Are there any traditions associated with the color or style of watch worn by certain branches, specialty, or anything similar?

2017-02-19T15:59:50-05:00

The uniform manual is vague stating that wrist watches should be of conservative color and design. My detachment has specified black watches be worn during PT. Are there any traditions associated with the color or style of watch worn by certain branches, specialty, or anything similar? Thank you!

Response by SMSgt Roger Horton made Feb 19 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-02-19T16:37:18-05:00

I don't remember anything specific about wrist watches. I carried a dark watch with an olive drab band. Carried it in my pocket and didn't wear it on my wrist.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2017 4:42 PM

2017-02-19T16:42:41-05:00

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member A watch needs to be functional. Waterproof, rugged, and non reflective. Unless you are in an office environment, military duties can be hard on watches.

Response by MAJ Patrick Hairston CISSP, AWS Certified Cloud Architect made Feb 19 at 2017 4:47 PM

2017-02-19T16:47:57-05:00

Once you are commissioned, don't put a compass on the band...

If you do, the enlisted will pick on you forever..

Don't ask me how I know :)

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2017 5:21 PM

2017-02-19T17:21:50-05:00

From what I remember, Army Regulation 670-1 states a watch should be dark color and, yes, conservative. Many prefer Casio or Garmin watches with compass, stopwatch, timer, and multiple time zones.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 19 at 2017 5:34 PM

2017-02-19T17:34:05-05:00

We used to have this guy out of boot camp that loved his watch that rang "bells" in the Navy tradition. He stopped loving it when some booze showed up missing at the club but all the witnesses could say was they kept hearing these high pitched bells calling out the time on the back loading dock. The answers here are pretty much spot on. If you have one of those higher end multifunction watches, you might not be allowed to wear them during certain training phases, particularly navigation. I used the ruggedized Accutron (before quartz came out) down in Antarctica to help in navigation backup if I couldn't get an accurate time hack otherwise from MAC Center. As Cpt Murphy would have it, I wound up using it a lot.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2017 10:20 PM

2017-02-19T22:20:02-05:00

Not really. Pocket watches were issued to Army officers during WWI. Then standard wrist watches were issued during WWII. The Army has done away with issuing them. Not sure about other services.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2017 10:23 PM

2017-02-19T22:23:45-05:00

I generally wear my GPS watch during PT, a nice watch in garrison, and a rugged watch in the field.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2017 2:15 AM

2017-02-20T02:15:25-05:00

You'll likely be advised to buy a watch in basic, the watches they have at the PX are kinda crap and I'm surprised mine survived BCT to die in AIT.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2017 5:54 PM

2017-02-20T17:54:53-05:00

Not that I've ever seen. Usually the watches I've seen worn are simply ones that tell time and don't stand out like a beacon when out in the bush or sandbox.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Feb 22 at 2017 12:14 PM

2017-02-22T12:14:23-05:00

Go with subdued, Cheap, and have a spare. YOU WILL LOSE IT.
Wanna wear bling, Do it off duty.
If you do wear a Rolex invest in an O.D. Velcro cover for it, also leave it secured before you go to the showers. Just remember that life happens and NOT all service members are upstanding members of society.
Also stay away from the talking and chimed watches.
A self winding watch is a plus.
No traditions that I was ever aware of of

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 22 at 2017 12:27 PM

2017-02-22T12:27:25-05:00

2d Lt Private RallyPoint Member - Timex. Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. And inexpensive (replacement costs are low).

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Feb 22 at 2017 10:04 PM

2017-02-22T22:04:30-05:00

Best watch I ever bought was a Timex at the PX at Camp As Saliyah, Qatar. It has an analog face but also 2 digital time settings. I found that feature great while deployed as I always had one time set on the time back home. Made it much easier to know when to call or when not to call.

Response by SGT Jp Wiltinger made Feb 23 at 2017 5:41 AM

2017-02-23T05:41:48-05:00

NSN: 6645-00-066-4279, Mil Spec: MIL-PRF-46374

Response by CPL Mark Andersen made Feb 23 at 2017 10:37 AM

2017-02-23T10:37:42-05:00

A cheap Timex, they keep good time, and mine survived four years as a combat engineer.

