Best Watches for Paramedics

When ranking the hardest and most physically/emotionally demanding jobs out there, paramedics and EMTs have to be at or near the top of the list. Paramedics are put under extraordinary stress every day in life-or-death situations that are never the same thing twice, doing a number on both their bodies and their watches.

For an EMT, a watch is an essential tool. Sometimes it’s absolutely impossible to pull out your phone on a job, and an easy to read watch with a countdown timer can help a paramedic administer proper and precise care. But great watches for EMTs are more than just a countdown timer, even if a countdown timer is definitely a pivotal inclusion.

The top watches for paramedics need to be easy to clean, have an easy to read digital display or analog display, have a clean watch face design with a strong protective lens, and offer extra durability with shock resistant casing or the like. In addition, great paramedic watches should have added features like a 12/24 hour display, multiple alarms, and luminous hands for using analog watches at night.

When trying to choose one EMT watch out of the glut of options in the marketplace, you’re bound to get vexed and a bit overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve narrowed down dozens upon dozens of contenders in our in-depth list of The 8 Best Watches For EMTs And Paramedics In 2021. We’ve also included a helpful Frequently Asked Questions section which includes one EMT watch you should avoid without question.

But first, let’s get to our countdown!

The 8 Best Watches For Paramedics In 2021

8) Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch

If it’s tough enough for a Navy SEAL, it necessarily follows that the Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch offers the kind of durability which paramedics will appreciate. For paramedics who work the overnight shift, the inclusion of Night Vision Tubes illumination and the patented Luminox Light Technology ensures you’ll be able to see your watch face in the dark for decades to come. It’s also as tough as they come structurally, offering peak shock resistance and a reliable Swiss quartz movement that will ensure you’re always on time when it matters most.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Buckle Clasp With Safety

Case Material: Polyurethane

Case Diameter: 43 mm

Case Thickness: 23 mm

Band Material: Plastic

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Width: 22 mm

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Polyurethane

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Movement: Swiss Quartz

Pros

• The most trusted watch for Navy SEALs and other military members, this rugged Luminox offering is made for those with the most taxing jobs in the world. That makes it just right for EMTs.
• The aforementioned Luminox Light Technology can illuminate your watch for up to 25 full years! That’s as long lasting as it gets with watch illumination technology.
• This watch’s polyurethane case simply doesn’t let up. It can take impacts from any angle and still maintain its shape without cracks, chips, or scratches.

Cons

• The watch strap is a bit small for bigger wrists. They don’t make a bigger version, so make sure that this fits before purchasing.
• The rotating bezel feels a bit flimsy and loose at times. We haven’t had problems with it, but we’ve seen some negative reviews centered on this criticism.

7) Marathon Swiss Made Military Diver’s Watch

While the price tag might scare away more budget conscious consumers, the Marathon Swiss Made Military Diver’s Watch is an absolute superstar of durability. In fact, it was designed for Search and Rescue operations and has been issued to United States troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq. This is the perfect unisex watch for any and all paramedics and EMTs, and it’s one of the best buys on our list when it comes to balancing aesthetic grace and long-lasting functionality. Extra points for the inclusion of tritium gas tubes which will maintain illumination for two decades!

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 36 mm

Case Thickness: 13 mm

Band Material: Stainless Steel

Band Length: Unisex

Band Width: 18 mm

Band Color: Silver

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 300 meters

Movement: Swiss Quartz

Pros

• This watch is as durable as you’re going to find on this countdown. You pay extra for that durability, but you know this watch is going to last through years of hard EMT shifts.
• You can dive into water as far as 300 meters with this watch and still not see any damage. If you regularly work shifts in the elements or do work near the ocean, this is a huge plus.
• The sapphire crystal dial window is one of the most scratch-impervious dial windows on our countdown. It just doesn’t show wear and tear too often.

Cons

• While this isn’t the most expensive watch on our countdown, it’s up there near the top. It’s probably too pricey for those looking to save a few dollars.
• Stainless steel straps are definitely not the most comfortable option out there. There are replacements available made of different materials, but they will cost you extra to procure.

6) Casio Men’s Solar Sport Combination Watch

Now for something completely different. This analog/digital watch hybrid is a budget beauty for those paramedics and EMTs who are working on a budget. This affordable wonder from Casio is super easy to clean and features threes hands for its analog movement, an Afterglow LED light, a super reliable Japanese Quartz movement, a complete auto calendar and a dual countdown timer. This watch was designed for those who are on the go both in play and during work, making it one fantastic cost-efficient option for any EMT or paramedic.

Specs

Display Type: Analog/Digital

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Resin

Case Diameter: 46 mm

Case Thickness: 12 mm

Band Material: Resin

Band Width: 28 mm

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Resin

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Japanese Quartz

Pros

• Casio really did wonders with the analog/digital hybrid display. It’s easy to read, especially with the inclusion of the Afterglow LED light.
• The cost of this watch is a huge selling point. We’re surprised how little of an investment it takes to get this kind of durability.
• This watch actually has a really neat aesthetic for a budget watch. The black-on-black look pops with most wardrobe choices.

