Most seasoned hunters will tell you that a good hunting watch is an essential gadget that will make your hunting experience a whole lot better. However, choosing the right hunting watch can be a difficult task, given the plethora of models that are available on the market.
Whether you are finding a duck hunting watch, a deer hunting watch, check out our comprehensive guide of the 7 best hunting watches. You will be one step closer to finding the right one for your hunting needs.
Reviews of the Best Hunting Watches
1. Suunto Traverse Alpha
Best Overall
Rechargeable battery with long life
Smartphone compatible
Durable military-standard
Automatic shot detection
Time must be set manually
Pricey
The Suunto Traverse Alpha is a hunting watch with moon phase. Handcrafted in Finland with a sleek, black finish, the watch boasts excellent durability. It features a stainless steel bezel, water repellent nylon strap, as well as a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass.
The military standard watch is fitted with functions such as an altimeter, barometer, and a compass. It also has a sunrise alert and a weather trend alert. It comes with a rechargeable lithium battery that can last up to 14 days. You can also find a red backlight that makes it great for nighttime use.
It even has the amazing feature of charting graphs of the weather, sunrise, and sunset, for you to engage in better trip planning.
This rugged hunting watch also sees a GPS/GLONASS navigation module that is paired with hunting and fishing tech tools. It features automatic shot detection and a moon phase calendar. As such, it is a perfect choice if you are searching for the best watch for hunting and fishing.
As a smartwatch for hunting, the Suunto Traverse Alpha supports topographic maps. This means that you can conveniently plan your hunting routes and preview them from the display of the watch seamlessly.
Weighing only a little over 2 ounces, there are multiple designs from which you can choose from. Do note, though that the Suunto Traverse Alpha is not for those on a tight budget because of its relatively hefty price tag.
2. Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch with GPS
Best Versatility
Good on- and off-season watch
Built to military specs
Excellent GPS features
No automatic shot detection
Calorie counter has unreliable accuracy
The Garmin Instinct is manufactured to U.S. Military standard for water, shock, and thermal resistance. It is made to withstand extreme and harsh conditions. It is fitted with many features such as a three-axis compass, a barometric altimeter, a powerful battery, and a heart rate monitor. However, the watch is surprisingly lightweight and non-bulky.
Because the watch is not bulky, it will not feel uncomfortable, even when you pair it with hunting gloves, another essential bowhunting gear.
Featuring TracBack technology, users can return to their starting point through the same route that they came from. The Garmin Instinct also comes with the Garmin Explore app. The app allows you to plan routes in advance and view them through your watch as it connects wirelessly to a smartphone.
These features and state of the art GPS features come together to make Garmin a frontrunner as the best GPS watch for hunting.
The watch’s compatibility with smartphones doesn’t just end there. You can use the Garmin Instinct to upload data onto an online fitness community by Garmin. Through it, you can track your exercise plans and monitor your heart rate.
These functions make the Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch a truly versatile watch that you can find useful even while you are not hunting.
The watch comes in a range of colors, but unfortunately for camo-lovers out there, there is a lack of a camo option.
3. Casio Men’s Pathfinder
Best Battery-life
Easy to access buttons
Great battery life
Digital compass
The strap is rather short
Rather bulky
Casio’s Pathfinder is the perfect watch for the outdoor adventurer. This watch comes fitted with features like a full automatic backlight and a built-in triple sensor. It also has low-temperature resistance of down to -10 C or 14 F. It also comes with 100m water-resistance.
The watch features a Pro Trek Tough Solar Power which is an integrated solar panel that allows for self-charging. This ultimately means that you do not need batteries as long as the watch is exposed to light!
The great Casio hunting watch with compass also has other great features. You have 5 daily alarms, a countdown timer, and time information on 31 different time zones and 48 cities. The watch conveniently lets you display multiple things at the same time. Thus, it allows you to access different information at the same time.
If you prefer a simple watch that is easy to use, the Casio Men’s Pathfinder may be the one for you. It’s league of fans often praise this timepiece for its user-friendly interface and straightforward design.
For hunters out there, the watch bezel is also imprinted with directional bearings to aid you in taking bearing measurements. With a resin strap and bezel, stainless steel case, and mineral crystal lens, this watch only weighs 2.12 ounces and is comfortable on the wrist. It is thus a durable and comfortable timepiece.
However, some might find this watch rather bulky, especially if you have smaller wrists.