Response by Cpl Petrus Romanus made Jul 14 at 2017 4:45 PM

2017-07-14T16:45:05-04:00

Leave the military and make triple to 6x the salary and wear an Omega :)

Response by LT Jerry Short made Jul 14 at 2017 4:55 PM

2017-07-14T16:55:27-04:00

Never wore a watch or carried one. My Chief or Admin Asst. always let me know what time it was.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 7:14 PM

2017-07-14T19:14:41-04:00

Best watch I've owned and still own is the Gshock Rangeman. Tons of features, and it's solar powered. Can't beat it IMO.

Response by Cpl Corey Gabler made Jul 14 at 2017 9:04 PM

2017-07-14T21:04:42-04:00

Honestly I always wore women's watches. They're smaller and lighter. Once = pounds, pounds = pain am I right?

Response by SFC Robert Ortopan made Jul 14 at 2017 10:39 PM

2017-07-14T22:39:38-04:00

GO's Rolex, IWC, Breitling, Omega, Field watch Casio G-Shock.
Commissioned officers including Aviators;Omega (Speed Master or Planet Ocean) Rolex oyster date or GMT Master or Date Adjust, FIELD Watch: Casio G-Shock
Aviators (Any rank incl enlisted) Breitling Navitimer or Bremont Unit watch. Field Use; Casio G-Shock
Warrant Officers Aviation: See above
Warrant officers other branches: Omega or Breitling. Field / Deployment Casio G-Shock
Senior NCO's: Omega, Seiko, Citizen, Tissot, preferably the dive watch variant. Field Watch Casio G-Shock
E5 / E-6.. Budget dependent but definitively Seiko, Citizen, Bulova or Tissot, Field Watch Casio G-Shock
E-4 & Below G-Shock.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 14 at 2017 11:12 PM

2017-07-14T23:12:45-04:00

I understood stainless steel Rolexes to be SF adornments of choice in Nam!

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Jul 14 at 2017 11:50 PM

2017-07-14T23:50:21-04:00

Nice watch I wore was a Tag Heuer automatic analog with a white face. Any sailor knows how to use an analog watch as a compass. I use to check on the helmsman when I was OOD. I found the lighter color face was better to see at night. I wanted an automatic watch, so I didn't have to worry about the battery going dead. But, I had to switch to a cheap Wal-Mart digital watch whenever working around our weapons systems. Electricity loves to reach out and touch a metal watch. Couldn't afford a beryllium watch band, so off it went whenever around ammunition.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2017 11:51 PM

2017-07-14T23:51:51-04:00

I've had the same Casio G-Shock for 9 years. Three combat deployments, and two others. From Denmark in the winter to Afg/Iraq in the summer... little guy just keeps ticking. Changed the battery once. Semper Casio!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2017 2:11 AM

2017-07-15T02:11:41-04:00

As an enlisted Soldier I wore whatever watch I could afford that had a green or black band.
As an NCO I wore a variety of watches that were sturdy and had numerous settings.
As a Cav Scout I wore a specific watch, and if you don't know what I mean then you weren't Cav.
As a Senior NCO I saw Officers wear a bunch of different watches, most of which had a ton of useless features (No, I DON'T need to know the time in Iceland right now, Sir, thank you).

There are four key measures in deciding on a watch in my opinion:
1. It has to fit
2. It has to accurately tell 24 hour time
3. It has to have the extra options that you need - or no extra options if you don't need them
4. It has to blend in with what you are wearing

If it covers these three things, then your watch is fine.

Response by Sgt Bricelyn Towne made Jul 15 at 2017 2:45 AM

2017-07-15T02:45:30-04:00

Drop some cash on an Omega SpeedMaster you'll wear it your entire career.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 15 at 2017 3:35 AM

2017-07-15T03:35:32-04:00

What allowed patrols to discover deliberate ambushes at night in from most frequent to least.
-Watch alarms/chimes
-Dumbass with a cigarette
-Watch illumination and or reflection of the moon off the watch face
-The smell of Chewing Tobacco
-Troop noise (coughing, sneezing, snoring, talking, moving, etc.)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jul 15 at 2017 4:10 AM

2017-07-15T04:10:33-04:00

Traditions? I Know of None but I am Damn Proud of the Spark and Quill that I Wear as a Retired Navy Spook.

Response by GySgt Gunnar Ulfsax made Jul 15 at 2017 8:14 AM

2017-07-15T08:14:37-04:00

I don't know about today's military, but back in the 80's the Marine Corps issued SNCO's a watch. It had analog face with no gadgets, and a olive drab band.... great watches, still have mine! There were a to of cheap "knock-offs" that sucked, but the real ones run forever.

