Anyone working in law enforcement or as a first responder is well worthy of the “hero without a cape” tag. Without a doubt, this particularly relates to police officers. They put their lives on the line every day to protect us from harm, and we should be grateful for their service.
Without a doubt, they have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. According to recent statistics, policemen are more likely to die in the line of duty than firefighters or members of the military. This is because they are constantly putting themselves in harm’s way, trying to keep the public safe.
Police officers have a number of important duties that they need to perform while on the job. One of the most important is staying visible and recognizable to the public.
A watch is an important tool for police officers, as it helps them stay on schedule and maintain communication with their team.
But for a watch to be considered the right one for a policeman, it needs to tick a few boxes.
First and foremost, a police officer’s watch should be tough enough to withstand the demands of the job. It needs to be able to handle being dropped, kicked and banged around without breaking. Also, it should have a clear display that is easy to read in all conditions, from bright sunlight to complete darkness.
So, what is the best watch for police officers?
In this blog post, we will discuss a total of 10 timepieces suitable for the work of policemen. All watches come from well-known brands and, most importantly, they don’t break the bank! (pun intended)
Disclaimer: TimepieceKing is reader-supported and might earn a commission (at no additional cost for you) for purchases made via links in this article. Otherwise, writing this excellent piece would’ve been impossible!
Watches for Police Officers (Top 3 Reviewed)
Best Watch for Police Work (Top 3 Reviewed)
Casio GA-100-1A2ER
Details
Casio G-Shocks are some of the toughest watches on the planet so it shouldn’t be a surprise that we’re opening the list with one of them.
If you’ve been on the lookout for an accurate watch that can take a beating and look like a match made in heaven with a police uniform, look no further than the Casio GA-100-1A2ER.
The monstrous timepiece is sure to make a statement. Boasting a massive 51mm resin case, this watch is ideal for those with a larger wrist or who simply want a bolder watch. The 17mm case thickness provides excellent protection of the movement, as does the mineral crystal glass that is scratch-resistant.
Thanks to the comfortable resin band and buckle closure, you’ll never have to worry about taking this beast off your wrist. The material can certainly take a beating and is a breeze to clean.
This tough watch is water-resistant up to 200m, making it perfect for use in any weather conditions. Like all G-Shocks, it’s also shock resistant, so you never have to worry about it breaking if you drop it.
And with accurate Japanese quartz movement, you can be sure that this watch will keep time accurately. Casio watches utilize reliable Japanese-made calibers that rarely lose or gain more than 15 seconds/month. Plus, the police colors give it a cool and stylish look that is sure to turn heads.
As you can see in the image above, the watch face includes both digital and analog elements. The blue minute and hour hands point to hour markers of the same color. Between these, there are also stick indices indicating minutes.
There are two digital windows positioned at 4 and 8 o’clock on which a lot of data can be displayed. G-Shock watches are known for a long list of additional functions and this one is not an exception to the rule. Amongst others, it offers a 1/1000 second chronograph, auto-calendar, and stopwatch. The inclusion of a backlight is also essential since nighttime shifts are far from uncommon on police duty.
All in all, we think it’s one of the best G-Shock watches for police officers around. It’s also a watch that, in our opinion, provides the best value overall.
Garmin Instinct
Details
If you’re on the lookout for something more technologically advanced than a regular wristwatch but don’t fancy wearing a fragile device in the mold of most smartwatches, Garmin Instinct is an excellent idea.
This is a rugged GPS watch with all the features you could possibly want in such a device, including topographic maps, wrist-based heart rate, and even support for contactless payments.
It’s also comfortable to wear and has a great battery life for a smart (or semi-smart) watch, lasting up to two weeks on a single charge. In short, it’s everything you could want from a wristwatch – and more.
Many smartwatches make up for a large number of applications by offering much poorer durability. Safe to say, that’s not the case with Instinct.
The product is engineered to meet U.S. military standard 810G for heat, shock, and water resistance (up to 100m), which pretty much means it can survive battering. If it’s good enough for military service, it will certainly pass a test on police duty as well.
