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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.

QUICK LIST OF PRODUCTS

BEST OVERALL

The Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar stands out with its solar-powered battery, ensuring extended trips don't leave you watchless

BEST FOR NIGHT HUNTS

Garmin tactix 7, Pro Ballistics Edition, Ruggedly Built Tactical GPS Watch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Applied Ballistics and Nylon Band,Black

★★★★★
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

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Blue Alpine Loop Medium. Fitness Tracker, Precision GPS, Action Button, Extra-Long Battery Life, Carbon Neutral

★★★★★
Apple Watch Ultra 2 accommodates hunting apps, GPS tracking, and a robust build.

MOST COMFORTABLE

★★★★
The Coros Vertix 2 strikes an ideal balance between a rugged outdoor watch and a comfortable wearable.

BEST SOLAR

Garmin 010-02293-10 Instinct Solar, Rugged Outdoor Smartwatch with Solar Charging Capabilities, Built-in Sports Apps and Health Monitoring, Graphite

★★★★☆
 Garmin Instinct Solar Smartwatch redefines the intersection of durability and solar efficiency.
 

BEST DURABLE

SUUNTO 9 Baro: Rugged GPS Running, Cycling, Adventure Watch with Route Navigation

★★★★☆
Boasts impressive durability with an altimeter, barometer, and compass housed in a rugged design. Ideal for outdoor and challenging construction sites.

BEST FOR LONG TRIPS

★★★★★
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GWG-1000 is the ideal choice for hunters embarking on extended trips.

BEST FOR HEALTH MONITORING

★★★★☆
A rugged outdoor multisport watch, the Polar Grit X Pro offers advanced health and fitness tracking

BEST OVERALL WATCH FOR HUNTING

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;

1. Garmin Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar ★★★★

PROS +Rugged Outdoor Durability
+Comprehensive GPS Navigation and Multicontinental Maps
   
CONS -Complexity for Beginners
   
SIMILAR MODELS View At Amazon (010-02541-14)
View At Amazon (010-02540-00) 
View At Amazon (010-02540-10)      

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.

MAKE A PURCHASE IF:

✅ 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

DON'T MAKE A PURCHASE IF:

❌ 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.

THE BEST BUDGET WATCH FOR HUNTING

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

2. Timex Expedition ★★

PROS +Affordability
+Durability
+Easy-to-Read Dial
   
CONS -Basic Water Resistance
   
SIMILAR MODELS View At Amazon (TW4B01900)
View At Amazon (TWC001200) 
View At Amazon (TW4B14000)      

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

MAKE A PURCHASE IF:

✅ 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.

DON'T MAKE A PURCHASE IF:

❌ 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.

BEST DURABLE WATCH FOR HUNTING

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

3. Suunto 9 Baro Titanium ★★★★☆

PROS +Exceptional Durability
+Barometric Altitude Information
+Long Battery Life with Intelligent Modes
   
CONS -Price Point
   
SIMILAR MODELS View At Amazon (SS050565000)
View At Amazon (‎SS050255000​) 
View At Amazon (SS050564000)      

 

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.

MAKE A PURCHASE IF:

✅ 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.

DON'T MAKE A PURCHASE IF:

❌ 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.

BEST WATCH FOR NIGHT HUNTS

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)

4. Garmin tactix ★★★★★

PROS +Exceptional Visibility in Low Light
+Rugged Durability
+Advanced Ballistics Calculator
   
CONS -Premium Pricing
   
SIMILAR MODELS View At Amazon (010-02704-10)
View At Amazon (010-02704-00) 
View At Amazon (010-02357-00)      

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