The best watches for law enforcement officers have to be tough. Really tough. No matter what brand puts it out, a great police watch needs to take a page out of the military tactical gear playbook.
Police watches aren’t articles of clothing. They are built as accessories for the hardest line of work in the world. That means shock resistance, water resistance, and accurate timekeeping.
Whether you’re looking for a Casio timepiece with an auto-calendar and a countdown timer, or you want a more striking tactical timepiece with a modernized look, we’ve got you covered. We’ve looked through dozens of potential contenders, paring them down into our definitive list of the 6 Best Watches For Cops In 2021.
Here’s our first entry, #6!
6) Luminox Recon NAV SPC 8830 Series Wrist Watch
- Luminox Recon NAV SPC 8830 Series Wrist Watch Black, White Dial PU Black Strap XL.8831.KM.L
- Function : 2nd timezone (24 hr) | Movement (technology) : Quartz | Size of case diameter : 46.00 mm
- Case material : CARBONOX | Case Bezel : Uni-directional rotating | Case Back : Screw on caseback | Crown : Double-Security Gasket
- Water-resistance 200m / 660ft / 20atm | Crystal/Glass material : Sapphire crystal anti-reflective coating | Strap/Bracelet material : Rubber / Silicone / PU | Case Height : 12 mm | Weight : 72g
- Illumination : Night Vision Tubes (25 years)
Let’s begin our countdown with a timepiece that gives new meaning to the term “tactical watch.” The Luminox Recon NAV SPC 8830 Series Wrist Watch has so many features going for it. It includes tritium tubes for constant illumination, a compass that’s easily removed, a GMT hand, and a useful tachymeter scale. It’s also carbon-reinforced in a way that puts other stock tactical watches to shame.
Specs
Display Window Material: Glass
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: CARBONOX
Case Diameter: 46 mm
Case Thickness: 12 mm
Strap Material: Rubber / Silicone / PU
Strap Width: 24 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- The removable compass is a really interesting, fun tactical watch feature.
- The CARBONOX case is rugged and offers 200 meters of water resistance.
- This watch is feature-rich. There’s so much here for cops, military personnel, and backpackers alike.
Cons
- The watch face is really busy. It can be a bit disorienting.
- The Luminox Recon Wrist Watch is on the pricier side. It’s an investment, although it’s worth it.
5) Casio G-Shock DW9052-1V Men’s Quartz Sport Watch
- 200 M Water Resistance
- Casio G-Shock Watch featuring Shock Resistance
- Electro-Luminescent Backlight with Afterglow ensures easy reading during day or night
- 1/100-Second StopWatch (Measuing Capacity: 00'00"00~59'59"99 (for the first 60 minutes) 1:00'00~23:59'59 (after 60 minutes)
- Auto-calendar out until the year 2099, the watch does not have to be adjusted for the number days in month even leap year until 2099
The first of two Casio G-Shock watches on our list, the Casio G-Shock DW9052-1V Men’s Quartz Sport Watch is one of the most popular timepieces in the world for both cops and military personnel. All rights reserved by Casio, of course — one of the most reliable and durable budget watch brands in the world. This basic G-Shock model watch is a stripped-down wonder that balances cool sports watch features with peak shock resistance and 200 meters of water resistance.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 48.5 mm
Strap Material: Plastic
Strap Length: 9 inches
Strap Width: 25 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Gray
Bezel Material: Resin
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- This watch is prime police gear because of its undeniable durability.
- 200 meters of water resistance and unparalleled shock resistance at its price point? You know you want it.
- This timepiece has been cop-approved for quite some time. Countless officers swear by it to this day.
Cons
- It’s really hard and counterintuitive to reset the countdown timer.
- The Reset button is faulty on some models.
