While technology provides a plethora of options for telling time these days, a hunting watch is a great investment.
Designed to be durable in harsh conditions, easily accessible when you’re out on the trails, and visible in low light, hunting watches offer a reliable and smart way to stay informed while hunting.
There are several reasons this is a good choice when you are out on the trails hunting for game.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Hunting Watches
- OUR TOP PICK: Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sport Watch
- BEST GPS HUNTING WATCH: Garmin Fenix 3 HR
- BEST CASIO HUNTING WATCH: Casio Digital Compass Twin Sensor Sport Watch
Comparison of the Best Hunting Watches
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
What Makes a Watch Great For Hunting?
Hunting is both thrilling and exciting, but you need the right gear to make the most out of it. This is why you need to buy a reliable hunting watch before you set out to game. So, let’s see what makes a watch great for hunting.
Compass/GPS
While you are out in the wilderness, there are high chances of you to go off track. And this leads to unforeseen troubles. But a GPS/compass in your hunting watch can come in very handy. It makes sure that you are going in the right direction even when you do not have a guide with you.
Strap
The strap or band of the hunting watch has to be very durable. It has to be able to withstand all the wear that weather and rough usage brings about. So, watches that have synthetic bands are better suited for hunting.
Battery Life
As hunting watches usually have GPS and barometer in them, they need more power to run. So, they should come with batteries that do not give up on the users when they are away from home.
Weather Alerts
Weather updates can be very helpful when it comes to hunting. There is a favorable time and weather for all animals when they prefer to come out. And you have to make sure to catch them then. So, watches with weather alerts are preferred for hunting.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Remember these key aspects while reading through this review.
Battery Style
The latest innovation in hunting equipment is solar power, which makes sense for those spending lots of time out in the sun. Many products use this technology, which can be beneficial in some cases, but perhaps not in others. If you like a more traditional battery style, or worry that it may not get adequate charging time, other options are available. Make sure you choose a battery for your lifestyle and consider its lifespan as well.
Special Features
Do you need an item that simply keeps time, or are you looking for a compass, thermometer, GPS, calendar, or moon phase feature as well? Depending on your hunting style and location, you may need a variety of features, so be sure to check the capabilities of the product before purchasing. If looking for something more basic, you might not want unnecessary bells and whistles to get in the way.
Durability
Hunting watches are generally very sturdy and similar to military watches, but they are all different.
Most are water-resistant, but some are fully waterproof while others can actually be submerged and used for diving. The longevity of your battery and general materials it is comprised of also impact how long it will last.
Comfort
Lastly, make sure to get one that fits! This can be determined by measuring around your wrist and comparing it to the dimensions of the band.
No matter how amazing a wristwatch is, if it falls off or is too tight to fit on in the first place, it won't work for you! It is also important to check the materials of the band, to make sure it will fit comfortably in every way.
Suunto Traverse Alpha has GPS so you can always find your way.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Included Functions: The various functions the watch can perform including use as an altimeter, barometer, compass, thermometer, stopwatch, timer, steps, calorie tracker, GPS, compass, Bluetooth, etc.
Strap Material: The material the band or strap is made of.
Strap Length and Width: The width and length of the included strap or band.
Compatible With Weather Alerts? Whether the watch is compatible with services to notify you of adverse weather.
Battery Type and Life: The type of battery the watch has and how long you can expect it to last. This may also include solar power.
Water Resistance: The amount of water resistance the watch provide. This can tell you whether it can handle rain, submersion, prolonged contact, or various water depths.
Display Type: The type of display. Common types include digital, analog, quartz, LCD, mineral dial, and more.
Review of the Best Hunting Watches
Not all hunting watches were created equal, but each has a unique set of features that is the perfect design for someone! To make your search easier, here are detailed reviews of some of the best hunting watches available.
Best Overall:
Casio Pathfinder Triple Sensor Sport Watch
PROS
CONS
Review
The Men’s Pathfinder Triple Sensor Multi-Function Sport Watch is the best overall hunting watch. With a stunning and compact design, this product is durable and has amazing features sure to cover the bases.
Firstly, this incredible unit is totally solar powered. With a panel on the face it can stay charged for a full six months without exposure to light. It has a multitude of features to fit any hunter’s needs, including a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, EL backlight, world time function, city code display, five daily alarms, 1/100 second stopwatch, full auto calendar, countdown timer, and battery power indicator. It also can be displayed in 12 or 24-hour format and has a battery saving function to ensure a long lifespan.
