Want to know what are the Best Watches For Paramedics in 2024 we complied a list
As a medical practitioner, you may want a watch that’s practical, functional, durable, and reliable.
Stylishness is just an optional factor that’s the least of priorities to consider.
Finding a watch for paramedics isn’t easy, especially if you’re considering a budget of less than $500.
Still, we’ve painstakingly made a comprehensive list of the best watches, from budget to high-end, suited to fieldwork.
What Are Paramedic Watches?
Being an EMT or a paramedic is a demanding job that requires conviction, accuracy, and swiftness.
Every moment counts since lives are at stake every tick the watch makes.
For emergency responders, a reliable watch is a necessary tool in making the best medical decisions in the field.
The challenges of the job and the limited time to maintain the watch are the most dominant aspects that must be accounted for in choosing a suitable watch.
To help you filter out the best of the best, here are major factors to consider in selecting a paramedic watch:
Case
A durable and lightweight case is ideal so that you can wear the watch for hours without getting irritated.
The watch must also withstand bumps, drops, and scratches without any reduction in its functionality.
Size
Choose a watch with a compact and slim profile to avoid getting it caught on while moving.
EMTs move quickly, so you wouldn’t want a watch that can hamper your actions.
Strap
A durable and easy to wash strap is a must for a paramedic and EMT watch.
Go for watches with straps made of silicone, rubber, stainless steel, or titanium because these materials can be washed and wiped without causing any damage.
Avoid leather straps because they quickly smell and are hard to clean.
Water resistance
Paramedics and EMTs often come in contact with various kinds of fluids and stuff that may be hazardous.
Frequent handwashing is a standard, so you must select a watch that’s safe to get wet.
Display
The medical field doesn’t need watches with fancy dials and ornaments.
Go for a timepiece with a clear display that you can read with a glance.
There should also be a function for precisely measuring every second that passes since this is useful when taking a pulse.
The display should be well-protected by a scratch-resistant crystal that can handle smudges and bumps.
Buttons
Buttons and crowns should be easily accessible and convenient to use.
Paramedics should be focused on their patients and not on fidgeting their watches to get the right setting.
The Best Paramedic Watches
Here are the top paramedic watches to consider buying:
Armitron 40/8177 Digital Chronograph
The 31mm 40/8177 is a rectangular watch with a digital display.
It has a resin case, a perforated resin strap, an acrylic dial window, and a quartz movement.
The LCD and the side buttons allow you to control the chronograph, lap timer, dual time, countdown timer, military time, backlight, and date functions.
The Armitron 40/8177 is easy and simple to use, making it an ideal paramedic watch.
The well-ventilated strap also makes the watch extra comfortable to wear.
It can take a beating and will remain functional for years, which is why this is a highly recommended accessory for those who need a reliable timepiece in the field.
Pros:
- Durable, affordable, and functional
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Plastic dial gets scratched easily
- The watch face is pretty dark
- Not easily readable when viewed in certain angles
Timex Ironman Triathlon T5K793 Rugged 30-Lap
The 43mm Ironman Rugged 30-Lap is a full digital watch that has a black resin case with a matte finish, an acrylic crystal, a resin strap, an alarm, a calendar, an Indiglo backlight feature, a countdown timer, a two-time zone function, and a quartz movement.
The watch also has a 100-hour chronograph function with a 30-lap memory.
The T5K793 may have a subtle design, but it’s a serious, multi-functional timepiece designed for professionals who often deal with life-and-death situations.
The watch face is easy to read and the functions are conveniently accessible, making it an excellent accessory for those who don’t have the time to fidget with the tool.
Pros:
- Lightweight but durable
- Multi-functional but affordable
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Thick strap that feels cheap
- Dial gets scratched easily
- Alarm sound is almost inaudible
Timex Expedition Scout T49961
The 40mm Expedition Scout T49961 has a stainless steel case, a solid case back, a nylon strap, a mineral crystal, an Indiglo backlight, 24-hour markers, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and a quartz movement.
The Expedition Scout is a straightforward timepiece which is what every field paramedic needs.
The second hand has a different color, making it easier for EMTs to count seconds.
Pros:
- Interchangeable straps available in different colors
- Legible watch face
- Affordable watch with basic features
- Water-resistant up to 50m
Cons:
- No date window
- Indiglo brightness fades easily
- Stem gets easily broken
Casio G-Shock DW5600E-1V
The 45mm x 43mm G-Shock DW5600E-1V is a square-shaped, digital watch.
It has a black resin case and strap, a mineral crystal, an alarm function, a calendar, a 1/100th-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, a day-date display, and a Caliber 3229 quartz movement.
Though it may have a vintage look, the slim profile of the G-Shock DW5600E-1V makes it a fan favorite among paramedics who want to avoid wearing chunky watches.
It’s multi-functional, durable, easy to clean, and incredibly affordable.
Only a few watches come close to the DW5600E-1V’s level of value for money.