4. Garmin Fenix 5X Plus
Best Durability
Durable
Great battery life
Trendline technology
Large on the wrist
Slightly pricey
This watch by Garmin features an altimeter barometer and a compass with three axes. It comes with GPS and TOPO maps, making it convenient for hunting. The watch is also rated up to 100m.
The watch has a stainless steel or diamond-like carbon (DLC) titanium bezel. It is also fitted with a fiber-reinforced polymer case that has a metal rear. Its lens is scratch-resistant and you get a domed sapphire crystal lens, and the strap is made of silicone.
The Garmin Fenix 5X Plus features Garmin’s latest Trendline technology. It can perform popularity routing which helps you to find and follow the best paths.
Furthermore, this watch by Garmin can also provide readings of your estimated blood oxygen saturation levels. This is extremely useful, especially when you’re adjusting to higher altitudes.
Not only that, the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus is a smartwatch that is great for your non-hunting needs. It can store up to 500 songs and can connect to your earpiece for easy enjoyment of music. The watch also supports contactless payment solutions, allowing you to make convenient payments with your watch. You can leave your cash and cards at home!
The battery life is also worth mentioning. It can last up to 20 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode with music
5. G-Shock – Rangeman GW-9400
Best Accuracy
Extremely accurate
Many different modes
Solar-powered mechanism
Rather bulky
Quite heavy
This watch by G-Shock is one of its larger models on the market. The large face of the watch includes a large range of features.
The watch features an integrated solar panel, rendering it solar powered. This solar panel keeps the watch powered as long as there is regular exposure to everyday light. There is also a battery indicator on the watch face to conveniently let you know how much battery your watch has.
The watch is also able to communicate with the closest Worldwide Atomic Time transmitter. This means that it has extremely accurate time readings. The watch also features 11 different modes like world time mode, stopwatch mode, 24 hour countdown timer, and 5 alarm modes.
Therefore, this Rangeman GW-9400 will be useful to a wide range of hunters with different needs.
Each button on the side of the timepiece performs multiple functions. But users often describe the watch as an easy to use and easy to understand watch. After playing around with it for a while, you will be able to navigate the watch well.
The true G Shock military watch is also easy to conceal in nature to help you to remain undetectable. It also has an extremely durable build with a mineral crystal lens, resin band, and case.
This watch, however, could be slightly bulky and heavy to some hunters, as it weighs 5.93 ounces.
6. Luminox – Evo Navy Seal
Best Visibility
Developed for elite Military personnel
Great display
Great visibility
Lacks smart features
Replacement parts pricey
The Luminox Evo Navy Seal was initially designed for professionals with demanding jobs. For example, it is often used by US Navy Seals, Air Force pilots, and medical personnel. As such, many of its features are tailored to the needs of these professionals.
This watch from Luminox has a large face, durable mineral dial window, durable polyurethane case and band. It resists under 200m of water. The Evo Navy Seal is powered by a Japanese Quartz movement making it highly accurate and reliable.
The display of the watch features white hands and markers, making it easy to read. Also, true to its name, the Luminox glows 100 times brighter than other luminous watches on the market. This watch is great for hunters who need to tell the time in low-light or even no-light conditions.
The watch also allows for both 12 hours or 24 hours time format for your preferred reading. Furthermore, the bezel of the watch is fitted with minute indexes for easier timing.
This reliable timepiece weighs 2.05 ounces and comes in many different colors. While it lacks certain smart features of a hunting watch, this watch definitely works under stress and is great for your hunts. On top of all of these features, this watch is comfortable to wear.
7. Casio G-Shock Camo Sport Watch
Best Value
Extremely affordable
Stopwatch and timer
Daily alarm and calendar
No automatic shot detection
No GPS
To keep themselves hidden from their hunting targets, hunters often choose camouflage clothing. If you are one to do so, perhaps you may consider Casio G-shock Camo Sport Watch.
Casio G-Shock Camo Sport Watch is very popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The watch is slightly large at 51mm. However, the materials used to construct the watch makes it lightweight and comfortable to wear.
This watch is extremely durable, and comes with G-Shock’s signature shock resistance. It is also fitted with a resin case, a mineral crystal dial window, and a silicone strap. It features a water resistance of 200m.
The watch comes with a digital display, flash alerts, and five daily alarms. It also comes with a full auto calendar, and 12/24 hour format. With them, you are sure to wake up early to get a head start in your hunting.
