Had mine in almost everyday for 4 years. It’s a mini tank. I bought it just ti beat up but slowly have fell in love with it. I don’t know what I would do without mine! Tough solar is absolutely amazing too!
100%. I had mine stolen when I was a kid... walked by one on clearance that caught my eye and bought it, again. Best decision ever. My go to. Only thing that will replace it is the solar.
Bertucci - my A1S has been through hunting, mechanics, everything I could throw at it. Been absolutely covered in dirt, blood, solvents, etc and has been absolutely bulletproof.
So rad to see Ben on your channel! Luminox was the first expensive watch (over $100 was a lot to spend on a watch for me at the time) when i started working at the refinery. I haven't worn it for probably 15 years since i have a bunch of other watches i prefer, but i hold on to it for sentimental reasons. 😊 Quick non related question, have you ever checked out Deso Supply Co. clothing? I just got a moleskin hooded shacket from them and it is really good quality for the price and made in the USA! They kind of remind me of the old Topo Designs clothing, before they moved manufacturing out of the USA. Anyways, you are awesome and this is another great informative video from the Carl. Have a great weekend brother!
No mention of Timex watches. Ben even stole their slogo, takes a licking but keeps on ticking. I have two Timex Expedition dive style WR200 and shock resistant. I think they are 20 yrs old and have been the most durable and dependable watches I ever owned.
Best watch in this video BY FAR is the Casio GWM5610-1, Always accurate to the second, will never run out of battery, has the best legibility out of any watch i have ever owned (over 50). For the sake of function over anything there's no better watch on the market, not for 50 bucks, not for 50.000 bucks.
I think the Invicta Pro Diver deserves a spot here too. Now hear me out! it is cheap and I have had one that is still running great, keeping great time after nearly 14 years of abuse on the jobsite, one of those sites being Afghanistan as a line medic with the 10th Mnt. division (2-87 INF)
Honestly the answer to this is simple, Casio G Shock. If you want a do it all watch that will survive just about anything G Shock is the go to. And that would be what I would recommend for you Carl. And I would avoid any traditional hand wind or automatics as the environment you work in (with electro magicnetic fields and so forth can throw off the accuracy of the watch.
I had a Gshock GA700UC-8A that I purchased some years ago as I’m a machinist & fabricator and I go through watches very quickly. My Gshock blew out in less than 90 days and had to warranty it so I fostered it off for $30. I had a Citizen EcoZilla eco drive sitting in my dresser that I wasn’t sure why I even bought the thing so I started wearing it to the shop 6 days a week. That was 5 years ago and my Bonetto Cinturini rubber straps last two years before I lose a strap keeper.
Never would've thought I'd see Ben here. Cool collab! My "tough watch" is my G-Shock GMW-B5000 "steel square". Such a tank of a watch and a cool more modern and dressy-ish take on the classic square.
I bought a F-91 Casio in September '23 before my army service! (9 months in Greece). Continued all through summer with a job at the sea. Despite the salt, the water (diving almost every day), the strong cleaning chemicals and all the times I hit and scratched my hand in surfaces (even rocks!) this thing is almost as good as new! Propably I will replace it with something more stylish one day!
I bought Craft and Lore’s bronze watch a couple years ago and love it. I wear it to work where it’s been beat up so much, I’ve knocked the face against metal quite a few times each time thinking it was f*cked but not even a scratch on it. They make some cool stuff, and I found them from you Carl. Thanks man…
Been rocking the Casio Duro on the jobsite off and on with a small Casio for the last year or so. That thing can take a beating, though does get fairly scratched up. All the other guys think it’s way more expensive than it really is, so take that however you want. It is a bit big so sometimes I have to remove it when fishing wire or working in confined space. As I always say, a mans not fully dressed without a belt, pocket knife, and a watch.
Cool video. Love watches. Watched a ton of bens videos. Casio is the goat. I'd add timex watches like ironman and digital expedition lines. My grandfathers timex dynabeat is in my watch box ticking (loudly) rn lol. Also.. marathon, glycine and scurfa really should have been on the list.
I've got my tough watch on, my G-Shock Rangrman GW-9400-1, got all the things I need on it and more. Maybe I might get the G-Shock GW-5000U-1 as a smaller and more discrete option. My other one which is pretty tough is my Casio MRW-200H analogue watch. Good video.
You are forgetting Helm and Vostok! Helms are built like tanks and Vostoks are very tough with an acrylic crystal that tightens with water pressure, a shock system and a crown that detaches from the stem. I've put both, especially the Vostok through a lot of damage while rafting and travelling. Really well constructed. Bertucci also has a great reputation but I've never held one.