Pros:
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Legible watch face, thanks to the large digital display
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Some buttons are hard to press
- Buttons aren’t properly labeled
- Band quality could have been better
Casio Sports Combination AQS810W-1AV
The 46mm AQS810W-1AV has both analog and digital displays.
It has a resin case and band, a mineral crystal, Arabic numeral and index hour markers, luminescent hands, and a Japanese solar-powered quartz movement.
The watch features a LED light afterglow, a 48-city world time function, a stopwatch, a dual countdown timer, a multilingual day-date display, a power reserve indicator, and 5 alarm functions.
The Casio AQS810W-1AV is built for those with an active lifestyle like paramedics who are always on alert.
The chunky hands and hour markers, plus the large digital day-date display, make it easy and quick for users to read the information on the watch.
Pros:
- Legible watch face
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Power reserve of up to 10 months
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Alarm duration is too short and there’s no snooze function
- Backlight illuminates the digital display only
- Low-quality strap
Casio G-Shock DW9052-1V
The 46mm G-Shock DW9052-1V is a digital watch that has a black resin case and strap, a solid case back, a mineral crystal, an alarm function, a calendar, a 12/24-hour function, a 1/100th-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, an EL backlight, and a Caliber 1659 quartz movement.
An easy-to-read display, an affordable price, and a super-durable construction are the traits that the G-Shock DW9052-1V offers to users.
This is one of the best watches for paramedics who need a reliable timepiece that can last for a long time.
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Legible watch face
- Accurate timekeeping
- Good backlight brightness
- Multiple functions for an affordable price
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- No key to instantly reset the countdown timer
- Crystal gets easily scratched
- Large and bulky
Timex Expedition Base TW4B00600
The 45mm Expedition Base TW4B00600 is a digital watch with a resin case, a solid case back, a rubber strap, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, a calendar display, an Indiglo backlight, a chronograph function, and a quartz movement.
The Expedition is the perfect everyday watch because it can be subjected to stress and varying environmental conditions.
It has a large and clear digital display and easy-to-press buttons perfect for paramedics who need quick access to their watch’s functions.
Pros:
- Durable and shock-resistant
- Display is easily readable
- Multiple functions for an affordable price
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Backlight isn’t that strong
- Feels too light and cheap
- Large and bulky to wear
Seiko 5 Field Watch
The 37mm Seiko 5 series has a stainless steel case, a skeleton case back, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, a canvas strap, a silver-tone bezel, a day-date window, Arabic numeral hour and minute markers, luminescent hands, and a Caliber 7S26 automatic movement.
The Seiko 5 Field series has several models under it, including the SNK805, SNK807, SNK809, each with different dial and strap colors.
This no-fuss watch is an excellent companion for paramedics who need a durable, functional, and affordable timepiece.
Having an automatic movement is a big plus since medical professionals can rest assured that their watch won’t run out of power.
Pros:
- Legible watch face
- Good lume brightness
- Lightweight but durable
- Very affordable automatic watch
- Power reserve of up to 40 hours
Cons:
- Water-resistant up to 30m only
- Terrible strap quality
- Utilitarian look may not be that appealing to some users
Citizen Eco-Drive BM8180-03E
The 37mm BM8180-03E has a brushed stainless steel case and bezel, a solid case back, a canvas strap, a mineral crystal, a day-date window, minute markers on the outer dial, large Arabic numeral hour markers, luminous silver-tone hands, and a Caliber Eco-Drive E100 movement.
For paramedics looking for a simple and straight-to-the-point watch, the Citizen BM8180-03E is the tool to look for.
Its green color gives it a military appeal that perfectly complements the watch’s sturdy build.
The red-colored second hand makes it easy for paramedics to time the pulse of their patients.
Pros:
- Simple, functional, and durable
- Accurate timekeeping
- The time, day, and date are all perfectly legible
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Oversized crown
- Stiff band that can be hard to adjust
- Low-quality strap
Luminox Original Navy Seal 3001
The 43mm Navy Seal 3001 has a carbon-reinforced polycarbonate case, a solid case back, a carbon-reinforced, a rubber strap, unidirectional, ratcheting bezel, a tempered, scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a date display, 24-hour markers, index and Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and a quartz movement.
The Navy Seal 3001 is built for military use, so rest assured the watch is built to last.
Luminox is known for its Night Vision Tubes that can illuminate the watch under low light conditions for up to 25 years.
This feature makes the watch perfect for paramedics on a night shift.
Pros:
- It’s tough as nails
- Unparalleled lume brightness
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Highly legible watch face
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Expensive for its basic features
- Small date window
- Large and rough rubber strap
Casio G-Shock GW9400-3CR
The 55mm GW9400-3CR is a digital watch with a green resin case, bezel, and strap, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant Hardlex crystal, an AM/PM indicator, a day-date display, an altimeter, a compass, a thermometer, a world time zone, an alarm function, a LED backlight, and a Caliber 3410 quartz movement.
Durability is one of the top qualities that paramedics look for in a watch, and there’s no tougher watch than the GW9400-3CR.
Aside from being able to take a beating, the GW9400-3CR has functions useful for paramedics.
