The best timepiece will always depend on the wearer and their needs. For instance, the best watch for a gardener may not necessarily be the right one for you if you need to wear gloves while gardening. But there are some things to keep in mind when looking at watches before purchasing one, and there are certain features that all outdoor-specific watches have. The best watch for an outdoor person will vary depending on the type of outdoors activity they participate in. You'll need to consider the amount of time you spend outside, the amount of your budget, whether you need water-resistant or waterproof characteristics, and ultimately, the availability of watch repair supplies. However, there are some features inherent in practically all outdoor-specific watches.
Waterproofing
When shopping for a watch to take with you on adventures, consider its water resistance. If it's not water resistant, it's not a good choice.
Durability
The best watches are made from durable materials that can withstand many conditions from extreme cold to extreme heat. These watches should be able to last ten years or more without service, which is perfect for long expeditions or those who don't want to worry about charging their watch.
Temperature Sensors
Temperature sensors help tell the temperature of the environment around you. These watches also come with alarms that remind you when it's time to drink water and how much fluid you've consumed during the day.
Altimeter/Depth Gauge/Tide Graph
Altimeters measure elevation (height) over a specific geographic area while depth gauges measure the distance between your position and a fixed point below water level. Tide graphs show tidal information like high and low tide times and tidal current speed and direction.
There are many different watches to consider when buying one as you can easily see just from looking at watch photography online and in magazines. Some of the top outdoor-specific watches include the Casio G-Shock Rangeman, Citizen Eco Drive Promaster Sea Salt, Movado Bold.
Casio G-Shock Rangeman
This watch is perfect for those who spend time in the outdoors or need a sturdy watch that can withstand anything from extreme cold to excessive heat. Its durable solar battery will last ten years or more which is ideal for those on long expeditions or who don't want to worry about charging their watch.
Citizen Eco Drive Sea Salt
Citizen is also ideal for those who spend a lot of time outdoors because it has both a tide and moon graph along with an altitude meter and depth gauge. It also has an adjustable screw-down crown and 200 meters water resistance. One disadvantage of this watch is that it may not appeal to everyone's taste as it doesn't have any lit up features on the watch face at night.
Movado Bold
Movado is another top choice among outdoor enthusiasts because it's made from stainless steel which won't corrode or tarnish over time—even if worn in saltwater environments. This watch has useful features like an altimeter, barometer, and thermometer all in one wristwatch case. It also has a scratch resistant sapphire crystal face that is anti-reflective. The only downside to this model is its lack of water resistance—although it is water resistant up to 50 meters deep.
Victorinox Swiss Army
The Victorinox Swiss Army watches are among the top choices. Men's 241319 Black Watch is a stylish timepiece that's perfect for any man who wants to upgrade his wardrobe. It has a durable stainless steel case and bracelet along with an easy-to-read dial. Like other watches in the Swiss Army line, this watch offers multifunctional features such as a stopwatch and alarm.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer II is a great example of a men's Rolex watch for those who spend time outdoors. It offers a few features that make it stand out from other watches. One of the most notable features is its built-in ability to track altitudes, which is great for hiking or climbing. It also has a rotating bezel and compass, making it easier to measure bearings. The Explorer II also displays the date, which is not something every outdoor-specific watch does.