4) Timex Men’s Command Shock 54 mm Watch
- Adjustable blue 24mm fabric Fast Wrap strap with hook & look closure fits up to 8-inch wrist circumference
- Shock resistant to I. S. O. standards; 100-hour chronograph with lap & split times; 3 daily, weekday or weekend alarms with 5-minute backup
- 24-hour countdown timer with stop & repeat; dual mode alarm offers vibration and/or audible alert; 3 time zones; hydration alarm; 24-hour time
- Black & blue 54mm resin rectangular case; mineral glass lens; negative digital display; Indiglo light-up watch dial
- Water-resistant to 100m (330 ft): In general, suitable for snorkeling, as well as swimming, but not diving
The Timex Men’s Command Shock 54mm Watch is basically Timex’s take on the G-Shock concept. And it works like a charm. Its resin watch case is impervious to shock and scratches. Its Indiglo light-up digital watch dial is super easy to see in low light. For the police officer that likes a little flash of camo-tinged style with their durable sports watches, this is the way to go.
Specs
Display Window Material: Acrylic
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 54 mm
Case Thickness: 16 mm
Strap Material: Fabric
Strap Length: Men’s Standard
Strap Width: 24 mm
Strap Color: Blue
Dial Color: Black, Blue
Bezel Material: Resin
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 100 meters
Pros
- The Command Shock is both light and very sturdy. That’s a really good combination for a low-cost tactical watch.
- We like the little stylistic touches on the case. It adds a bit of a flair.
- This is a great alternative to the Casio G-Shock series. Timex does
Cons
- The screen is easy to see in low light thanks to its Indiglo function. But, the dark display can be troublesome in normal light for those with visual impairments.
- The strap holder is plastic and doesn’t feel very sturdy altogether.
3) Marathon Sapphire Navigator Swiss-Made Military Watch
- MIL-SPEC: Built to Government specifications for use by military personnel. Nato Stock Number 6645-01-544-9475 engraved on case back
- TRITIUM GAS TUBES: Self illuminating tritium gas tubes glow with no need to be charged by an external light source.
- PILOT'S WATCH: Designed for pilots and paratroopers. Features a lightweight high impact fibreshell case and scratch resistant sapphire crystal.
- HIGH TORQUE MOVEMENT: Swiss made ETA F06 3 jewel high-torque Quartz movement with EOL (End-of-Life) indicator for superior timekeeping and quality. Submersibility: 6ATM
- SWISS MADE: Marathon watches are proudly made in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland since 1939.
When a watch is intended for military paratroopers and pilots, you know that durability is one of its best attributes. The Marathon Sapphire Navigator Swiss-Made Miltary Watch was constructed to government standards for the most essential of military personnel. The reviews of this watch laud its strong resin case and synthetic sapphire crystal dial window for how they hold up under pressure. You will too.
Specs
Display Window Material: Synthetic Sapphire Crystal
Display Type: Analog
Clasp Style: Buckle
Case Material: Resin
Case Diameter: 41 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Nylon
Strap Length: Unisex
Strap Width: 20 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Resin
Movement: Swiss Quartz
Water Resistance: 50 meters
Pros
- This watch includes tritium light tubes which promise full illumination for 25 years!
- The Swiss quartz movement is the most accurate movement on our list.
- This is watch is sleek, but so durable.
Cons
- The crown is really tight out of the box.
- From a water resistance standpoint, this timepiece is on the lower end of this countdown.
2) Suunto Core Outdoor Sports Watch
- Suunto Core: This classic outdoor sports watch is packed with intelligent features like a Storm Alarm, Altimeter, Barometer and compass to keep you informed of conditions while you hike, bike, or camp
- Essential for Adventure: This watch has dual times, date display, and alarm, plus predicted times for sunrise and sunset to help maximize your daylight hours and a depth meter accurate up to 30 feet
- Suunto Sports Watches: Versatile and durable, Suunto sports watches are great for running, swimming, cycling, gym workouts, hiking, and other outdoor sports; Whatever your needs, Suunto has a watch for you
- Adventure Starts Here: Combining Scandinavian design with ultra durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training and recovery in balance
- Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products
With a useful weather trend graph and an altimeter/barometer/compass combination, the Suunto Core is more than just your average police watch. It’s a smart computer watch that’s just as gritty as most tactical watches. It’s available in a variety of different colors, allowing police officers to customize their look to their own personalities. Heck, it even has an intelligent storm alarm — making it a great hiking watch for when you’re done on the beat.