Casio even recommends this model for rescue crews.
Pros:
- Shock and mud resistant
- Durable case designed for rugged use
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- Display can be hard to read
- Inaccurate temperature readings
- Large and bulky to wear
Seiko Excelsior SSC139
The 44mm Excelsior SSC139 has a stainless steel case and band, a solid case back, a scratch-resistant mineral crystal, a date window, an alarm function, index hour markers, luminescent hands, and a Seiko Caliber V172 movement.
The three chronograph subdials have 60-second, 60-minute, and 24-hour measurements.
The Excelsior SSC139 is a stylish watch that can be worn by paramedics on and off duty.
The gunmetal theme is ideal for users who love to wear bold and eye-catching accessories.
Pros:
- Powerful, masculine appeal
- Legible watch face
- Power reserve of up to 6 months
- Water-resistant up to 100m
Cons:
- Tiny date window
- It’s a bit heavy to wear
- Strap is low-quality
Luminox EVO Navy SEAL 3067
The 44mm EVO Navy SEAL 3067 has a black, carbon-reinforced, polymer case, a rubber strap, a unidirectional, rotating bezel made of polymer, a textured crown, a mineral crystal, a date window, 24-hour markers, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, and a quartz movement.
Luminox is known for its straightforward, military-like design, and the EVO Navy SEAL 3067 doesn’t disappoint.
This model is available in 3 color variants including white, orange, and green, all of which are easy to read, thanks to the contrasting color of the dial.
The overall legibility of the watch face of the EVO Navy SEAL 3067 makes it an ideal candidate for a paramedic watch.
Pros:
- Available in different colors
- Dial is easy to read
- Lightweight and durable
- Superb lume brightness
- Water-resistant up to 200m
Cons:
- A bit thick and bulky
- Band feels cheap
- Crystal gets easily scratched
Marathon Search & Rescue WW194027
The 36mm MSAR WW194027 has a 316L stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, a date window, 24-hour markers, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, tritium gas tubes filled with MaraGlo™, and a high-torque quartz movement.
The MSAR WW194027, as the name states, is designed for search and rescue missions.
It’s made according to the military specs required by the US government.
It has a unisex design and it’s a perfect fit for those with small wrists.
Pros:
- Available in stainless steel and rubber strap options
- Legible watch face
- Highly durable
- Excellent lume brightness
- Water-resistant up to 300m
Cons:
- Chunky that it would be hard to fit subtly under the cuff
- Oversized crown
- Rubber strap feels cheap
Marathon Government Search & Rescue WW194006
The 41mm GSAR WW194006 has a 316L stainless steel case and band, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, a date window, 24-hour markers, Arabic numeral hour markers, luminescent hands, tritium gas tubes filled with MaraGlo™, and a 25-jewel, ETA 2824-2 automatic movement.
The GSAR WW194006 is a high-end model from Marathon designed to withstand rugged use.
It may not be a practical solution for those who work in clinics, but it’s definitely one of the best choices for paramedics who are always on the field.
Pros:
- Bezel has no clicks
- Highly durable case
- Legible watch face
- Excellent lume brightness
- Water-resistant up to 300m
Cons:
- Expensive for its features
- Small date window
- Quite heavy to wear
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the battery of my watch last?
Watches usually have a battery that can last for a year or two, depending on their use.
Some may even last for 8 years, like the G-Shock models.
Solar and automatic watches are the best for paramedics because they don’t require battery replacement every so often.
Paramedics need not worry about their watch running out of power so long as they wear them every day.
How is it that some watches are rated water-resistant up to 100 meters, yet they’re not recommended for diving?
The 100-meter water resistance rating is based on static loads during quality testing.
This means that the watch can withstand 10atm of pressure if it just sits still underwater.
However, when you swim or dive with the watch, it’s easy to exceed the water-resistance rating and break the watch because you’re subjecting it to dynamic pressure.
What’s the best lume material for watches?
SuperLuminova is the most commonly used material by brands to fill the hands and hour markers of their watches.
However, the quality of the material varies, so it’s hard to say which is the best among those that use this component.
Some users prefer Luminox’s Tritium-filled tubes which can glow for 10 to 12 years.
Others prefer a watch like G-Shock that uses INDIGLO® backlighting to illuminate up the display.
How hard is a mineral crystal?
On the Mohs scale, diamond is the hardest with a rating of 10.
Sapphire crystal, which is used on more expensive watches, has a hardness rating of 9.
Mineral crystal, on the other hand, has a rating of 7, so it’s not virtually scratch-proof, but it can withstand common causes of crystal damage.
Conclusion
Paramedic watches are designed to withstand rugged use and provide information in the fastest and most convenient way possible.
The watches on this list satisfy these requirements by having a straightforward design, multiple features, and accurate timekeeping functions.
They’re also incredibly affordable compared to other casual watches, making them easy to replace in case you break them.
Regardless of the brand or style, the reliability and durability of the watches listed here have been proven by thousands of users.
You can trust that all these will satisfy your need for a field watch.
