Post-BCT watches

[Pops'23]

A while back, someone posted that a military-style watch would make a good graduation gift. And since our new basic cadets will receive everything they need and won't be allowed to have too many frivolities, a functional timepiece seems like a great idea. But there are so many options...

My wife and I both wear Garmin watches that synchronize to our phones. I find it incredibly useful and it's saved my hide a few times by reminding me about meetings and appointments. DS has little interest about the activity/exercise tracking that goes along with them however. There are other watches out there, like the G-Shock series, that offer durability and some (seemingly) useful functions like an altimeter, thermometer, barometer, etc. But we don't know what is truly useful or not. I'm hoping that some current cadets may have some input as to what is useful versus useless.

We are looking at this beyond BCT and much more for the remainder of his time at The Academy. It seems that during BCT, the watch would stay behind and he'll be told what time it is if he needs to know.

Thanks for any input!!

 

[Capt MJ]

Given this day and age, the first question is whether your DS wants to wear a watch, since many rely on their smartphones for time keeping. Given there will be situations where phones will not be to hand, a tough watch will come in handy.

Current and recent cadets will have age-appropriate inputs. The G-Shock is often mentioned.

Two schools of thought: inexpensive but hardy, easily replaced, or, more expensive but with more rugged features.

My DH (naval aviator, corp exec, has a hobby horse business, the man works too hard to be called retired) traded the Breitling, Tag Heuer and other big-name watches many years ago for Citizen Eco-Drives. No batteries to change. Any light keeps it charged. His daily time-piece is now a Promaster Tough, gift from me, extra hardened and rugged, ballistic band. On a daily basis, as he works with our horses, it’s getting his sweat, horse sweat, horse shower water on it. It’s getting banged up working with horse tack, trailer hitches, barn gear, hay bales, tools. It goes swimming when he jumps in the pool when he gets home. He takes it in the shower and shampoos the ballistic band. Sticks it in a sunny window to dry and charge, though any light will do.

He has a dressier Eco Drive as well; I have one as well for everyday business wear, though I rely on my phone.

They are not “smart,” of course. Though I am digitized in many aspects of my work and personal life, I haven’t (yet) adopted a smart watch.

You could go inexpensive now and serious for USMA graduation.

 

[dol-amroth]

As a USAFA Cadet, my main wear watch is also a Citizen Eco-Drive, which I love. Good mix of smart-ish features (alarms, can hold time zones, calendar), without the unnecessary (in my view) connectivity of a smart watch. Many of my classmates do have smart watches (usually Apple or Samsung watches), and seem to like them. I also know several that have Garmin watches.

Ultimately, it depends on your cadet. Generally speaking, I might go for something functional or middle of the road. As a Doolie, I wore a cheap Timex for training sessions. Something that can be worn for those might be a plus.

 

[screamingeagle20]

Apple Watch. Series 1 works. I’ve had mine since freshman year (currently a rising firstie) and it’s really nice. You can buy cheap but durable cases for them on Amazon and screen protectors!