All-black construction features a 45mm case made of fiber-reinforced polymer, together with a silicone strap to complete the manly look. The display glass is chemically strengthened, providing excellent protection against scratches.
If the black design is a little too plain for your tastes, there are many different color options to choose from, including orchid, tidal blue, sunburst, and flaming red.
As already mentioned, Garmin watches are jam-packed with essential features and applications that provide you with amazing insights into your daily well-being.
Garmin Instinct provides, among other things, the following features:
- the use of wrist-based heart rate monitoring (includes abnormal HR alerts)
- SpO2 (saturation of oxygen) monitor
- sleep quality monitor
- Stress tracker available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (with relaxation reminders)
It is also one of the few versions that is equipped with a Body Battery Energy monitor, which is a unique function that gives you the ability to manage your own energy resources at any time of day or night, seven days a week. That sounds like the perfect tool for a police officer, doesn’t it?
Casio DW5600E-1V
Details
If you’re shopping on a tight budget but still want to get a reliable timepiece that won’t let you down during your demanding shift as a police officer, this unique Casio G-Shock model is a great alternative.
Casio DW5600E-1V offers quite a new take on a classic design. Featuring a resin case measuring 45mm in diameter and 15mm in thickness, it boasts a pretty unusual rectangular shape for a G-Shock model. Akin to the previous G-Shock timepiece on the list, it comes with a comfortable and durable resin band that closes with a tang buckle closure.
This watch offers excellent protection against cracks and scratches thanks to the mineral crystal glass. It’s also shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 200m, making it perfect for any activity – whether you’re on your duty, hitting the gym, or enjoying a day off on the beach.
Also, we need to mention it comes with a plethora of useful functions such as a chronograph and stopwatch, or a backlight for easy time-telling after dusk.
The watch bears a clear resemblance to the first-ever G-Shock released in 1983 – DW-5000C. Hence, if you’re a fan of the series, it’s an additional incentive to get it. Perhaps the biggest, however, is the price. It’s one of few G-Shocks with such solid construction that can be purchased south of $50.
Unlike the G-Shock topping the list, this model is fully digital. Considering the ridiculously low price tag, it’s easily one of the best digital watches for police officers as far as the quality-price ratio is concerned.
The watch is powered by an equally reliable Japanese quartz movement, offering an accuracy of +/- 15 seconds/month.
Best Wrist Watch for Police Officers: Alternatives
If none of the top 3 police watches are tempting enough, below you will find as many as 7 alternative models capable of handling anything a police officer’s day can throw at them.
Victorinox 241791
Details
All the police watch models we’ve covered up to this point are extremely rugged but let’s be frank here – none of them is an epitome of elegance.
This is about to change.
Victorinox knows that when it comes to style, you can never have too much of a good thing. That’s why they’ve created this two-tone stainless steel watch that’s not only modern and sophisticated but extremely stylish as well.
Victorinox is a company that was originally manufacturing knives for the Swiss Army so it knows all about sturdiness as well. Since 1999, the brand has been producing excellent tool watches that can literally take a beating.
Although looking extremely fancy, the Victorinox 241791 model you see above is not an exception to the rule.
With its two-tone stainless steel case measuring 43mm in diameter and 12mm in thickness, this timepiece is perfect for the fashion-savvy individual who wants a watch that makes a statement. The two-tone, 3-link stainless steel bracelet adds to the elegant feel and makes sure the watch will look great no matter what the occasion.
In the case of Victorinox watches, just because they look neat doesn’t mean that they’re not durable.
Victorinox 241791 is the perfect choice for those who want a stylish but rugged timepiece. With its unidirectional bezel, chronograph sub-dials, and tachymeter, it’s perfect for tracking time and speed too. Additionally, at 6 o’clock there’s a date window. And with its luminescent hands and hour markers, you’ll be able to see the time even in low light conditions.
On a durability note, the timepiece is water-resistant up to 100m, so you can wear it while swimming or surfing. The stylish watch face is protected by ultra scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass that comes with an anti-reflective coating. That ensures excellent legibility in any light. In fact, at times you might forget the crystal is even there!