This device is water-resistant to 330 feet and is suitable for heavy rain and even swimming or snorkeling. With a 51 mm stainless steel case and mineral dial window as well as quartz movement with digital display, this gorgeous piece is also durable and strong. It features a resin band with buckle closure that measures 57.3 x 50.9 x 15.3mm.
Bottom Line
Overall this is an amazing quality product that is good for all basic utility purposes. It is not only solar powered, but durable and ready to face the elements, and is decked out with just about any feature you could want.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, EL backlight, world time function, city code display, five daily alarms, 1/100 second stopwatch, full auto calendar, countdown timer, and battery power indicator
Strap Material:
Resin
Strap Length and Width:
57.3 x 50.9 x 15.3mm
Compatible With Weather Alerts?
Yes
Battery Type and Life:
6 months on full charge
Water Resistance:
Water resistant to 100 m
Display Type:
Digital display
Best GPS Hunting Watch:
Garmin Fenix 3 HR
PROS
CONS
Review
The Garmin Fenix # HR watch is rated the best GPS hunting watch. This piece is durable and tough, with protective PVD-stainless steel bezel and buttons, a treated silicone band for comfort and resistance to discoloration, and reinforced housing to ensure long-lasting performance.
Designed to be visible in any lighting, this watch has a Garmin Chroma Display with LED backlighting to ensure crisp viewing at any time of day or night. With a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, and two weeks in smartwatch mode, you won’t have to worry about stopping to charge while out on the trails. It is also water-resistant for up to 100 meters, making it suitable for heavy rain or swimming.
One of this product’s most desirable features is its Garmin Elevate wrist heart rate technology including advanced running dynamics with vertical oscillation and vertical ratio, VO2 max, and recovery advisor, which adds a fitness/health aspect to this utilitarian yet fashionable piece.
It also utilizes omnidirectional stainless steel EXO antenna that integrates with Galileo/GPS/GLONASS satellite reception and is able to track in challenging environments, and can be wirelessly connected via hotspot to automatically sync your data with Garmin Connect and update software when in range.
Bottom Line
This is an amazing choice, especially for those looking for GPS technology. It can connect wirelessly via hotspot to sync your data, and provides a durable, yet comfortable, finish.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
GPS hunting, heart rate, 3-axis compass, altimeter and barometer and TracBack
Strap Material:
Silicone
Strap Length and Width:
51 x 51 x 17.5 mm
Compatible With Weather Alerts?
Yes
Battery Type and Life:
Rechargeable and lasts up to 2 weeks on Smartwatch mode / Up to 16 hours on GPS mode / Up to 40 hours on UltraTrac mode
Water Resistance:
Water-rated to 100 meters
Display Type:
Color transflective memory-in-pixel Chroma
Best Casio Hunting Watch:
Casio Digital Compass Twin Sensor Sport Watch
PROS
CONS
Review
For Casio fans, the best offering from this brand has to be the Digital Compass Twin Sensor Sport Watch. This practical device has everything a hunter needs from athletic performance to everyday wear. With a CR2 battery and a three-year lifespan, this modern piece is perfect for anyone sick of waiting around for recharging.
Not only is it reliable, but the band is flexible and has an adjustable buckle closure for comfort and a sleek round dial with polished, silver accents and stylistic designs on all components. Its bright and clear day, date, and month display allows for easy reading in any lighting.
It also has a 1/100 second stopwatch, alarm functions, protective mineral crystal to prevent scratching, precise quartz movement, and is waterproof up to 660 feet. This is obviously made to last in any conditions, which is perfect for hunting. This twin sensor model also sports a direction and temperature sensor, which are displayed in a large, easy to read manner.
Bottom Line
This is a great candidate if looking to stick with the Casio brand. It has both direction and temperature sensors, is easy to read in all lighting and weather, is designed to last and resist wear, and looks good all the while.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Calendar, 1/100 second stopwatch, Graphic direction pointer, Bearing Sensor Correction, Magnetic Declination correction, Thermometer
Strap Material:
Resin
Strap Length and Width:
Band width: 18 mm Band length: 22 cm
Battery Type and Life:
CR2 lasts up to 3 years
Water Resistance:
Water resistant to 200 m
Display Type:
Digital display
Best Garmin Hunting Watch:
Garmin Instinct With GPS
PROS
CONS
Review
The Garmin Instinct is a durable watch made to withstand any harsh conditions. It was manufactured to the U.S. Military standard 810 G for water, shock, and thermal resistance, and still manages to avoid bulkiness.