Response by SP6 Timothy Brown made Jul 15 at 2017 8:41 AM

2017-07-15T08:41:02-04:00

Timex campers watch; OD green wristband and water proof.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 15 at 2017 8:49 AM

2017-07-15T08:49:43-04:00

I always wore my Timex Expedition. Simple. Rugged. And inexpensive. Never wanted to impress. Just needed something functional and easy to read.

Response by PO2 Brian Smith made Jul 15 at 2017 9:42 AM

2017-07-15T09:42:18-04:00

My Suunto has served me well over my enlistment

Response by SSG Erik McKinster made Jul 15 at 2017 11:04 AM

2017-07-15T11:04:15-04:00

Y'all are killing me with this thread. Do me, and yourself a favor. Google military watch, click on images, one of the first watches you see is a simple Time with a green band. Had o e issued to me once upon a time. Cheap at the PX. What features you may ask? It tells you what fricken time it is...

Response by SPC Brian Lynch made Jul 15 at 2017 2:01 PM

2017-07-15T14:01:34-04:00

I'm a big fan of Luminox. It's not the cheapest watch, but it carried me for three years of infantry duty.

Response by TSgt Steve Williams made Jul 15 at 2017 5:31 PM

2017-07-15T17:31:05-04:00

great big suunto with gps and all the gadgets

Response by LTC Phillip May made Jul 15 at 2017 6:17 PM

2017-07-15T18:17:12-04:00

Seiko diving watches were very popular when I went to Ranger School

Response by PO1 Rich Giordano made Jul 15 at 2017 6:39 PM

2017-07-15T18:39:16-04:00

Seiko Divers watch stood up well to the rigors of submarine maintenance.

Response by LTC Matthew Robinson made Jul 15 at 2017 8:55 PM

2017-07-15T20:55:37-04:00

I wore a plain issued watch for years. It was black with a killer radium dial. I hated turning it in.

Response by SSG Albert Christopher made Jul 16 at 2017 12:33 AM

2017-07-16T00:33:41-04:00

Any old black G-Shock from Wal-Mart, Target, or PX will do.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 12:44 AM

2017-07-16T00:44:07-04:00

I still wear the same black timex iron man that I purchased at MCRD San Diego in December of 1999. It's held up every day since and I haven't even changed a battery in it. This watch has never been babied in any way shape or form. Aviation ordnance in the marines and Abrams tanker in the Army. Yeah some of the letters for the buttons are hard to read but the face is still clear and I've had it so long I know the buttons by memory.

Response by 1SG Billye Jackson made Jul 16 at 2017 8:25 AM

2017-07-16T08:25:30-04:00

I was issued an OD Watch frome Supply Room in 1969,you know just a plain Watch. Don't even remember who it was made by, had to wind it every Day. I wore it on Duty for the next 19 years,never Stoped and keep perfect time. It finely stop one month beforeI Retired, figured it was an omen and Retired one month later.

Response by SSG Mike Burson made Jul 16 at 2017 11:11 AM

2017-07-16T11:11:07-04:00

I was never given any direction on what type of watch to wear. However, I always chose my watch with tactical use in mind and fashion last.

Response by Sgt Paul Baughman made Jul 16 at 2017 6:21 PM

2017-07-16T18:21:53-04:00

Can’t go wrong wrong with a simple, black/green band PX special for cammies and something like a Fossil for service uniform. Save the higher grade watches for when you’re not a boot officer and are in dress uniform/service tux.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 7:31 PM

2017-07-16T19:31:40-04:00

Every rank should wear a Timex analog green watch

Response by SPC Rick LaBonte made Jul 16 at 2017 7:47 PM

2017-07-16T19:47:13-04:00

I always wore the standard Army watch( OD green while I was in) while in uniform. I had a 1SG that wore a large Mickey Mouse watch, from platoon sergeants down we had a difficult time respecting a man that would bitch us out for a rank insignia being positioned slightly off center while he wore that thing on duty!

