Wristwatches are, first and foremost, everyday tools, despite their association with fashion and flair. After all, their fundamental function is to aid in the keeping of time — but many do much more than that. While affluent aficionados may be interested in a delicate tourbillon watch made of solid gold, the timekeeping business is large enough that there are watches and many Watch Brands in the World for almost every budget, function, style, and so on.
That also implies that some timepieces are constructed particularly for durability, to the point of ridiculousness. Most people are unlikely to require a watch that can withstand being run over by a real military tank. However, certain people (such as Navy SEALs, polar explorers, spelunkers, and other badasses) undoubtedly do. Furthermore, because of the trickle-down effect, the average joe can now obtain several of these wonderful wristwatches for their own use, even if it’s only a weekend camping trip.
Rounding up, durability and ruggedness are two of the most important factors to consider. After all, you want a timepiece that can withstand anything life throws your way – whether it’s an active lifestyle or simply everyday wear and tear.
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Top 5 Toughest Watch Brands
So, which watch brands are known for making the toughest, most durable watches in the world? Here are our top 5:
Casio G-Shock
Casio’s line of G-Shock watches is renowned for their unrivaled durability, thanks to their use of shock-resistant construction. These watches are designed to withstand just about anything, including falls, bumps, and even being submerged in water.
In fact, the original G-Shock watch was put through a series of tests before it was released, including dropping it from a second-story window and running it over with a car. Needless to say, the watch survived without a scratch.
Most G-Shock watches are digital, meaning they come with a variety of useful functions. For example, many models include an LED light, world time, stopwatch, countdown timer, and more.
When it comes to pricing, G-Shock watches are very affordable, with many models costing less than $100.
Victorinox
Victorinox is most commonly known Watch Brands in the World for its line of Swiss Army knives, which are unsurprisingly some of the most popular and useful knives in the world. However, the brand also produces a number of excellent watches, which are just as tough and durable as their knives.
As stated in this Victorinox watches review (via Timepieceking), Victorinox’s watches are put through a “12 different tests,” which include “being driven over by a 64-ton tank, being exposed to -45°C temperatures, and withstanding a 6-meter drop onto concrete.”
Unlike G-Shocks which present a strong sporty design, Victorinox watches target customers that are looking for both extreme ruggedness and elegant style. Their watches are often fully made from stainless steel, come with elegant bracelets, and have special anti-reflective treatments to make them more legible in direct sunlight.
Price-wise, Victorinox watches are on the more expensive side, and it’s not unusual for some models to approach the $1,000 mark.
Citizen
One of the most popular Watch Brands in the World out there, Citizen is known for their excellent craftsmanship and innovative technology. While their watches aren’t quite as tough as G-Shocks or Victorinoxes, they’re still quite durable and can take a beating.
Most Citizen use the brand’s patented Eco-Drive technology, meaning they are powered by light and never need a battery change. This is achieved through the use of a solar cell that’s located beneath the dial, which converts light into electrical energy.
This type of watch is perfect for those that are looking for something tough but also low-maintenance.
Citizen watches span a wide range of prices, with some models costing as little as $100 while others exceed $1,000.
Luminox
Luminox is another excellent brand that produces durable, tough watches. What sets Luminox apart from other brands is its use of self-powered illumination, which allows the wearer to see the time in any lighting conditions – even in complete darkness.
This is made possible through the use of tritium tubes, which are used on the hands and markers of the watch. These tubes are filled with a radioactive gas, which then glows continuously for up to 25 years.
Luminox watches are designed for those that need a tough, durable watch but also need to be able to see the time in any lighting condition – whether it’s during the day or night.
Design-wise, they’re more sporty than elegant. In this sense, they’re much closer to G-Shocks than any of the other brands mentioned in the article.
Most Luminox watches are priced in the mid-range, with many models costing between $500 and $1,000.
Seiko Prospex
Seiko is a Japanese watch brand that’s been around since 1881. They produce a wide variety of timepieces, from dress watches to sports watches, but they’re most well-known for their Prospex line of dive watches.
Prospex watches are some of the toughest and durable on the market, and they’re designed to be used in the most extreme conditions.
They’re water-resistant up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), and they can withstand subzero temperatures and shocks.
Like Luminox, Seiko Prospex watches are more sporty than elegant. However, they do offer a wide range of styles, so it’s easy to find one that suits your taste.
Prices for Seiko Prospex watches start at around $500 and go up from there.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a tough, durable watch that can take a beating, any of the brands on this list would be a great choice. Victorinox, Citizen, Luminox, and Seiko Prospex are all excellent choices, and they offer a wide range of styles and price points to choose from.
