Best watches for hunting in 2024

As 2024 approaches, the search for the best watches for hunting has become more defined, factoring in the myriad of features these sophisticated timepieces offer. Whether you're delving into the hunting lifestyle as an adult-onset hunter or you're a young hunter keen on embracing the outdoor adventures hunting offers, the importance of having a rugged, feature-rich watch cannot be overstated.

Today's hunting watches come equipped with GPS, heart rate monitors, and even solar charging capacities, offering a blend of traditional ruggedness and modern innovation. From the Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar known for its solar-powered battery and precise navigation tools, to the budget-friendly yet highly dependable Timex Expedition Scout, and onto the ultra-durable Suunto 9 Baro Titanium, there’s a watch for every hunter’s requirements.

BEST OVERALL

BEST FOR NIGHT HUNTS

★★★★★
Garmin tactix Delta Solar comes equipped with night vision goggle compatibility and a ballistics calculator.

BEST WATERPROOF

★★★★☆
The Casio G-Shock GWF-A1000 Frogman is engineered for unmatched water resistance and durability.

BEST BUDGET

★★★★
Suunto 9 Baro Titanium features military-grade durability, a barometer for predicting weather changes, and extensive battery life essential for long hunting expeditions

BEST SMARTWATCH

MOST COMFORTABLE

BEST SOLAR

BEST DURABLE

BEST FOR LONG TRIPS

BEST FOR HEALTH MONITORING

Color - Carbon Gray DLC Titanium w/ Black Band
Target Audience - Unisex
Special Features - Built-in Sports Apps; Backcountry Ski; XC Ski Dynamics; Surf-Ready Features;  Daily Workout Suggestions; Visual Race Predictor; PacePro™ Technology;

Short review

This superior timepiece distinguishes itself as the best overall watch for hunting, merging robust functionality with innovative solar charging capabilities, ensuring that even the longest expeditions are within your reach.Fenix 7X Sapphire boasts a rugged design encapsulating a Carbon gray DLC titanium with a black band. Whether you're navigating through dense forests during hunting season or tracking game across varied terrains, this GPS watch stands as a reliable companion. Its thermal, shock, and water resistance, adhering to U.S. military standards, ensure that neither rain nor river can deter your quest. With battery life bolstered by sunlight, the need for frequent charging becomes a concern of the past. Navigational excellence is at the heart of the fenix 7X Sapphire, offering multi-band frequency and GNSS support for pinpoint accuracy. Preloaded TopoActive maps and built-in sensors empower hunters with a higher level of positioning accuracy, guiding through every challenge the wild throws their way.

✅ You're an Avid Outdoorsman - If your adventures take you off the beaten path whether hunting, hiking, or engaging in any vigorous outdoor activity, the Garmin fenix 7X Sapphire is engineered for you. Its rugged design and long-lasting solar-powered battery make it the perfect companion for extended periods in the wilderness.
✅ You Appreciate Advanced Navigation - With multi-band frequency and GNSS network support, along with preloaded TopoActive maps, the fenix 7X Sapphire provides unmatched accuracy in positioning

❌ You Prefer Simplicity Over Advanced Features - Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who desire a straightforward, easy-to-use watch without the need for extensive training tools, navigation features, or connectivity options might find the fenix 7X Sapphire overly complex for their needs.

Display Type - Analog
Shape - Round
Case material - Stainless Steel
Case diameter - 40 millimeters
Case Thickness - 11 millimeters
Band width - 20 millimeters
Band Material -Nylon
Calendar - Date

Short review

The Timex Men's Expedition Scout combines classic aesthetics with the rugged demands of the great outdoors, making it an ideal accessory for the budget-conscious hunter or newcomer to the field. Crafted with a robust black 40mm brass case and a scratch-resistant mineral glass crystal, the Expedition Scout is built to endure the harsh and unpredictable conditions often faced during hunting expeditions. Its adjustable green 20mm nylon strap ensures a comfortable and secure fit on up to an 8-inch wrist circumference, catering to a wide range of adventurers. Water-resistant up to 50 meters, it withstands short periods of recreational swimming, though it's not suitable for diving or snorkeling. Visibility is paramount in wilderness settings, especially during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk when game is most active. The Expedition Scout addresses this need with a Indiglo light-up watch dial technology complemented by luminous hands. This ensures time can be read easily in any lighting conditions

✅ You're on a Budget - If cost is a significant factor in your decision-making, the Timex Expedition Scout is a standout choice. Ideal for adult-onset hunters or beginners who might not want to invest heavily in high-end gear straight away, this watch delivers solid performance without breaking the bank
✅ You Value Simplicity and Reliability - For those who appreciate the straightforward, no-frills functionality in a watch that reliably does the job, the Expedition Scout meets the mark. With its easy-to-read dial, Indiglo light-up technology, and a quartz movement, it covers the basics well.