Cons

• This watch is pretty basic and doesn’t have the gravitas of some of the prettier watches on our list.
• We wish this was like the upcoming Casio watch on our countdown and had a solar-powered movement. The battery life is solid, but it’s still annoying to change a battery regardless.

5) Marathon GSAR Swiss Made Military Issue Diver’s Automatic Watch

The second of two Marathon showstoppers on our list, the Marathon GSAR Swiss Made Military Issue Diver’s Automatic Watch gets the nod for higher placement thanks to added structural reinforcement and all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from a Search and Rescue certified watch. For paramedics who are trained to work on beaches and in bodies of water, the 300 meters of water resistant depth and shock resistant stainless steel casing makes this well worth the pricey investment. It may not be in every paramedics’ price range, but it’s definitely worth it for those who can manage it.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 41 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Band Material: Stainless Steel

Band Width: 20 mm

Band Color: Silver

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 300 meters

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Pros

• Everything about this watch is quality. From the Hardlex dial window to the precise Swiss automatic movement, you’re actually getting a bargain at its relatively hefty price point.
• This watch is built for divers and Search and Rescue workers. That means extraordinary durability and clarity when push comes to shove, perfect for EMTs.
• Aesthetically, this might be the most beautiful watch on our countdown or near the top. It adds a touch of class and grace to both work clothes or any outfit you pair it with.

Cons

• For those who are saving money and don’t want to spend four figures on a watch, this watch is a definite no go.
• The stainless steel band may be a bit hard to get used to for smaller wrists. It’s not a complete deal breaker, but some people just don’t like it.

4) Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch

If this watch had all of the key features for EMTs such as a countdown timer, it may have ranked as the best watch on our countdown. However, its bare bones presentation knocks it down just a couple notches. That doesn’t make this a bad watch in the slightest, though! Citizen watches are known for being tough as nails while looking beautiful in their understatement, and the Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch is no exception. In addition, it can convert both natural and artificial light into energy to keep the Japanese quartz movement on time and on target. That’s less to worry about which is great for those who already have a hectic job to manage through.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 37.2 mm

Case Thickness: 9.5 mm

Band Material: Nylon

Band Length: 7.5 inches

Band Width: 18 mm

Band Color: Green

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Japanese Quartz

Pros

• Do you want a watch that’s understated in appearance and simple in design? Are you tired of frills with your watches? This watch is the perfect one for you!
• The luminescent hands on this watch are some of the easiest analog hands to spot in the dark for any watch on our countdown.
• This watch is pretty dang rugged! The stainless steel case is almost impossible to ding or destroy unless you take a hammer or something to it.

Cons

• The lack of a countdown timer and other key features may be a deal breaker for EMTs who use their timers in the heat of action.
• The canvas strap is troublesome to clean and can absorb dirt and grime, becoming kind of a mess. You can always replace the strap with a different material such as silicone for an extra charge.

3) Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 Watch

Balancing solar power with a patented shock resistant casing which will last through mostly anything you throw at it, the Casio G-Shock Rangeman Watch is one tough cookie for sure. It’s built for the most active of lifestyles. So, you can definitely wear this watch for a full shift and keep it on for working out, swimming, or any other sort of on-the-go endeavor. We really love the clarity of the negative LCD display and the option for a 12/24 hour readout is a definite plus. If you’re not worried about the 12/24 hour thing, you’ll still fall in love with this watch as it’s one beast that costs little and rewards a lot.

Specs

Display Type: LCD

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Resin

Case Diameter: 54 mm

Case Thickness: 16 mm

Band Material: Resin

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Width: 27 mm

Band Color: Green

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Resin

Water Resistance: 200 meters

Movement: Solar

Pros

• Casio really put all of their energy into their line of G-Shock watches to ensure that they remain intact in the face of sudden impact, water, and other hazards. This watch simply sticks it out.
• The solar-powered movement can be charged both by artificial and natural light. You’ll never have to change the battery in this Casio behemoth!
• Do you sometimes take calls in rural areas where mud and grime are the norm? This watch is up to task with mud-resistant buttons and a completely water resistant frame.

Cons

• This watch is the biggest watch on the list in terms of sheer size. Those with small wrists might want to steer clear as it can be kind of cumbersome.
• From a pure aesthetic standpoint, this may be the least attractive watch our countdown from a subjective standpoint. It’s not bad looking, but definitely is more function over style.