I love my Helm Khuraburi, hard as nails though unfortunately a little too big to wear on the jobsite, just gets in the way sometimes. Definitely my favorite watch in the collection though.
@vlaricshard2 sorry to hear that. Apparently if you give them a good whack it helps lol. Happened to me and it started working. But you can always get a lemon
I work on a ranch, and the timex expedition scout 40mm is the watch I wear. I have others but when I want a good work watch that’s the one I reach for. It’s cheap so if you break it, it’s not gonna hurt to too bad, and it’s a great value.
The toughest watch is a Frogman (older digital one). I've taken many apart and frogman is a tank. Not sure I would ever consider any analog let alone a mechanical one as tough.
Although im a fan of Ben I gotta disagree with a lot of his list. Some of them just have no business being on there when there are so many others that easily outpace in quality, value and durability. I also think most of his list are incredibly cheap considering the most of us here fans of Carl's will drop a few hundred bucks on a pair of jeans or a few grand on a jacket. Now im not suggesting the list should of been full of Rolex, Omega and alike but I think too much of this list was focused on budget pieces. When I think TOUGH watches I think SINN, Damasko, Marathon, DOXA, Breitling... Even Luminox, Hamilton and of course durable can't be mentioned without Casio. Such amazing missed recommendations. when even the few I listed have insane pieces from $50-$3,000.
I think the bias towards budget pieces is because that's Ben's specialty at the end of the day. Can't remember the last time he featured a watch that was above 600 dollars in his channel
I agree. This list was for the low budget get by watches. I wear a g shock GWG-2000 everyday, actively trying to kill it daily. At $800.00 it's not cheap, because it's not cheap. I have a pile of watches like the ones on this list that I have destroyed on the job. The Mudmaster Casio is the only one that I can't seem to hurt. I even ripped out a button trying to remove welding slag from it and it still works fine. I just filled the hole with rvt silicone to keep it dry and no problem. Although I do appreciate Ben's opinion, he looks like the last guy who would know anything about tough. Drag those things against some concrete or rusted steel and you'll really find out what's tough and what's fashion. I hope I'm not being to harsh here, Carl you know I love your stuff thanks for the "watch". ✌️
I'm glad to see my faith in the Casio G-Shock series confirmed. Id be interested in your opinions (both yours and Ben's) about the Instinct by Garmin. It maybe a little gadgety for some; but, I've found that it works well and has a lot of toughness. Glad to see that Timex wasn't on the avoid list.
Casio Duro on my wrist, a buddy got an Erebus and I considered it, but I ended up just throwing my Duro on a Stainless bracelet from Long Island watch instead. 👌🏼 Tough as hell, looks sharp, and inexpensive.
Hey Carl, cool video. I have 2 questions though: 1, Are you still exclusively rocking the green Oris Aquis? 2, If you are, do you have any thoughts on upgrading to the version with the in-house movement, or has your current one been sufficiently bulletproof that you have no interest in the newer version? If you're not familiar with the differences, the in house (AKA Calibre 400) has a 10 year service interval, 5 day power reserve, 10 year warranty, and while it doesn't say "Chronometer" on it and isn't sent to COSC, if you sift through Oris's FAQ's it is actually spec'd and gauranteed to -3/+5 seconds per day which is actually slightly better than the COSC standard. Price is $3900 retail on the rubber strap.
I've worked all kinds of hellish jobs. My nr1 absolutely most indestructible pick is the victorinox inox. Mine is so scratched it's not even funny but it's been with me since 2018 I think and has had 0 issues. It's been worn on the outside of my jacket in sub -40C and worked just fine, accidentally been left in a sauna, driven over, frozen, hit with shock, magnetism and so on. Never had a single issue. I've had issues with g shocks. Buttons being pressed accidentally and water entering, fogging of crystals and even temperature fucking with timekeeping. Next rugged piece I'm considering though is a luminox due to the tritium. The inox has good lume but it only lasts maybe 4-5 hours
I know everyone is going to have an opinion, but Sinn's UX watches are pretty much the holy grail of tool watches. I'm surprised that the Seiko Tuna didn't get a spot here.
Please if I could, 1 more thing. The Squale watch you have might not be the toughest, but that is a very special watch. Great for divers and the history, you might want to look into it. Just a tibbet, I think if I remember correctly, they made the cases for either Rolex or Blancpain, the 1st "dive watches"
Ocean Crawler should definitely be on any list of toughest watches. Go to their site and read how they test their watches. I have the Bolt and it is as tough as nails.
