by Michael Satterfield - 06/24/2022
Back in 1968, rock climber Royal Robbins reached the top of a climb in Yosemite National Park and noticed his pants hadn't held up to the climb, so he decided to design something that could withstand the rigors of mountain climbing. The pants were called 5.11 which comes from the highest rock climbing difficulty level in the Yosemite Decimal System, a system that Robbins had developed in the 1950s. In the late 90s Robbins' business partner Dan Costa noticed that the 5.11 pants were popular with the FBI Academy and it prompted Costa to pursue developing a full line of products focused on first responders and military applications.
Watches have been in the 5.11 product line for years, but this current lineup is by far the best-looking collection they have offered. I recently wore the Outpost Chrono while off-roading in Moab and found that it had rugged construction, a comfortable NATO strap, and an overall high-quality finish that was impressive for a watch costing just $125.
The collection definitely falls into the "fashion watch" category and while they may have the tactical looks and style, they don't have the legacy of brands like Luminox, MTM, and Casio of being actually used by military and first responders. But for those looking for an affordable timepiece with a military-style and some pretty decent specs for the money. I have been wearing the 5.11 Tactical watches every day for the last several weeks and have found they are on par with most micro brands in my collection. While 5.11 Tactical watches might not be on par with a Bulova Mil Ships they are also far better than watches I have reviewed from fashion watch brands like MTM or Vincero which are in the same price range.
Field Watch 2.0
$175
The updated version of 5.11's original Field Watch has been upgraded to include phosphorescent Super-LumiNova® hour and second hands for readability in dark conditions, along with a larger easier-to-read date window. It features a scratch-resistant mineral crystal and is water-resistant to 330 feet. It features a quartz Japanese-movement. A unidirectional ratcheting dive bezel with a lume marker tracks elapsed time.
Stainless steel screw-in case back
Nato band: 22mm width
Scratch/chip resistant mineral crystal display
Luminous hour, minute, and second hands
Date window
Unidirectional ratcheting dive bezel
WR 100 meters/330 feet/ 10 atmospheres
$125
The Outpost Chrono is designed for more precision timekeeping functionality. The 44mm stainless steel case is a nice size and features IP coating and a mineral crystal face. The Outpost has a pull-crown for time adjustment and starts/stop buttons for its stopwatch features. Hands and hour marks feature luminous material. Water-resistant to 330FT.
Stopwatch – minutes and seconds
100M / 330FT / 10ATM water resistance
Removable band
Luminous hands and hours
Pathfinder
$95
Inspired by military watches that have been trusted for generations the Pathfinder is a simple, no-nonsense timepiece. Phosphorescent quarter markers provide readability in low light conditions. A stainless-steel case with IP finish and scratch-resistant mineral crystal with a reliable Japanese movement. Water-resistant to 300 feet.
Stainless steel case with matte Ion-Plated finish
Stainless steel screw-in case back
Band: 22mm width
Scratch/chip resistant mineral crystal display
Division Digital
$105
The Division Digital offers the quick readability of a digital display in a rugged 44mm stainless steel case. Four buttons give you control of the light, modes, and feature start/stop/reset. The watch features day/date displays with 12 or 24-hour time and dual time zones. An EL backlight, chronograph, timers (2) and alarms (4) provide additional functionality. Water-resistant to 330FT.
Standard & Military time
Dual time zones
EL Backlight
Chrono
Timer (2)
Alarm (4)
100M / 330FT / 10ATM water resistance
Removable band
See the full lineup of 5.11 Tactical Watches at 511tactical.com.
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