Response by CW4 Steve Knotts made Jul 16 at 2017 9:41 PM

2017-07-16T21:41:33-04:00

I've worn and torn up watches over the years from thousand $1000 ones to $15 ones. Go cheap. Save your money.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 10:05 PM

2017-07-16T22:05:45-04:00

My recommendation is a waterproof watch with a nylon strap that can display two time zones: local time and Zulu.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 10:36 PM

2017-07-16T22:36:25-04:00

If you're Air Farce, you need a high speed analog chronograph, the more expensive the better. Army officers wear whatever they can get the S-4 to cough up funding for. Squids don't wear watches, they gone some buzzard bell thing going on that aledgely tells them what time it is. Jar Heads just ask a Soldier what time it is since Kobe of them can actually tell time.

Seriously, get a sturdy analog watch with good glow in the dark markers and hands. If you can afford it, get one with a second GMT hand. If you get one with a quality metal bracelet this is your everyday/ dress watch. Buy a good quality digital for field wear, must have a alarm, timer function, dual time zones and a countdown function.

I'm a watch whore and have several watches but my go tos are a Casio 2784 dive watch and a Rolex explorer ( promotion gift to myself). My digital is a timex with all of functions I described.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 10:59 PM

2017-07-16T22:59:44-04:00

Timex (Jr ellnlisted, Casio dive watch with gold dial (Jr nco), g-shock (Sr nco)... officers are a bit different: daddy's gold watch for OCS or $1500 range for a West point or ROTC graduate. By the time you are a Major it should be a more expensive watch... (rolex, bristling, omega). Of course this is all conditional on the marital status, if your married or paying support for the ex and 5 kids that don't really look like you... the you ask the single guys for the time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2017 11:57 PM

2017-07-16T23:57:10-04:00

I have not worn a watch for over 15 years....unless you need one and are doing timed sets or in charge of PT.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 10:07 AM

2017-07-17T10:07:05-04:00

If you are an infantryman or run any kind of patrols, it should be green or black, no bells alarm or whistles, covered with a camo band, illuminated like a compass (covered of course), waterproof, and it must tell accurate time for synchronization.

Good luck, sir!

Response by Capt John Young made Jul 17 at 2017 10:42 AM

2017-07-17T10:42:17-04:00

I was issued a Casio G-Shock when I started UNT as an Air Force 2Lt in 1989. Would you believe that watch is still running accurately on the same damn battery for the last 28 years?(!) I think the best advice on the subject is to wear what you can afford to get banged up. I flew with a Seiko pilot's chronograph; nice watch, but I had to replace the crystal and slide rule twice in 10 years due to the inevitable dings and scratches that one experiences in the field or cockpit. Those Breitlings, Omegas, Rolexes and Bremonts are for old retired farts to show off on the golf course.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 17 at 2017 11:26 AM

2017-07-17T11:26:17-04:00

For many years Air Force aircrew were issued plain analog wrist watches. Black face, gray or gun-metal case, two sets of numbers 1-12 and 13-24 to cover the 24 hour version of reading time. Luminescent second, minute, and hour hands. Black leather band w/buckle. They were dirt, water, and shock resistant. Wore mine through survival schools and hot, cold, wet, and very dry weather; sea level to 35,000 feet. Always worked well.

Everybody wore the watch starting in pilot training and most seemed to continue to wear it afterwards.

Navigators were also issued a stop watch they used as an integral part of their job. One use was to time the airdrop green light based on passing a preselected point such as the initial point (IP), usually the last turn point inbound to drop zone, or the leading edge of the drop zone in some cases.

Some aviators chose to buy sophisticated and large chronometers. Old joke went the size of the guy's watch was inversely proportional to the size of his "package." Probably too politically incorrect to be heard any more.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 11:26 AM

2017-07-17T11:26:45-04:00

I just upgraded to this particular G-Shock this week. It has an altimeter, thermometer, barometer, compass, world time, sunrise/sunset data, etc. etc. Some may ask why I need all that stuff. For starters, I never said I needed it and besides, Americans have a ton of crap they don't "need".

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-07-17T13:13:58-04:00

Your becoming an officer. Rolex Submariner. Once your married you can't afford it.

Response by MSgt Bill Loveli made Jul 17 at 2017 1:44 PM

2017-07-17T13:44:58-04:00

Don't wear a really big watch in avation or you be considered to be a fighter pilot. USMC squadrons will understand this

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 4:39 PM

2017-07-17T16:39:07-04:00

I get something basic and subdued with a countdown timer, stopwatch, a couple alarms and possibly dual time (so you know what time it is at home), which pretty much locks you into digital. A caveat to the nylon/Velcro bands: after a day in the field they get pretty ripe and a simple rinse in the shower doesn't take care of it. I usually look for a molded band so I can wipe it quickly with a washcloth and it doesn't support growth.