❌ You Require Advanced Features - If you're seeking a hunting watch with GPS, heart rate monitoring, or specific outdoor-oriented tech features, the Expedition Scout may fall short. It's designed for essential functionality rather than high-tech capabilities.

Model Name - Baro
Screen Size - 50 Millimeters
Connectivity Technology- GPS
Map Type - Satellite
Battery Life - 120 Hours
Smartwatch functionality - Touchscreen, phone notifications, control music on phone from watch

Short review

SUUNTO 9 Baro comes encased in a robust glass-fibre reinforced polyamide with a sapphire crystal lens that resists scratches and impacts. Its water resistance adds an extra layer of resilience, making it sturdy enough for any hunting season or unexpected downpours. Equipped with multi-satellite GPS tracking systems including GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, and BEIDOU, this watch offers unparalleled navigation precision, ensuring hunters and explorers can venture confidently into uncharted territories. The SUUNTO 9 Baro raises the bar with its intelligent battery life management, offering up to 170 hours of continuous GPS tracking, complemented by smart reminders to keep adventurers powered throughout their journey. More than tracking location, it monitors barometric altitude, providing real-time weather alerts and storm warnings, essential for maintaining safety during extended treks. Moreover, its comprehensive wellness tracking capabilities, including heart rate, sleep monitoring, and recovery insights, cater to the modern hunter's need for a device that encompasses both outdoor navigation and health monitoring in one seamless package.

✅ You Demand Comprehensive Tracking Features - If detailed analytics of your physical activities, coupled with weather alerts and navigation capabilities, are what you seek, this watch provides them in abundance. It’s perfect for hunters who take their preparation seriously and want to monitor their fitness and environment meticulously

✅ Long Battery Life Is Crucial - For those who venture on extended outdoor adventures where charging facilities are scarce, the SUUNTO 9 Baro's intelligent battery management system, offering up to 170 hours of GPS tracking, ensures you're always on track without the constant worry about your next charge.

❌ You Prefer a Lighter, Less Noticeable Watch - For those who find larger, feature-packed watches intrusive or prefer not to wear something substantial on their wrist during expeditions, the build and profile of the SUUNTO 9 Baro might not be the most comfortable choice.

Model Name - tactix 7 Pro Ballistics
Color - Black
Screen Size - 1.4 Inches
Shape - Round
Target Audience - Unisex adult
Display type - Sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)

Short review

Boasting a robust design that meets U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, this watch can endure the harshest environments encountered during the night hunt. Its black nylon band is not only durable but also comfortable for long-term wear, ensuring it remains securely on your wrist as you traverse through the nocturnal wilderness.One of the standout features is its solar charging capability. This ensures that you remain operational, even on extended multi-day hunts, minimizing the worry of your essential gear powering down when you need it most. Meanwhile, the watch's high-resolution display, optimized for night vision goggles, guarantees outstanding visibility in low-light conditions—critical for tracking and navigating in the dead of night. The Garmin tactix 7 Pro Ballistics distinguishes itself with the Applied Ballistics Elite software, which calculates accurate aiming solutions for long-range shooting. This invaluable tool assists in making precise adjustments for wind, trajectory, and environmental conditions, enhancing the success rate of every shot.

✅ You're an Avid Night Hunter or Outdoorsman- If your hunting adventures often extend into the night, requiring precision and reliability, the tactix 7, with its night vision compatibility and rugged build, makes it an unbeatable companion for those nocturnal quests

✅ You Value Durability in Harsh Conditions - Designed to meet U.S. military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance, this watch withstands the elements. If your hunting takes you through tough terrains and conditions, the tactix 7 Pro Ballistics is up to the challenge.

❌ You Prefer Simplicity in Your Hunting Expeditions - If your hunting gear preferences lean towards the basic, without the need for advanced ballistic calculations or GPS navigation, the tactix 7 may offer more functionalities than needed, potentially complicating your experience.

Case diameter - 49 millimeters
Water Resistance - 1000m, Swimproof, High-speed water sports, Recreational dive to 40m
Compatible Devices - iPhone
Display Type - OLED
Battery - up to 36 hours, Fast charging

Short review

This sophisticated device is encased in a rugged titanium frame, promising both lightweight comfort and unmatched durability that stands up to the rigorous demands of outdoor adventures. At the heart of its appeal for hunters is the precision GPS functionality. Equipped with dual-frequency GPS technology, it offers enhanced location accuracy, vital for tracking in dense terrains or navigating unfamiliar territories. Whether marking waypoints or plotting your return, the Ultra 2 ensures you’re precisely where you need to be. Recognizing the unpredictability of hunting expeditions, Apple has significantly extended the battery life of the Ultra 2. This ensures that your focus remains on the hunt, not on the nearest power source. Aside from its robust outdoor capabilities, the watch excels as a comprehensive fitness tracker. It monitors heart rate, tracks activity levels, and even gauges environmental exposure, making it an indispensable tool for maintaining peak physical condition during hunts.