Like all Victorinox watches, this one is powered by a Swiss movement. The quartz caliber ensures impressive longevity and accuracy of +/- 15 seconds/month.
5. Luminox 3051
Details
After the classy Victorinox model, it’s time to discuss yet another ultra-masculine powerhouse – this time delivered by Luminox.
Next to the Casio G-Shock line, Luminox watches are considered to be one of the toughest around. Not without a reason, they’re loved by law enforcement personnel as they’re constructed precisely to serve the demanding front-line needs of special forces and government units.
The Luminox 3051 is the perfect watch for those who need a reliable timepiece that can withstand even the most demanding and adventure-filled shifts in the life of a police officer.
The model is a true classic among Luminox timepieces. Considered the Original Navy SEAL watch, it was initially released in 1994 as a fruit of collaboration between Chief Nick North, the Navy SEALs’ procurement officer, and Luminox. The series became the Navy SEALs’ preference because of its featherweight and extraordinary ruggedness.
Not trying to downplay the toughness of a police officer’s job by any means but, if the watch is sturdy enough to be trusted by Navy SEALs, it should be well qualified to tackle the challenges facing policemen too.
The 44mm case is ultra-light as it’s made from Luminox’s proprietary Carbonox material. The thickness stands at 13mm. The band is also Carbonox-made and includes an embossed logo and a classic buckle closure that completes the look of the timepiece and makes it comfortable to wear.
The notched unidirectional bezel, contrast white markers, and a date display at the 3 o’clock position makes this watch extremely legible and help it stand out from the crowd. Depending on your own preference, you can refer to either the large 12h time markers or the smaller 24h numerals positioned on the inner rim.
The Superluminova technology ensures that the hands and hour markers will glow for up to 25 years without draining the battery, making it easy to tell the time in any conditions. Whether you’re tackling your police tasks or diving deep into the ocean, the Luminox 3051 is the perfect companion.
The Swiss quartz movement with an analog display keeps this watch ticking accurately and it shouldn’t lose or gain more than 15 seconds monthly.
Water-resistant up to 200m and shock-resistant, this watch is really built to last.
6. Citizen JR4068-01E
Details
Next on the list, we have this police-themed timepiece from one of the top-rated watchmakers not only in Japan but worldwide – Citizen.
Citizen watches are known for their versatility when it comes to style and functionalities. The brand offers a wide selection of elegant dress watches but an equally huge choice of timekeepers that are built to take a beating. The JR4068-01E model certainly belongs to the latter group.
What connects the vast majority of Citizen watches is their solar-powered movement. The unique Eco-Drive technology is utilized in a lion’s share of models and ensures hassle-free performance for 20 years – or longer. If you hate the process of replacing a battery because of a deteriorating accuracy or just want to save some beer money, Citizen Eco-Drive watches are a great solution.
How about the looks?
This watch features a blue polyurethane strap with a standard buckle closure and a stainless steel case (44mm x 14.3mm) with a black aluminum bezel. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this head-turning timepiece is the inclusion of a Yacht Timer that can be an awesome perk if your idea of a great leisure time is yacht or boat races.
Functions-wise, ones that also deserve a mention include:
- World Time in 30 cities
- 1/100 second chronograph
- Split lap time
- Dual time
- 2 alarms
- One-touch interchangeable analog/digital times
Excellent legibility is guaranteed thanks to the luminescent hands & hour markers, as well as the backlight which is supplementing the digital display.
With the aforementioned Eco-Drive technology, this watch is powered by light and never needs a battery. It utilizes a Japanese quartz movement which ensures just as reliable accuracy as Swiss-made mechanisms (+/- 15 seconds/month).
On the durability front, there’s not a lot we can point a finger at either. The face is protected by a scratch-resistant mineral crystal while the watch is also water-resistant up to 200m.
7. Timex T46681
Details
Next to Luminox, Timex is another reliable American watchmaker well worthy of its place on today’s list of the best watches for police officers.
Although the Connecticut-based brand might not be on the same page as Luminox in terms of sturdiness, the Expedition collection is undoubtedly filled with extremely durable yet stylish timepieces. Timex T46681 you see above proves just that.
