Most watch gift guides are full of watches that look good in a display case and fall apart on the job. This one isn't. Every watch here was designed by someone who spent 17 years in law enforcement wearing watches that broke, and then decided to build one that wouldn't.
If the person you're shopping for works with their hands, wears a uniform, spends weekends on the water or in the woods, or just doesn't baby their gear, start here.
How to pick the right watch for him
- Tactical watch if he works in law enforcement, fire, EMS or the military. Look for lume you can read in the dark, a tough case and a dial that's easy to read under stress.
- Dive watch if he spends time on or in the water, or just wants one watch that can handle anything. Look for a real water rating, a screw-down crown and a ratcheting bezel.
- Field watch if he hunts, hikes, fishes or works outdoors. Simple, light, easy to read.
- Casual watch if he wants something tough enough for daily wear that still works at the office.
Not sure? Quartz or automatic is the other question worth asking. Quartz is more accurate and needs nothing but a battery every few years. Automatic runs on the motion of your wrist and never needs a battery.
For the officer, firefighter or soldier: SANS-13 tactical watch
The Black Tactical SANS-13 was built from thousands of conversations with people in law enforcement and the armed forces. Swiss Ronda quartz movement, anti-reflective sapphire crystal, 300 meter water resistance and lume made to be read, not seen. It comes in a black case with a black or gray dial, and the SANS-13 Silverback gives you the same watch in a 316L stainless steel case. $295.
See the full tactical watch collection.
For the diver or the guy who wants one watch for everything: Atlantis A2
The Atlantis A2 Ceramic Quartz is a 44mm, 300 meter dive watch with a ceramic bezel, 316L steel case and Swiss Ronda quartz movement. Pick a blue, white or green dial. $349.
Want to go bigger? The Atlantis A2 Ceramic Automatic runs on a Swiss Sellita SW200 automatic movement. $849.
For the guy who wants the original, the original Atlantis comes in a black PVD or bead-blasted steel case with five dial colors, in quartz ($349) or automatic ($749).
For the guy who never takes it off: Atlantis Blackfish
Part dive watch, part tactical watch. The all-black Atlantis Blackfish has a Swiss quartz movement, a ratcheting dive bezel and just enough lume to read the time without giving away your position. $349.
For the hunter, hiker or fisherman: field watches
The Springfield GMT is a classic American field watch inspired by the one issued to US infantry in World War II, with a GMT hand to track a second time zone. $199.
The Discovery Field Watch is a light, simple field watch with a Swiss quartz movement on a 20mm NATO strap. A great first watch, and a great stocking stuffer. $99.
See all field watches.
For the office and the job site: Draper
The Draper is our casual watch: Swiss Ronda 515 quartz, stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, Italian leather band and 200 meter water resistance. $149.
Stocking stuffers under $90
Already has a Smith & Bradley? Give him a new look for it.
- Ballistic nylon NATO straps in black, gray, green, tan and camo. $20.
- Black leather 22mm strap. $39.
- Atlantis A2 vulcanized rubber strap in black or blue. $65.
- 316L stainless steel bracelets for the Atlantis A2 and SANS-13. $85.
Built to last, and backed by it
Every Smith & Bradley watch is backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty on the case and crystal, with 5 years of coverage on the movement.
Watch our Black Friday deals for the best prices of the year, or shop all watches.