2) Armitron Digital Sport Watch

Tired of looking at analog watch hands through bleary eyes at the end of another double shift on the go? Might we recommend our pick for the best budget watch on this entire countdown, the Armitron Digital Sports Watch. A leader in cost-effective digital watch offerings, Armitron really hit a home run when they made this one. It’s got one of the clearest, biggest and easiest to read LCD screens of any digital watch we’ve ever tested. And the quartz movement in this retro standout is super reliable and won’t go out on you in random fashion. And if you’re prone to sweating on the job, you’ll love the ventilation holes on the super comfy resin band! This is one of the best buys for the money you’re gonna find for EMTs.

Specs

Display Type: Digital (LCD)

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Resin

Case Diameter: 31.2 mm

Case Thickness: 12.9 mm

Band Material: Resin

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Width: 24.7 mm

Band Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Resin

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Quartz

Pros

• Armitron is famous for delivering fantastic watch quality at affordable price points. This might be the best example of that in their oeuvre.
• For active sorts, the band is actually a favorite of ours. It’s super breathable and doesn’t stick or contort oddly in the heat of a work day.
• In terms of digital displays, there isn’t an easier-to-read one for EMTs than this one. The inclusion of a backlight with brilliant illumination makes it even easier in low light.

Cons

• The plastic dial window is the least durable of all the dial windows on this countdown. You may end up having to replace this watch if you nick it just wrong.
• The odd elongated rectangle shape of the casing fits strangely on smaller wrists sometimes. It’s not for everyone.

And our pick for the best watch for paramedics is…

1) Seiko Men’s Excelsior Watch

Looking at this watch, you’d think it cost thousands of dollars. It has that unmistakable air of luxury. However, that’s the case! The Seiko Men’s Excelsior Watch offers a luxury aesthetic for a fraction of the cost, but that’s the not only reason why we placed it at the top of our countdown. This Seiko superstar has luminous hands for easy monitoring, receives power from any light source both artificial and natural, three different subdials for added precision, and will dazzle anyone who looks at both up close and at a distance. For the paramedic who wants to add some unique flair without sacrificing features and precision, this watch is for you.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Fold Over Clasp (With Double Push Button And Safety)

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 43 mm

Case Thickness: 12 mm

Band Material: Stainless Steel

Band Length: Men’s Standard

Band Width: 22 mm

Band Color: Two Tone

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Japanese Quartz

Pros

• The solar-powered Japanese quartz movement is extremely on point. You never have to replace a battery or worry about losing time in the most strenuous of circumstances.
• The durability of the Hardlex crystal dial window is something to behold. Scratches rarely if ever show, scuffs are negligible, and the clarity of the watch face means reduced glare when you need it most.
• The unique and contoured look of this time piece is what put it over the top for us. The price is reasonable and you still get a watch which is the picture of aesthetic affluence.

Cons

• The stopwatch only goes for 60 minutes, so be sure to keep that in mind when attempting to track things with it.
• It may be a bit gaudy for some. It’s a bit of a statement piece and isn’t for those who want a watch that blends into the background.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the best watches for paramedics EMTs?

The best watches for paramedics must go as long and strong as paramedics do! EMT watches must be extremely durable, have great battery life for long shifts on the go, offer key structural elements like shock resistance, and should be both easy to read in most circumstances and easy to clean after a long day. The watch face should have a rugged mineral crystal lens to protect the dial. If possible, a digital display should have a backlight. Similarly, luminous hands on an analog watch are one feature which will really help on overnight shifts. Other features like a reliable countdown timer, 12/24 hour display, and easy to spot markets on the watch face are big pluses as well.

Easy to clean. Strong with a mineral crystal lens for protection. Easy to use and long lasting. The best watch for EMT use is the one which won’t fail you when the chips are down and things get hectic. A good watch isn’t good enough. Heck, a good watch can work for many jobs. But, the best watches for EMTs must be great at what they do.

Are there any watches for paramedics EMTS I should avoid?

Of all the watches for EMT and paramedic use, we recommend you steer clear of the Smith & Wesson EMT watch. When searching for EMT watches, this is one you’re likely to see over and over on eCommerce sites. And of all the watches for EMTs out there, this is one you need to avoid at all costs.

Remember when we said that a great EMT watch needs to be easy to read and easy to clean? That’s hard to do with a display that fogs up in humidity and has poor sealing over the dial. In addition, the Velcro connectors often loosen shortly after wearing for the first time and there have been numerous online complaints about batteries which are either dead on arrival or die shortly after receipt. Smith and Wesson is not a watch brand by trade and it shows in the suspect construction of this watch. Steer clear and choose an EMT watch from the list above. You’ll be better off for it.

Closing Thoughts

If you are in the market for an EMT watch, what are you waiting for? Pick one EMT watch from the list of eight above and you’ll have a strong, easy to read and easy to clean watch made for the hardest working paramedics in the business. Whether you prefer a digital watch with a clear digital display or an analog watch with a reliable quartz movement, the choice is in your hands.

We put something for every EMT and paramedic on this list, so now it’s time to make the decision that’s best for you.