✅ You’re an Avid Hunter Seeking State-of-the-Art Navigation - With its precision GPS technology, the Ultra 2 is perfect for hunters who navigate complex terrains and require accurate, real-time location data to track game or find waypoints during their hunting expeditions.
✅ You Appreciate a Comprehensive Fitness Tracker - For those who monitor their health and fitness closely, even while hunting, this smartwatch offers extensive tracking features — from heart rate monitoring to environmental exposure alerts, keeping you informed about your physical well-being in the wild.

❌ You’re on a Tight Budget - Given its premium features and build, the Ultra 2 comes at a higher price point

Case Material - Resin / Stainless steel
Construction - Shock Resistant, Vibration resistant, Mud Resistant
Sensor feature - Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer
Water resistance - 200-meter water resistance
Band material - Resin

Short review

Casio GWG1000-1A3 is built to resist the elements – be it mud, dust, water, or severe vibrations. The watch’s core strength lies in its exceptional durability, featuring a rugged resin and stainless steel construction, safeguarded by a mud-resistant structure that ensures functionality in all conditions. With a focus on precision and adaptability, the GWG1000-1A3 is equipped with Casio’s Triple Sensor Version 3 technology, offering hunters an integrated digital compass, altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. These sensors deliver critical environmental data in real-time, aiding in navigation, weather prediction, and terrain adaptation. The solar-powered system eliminates the inconvenience of battery replacements, ensuring that the watch remains operational throughout your journey, even in remote locations. Visibility and readability are paramount in outdoor adventures, and the delivers with its double LED light and sapphire crystal glass featuring an anti-reflective coating, enhancing legibility in low light conditions or during night hunts.

✅ You Encounter Harsh Conditions - If your hunting trips frequently take you through environments where mud, dust, water, and severe vibrations are common, the Casio GWG1000-1A3 is designed to withstand these exact conditions with its robust mud-resistant structure and 200-meter water resistance.
✅ Solar Power is a Must -For hunters who prefer not having to worry about battery replacements, especially in remote areas, the solar-powered system of this watch ensures it stays operational throughout your trips, leveraging any light source to keep it charged.

❌ GPS Functionality is Essential - For hunters who prioritize built-in GPS for live tracking and navigation, it’s important to note that the GWG1000-1A3 does not include this feature, which may be a dealbreaker for those heavily reliant on GPS technology

Special features -Diving mode, Surface time measurement, Dual time, Daily alarm, LED light (Super Illuminator), Afterglow, The auto hand home position correction, Power Saving, Hand shift feature (Hands move out of the way to provide an unobstructed view of indial)

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Engineered for the relentless outdoorsman, the Frogman is equipped with an ISO-standard 200-meter water resistance. This feature ensures that whether you're caught in a torrential downpour or traversing across rivers, your watch remains functional, providing you with critical timekeeping and environmental data. Its robustness is further underscored by a carbon monocoque case, integrating the case and back cover into a single carbon fiber reinforced unit, offering superior strength while maintaining a lightweight profile for comfort during extended wear. What sets the GWF-A1000-1AJF apart is its solar-powered mechanism, eliminating the need for battery replacements and ensuring reliability in the wilderness. This, coupled with Bluetooth® connectivity, allows for seamless synchronization with a smartphone for setting tide data worldwide and checking diving logs, a feature that hunters who also enjoy diving will appreciate. Visibility under any condition is guaranteed with large phosphorescent hour and minute hands set against an analog display, enhanced by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating.

✅ You Need a Waterproof Watch - Buy this watch if you're looking for superior water resistance. With its ISO-standard 200-meter water resistance, it's an ideal choice for hunters who find themselves traversing through wet environments or are exposed to elements where water damage is a risk.

✅ Durability is Key -The GWF-A1000-1AJF's carbon monocoque case and carbon fiber reinforced resin mean it's built to last. If your hunting escapades take you through rugged terrain and harsh conditions, this watch's durability will match your demands.

❌ You Need Simplicity - For some, the advanced functionalities and the need to synchronize with a smartphone app could be more complicated than beneficial. If you prefer simplicity and ease of use without the learning curve, this watch may offer more than you need

Dimensions - 50.3 x 50.3 x 15.7mm
Display Size & Resolution- 1.4 Inch, 280 x 280
Screen Material - Sapphire Glass
Connectivity - Bluetooth
Water Resistance - 10 ATM
SpO2 - ✔

