Military Tool Watches?

@solidyetti, what are your thoughts?

Sinn, CWC, Vertex. Off the top of my head.

Congrats on the promotion...?? 😄

Honestly, I'd recommend Resco or Sangin Instruments. Mainly because they dudes behind the brands are pretty cool, and not only were bonafide operators, they give back to the watch and military communities.

The only reason I haven't picked up a Sangin yet, is because for three years the owner, Jacob, has been teasing an EOD specific model. And now with Sangin using LJP movements and faraday cages I'm gonna wait a bit more lol.

Granted you'd have to either sign up and wait for a release from Sangin, or join the Sangin B/S/T Facebook Owners page.

Resco actually offers some customization I believe if you talk with them.

There's also CWC. Their SBS or RN dive watches are legit, granted fixed lug only.

Out of the ones you listed I'd go Marathon. Look at Wilson Watch Works, he offers custom Marathon options, left hand drive, bead blasting, etc.

Go with the Marathon SAR. Enough size options too

Damn, can't believe I forgot about Vertex! Good call.

My vote is for CWC

Cool thing with the Vertex, is you could get both the WWW style, and a nice watch. Then for your second option get something fun, like the Zodiac Laser Tag Wolf or something.

Thanks! Same rank, just less work and more perks 🤙🏽.

Sangin is tough because they're always sold out. I'd get the Recon but I think that's specifically Force Recon, for me it was just a duty position and not a certification. I'll have to look into Resco. CWC is mostly quartz, and I use my Casio Pathfinder or ProTrek for that.

Hey madminuteman,

First of all, congrats on getting a new position at your unit!

As you’re looking for a watch with a military connection, I don’t think Christopher Ward would have that. I’m not familiar with Sangin or Stirling but I presume they don’t either?

That leaves Sinn, Muhle and Marathon. I think even the most affordable Sinn and Muhle models are multiples of the $500 limit you have, so I’d have to say Marathon. Solid history, swiss movement, cool designs. I think the Navigator would be a cool piece, the SARS have a sale ongoing where if you get the nylon, you get 10% off + a free steel bracelet. That would be a really good deal you can take advantage of right now :).

Lol that's always a good thing.

As far as Sangin goes they are releasing a Kinetic SOG for anyone to purchase. Green dial, bronze/gold case.

CWC actually has autos in their diver range, same cost as Marathon.

Resco has some very nice watches. Assembled in Coronado with Swiss movements.

Also maybe the auto Elliot Brown Beachmaster too.

Sangin Instruments is owned by a former MARSOC Raider.

Not exactly issued, but outside of Tudor and Marathon the most worn brand I've seen when it comes to non G Shock/Seiko watches.

Stirling is apparently owned by a UK MOD infantry type.

Resco is former USN SEAL.

Oh forgive my ignorance, I love watches with military history/connection as they tend to favor legibility and durability. I’ll have to check out Sangin and Stirling then thanks for bringing them to my attention.

I agree! Built like a tank.

Another downside of becoming repped amongst the tiered elements, very popular. And popular for flippers/LARPers too.

Always sold out.

WUS and reddit in particular love to bash Sangin. But for a made in the US, hard use, tactical watch they fairly priced. And I think some are jealous of anyone who is successful in the tactical community, cuz it wasn't them who got famous.

Sangin and others get hate because they do stuff different and they are new. So they have to pay for prototyping, QC, etc. And don't forget the tactical tax lol.

I'm not naive enough to admit that aesthetics also play a factor in a watch I wear..Rule No 1 always applies after all. (Always look cool).

No worries at all dude. They are microbrands started by military types who wanted to design their "ideal" watch.

Winfield Watches is another.

Tudor ranger or pelagos fxd also seen somone mention Damasko (you cant go wrong with them)

@madminuteman Hamilton

I served 13 years in the Australian Infantry. For my era and probably today's you can't beat G Shock.

You’re a little limited with marathon and a $500 limit but they give me a real military vibe. The general purpose line wouldn’t be a bad choice though

CWC, Marathon, or Benrus Type I

Thanks! Sinn is the front runner so far.

Thanks! I'm pretty sure I could get the SSNAV issued so I'm leaning towards the SARs.

Thanks! I just looked at them today, solidyetti also recommended them. They're a close third behind Marathon for now.

Yeah, I'm willing to break my limit on this one because it marks an occasion and isn't just an impulse buy.

Understood. I would also highly recommend Sinn. I love my Sinn 857, but they are a bit out of the stated price range.

Stupid question as a civilian, do you get to keep the issued timepiece? Because collectors go ape shit for issued pieces.

Are you buying two watches for $500 total or $500 each?

For the most part you'll have to turn in your equipment, but there's an unwritten rule that you get to keep anything that makes bare skin contact. I know specialty unit watches you definitely keep.

In this instance, I'm willing to go over my usual $500 per watch rule.

C Ward makes a Dirty Dozen ish watch approved by HMAF.

I love my #marathon but I'm not sure if you will be able to go with automatic with them. They do offer some real nice ones in quartz too.