Military watches: perception vs. reality
As a follower of @watchesofespionage on Instagram and many other accounts like it, I found myself believing that military members (especially in the SOF/pilot community) were aficionados of brands like Rolex, Tudor, and Breitling. Thinking back on my own experiences in the traditional “blue Navy” however, I can’t recall seeing a single metal bracelet sports watch, and certainly not any “pilot’s watches.” Despite the advertising antics of watch brands and publications, on the flight deck of any carrier during the busiest hours of flight ops, Casio rules the roost.
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of my connection between watches and military service is the classic G-Shock 5600. It was always one of the cheapest and most reliable watches we could find at just about any exchange, and could easily throw a backup in a sea bag just in case.
Of course, by no means am I suggesting that people in the military don’t wear luxury pieces. In fact, some of the most important missions in our history have been completed with a Rolex on the wrist of one or more members involved. One of my favorite stories among these is the famous “Neptune Spear” mission in which Navy SEAL and dog handler Will Chesney wore his prized late 2000s no-date Submariner reference 14060. Or the countless stories about the “Raider Rolex” Seiko 5’s of the Vietnam conflict.
But stories like this overshadow the vast majority of watches serving quietly on the wrists of service members around the world, primarily being some variation of a Casio G-Shock. In all honesty, nobody I knew even cared what model it was, as long as it had a good backlight and a vibrating alarm. We just needed cheap, reliable tools, and G-Shocks fit the bill perfectly.
I do think it’s awesome to see the merge in pop culture between the watch and military communities, as they have always been inherently linked. But I also want to emphasize that if watch nerds represent a small portion of the population in the civilian world, they represent an exponentially smaller portion of military members. So whatever cheap Casio or similar happens to be in stock when a military member visits the exchange is usually the one that they end up serving with, giving it very little forethought.
What do you guys think? Did you have a different experience if you or a family member served? Do you love or loath popular watch publications (Hodinkee etc.) that sensationalize military service stories that have a connection to the world of watches?
If you enjoy learning about the connection between watches and military service, I highly suggest checking out @watchesofespionage and @submersiblewrist on Instagram. Thanks for reading! 👍🏼
Wristwatch enthusiast and bourbon enjoyer ⌚️🥃 Let’s talk strategy and philosophy for this hobby!
I just got one at Walmart in Minot for 48 bucks.
I just got one at Walmart in Minot for 48 bucks.
Can’t beat it, but the Duro gives it a run for its money 😂
Thanks for a interesting article
Thanks for a interesting article
Thanks for the compliment 🙌🏼
Thank you for your service and great pic.
Thank you for your service and great pic.
Thank you I appreciate it! 👍🏼
Up in Canada I see far more Timex than Casio, but I agree that most military people seem to wear inexpensive digital, or quartz analog watches.
Personally I find the watch community over emphasizes the G-Shock's popularity in military circles, but it could be a branch/occupation/country thing.
I did a few deployments wearing a Timex Atlantis, as I found the durability more than enough, and the size meant it wasn't in the way all the time.
Civilian here, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I think part of the misconception may have to do with heritage/historical/vintage watch mythology vs. modern day.
I see a lot of romance around Vietnam / WW2 in terms of watch mythology, two periods where quartz just didn't exist. Once pop culture catches up and starts romanticizing post Gulf War stories, I'm sure the G-Shock will become (even more) iconic.
Most people that I know who are either in, or were in, the military either wore a Casio G-Shock, or a Timex Ironman Triathlon. Those watches are cheap, and they can take a beating.
My son's Taekwondo instructor gave him an Ironman when he became an assistant instructor. All of the Asst. Inst. trainees in that dojo are required to wear that watch daily, because it has a bunch of timer and stopwatch functions that they use every day.
Most people that I know who are either in, or were in, the military either wore a Casio G-Shock, or a Timex Ironman Triathlon. Those watches are cheap, and they can take a beating.
My son's Taekwondo instructor gave him an Ironman when he became an assistant instructor. All of the Asst. Inst. trainees in that dojo are required to wear that watch daily, because it has a bunch of timer and stopwatch functions that they use every day.
Back when I did my basic training (20+ years ago) one of the things that was on our list of kit required before arriving, was a watch.
The joke in the CAF is "If you aren't 10 minutes early, you're 5 minutes late".
Couldn’t agree more, it’s as close to being standard issue as it could get and with good reason
Up in Canada I see far more Timex than Casio, but I agree that most military people seem to wear inexpensive digital, or quartz analog watches.
Personally I find the watch community over emphasizes the G-Shock's popularity in military circles, but it could be a branch/occupation/country thing.
I did a few deployments wearing a Timex Atlantis, as I found the durability more than enough, and the size meant it wasn't in the way all the time.
