the "great eight" military watch makers

If like me you're always looking for a good, handsome yet serviceable watch that doesn't cost tens of thousands of dollars (TAG and Rolex would be nice but...um...NO), then it may be worth considering one of the companies that actually manufacturers timepieces for our armed services. Typically manufacturers tasked with producing anything for our military personnel must meet certain DoD specifications of accuracy, reliability and durability and that's true whether it's firearms or watches or anything else right down to a rubber grommet. All the watches outlined below are, in my opinion, outstanding, meeting the requisite mil specs and boasting a refined utilitarian, tactical visage. Most manufacturers make their brand of the G10 and W10 watches plus their own uniquely crafted timepieces. GTLS tritium illumination tubes used by the various manufacturers all come from a company called Mb Mictotec so performance of the actual tubes will not vary from brand to brand. Just click on the watch pictures below to go to the relevant website.

Let's begin with the least expensive. Military Industries has a small range of retro styled military watches from $39 - $554. Styled after Korean/Vietnam War patterned timepieces from the 50's to the 70's, they have modern workings so encase the best of both era's. They are based in Switzerland, the UK, the US and Canada. They also sell watches from the other manufacturers.

Military Watch Company (MWC) has probably the largest range of all the manufacturers with almost 300 variations ranging from a plastic-cased watch for $34.95 all the way to their top model at $665. They make stunning timepieces for infantry, pilots, divers and adventurers plus provide a smorgasbord of watch straps and other military/LEO accessories.

Based in London, the Cabot Watch Company was one of the principal watchmakers for the British Ministry of Defence. Very robust and striking in appearance, they also cost more, ranging from about $350 to  $6000. Prices are in Pounds Sterling. They make military, divers, pilots, pocket watches and special editions.

Marathon watches are designed in Canada and made in Switzerland. Their Dive (SAR), Navigator (NAV) and General Purpose (GP) watches range from $78 to $5,000 and utilize case sizes up to 48mm for those who like an XL highly visible wristwatch. Their watches are truly beautiful objects beside being highly utilitarian.

NITE is based out of the UK and construct watches primarily with GTLS tritium illumination for top notch nighttime performance. Traser (below) is their principal competitor in this regard. NITE quality is excellent with models tailored for LEO, military, pilots and divers. Case diameters range from 39mm to 51mm, and prices from $250 - $480.

Traser out of Switzerland produce a dynamic range of tritium illuminated timepieces for  adventurers, special operators, divers and police. Prices are in Euro but start at approximately $350 and top out at about $1300. Their watches have a really unique look and are perhaps the most tactical in terms of instrument design and low-vis usability.

Tutima make beautiful pilot's watches and are most renowned for their timepieces issued to the Luftwaffe. Founded in Germany in 1927, they now craft 137 different watches that ooze classical style and panache. Not exactly for adventurers and warfighters, but well worth looking at if you are a pilot. $1,000 - $15,000.

Glycine was founded in 1914 in Bienne, Switzerland. It's renowned for its classic Airman watches which were first launched in 1953. The company makes an extensive range of watches including GMT models with 24-hour analog dials and rotating bezels. These watches are popular with both military and commercial pilots. 36mm - 46mm case widths and prices ranging from $350 - $3,000

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Hopefully this will give you a basic overview of the military grade watches specifically available for your chosen lifestyle. Irrespective of your wallet size, I'm convinced any of the marques above would be trustworthy in the field and impressive on your wrist. Happy watch-hunting!