watch, you can’t go wrong!
Closing Thoughts
While they differ in size and feature different things, the six watches on our countdown have one thing in common — they’re more suitable for firefighting work than any other watches out there. With easy-to-read watch face designs and sturdy constructions, these watches are the cream of the crop.