Yah, and leave the compass in the store. Newly-minted officers are always picked on about nav skills (and everything else); it comes with the territory. Unless you're a total douchebag, getting picked on means they're accepting you as one of their own.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 6:27 PM

2017-07-17T18:27:26-04:00

Know the occasion and intended purpose for the watch. AR 670-1 is vague, only stating that a wristwatch must be conservative. This is one of the few areas in the uniform regulation that allows for a certain degree of style and individualism, within reason of course. If it matters to you, wear with pride.

For field training, PT, and motorpool work, a Casio G-Shock or similar watch with a rubber or nylon "NATO" strap is perfectly fine.

If your garrison duties involve a lot of time in an office environment, it's acceptable to continue with a digital, or make the jump to something with an analog face and either a stainless steel or leather bracelet/strap. The face color should be conservative (black, white, silver, brown, navy blue, or olive green), and if using leather, stick with black or brown in a non-polished finish. I use a Citizen Eco Drive with a black chronograph face and stainless bracelet as a daily wearer and it works great.

When in your dress uniform, you can follow widely accepted conservative business practices. Ditch the digital watch and wear something analog. If you can splurge for a Swiss mechanical watch from a reputable brand, do it. If not, Citizen or Seiko are also good choices. Same guidance as before for face colors and choice of stainless steel or leather, with one exception. If opting for a leather bracelet, make sure it is polished black. The normal rule of thumb is your leather watch bracelet should match the color of your shoes and belt. As we rarely unbutton our uniform jacket to see our belt, match the leather to your shoes (polished black). I use a Tissot Automatic with a white face and stainless steel in my ASU's that I love and would recommend, as Tissot tends to be on the less expensive end of luxury Swiss watches.

Whatever you do, DO NOT wear a digital watch with a rubber strap in your dress uniform or civilian business suit. I see people do it, and it makes me twitchy. It's not as big of a deal in a military setting, but in the civilian world, you lose credibility.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 6:40 PM

2017-07-17T18:40:59-04:00

Dude buy a suntu or a garmin tactics,
Or fenix. All great watches. Functional and have options you will use in the field. If your MOS dies field stuff. Even if it doesn't most of the have buildin heart rate momitors and gps's, to track runs etc. It's a good piece of kit.

Response by SSgt Christopher Mortell made Jul 17 at 2017 7:18 PM

2017-07-17T19:18:18-04:00

If anything is a "tradition," it's the Casio G-shock. Back in my day, we didn't have the G-shock but I wore a cheap Casio Waterproof black, $15 thing I got at AAFES for many years. Even used it as a dive watch not realizing until many years later that 150m meant static pressure. When you move around at depth pressure increases quite a bit. The watch was none the worse for the wear. That's a long way of saying, Casio. Buy the Casio. As everyone else has noted, anything with a lot of unneeded functions or a lot of
bling WILL bring you grief from your troops especially when they find out you went to an Academy. Why? Because you'll look like n LT more worried about his appearance than getting the job done. No one thinks LTs can find their asses with both hands, map AND a compass. Since you already have both hands, I wouldn't add to it. Don't be "that guy."

Response by SFC Wayne Theilen made Jul 17 at 2017 8:42 PM

2017-07-17T20:42:59-04:00

G-Shock. I've gone through 4 in 35 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 10:02 PM

2017-07-17T22:02:52-04:00

I had a Timex for years, it finally kicked the bucket when I forgot to take it off before putting the gun back in the Bradley. Went to Wal-Mart and bought myself a armitron, I just don't see the point in spending hundreds on a watch. All these joes walking around with a miniature computer on their arm not realising that it's probably not going to survive the first field problem let alone a deployment

Response by SrA Roy Vaden made Jul 17 at 2017 10:08 PM

2017-07-17T22:08:47-04:00

Has to have a Velcro band for aircraft maintenance

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 10:23 PM

2017-07-17T22:23:01-04:00

The space folks like Speedys, air breathers like breitlings. Really any signature watch from an established brand is good. Personally looking at a Rolex Submariner wayyyy down the road.