Short review

Sporting an ultra-long battery life of up to 43 days on a single charge under normal use, and capable of enduring 127 hours of continuous GPS tracking, the Vertix 2 ensures reliability in even the most extended hunting expeditions. Its industry-leading Dual-Frequency GPS technology offers unparalleled accuracy in tracking, by connecting simultaneously to all five major satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and Beidou), enhancing your navigation through wilderness terrains with precision previously unseen in the realm of outdoor wearable tech. Constructed from grade 5 titanium alloy with a display safeguarded by sapphire glass, the VERTIX 2 is built to endure the roughest conditions without compromising on aesthetics. The 1.4-inch always-on touch screen display is not only robust but remarkably clear, providing essential information at a glance, even in the harshest weather conditions. Beyond its core functionality, this watch features a comprehensive heart rate monitor and sleep tracking

✅ Comfort is a Priority for Long Wear - If you're planning long hunting trips or outdoor excursions where you'll be wearing your watch continuously, the Coros Vertix 2, with its ergonomic design and options for silicone or nylon bands, offers a comfortable fit without irritating your skin or feeling too heavy on your wrist.

✅ You Need Reliable Navigation -If your hunting activities take you deep into varied terrains where losing your way is a risk, the Dual-Frequency GPS and on-wrist navigation features make the Vertix 2 indispensable. Its ability to connect with all five major satellite systems ensures unparalleled accuracy and reliability in tracking

❌ You Don't Need Advanced Features - Then you might find better value in simpler models that fulfill basic needs without the added cost

Model Name - Grit X Pro
Color - Arctic Gold
Screen Size - 1.2 Inches
Shape - Round
Target Audience - Unisex Adult
Compatible Devices - Smartphone
Supported Applications - GPS, Heart Rate Monitor

Short review

Engineered to endure the toughest outdoor conditions, it comes equipped with military-grade durability, featuring a robust case that meets stringent military standards. The inclusion of sapphire glass for the display ensures exceptional scratch resistance, allowing it to withstand the inevitable knocks and scrapes that come with outdoor pursuits. Beyond its rugged exterior, the Polar Grit X Pro excels in providing vital health and fitness insights. Its wrist-based heart rate monitoring utilizes Precision Prime™ sensor fusion technology, offering accurate, real-time heart rate data without the need for a chest strap. Battery life is another highlight, with the device boasting up to 40 hours of training time with GPS and heart rate tracking, extending up to 100 hours in power-save mode. Moreover, the Grit X Pro is an invaluable navigational tool. It features comprehensive navigation capabilities, including built-in GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS support, offering precise location tracking anywhere in the world.

✅ You Value Health and Fitness Data - For those who like to monitor their physical exertion and overall health meticulously, this smartwatch provides wrist-based heart rate tracking with Precision Prime™ technology, ensuring high accuracy for better managing your hunts and outdoor adventures.
✅ You're an Avid Hunter or Outdoorsperson - If you spend a lot of time in the great outdoors, whether hunting, trail running, or hiking, the Polar Grit X Pro offers the durability, battery life, and navigation features you need to trek confidently into the wilderness.

❌ You Rarely Engage in Outdoor Sports or Hunting - The Polar Grit X Pro is specifically designed with the needs of hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in mind. If your activities are mostly indoors or in urban settings, you might not benefit fully from all the features this rugged smartwatch offers.

Special Features - Solar Battery; Military Standard 810; Power Manager; Wrist-Based Heart Rate; Pulse Ox; Stress TrackingSolar Battery; Military Standard 810; Power Manager; Wrist-Based Heart Rate; Pulse Ox; Stress Tracking
Screen Size - 1.27 Inches

Short review

Its solar charging feature significantly extends battery life, offering up to 54 days in smartwatch mode under optimal solar exposure, ensuring that hunters can venture into the wilderness for prolonged periods without the inconvenience of frequent recharges. Equipped with an array of navigation tools, including multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo) and ABC sensors (altimeter, barometer, compass), the Instinct Solar provides unparalleled guidance through the most challenging terrains. This makes it an indispensable companion for hunters who rely on precise navigation to track and map their hunting grounds.
Beyond its rugged exterior and navigational prowess, the Garmin Instinct Solar serves as a comprehensive health and fitness monitor. Features such as wrist-based heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox sensor for blood oxygen saturation awareness, stress tracking, and the innovative Body Battery™ energy monitor, offer hunters critical insights into their fitness and preparedness, optimizing performance during hunts.

✅ You Spend Extended Periods Outdoors - The Garmin 010-02293-10 Instinct Solar is perfect for individuals who spend a lot of time in the wilderness or undertaking outdoor activities. Its solar charging capabilities significantly extend the battery life, making it ideal for long hunting trips where charging options are scarce.

✅ You Appreciate Tactical Features - Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who benefit from tactical features such as dual-grid coordinates will find this smartwatch aligns well with their specific needs, enhancing their strategic planning and execution during outdoor expeditions.

❌ You Prefer Simplicity - Individuals who find the array of outdoor, tactical, and health features overwhelming or unnecessary for their lifestyle might prefer a simpler device.