Certainly, what contributes to the elegant look is the inclusion of the brown leather strap (it’s the sole leather model on the list). Unsurprisingly, the strap comes with a classic buckle clasp. The watch wears considerably smaller than other police watches on the list since the brass case measures just 40mm in diameter and 10mm in thickness, making it a great option for officers with smaller wrists.
The cream dial combines neatly with the silver-tone bezel. The large Arab numerals provide superb readability in any light thanks to Timex’s proprietary Indiglo Light-Up technology. Additionally, at three o’clock there’s a day and date window while the outer rim of the dial features 24h time markers.
The watch face has solid protection against cracks and scratches in the form of mineral crystal glass. Although the watch is water-resistant up to 100m, it’s advised against immersing leather strap watches in water for a considerable period of time as it can vastly speed up the deterioration of the band.
Last but not least, Timex T46681 is another model powered by a reliable Japanese quartz mechanism.
8. Seiko SSB347
Details
Seiko is the third (and the last) Japanese watchmaker we will discuss on today’s list.
Arguably the highest-rated watch brand originating from the Land of the Rising Sun, Seiko is loved by folks from all walks of life thanks to its diversified portfolio of brilliantly crafted timepieces. Although the list of elegant models is impressively long, the fact that you’re looking for the best watch for a police officer means we need to focus on Seiko watches on the sporty side.
The Seiko watch you see above fits the bill perfectly.
Like the Citizen model discussed earlier in the article, Seiko SSB347 includes color patterns easily associated with the police. The blue, red & silver chronograph rings blend in perfectly with the black dial and look like a match made in heaven for policemen.
The model features a 44mm stainless steel case measuring 13mm in thickness and a silicone band with buckle closure.
The bezel includes a tachymeter scale for convenient measurement of speed while the chronograph sub-dials can track up to 60 minutes of elapsed time in 1/5-second increments. The busily-arranged face also features a date window between 4 and 5 o’clock. The watch is easily readable in any conditions thanks to the luminescent hour indices and hands.
Not only is this Seiko model appealing looks-wise but also fairly durable. On the waterproofing front, it can withstand depths of up to 100m while the mineral crystal glass protects the face from serious damage.
Seiko is known for its in-house movements so there’s no surprise the model utilizes one of these. The Japanese quartz mechanism ensures excellent accuracy of approximately 15 seconds/month.
9. Bulova 98B229
Details
We’ve already covered three excellent Japanese watchmakers and the inclusion of a Bulova timepiece ensures that you become familiar with the same number of trusted American brands.
Of all watchmakers discussed in today’s article, Bulova is feasibly the one that oscillates in the dressy spectrum the most. However, some Bulova watches, like the Bulova 98B229 you see above, boast a more futuristic style and can withstand a lot.
The all-stainless steel and all-black design with a gunmetal ion-plated finish certainly catch the eye. Bulova 98B229 is a fairly massive timepiece that measures 47mm in diameter and 18mm in thickness, making it the chunkiest model on the list.
It belongs to one of Bulova’s most appreciated collections – Precisionist (High-Performance Quartz). As the name of the line suggests, the timepiece offers above-average accuracy, beating at eight times greater frequency (262kHz) than a standard quartz watch. What’s more, the model boasts a sweeping second hand that’s a true rarity amongst battery-powered watches.
Bulova 98B229 is a chronograph watch and offers precise timing to 1/1000th of a second. Other chronograph sub-dials measure 60 seconds, 12 hours, and 1/10th of a second.
What’s worth noting, the timepiece has a multi-level carbon fiber face. Additionally, the outer rim of the dial features a tachymeter scale. There’s also a date display window positioned between 4 and 5 o’clock. For easy time-telling after dusk, the hands and hour indices are luminescent.
Not only is the timepiece head-turning and jam-packed with features but it’s also built like a tank. The scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass ensures excellent dial protection while the 300m water resistance rating means the Precisionist is an excellent choice for professional marine activities as well.
The ultra-accurate quartz movement is Japanese-made.