I absolutely agree, other people’s mileage may vary. Timex represented a fair portion of the watches I saw, but g-shock remained the most prominent likely because of word-of-mouth within my unit. It is interested to see other units prefer other tools, although the idea is always cheap, reliable, and accurate!
Civilian here, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I think part of the misconception may have to do with heritage/historical/vintage watch mythology vs. modern day.
I see a lot of romance around Vietnam / WW2 in terms of watch mythology, two periods where quartz just didn't exist. Once pop culture catches up and starts romanticizing post Gulf War stories, I'm sure the G-Shock will become (even more) iconic.
This is a great take so don’t underplay it! I think you’re spot on, especially with the Gulf War bit. Even more so once the GWOT gets a bit further into the rear view, nothing but digital beaters there!
Most people that I know who are either in, or were in, the military either wore a Casio G-Shock, or a Timex Ironman Triathlon. Those watches are cheap, and they can take a beating.
My son's Taekwondo instructor gave him an Ironman when he became an assistant instructor. All of the Asst. Inst. trainees in that dojo are required to wear that watch daily, because it has a bunch of timer and stopwatch functions that they use every day.
I could absolutely see why, especially given that Timex Ironman watches seem to be more sleek and less bulky compared to most G-Shocks.
Back when I did my basic training (20+ years ago) one of the things that was on our list of kit required before arriving, was a watch.
The joke in the CAF is "If you aren't 10 minutes early, you're 5 minutes late".
Especially when showing up is half the battle! Another nuanced reason as to why hacking seconds is crucial if you were to use a three-hander.
I wore my 6309 the most. Here's the thing you wear your watch 24/7 because there is no time to put it on when stuff goes down. The 6309, that case design is built for comfort. Even though it is a heavy duty watch the shape of the case, those original rubber straps were o-so comfortable.
Haha I love it! I would love to get myself the modern interpretation of it, those turtle cases sure do look comfortable!
You've absolutely nailed it. I have a rather varied experience in the military, of which has been both my misfortune and (in mostly hindsight) fond memory, I can say that 99% of what people wore were issued. Nowadays, that means something akin to a no frills GSHOCK 6900. A step up in community and you're looking at Garmin or Suunto for variables that those instruments can help accommodate. Up another level and, well, I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you lol jk.
I don't think that rule of wearing what was issued has changed since the dawn of the military - it's free stuff. So when you take into account the technology of time periods, it's no wonder mechanical accuracy is romanticized for certain eras because that's most likely truth.
All that being said, I've definitely worn pieces that had no business being in the activities I partook, but isn't that just part of being a watch geek? Haha
looks at watches shown in watchesofespionage
Seems those are more what the guys who do stuff that generates a lot redacted reports wear? That or before the prevalence of reliable quartzes.
I think you pretty much nailed it, they used the tools they had at the time or when they needed to blend in with local population. G-Shocks and other similar watches are traditionally a tell-tale sign of American military troops.
You've absolutely nailed it. I have a rather varied experience in the military, of which has been both my misfortune and (in mostly hindsight) fond memory, I can say that 99% of what people wore were issued. Nowadays, that means something akin to a no frills GSHOCK 6900. A step up in community and you're looking at Garmin or Suunto for variables that those instruments can help accommodate. Up another level and, well, I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you lol jk.
I don't think that rule of wearing what was issued has changed since the dawn of the military - it's free stuff. So when you take into account the technology of time periods, it's no wonder mechanical accuracy is romanticized for certain eras because that's most likely truth.
All that being said, I've definitely worn pieces that had no business being in the activities I partook, but isn't that just part of being a watch geek? Haha
Well said mate, and half the fun of being a watch nerd is wearing pieces outside of their intended context 😂
During my Army career I saw SOF personnel wearing Submariners or Seiko Divers. Mostly I saw G-Shocks and Timex Ironman watches worn by average field troops. I wore a G-Shock 5600 series watch for many years under all kinds of environmental conditions and never once had a problem with it not functioning. My watch collection is expanding these days and I still have three different G-Shocks in my box ready to go. My newest G-Shock is a Casioak (GA-2100) gifted to me by my son.
During my Army career I saw SOF personnel wearing Submariners or Seiko Divers. Mostly I saw G-Shocks and Timex Ironman watches worn by average field troops. I wore a G-Shock 5600 series watch for many years under all kinds of environmental conditions and never once had a problem with it not functioning. My watch collection is expanding these days and I still have three different G-Shocks in my box ready to go. My newest G-Shock is a Casioak (GA-2100) gifted to me by my son.
That seems to be in line with my experiences as well. Also congrats on the gift, I’ve been considering getting one myself! I particularly like the midnight fog models with the matte metal case.
That seems to be in line with my experiences as well. Also congrats on the gift, I’ve been considering getting one myself! I particularly like the midnight fog models with the matte metal case.