This beautifully designed piece also has a three-axis compass, barometric altimeter, and GPS plus GLONASS and Galileo that help track your movements in challenging environments. This product makes no compromises, featuring TracBack technology which allows users to return to their starting point vial the same route or use the Garmin Explore app or website to plan routes in advance, because it can be wirelessly connected via smartphone.
Not only can it receive smart notifications, but it can upload data to the Garmin Connect online fitness community. It also allows users to keep in touch with their exercise plans by monitoring heart rate and can be preloaded with activity profiles for easier training. Even with all that, this watch still has a powerful battery whose lifespan is up to two full weeks in smartwatch mode, 16 hours in GPS mode, and 40 hours in UltraTrac battery saver mode.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is an incredibly durable and versatile offering, equipped with all the features anyone could ever want. With a GPS that allows backtracking, long battery life, and smartphone compatible fitness technology, it is a perfect choice on and off the trails.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Three-axis compass, barometric altimeter, GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo, Fitness/heartrate technology
Strap Material:
Silicone
Strap Length and Width:
45.0 x 45.0 x 15.3 mm
Compatible With Weather Alerts?
Yes
Battery Type and Life:
Internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery and lasts up to 2 weeks on Smartwatch mode / Up to 16 hours on GPS mode / Up to 40 hours on UltraTrac mode
Water Resistance:
Water resistant to 100 m
Display Type:
Monochrome, sunlight-visible,transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP)
Best G Shock Hunting Watch:
Casio 'G-Shock'
PROS
CONS
Review
The Casio G Shock Quartz Resin Sport Watch is a great classic product with amazing features. It is both shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 660 feet, suitable for rain and even surface water sports.
This item has a multi-function rectangular dial with afterglow EL backlight allowing for clear viewing in any lighting, perfect for dawn and dusk on the trails. With a daily alarm and countdown timer, 1/100 second stopwatch, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and 12/24 hour formats, this product completes most tasks with ease.
This lithium metal battery-powered piece comes in a 48.5 mm resin case with mineral dial window and quartz movement with digital display for a gorgeous finish and easy viewing without compromising durability.
Bottom Line
Overall, this is a great basic G Shock watch. It has all the necessary features and is built to last. Easy to read and made from strong materials, this may be a hunter’s best friend.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Multi-function alarm, 1/100-second stopwatch, hourly time signal, auto calendar, and 12/24 hour formats
Strap Material:
Plastic
Strap Length and Width:
9" x 25mm
Battery Type and Life:
Lithium battery lasts up to 8 years
Water Resistance:
Water resistant to 200 m
Display Type:
Digital display with afterglow EL backlight
Best Timex Hunting Watch:
Timex Expedition Scout 40
PROS
CONS
Review
The Timex Expedition Scout 40 Watch is rated the best Timex hunting watch. This military model takes both comfort and style into account and is aesthetically classic while remaining functional for hunting.
Firstly, it is water-resistant to heavy rain and features an Indigo Light Up dial for viewing ease in different lightings. This product offers amazing style, with an analog face and Green Nylon Slip-Thru 20mm strap.
It is reportedly comfortable and keeps good time with easy-set quick date and Luminant Hand features. Not only is this device stylish and functional, but it is durable, coming in a 40 mm black brass case with a mineral glass window to reduce scratching. If you’re a fan of the classic look and function, this is perfect for you!
Bottom Line
Overall this product offers aesthetically classic and solid functionality. It has a comfortable band and light features that allow it to be viewed with ease any time of day. It is a good basic option for hunting as it is water-resistant and made of durable material.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Date and time settings
Strap Material:
Nylon
Strap Length and Width:
20mm
Compatible With Weather Alerts?
No
Battery Type and Life:
Lithium battery up to 10 years
Water Resistance:
Water resistant to 50m
Display Type:
Analog face with Indigo Light Up dial
Best Hunting Watch with Compass:
LAD Weather Altimeter Watch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have been quite pleased with this watch by LAD Weather. They found it to be highly useful for mountaineering and hunting as it is quite lightweight at 57 g. Buyers also liked the features, such as stopwatch and alarm in it. These helped them stay on their schedule even when they got a little carried away while hiking.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us with its water-resistance of 3 atm. It makes sure that the watch stays safe and functional, even when you are caught in the rain. The barometer of this watch is also great as it measures the air pressure range of 300-1,100 hPa.