Specs
Display Window Material: Mineral
Display Type: Digital
Clasp Style: TangBuckle
Case Material: Carbon Fiber
Case Diameter: 49.1 mm
Case Thickness: 13 mm
Strap Material: Silicone
Strap Width: 24 mm
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Bezel Material: Aluminum (w/ Compass Markings)
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Pros
- Regardless of working conditions, this watch keeps ticking without so much as a glitch.
- This watch is virtually indestructible for normal usage. The carbon fiber case is a real sturdy standout.
- The Suunto Core is versatile. It’s a police watch. It’s a sports watch. It’s just a very, very intelligently-designed timepiece.
Cons
- The included instructions aren’t much help. You’ll do better with trial and error.
- The silicone strap feels a bit flimsy. It’s easily replaced, but we’re left wanting more.
1) Casio G-Shock Rangeman Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation Watch
- Smartphone Link
- Shock Resistant
- Tough Solar
- G-SHOCK Connected
- Japan Imported / Come With Casio Internatonal One Year Warranty
The first G-Shock watch we profiled was a basic model. The Casio G-Shock Rangeman Solar-Assisted GPS Navigation Watch is far from basic. It’s the ultimate survival watch for a law enforcement officer who prides themselves on being overprepared. It has a compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. It’s also GPS-enabled and syncs with the super helpful G-Shock Connected app. This isn’t a smartwatch. This is the smartest watch for police officers.
Specs
Display Type: Digital
Case Material: Carbon, Resin
Case Diameter: 58 mm
Case Thickness: 20.2 mm
Strap Material: Resin
Strap Color: Black
Dial Color: Black
Movement: Quartz
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Pros
- GPS capabilities in a Casio G-Shock body is a police officer’s dream come true.
- The G-Shock Connected app adds plenty of off-unit functionality.
- The compass is as accurate as those included with any other smartwatch or tactical sports watch.
Cons
- This is the most expensive police watch on our list.
- The size of this timepiece is massive. Smaller wrists need not apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a police watch?
A police watch is a tactical watch that can withstand the rigors of law enforcement work. Police timepieces need to be strong enough to back up law enforcement officers in the trickiest of situations. A police officer needs a timepiece that’s sturdy, reliable, and boasts military-grade shock resistance. They also need to be able to withstand the recoil of an uzi or Smith Wesson firearm.
In short, a police watch must be durable enough to do police work alongside an officer. It’s here to do a job. A dangerous job, but a job nonetheless.
What is the price of a police watch?
The price of police watches depends on the models you’re looking at. Different items are made of different materials and have different features. Thus, one police watch with a resin case may cost less than one with a carbon-reinforced structure. Pricing details for the watches on our list can be found after clicking the links to the products. We only selected the best brands in the police watch game, but there are still some budget choices available for you to look at!
How can you tell if a police watch is real?
Beat cops know a real police wristwatch when they see one. It’s not about the reviews on sites like Amazon.com. It’s not about the money you spend. Heck, it’s not even about the design.
You can tell a police watch is real by the materials it’s made of. Its durability and functionality are what matters most. Police watches are tactical equipment. Whether they have a matte finish or feature a more striking aesthetic, their real worth is determined by how dependable they are as everyday gear. Look for testimonials that laud the watch’s sturdiness and scratch resistance.
What watch do cops wear?
With their tough solar power, LED lights, and great features like countdown timers and stopwatch functionality, Casio G-Shock watches are the most popular timepieces for cops. Heck, some even give temperature readings! They are the clear choice for those who do police work because they are built to last. They are among the best watches for police offices ever created — better than most any tactical watch or more expensive option you can find.
Closing Thoughts
No matter what model you choose from the list above, the result will be the same — a great police watch that has everything you need for a hard workday. Watches should be adaptable to their user. And police watches need to be extraordinarily sturdy to do their part for the wearer. The six watches above do just that and so much more. They may be in different categories and have different prices, but these tactical watches are the clear best of the best.