Other watches to consider: Hamilton Khaki Field watch. Panerai Luminor. Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Seiko Prospex Seiko Five Oris Aquis Vostok (any these things are virtually indestructible)
@Antek_S I am well familiar with who he is. And since the title of the video is "Testing the TOUGHEST watches you can buy" and not the cheapest tough watch, expensive isn't excluded. Yes, the price point for some of them is prohibitive. Just like the cost of Iron Heart ultra heavy flannels is cost prohibitive for many people. Or even the several Nicks Boots reviews, at an average price of over $600. Are you sure you know who he is as a reviewer? -edit- Misread your statement. No, I am not familiar with Ben.
I'm sure it won't last a decade, but my Garmin Fenix 7 has stood up to more wear than any other watch I have owned. I wear it every single day and the screen doesn't even have a scratch on it, plus 28 day battery life.
I have used timex iron mans for 17 years in the military. It's not a fashionable thing but it's survived from -60 to +115 and been swimming in swamps lakes and rivers all over.
Thank you Carl and thank you, Ben for this. I was pleasantly surprised that Armitron was on the “good list”. A lot of folks (snobs) write them off as cheap quality watches without looking at the history of Armitron. I was also happy to see other watches I own on that list. I guess my big mistake was buying a Timex “field watch” off of eBay. Terrible quality (and I love Timex Expedition watches). I think I was had (I’ll say it. “Ya think?).
The G-Shock GWM5610-1 is the definition of the bees knees. You could wear that watch to hell and back while staying perfectly on time with the multiband 6, staying charged with tough solar, and it looks good, too. I can't recommend that watch to enough people.
I'd like to put in my two cents: The sadly discontinued seiko solar. SNE095P2 (V158?). Mine seems to be utterly indestructible. It's seen a decade or more of hard weeks, hard knocks, chemicals, solvents, impacts, lumberjacking, wrenching... I just can't seem to kill it.
How to sell microbrands without saying "microbrands paid me to sell their brand" . What about Muhle Glashutte, NFW watch, Seiko Tunas, Casio Titanium, Gshock MR-Gs.....
@@TotemparadoxThat happens for a reason. Also most of these microbrands use a Seiko or Citizen movement anyway. Miyota which is the most common mechanical movement you will find in micro brands is owned by Citizen. Seiko and Casio are two of the most prolific quartz movement manufacturers in the world. And if they want to put Swiss on the dial the brand in question will go with a Sellita movement. So in most cases, you are just paying for what ever brand happens to be on the dial. So to steal a tagline from a lot of these fashion watch brands. Why not cut out the middleman and buy a watch from the manufacturer of the movement? Brands like Seiko, Citizen, and Casio have their reputation for a reason. Seiko single handedly brought the Swiss watch industry to their knees when they introduced the quartz movement in the 70s. Citizen has always been looking for new and inventive ways to tell time. From the eco drive, to linking with the atomic clock, and more recently reviving the Accutron brand and making a watch that uses electrostatic generators and a motor to tell time. And finally Casio with the G Shock. The watch you go to when you need a watch that can handle just about anything.
Muhle Glashutte is incredibly underrated. Though to be fair that going for most German brands outside of IWC and maybe Lange depending on who you are talking to.
Any fully tegimented Sinn watch in steel will be indestructible and almost impossible to scratch. They use U Boat steel so it won't corrode either if you take a dip in sea water often
Yo, I watch an unreasonable amount of Watch content on RUclips. I also watch all the heritage/workwear channels too. Never thought I would see this crossover in a million years.
Also if there’s any one here who isn’t into watches, here are a couple of pieces of advice for your first watch. Wait. Watch reviews. Do research. Window shop. Go try stuff on in person. Watches wear completely different in person than they do on camera, and especially on someone else. Second piece of advice, save up for the watch you really want. If you like the Rolex Submariner, don’t buy a Tudor Black Bay 58 as a replacement. It will only temporarily fill the void for the watch you actually want. Almost every watch guy will do this at least once in their collection lifetime.