All that being said, I've had a lot of good compliments on my Speedy, but my timex ironman is by far the most practical (and accurate!).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 10:42 PM

2017-07-17T22:42:04-04:00

What do you want it to do for you? I agree with going cheap if you're just looking for a reliable timepiece. If you want more, look for a watch that has good battery life, tracks your PT (ie. GPS), and is compatible with MGRS coordinates. I have used a Garmin Fenix for the last 4 years and haven't regretted the purchase yet.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2017 11:09 PM

2017-07-17T23:09:23-04:00

Go with the G Shock if you aren't in your dress uniform
I have had the same one throughout my entire career and only replaced the lense and battery once each. It was more than worth the $140 I spent on it

Response by SGT Ace Paul made Jul 17 at 2017 11:34 PM

2017-07-17T23:34:27-04:00

January 1987, I was an E-4 with "A" 4/325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. I bought a Rolex Sea-Dweller. I jumped it, took it to Panama, scuba dived in it. I still wear it.

Response by CPL Andy Wolf made Jul 17 at 2017 11:34 PM

2017-07-17T23:34:51-04:00

The Citizen Eco Drive series has two military type watches that fit the NATO profile. They never need batteries, have a low profile, look professional and withstand immense punishment. I got one in 2007 or 2008 and it is still going. Ive upgraded to the slightly enhanced model but my wife continues to wear my "war watch."

And remember- "A good Citizen is always on time."

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 9:52 AM

2017-07-18T09:52:17-04:00

Who wears a watch anymore...? I've got my phone to tell time! ;)

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 1:55 PM

2017-07-18T13:55:38-04:00

I know Team and Boat guys wear G-Shock or Suunto. Most of us in the LCAC world did as well.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 2:33 PM

2017-07-18T14:33:53-04:00

I wear an old beat-up plain Suunto 2M a 7th SGM gave me as a hand me down years ago
Still works.

In other words, dont wear some gigantic piece of crap with thermometer, wind deflector and runway lights to try to look high-speed. Unless you are actually high-speed.
Otherwise you look like a total tool.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 18 at 2017 2:44 PM

2017-07-18T14:44:33-04:00

I've worn a SUUNTO for about 20 years now, best overall military watch I've had and worth the investment.

Response by LCpl Sean Piccioli made Jul 18 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-07-18T14:46:46-04:00

USMC rocks the G-Shocks

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jul 18 at 2017 3:03 PM

2017-07-18T15:03:33-04:00

When I was in the Air Force it was known that you could always spot the fighter pilot by the big watch with all the doo-dads they wore to make up for deficiencies in another area of the body.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 3:43 PM

2017-07-18T15:43:15-04:00

Yes most watches are used for compensation.

Response by SSgt Terrance Godfrey made Jul 18 at 2017 3:53 PM

2017-07-18T15:53:47-04:00

E1-O6. Timex. O7 and above. Rolex.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2017 9:02 PM

2017-07-18T21:02:24-04:00

I swear... In the reserves I see LTs walking around with "bling" Lord how I hate the reserves.. soon to be back active.. shits a joke in the reserves

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2017 12:09 AM

2017-07-19T00:09:48-04:00

My Ronald McDonald watch from my last Happy Meal in 1982 has worked like a champ!!

Response by Sgt Randolph St. Clair made Jul 19 at 2017 12:14 AM

2017-07-19T00:14:40-04:00

G-Shock. Took me through boot camp, Amphib Recon, and various other schools/Gulf War.... it took a beating in the ocean, helo-casting, jump operations. There's a bunch of different G-Shock versions now, but my experiences with one were all good.

Response by MSgt Gerald Orvis made Jul 19 at 2017 12:20 PM

2017-07-19T12:20:21-04:00

When I went to Vietnam I was issued a GI wristwatch (a green windup with luminscent numbers and hands and a web wristband). Since my grunt unit did most of its tactical work at night, we were told to wear the watch's face on the inside of the wrist and cover it if possible to prevent it being seen by nocturnal enemies. Later, I wore a Timex analog wristwatch for many years, and it worked like a champ. Now that I'm retired, I have something a little fancier (but I still prefer no complications on the watch face, and I still wear the face on the inside of my wrist). I have a number of pocket watches, including a couple of heirlooms, and they all work fine. I also have a fake Patek Phillipe wristwatch with lots of complications (I'm told it will do my taxes), but I'm saving it for a really special occasion, like winning the lottery.