10. Casio GW-9400-1CR
Details
Finally yet importantly, closing the list of the best watches for police officers is yet another G-Shock beast from Casio.
The watch belongs to the Master of G series which take durability to whole new levels. Commonly known as the Rangeman, the model you see above is fully made from resin and, as you’d expect from a G-Shock, it’s quite enormous. The oversized case measures 53mm in diameter and 17mm in thickness.
For maximum protection against damage, Casio GW-9400-1CR is shock-, magnetic- and water-resistant (up to 200m). The digital display is also securely protected thanks to scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass.
A true standout feature of the Rangeman is the fact that it’s a Triple Sensor watch. That means it’s capable of keeping altitude, barometric pressure, temperature and direction readings at your fingerprints. The feature makes it a popular choice amongst hikers, hunters, and mountain bikers.
These are just a few of Rangeman’s useful functions, however. Others include:
- sunrise/sunset date
- 5 daily alarms (including one vibrating alarm)
- 1/10-second stopwatch
- countdown timer
- auto-calendar
The Rangeman is also an excellent economic choice as it’s solar-powered. The quartz movement is fuelled by Casio’s Tough Solar technology which is powered by any light and ensures hassle-free performance for many years.
Best Watches for Police Officers: FAQ
Still have some nagging doubts regarding the purchase? Below find some of the frequently-posted questions on the subject.
Have more? Fire them in the comment section at the bottom of the article!
G-Shock Police Discount: Myth or Fact?
Because of its ruggedness, Casio G-Shocks are one of the most frequently purchased watches amongst law enforcement personnel.
Some policemen wonder if they’re entitled to a discount from the Japanese watchmaker, similar to the one that is available for folks working in the military.
The good news is that Casio does indeed offer a discount for police officers. To receive the discount, you will need to show your valid law enforcement ID. The discount can be applied to both online and in-store purchases.
What Is the Best Smartwatch for Police Officers?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the specific needs and preferences of each individual police officer.
With that said, smartwatches can be extremely useful while dealing with your everyday tasks as a police officer.
However, some of the most trusted brands for police officers include Garmin, Apple, and Samsung. These manufacturers all offer a variety of features that can be useful for police work, such as GPS tracking, fitness tracking, and phone connectivity. Ultimately, the best smartwatch for a police officer is the one that best meets their individual needs.
If you’re considering the purchase of a smartwatch, bear in mind that they’re not as durable as regular wristwatches. To up the ruggedness levels, you can consider buying additional cases or glass protectors.
You should also ensure that the watch you’re buying is compatible with the software on your phone. Lastly, take into consideration how often you’ll need to recharge the battery – some models only last a day or two, while others can go for weeks without needing to be plugged in.
What Are the Best Watches for Police Academy?
Again, there is no definitive answer to this question, as there are many different types of watches that could be suitable for the police academy.
Some factors to consider when choosing the right watch are exactly the same as in the case of watches for police officers – and that means durability, functionality and style.
Watches that are specifically designed for law enforcement or military use are always a good option, as they are often built to withstand tough conditions and offer a variety of features that can be useful in the field. There are also many regular watches on the market that would be suitable for a police academy, so it is important to consider what type of watch would best suit your needs and budget.
Ultimately, the best watch for you is the one that meets your specific requirements and preferences.
What Are the Best Watches for Female Police Officers?
Although different women have different preferences when it comes to watches, we can narrow down the field a bit by looking at some of the best-selling and most popular watches among female police officers.
These include brands like Casio, Timex, and Garmin. Each of these brands offers a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, so there is sure to be a watch that will suit any woman’s taste. In addition, each of these brands is known for its durability and accuracy, which is important for anyone who needs to rely on their watch for work.
If you’ve read this article, you will have noticed that all three mentioned watchmakers are included on the list.
If you’re like many female police officers a big fan of the G-Shock line by Casio but find the watches too massive, there’s some light in the tunnel. In the last few years, Casio has developed a Baby G-Shock line that is particularly targeting female wearers and people with small wrists. You can explore the collection by clicking here.
