Looking for a watch

M

Minuteman03

missiles is my first choice
Joined
Dec 9, 2022
Messages
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I am looking for a non-GPS, non-smartwatch (MUST be able to go into a SCIF!) that is durable, long-lasting, and not a pocket burner. I know there is the classic G-Shock series, but I just cant stand their blocky look. Any recommendations?
 
Minuteman03 said:
I am looking for a non-GPS, non-smartwatch (MUST be able to go into a SCIF!) that is durable, long-lasting, and not a pocket burner. I know there is the classic G-Shock series, but I just cant stand their blocky look. Any recommendations?
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Timex Expedition Series, various models/features, strap options and price points. Sturdy, reliable, analog but not bulky. The watch I wear when going out on boats, day hikes, biking, outdoor projects, lifting weights at the gym, etc., and I am leaving my regular watch at home. Inexpensive but not cheap in quality. I have the unisex Scout Expedition watch.

DH has this one for the days he’s riding horses, working outside, doing projects, etc. Has the features he likes plus military time. He’s been happy with it.
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Sorry, the reference isn't relevant upon closer inspection (applies to collateral spaces only). Regardless, there may be organizational policy addressing use of fitness trackers in SCIFs depending on where you're working, ask your SSO to see if it's a possibility.

The reference is relevant for other classified spaces that are not SCIFs, so may still be helpful for others.
 
Minuteman03 said:
I am looking for a non-GPS, non-smartwatch (MUST be able to go into a SCIF!) that is durable, long-lasting, and not a pocket burner. I know there is the classic G-Shock series, but I just cant stand their blocky look. Any recommendations?
Click to expand...
A few years ago, I bought my son a Citizen Eco Drive Garrison model watch.

It's held up well, even though he had a history of breaking watches every few months. He wears his flying.

It's solar powered, through the watch face. They come with several face and band options. No GPS or other wireless connectivity.

If you have access to an exchange, they should price match against online prices, including Amazon. That and a scratch card discount make them a good deal.
 
Capt MJ said:
Timex Expedition Series, various models/features, strap options and price points. Sturdy, reliable, analog but not bulky. The watch I wear when going out on boats, day hikes, biking, outdoor projects, lifting weights at the gym, etc., and I am leaving my regular watch at home. Inexpensive but not cheap in quality. I have the unisex Scout Expedition watch.
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CANNOT recommend the Expedition Scout enough, with one caveat...

Try to find the slightly older model, which has an all-fabric strap (no leather).

I had one of those for two and a half years and it took all sorts of punishment while working great (with the exception of the date and the indiglo). I only had to replace it after it got knocked badly enough that a piece of glass from the outer case fell onto the face and jammed up the second hand.

I replaced it with the newer one about a month ago, which seems to keep not nearly as good time-- I consistently find myself 10 minutes behind and have to readjust it more than weekly. The older model also has a minute and hour hand that glows in the dark "passively," which the newer one doesn't have.

Both are great watches, but I'd say the newer one is a bit lower-quality in my experience.

Edit: They also tend to tick pretty loudly, if that's an issue for you.
 
Charlie W said:
CANNOT recommend the Expedition Scout enough, with one caveat...

Try to find the slightly older model, which has an all-fabric strap (no leather).

I had one of those for two and a half years and it took all sorts of punishment while working great (with the exception of the date and the indiglo). I only had to replace it after it got knocked badly enough that a piece of glass from the outer case fell onto the face and jammed up the second hand.

I replaced it with the newer one about a month ago, which seems to keep not nearly as good time-- I consistently find myself 10 minutes behind and have to readjust it more than weekly. The older model also has a minute and hour hand that glows in the dark "passively," which the newer one doesn't have.

Both are great watches, but I'd say the newer one is a bit lower-quality in my experience.
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I must have the older Scout. Fabric strap, etc. Good to know.
 
The Invicta Pro Diver is awesome. Based on @THParent's recommendation 3 years ago, got it for our DS for HS graduation. He has had it on his arm ever since. It's been in multiple oceans, to two volcanos, in the air, under the sea, through a week being a 'Marine' during PROTRAMID. He just had Zachary's in DTA send it to a watch repair person to have a link in the band fixed (they didn't charge him--good customer service as he bought his stone for his ring from them).

He loves it. Wants to keep it forever as it has a lot of memories attached to it. Very inexpensive, bought on Amazon. Looks good for dress or casual.
 
My go to dumb watch for when I'm moving in and out of classified spaces a lot is a $15 Armitron women's watch. It works well, is cheap so when I inevitably lose it or break it, I just buy another and don't worry about it, and it's not bulky at all.

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Armitron Sport Women's 45/7012 Digital Chronograph Resin Strap Watch​


Maybe not what you are looking for, but it's been my go to watch since 2014. My last purchase was 2020 and that was probably my 4th one. I have broken/lost at least 3 (all not the watch's fault, just my usual carelessness).
 
I would recommend a cheap $20 watch for most jobs. Like others have said, when you inevitably break it, scratch it, or get it fried by a ship's radar, you'll want something you can replace cheaply. Also recommend something with a backlight, so you can actually see it at night.
 
Check the Victorinox line of watches.
 

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