Who Will Use This Most
This watch is most useful for those who love going out on extended adventures. Whether you are a novice hunter or someone who is an expert in chasing game, you will love using it. It is highly useful as it has a thermometer in it too. So, you can get a better idea of where you will be more likely to catch the game according to the temperature readings.
Bottom Line
All in all, it is an amazing hunting watch, and it’s highly recommended. The negative display helps in getting a good look at the time even when there is less light. The compass is a nice addition as well since it helps you in staying on track.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Altimeter, Barometer, Compass, Thermometer, Weather forecast, Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm, Water resistant 3 ATM
Strap Material:
Polyurethane
Strap Length and Width:
22mm x 150-220 mm
Compatible With Weather Alerts?
Yes
Battery Type and Life:
Lithium Metal battery
Water Resistance:
Water resistance of 3 atm
Display Type:
Negative Black display
Best Hunting Watch With Moon Phase:
Suunto Traverse Alpha
PROS
CONS
Review
The Suunto Traverse Alpha is rated as the best watch with moon phase. It is extremely durable, featuring a knurled stainless steel bezel, water repellent nylon strap, and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass.
Sure to last a long time, this product is military standard and handcrafted in Finland for a sleek finish. With sunrise alert, weather trend alert, and red backlight for nighttime use, this is the ultimate hunting partner.
It not only has GPS technology, but also features automatic shot detection which keeps track of where you shoot via map for future viewing. It also has backtrack technology so hunters can leave the same way they came, and always find their way back.
This amazing watch is also IOS and Android compatible and can be synced with the Suunto Movescount App. With a location-based moon phase calendar, the best hunting and fishing times can be determined based on moon rise and set times. With a battery life of 14 days in time mode, and 10/15/100 hours in best/good/ok GPS mode, you won’t have to worry about stopping to recharge
Bottom Line
Overall this classically designed product is full of amazing features. Not only is it equipped with GPS, shot detection, and backtrack technology, but it also is smartphone compatible and helps determine the best time to hunt with moon phase indication.
Product Specs
Included Functions:
Shot detection, GPS and backtrack, Moon phase calendar, route and point of interest (POI) navigation, sunrise alert, weather trend alert, and red backlight for nighttime
Strap Material:
Nylon
Compatible With Weather Alerts?
Yes
Battery Type and Life:
Rechargeable lithium-ion and lasts up to 2 weeks on Smartwatch mode / Up to 16 hours on GPS mode / Up to 40 hours on UltraTrac mode
Water Resistance:
Water resistant to 100m
Display Type:
Matrix
Types of Hunting Watches
There are multiple types of hunting watches that offer people greater ease of use based on their preferences. The variety of watches helps the hunters choose exactly the features that they find most useful. This is why we have listed down some of the commonly used types of hunting watches for you.
Hybrid Hunting Watches
Hybrid watches are a mixture of traditional mechanical and modern smartwatches. They are loaded with many useful features but have a conventional appearance. They do not look very technological like other modern watches, so they are great for hunters.
Digital Hunting Watches
Well, digital watches are a big help to hunters while they are in for a game. They can simply look at the watch and see the time without having to track the hands-on display.
Chronograph Watches
Chronograph watches are for those who like to be very precise about timing. There is a small seconds window in them, along with many other windows. So, if you want to keep things precise and well-timed, then a chronograph watch is great for hunting.
Benefits of Investing in a Great Hunting Watch
Here are the main benefits of investing in a new hunting watch:
Information
Not only does a good hunting watch tell users the time, but it can also provide vital information. With thermometers, compass features, altimeter, and barometer technology, you’ll be more in the know than ever before.
In addition to allowing for greater preparedness, one with an alarm or stopwatch feature may be useful for keeping track of time on the trails and never missing a beat. Some have GPS technology or can be synced with a smartphone for easy access to the data you collect.
Ease of Access
Even if timekeeping is your only prospective use, hunting watches are generally super easy to see in bright sun or low lighting due to anti-glare or backlight features.
They are also durable and weather-resistant, which allows you to check the time during any conditions, unlike a standard watch or smartphone which could be damaged in rain or low temperatures, and can be hard to view in certain conditions. These products are quick to utilize, which can make all the difference when hunting for game and allow users to focus on what matters most.
Conclusion
With many different options, choosing the right hunting watch can be overwhelming. Some have GPS technology and are smartphone compatible, while others are simple and durable.
Depending on your prospective uses, make sure to choose a watch that can do what you need it to do while remaining comfortable. A watch should be something you are proud to wear and each of these amazing choices offers a great range of abilities while looking great.