Of course, this watch will not see the likes of the others on this list with a lack of some features like GPS or automatic shot detection. But for those on a tight budget, this watch does not come with a hefty price tag!
With an approximate price of $100, this watch is the perfect watch for your budget without compromising too much on durability.
How to Choose the Best Hunting Watch
If you are looking to buy a hunting watch, you may be thinking: what do you have to look out for when choosing the best? Put simply, this choice varies among every hunter, depending on one’s needs.
Generally, you would want to consider basic features like altimeter, barometer, and compass. In addition, look out for features like GPS, battery life, automatic shot detection, water-resistance, weather alert, and comfort, and display.
The Basic A, B, C: Altimeter, Barometer, Compass
An altimeter, barometer, and compass are essential features of a hunting watch. Firstly, an altimeter helps you to orient yourself on a topographical map, allowing you to locate where you are. It also helps you to make sure that you are staying on track and not getting lost along the way of your hunt.
Secondly, the barometer is a tool that allows your hunting watch to measure air pressure, a good predictor of weather conditions. In other words, it can tell you whether it will rain. This can help you decide if you need to pack rain gear or whether it is wise to head back to camp before it starts to rain.
Third, a compass is obviously important for you to tell directions and to read maps.
Taken together, the altimeter, barometer, and compass are basics that a hunting watch should have. If you want to have a more in-depth understanding of these terms, check out this useful guide.
GPS
GPS is a great feature to have to help you navigate your trails. With a recording feature, you may even know when your hunt is over, where you have been, and what routes you have taken.
The Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch and the Garmin Fenix 5X Plus both feature extremely useful GPS features. These features can help you to navigate the most difficult of terrains. So, if you are looking for the best GPS watch for hunting, do check out these models.
Battery-life
The worst thing that could happen is if your watch runs out of battery during a hunt. Especially if you will be taking multi-day hunting trips, battery life is an important feature to consider.
If you want a watch that lasts days without charging, check out solar-powered watches like the G-Shock – Rangeman GW-9400. You could also choose a watch with excellent battery life of up to 14 days like the Suunto Traverse Alpha.
Automatic Shot Detection
Watches with automatic shot detection can tell where and at what time you took a shot. This is a great feature, especially for rifle hunters. The Suunto Traverse Alpha features automatic shot detection on by default when you record an activity using the hunting sport mode.
Waterproof/ Water-resistance
You would want to get a hunting watch that can withstand the harshest conditions such as heavy downpours. Most watches are water-resistant or waterproof and many can be fully submerged into water. This also affects the durability of the watch!
Weather Alert
Weather alerts are important, especially for places with unpredictable weather. Getting caught in rough weather is extremely dangerous, and a watch with weather alerts can help you to avoid just that. Suunto Traverse Alpha features weather alerts.
Watches that feature sunrise and sunset features are also useful for you to know when to stop and return to base!
Comfort & Display
When considering comfort, look at the band of the watch. A bad strap will make you extremely uncomfortable. Depending on your preference and needs, choose one that makes you feel comfortable. Keep in mind that if you find a watch that you love but dislike the band, you can always change it.
The display of a watch determines whether or not the watch is easy to read. Some watches also feature display lights that make the watch visible in any light setting.
Types of Hunting Watches
There are generally 3 types of hunting watches: Hybrid, Digital, and Chronograph. Hunters can choose exactly the features they find most useful based on the variety of hunting watches on the market.
Hybrid Hunting Watches
As its name suggests, hybrid watches see a mixture of traditional mechanical and modern smart watches. Unlike many modern watches that are extremely technological, hybrid watches sport a conventional appearance and are great for hunters.
Digital Hunting Watches
Digital hunting watches, like the Casio G-Shock Camo Sport Watch, allow hunters to simply look at a watch and see the time without having to read the hands of the watch. While convenient, these watches may be less accurate and precise.
Chronograph Hunting Watches
This is the watch for you if your hunting needs require high accuracy and precision. Chronograph watches feature a small seconds window, along with many other windows to ensure that every aspect of your hunt is well-timed.
FAQs
Conclusion
The overall winner of the best hunting watch is the Suunto Traverse Alpha. With GPS and Backtracking, automatic shot detection, smartphone compatibility, lightweight design, and long battery life, this hunting watch ticks all the boxes.
If automatic shot detection is not a feature that you prioritize, consider getting the Garmin Instinct Outdoor Watch for a rugged watch with great GPS, fitness technology and durability.