Timepieces that look good and play hard
Nixon Regulus ($150)
Developed with input from military divers, the Regulus is highly shock-resistant, thanks to a polyurethane case filled with Poron, a foam padding found in car dashboards and running-shoe midsoles. The five-year battery makes it dependable enough to keep in your bug-out bag, just in case.
Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical 50mm Limited Edition ($1,245)
This venerable field watch is a dead ringer for those worn by thousands of GIs and Scoutmasters dating back to the 1940s. The hand-wound Swiss mechanical movement, crisp dial with luminous 3-D numerals, and leather strap combine in a timepiece you’ll want to wear on all your adventures, then pass down to the next generation.
Seiko Prospex 1,000-Meter Limited Edition ($2,300)
Affectionately nicknamed the Tuna Can, this dive watch can survive water pressure to an absurd 3,300 feet—beyond the crush depth of nuclear submarines. The ceramic protective shroud around the gold-coated titanium case is virtually scratchproof, and the Prospex’s rippled silicone strap fits nicely over a dive-suit sleeve, should you decide to test that depth rating.
Luminox ICE-SAR Arctic 1002 ($445)
The design of this rugged ticker was inspired by the Icelandic Association for Search and Rescue, with a carabiner-aping second hand and a rubber and nylon strap that evokes those SAR units’ survival suits. The carbon case has 660 feet of water resistance, and the luminous hands and dial markings will glow for 25 years.
Alpina AlpinerX ($995)
An altimeter, a barometer, and a compass in a watch are nothing new. But those features plus activity tracking, coaching, GPS, and a UV indicator that tells you when you’re at risk of sunburn, all in a svelte, Swiss-engineered package? The AlpinerX raises the bar on smart and conventional watches alike.
Timex Todd Snyder Maritime Sport MS1 ($158)
Designer Todd Snyder extends his collaboration with Timex with this nautical-themed item. The steel timing ring, nylon strap, and chunky case bring to mind military dive watches of the past, but the orange second hand and shallow 100-foot water resistance make the Maritime Sport more beach snorkeler than Navy SEAL.