I find myself wearing the Casioak more than I thought I would when my son gave it to me. It's super light and I often forget I'm wearing it. Since it's a G-Shock I don't have to worry about beating it up or adding scratches like I frequently do with my watches on bracelets. I have the GA-2100-1A1 which has aqua blue hands which offer a nice, easy to read contrast with the dial. The only criticism I have is about the recessed pushers. They are small and I find it a bit challenging to set the time.
I find myself wearing the Casioak more than I thought I would when my son gave it to me. It's super light and I often forget I'm wearing it. Since it's a G-Shock I don't have to worry about beating it up or adding scratches like I frequently do with my watches on bracelets. I have the GA-2100-1A1 which has aqua blue hands which offer a nice, easy to read contrast with the dial. The only criticism I have is about the recessed pushers. They are small and I find it a bit challenging to set the time.
That’s what I’ve heard as well regarding the pushers, it’s one reason why I’m seriously considering the metal version. Supposedly they are a bit easier to get to, thanks for the feedback on it!
Of course!
That’s really interesting, so it’s mandatory after high school for a year? And basically any Casio digital can handle the trials of military service so there’s no surprise there!
There is conscription when you turn 18 and then the starting date for your service is scheduled and there is a medical evaluation to see if you're fit to serve. Also the service can be 165, 255 or 347 days.
In 1986 I went to basic training /Mos training at Ft. McLellan, Alabama to become an MP. When we first got there they gave us a list of things we had to buy if we didn't have one with us that was acceptable within their guidelines. A watch was on the list. The drill sergeants marched us to the PX for a shopping trip. I got my very first Casio. It was not a G-shock as they were too expensive for a young Private but it was a good basic digital watch. I think it had an alarm and a light and a stopwatch. I wore it for many years after Basics/AIT. Later in my service life I bought a Forester for field use in the early 90's. I still have it and it still works. The crystal is scratched up but it is still usable. The band gave up a couple of years ago and I got a cheap nato on Amazon and I have changed the battery once back in 2018 so that's a pretty good record. Casios and Military go hand in hand.
In 1986 I went to basic training /Mos training at Ft. McLellan, Alabama to become an MP. When we first got there they gave us a list of things we had to buy if we didn't have one with us that was acceptable within their guidelines. A watch was on the list. The drill sergeants marched us to the PX for a shopping trip. I got my very first Casio. It was not a G-shock as they were too expensive for a young Private but it was a good basic digital watch. I think it had an alarm and a light and a stopwatch. I wore it for many years after Basics/AIT. Later in my service life I bought a Forester for field use in the early 90's. I still have it and it still works. The crystal is scratched up but it is still usable. The band gave up a couple of years ago and I got a cheap nato on Amazon and I have changed the battery once back in 2018 so that's a pretty good record. Casios and Military go hand in hand.
That’s quite a story, thanks for sharing! I remember a similar march to the exchange but mine came many years after yours, glad to see some things never change! 😂🍻
I would only add, from my experience only so YMMV, but if someone was kinda in to watches before joining, more than likely they will continue down the rabbit hole. I have worn my issued Suunto and Protreks (always on a watch nerds strap of course) alongside many of my analog quartz/auto personal collection. See a lot of G Shocks, etc. Also a lot of smart watches, but depending on job one might transition to a non smart watch so you don't have to keep taking it off when you go into a secure area. Plus in these modern times, one is surrounded by technology that tells you everything you might want to know. Sometimes you just want something to tell the time and maybe track a specific countdown/timezone etc
One of the coolest stories I've personally heard, is of someone who wears their Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch on a long NASA strap on their wrist whenever they don the EOD 9/10 suit. Worked outside of a space suit so why not down here? Plus rule number 1, always look cool lol!
I would only add, from my experience only so YMMV, but if someone was kinda in to watches before joining, more than likely they will continue down the rabbit hole. I have worn my issued Suunto and Protreks (always on a watch nerds strap of course) alongside many of my analog quartz/auto personal collection. See a lot of G Shocks, etc. Also a lot of smart watches, but depending on job one might transition to a non smart watch so you don't have to keep taking it off when you go into a secure area. Plus in these modern times, one is surrounded by technology that tells you everything you might want to know. Sometimes you just want something to tell the time and maybe track a specific countdown/timezone etc
One of the coolest stories I've personally heard, is of someone who wears their Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch on a long NASA strap on their wrist whenever they don the EOD 9/10 suit. Worked outside of a space suit so why not down here? Plus rule number 1, always look cool lol!
That’s very true and I didn’t really consider that other people could have been watch nerds before their military career. I should have had a disclaimer that more specifically stated my personal bias! Either way, I definitely see where you’re coming from about smart watches. That’s why I only have one Garmin Instinct solar and I’ll never own anything “smarter” than that! We spend enough time plugged into the matrix already, I don’t need something cuffed to my wrist that ensures I never leave it 😂
Great #casio #gshock 😃👍