Carl I appreciate your content, I am so like you in so many ways. I have to say, was really looking forward to the video, unfortunately I disagree w most of suggestions. I started getting into watches a few yrs ago, not an expert, but I'm neurotic when I have my mind on something. I have an idea , I think you'd agree the most important and useful tool, a ROUGHED CELL PHONE!! Im an HVAC mech 26yrs, have had 2 experiences 1 GOD awful and the recent was incredible. Done a ton of research. Would love to see what u think
Interesting, something to consider though, if the majority of the products you recommend are in the not so cheap category because they are considered to be dependable, why recommend bottom of the barrel priced watches? I get one or two, but there are some seriously dependable tool watches out there. You get what you pay for, and some of those vintage watches can still outperform what is currently being offered. Interestingly, Zodiac produced one of the first commercially available dive watches of the modern era in 1953 and is sought after by collectors. As far as brands to look at, Tudor, Breitling, Marathon, Sinn, Sangin, Stirling, Casio Protrek series, Hamilton, Seiko, and for digital folks, Suunto or Garmin.
Are you new to Carls channel? He got started with workwear, not thousand dollar watches. It doesn't make sense to recommend a watch that costs 2-3x his followers monthly pay.
@@Totemparadox no, but Carl does recommend dependable rock steady built to last gear not bottom dollar stuff. The jackets, hoodies, boots etc he talks about aren't exactly cheap, and they are built to last. You get what you pay for. If you want to go out and buy the readily available work boots on sale at the local box store, you'll probably end up buying several pairs a year, but the boots he talks about will last years if taken care of, the same goes for the watches I'm referring to. A tool watch is exactly that. I spent over 20 years in the mil putting tool watches through harsh conditions, and probably another 10 in assorted trades putting them to the test. Different watches for different budgets, but a good starting point is 3-500 dollars retail, and you can find those watches used for about half that price in nearly perfect condition. But hey, if guys want to carry a phone that costs 1500 dollars so they can watch youtube videos and tiktok on it instead that's cool, I'd rather have something I can pass on. I don't own all of the watches on that list, but I do have most, but it's nice to have goals.
@@boozytheclown I get you. I got a 1500 dollar phone and my watch is 1k. I'm not gonna buy any of these watches and I'm dreaming of the new Tudor 58 GMT. Yes most of these are bottom of the barrel when it comes to price BUT they'll still last. And if they don't. Buying one 50 dollar watch per year would take 100 years to pay for a Tudor.
I like this list and the idea in general. I have learned that most people do not need tough watches as they do not have tough jobs and hobbies. I wear a relatively expensive Omega Speedmaster on my wrist every day. I drum with it on and play ice hockey 5 times a week. It withstands it all. Should people do what I do? I am kinda dumb and believe that a watch is a tool built to be used. Moonwatches were torture tested. They have 50m of water resistance. I shower and swim with it on. I know it can take it. It also has a 5 year warranty. Will it fail me? We shall see. Use what you have. The majority of people baby their watches and fear scratches or theft or water. Many of the toughest people I know wore regular watches and went about their lives. They never needed all this spec-heavy gear. But we invent all these scenarios so we can buy more stuff. I have been very guilty of this! Save your money. Use what you have. You'd be surprised how durable it is.😂
Except their bands break after a year or two if you actually wear them outside... Also, the crystal is made of soft plastic and is fully exposed, so it tends to accommodate scratches rather easily. It's a cheap, disposable watch - the actual opposite of a durable one. Plus, the backlight is next to unusable, it's very difficult to read time in the dark.
Tough watch review and g-shock comes in at number 10? I like Ben’s channel, been following him for a while… but the more I watch his reviews the more I have started questioning his choices and opinions on watches.
This list is an absolute joke. Victorinox, Marathon, and/or Damasko if you're looking for a tough mechanical watch. G-Shock if you're looking for for a tough quartz watch.
Why CWC or Victorinox INOX are not on the list? CWC has fixed spring bar and you can purchase seperately for a plastic watch protection piece. Victorinox has case design that can withstand a tank rolling over. Also you get a plastic watch protection piece as well.
All you need is the cheapest G-shock they sell and it will last as long as any watch in the video. This dude is showing a lot of pricy watches no one would wear on a construction site.
Automatic movement is not something I'd call durable, it is susceptible to shock, magnetism and needs servicing every couple of years. In the case of Vostok it's also incredibly outdated, it doesn't even have a date quickset function. Plus, cases of the older models were made of chrome/nickel plated brass, which gets pitted from sweat over time, not to mention it scratches easily - as does the plastic crystal. The contemporary models made of stainless steel might be difficult to get as Russian produce has been sanctioned in many countries (plus you might just prefer not to sponsor a company which provides military equipment to the Russian army). If you need a true beater, just get a solar-powered G-Shock. As per the Soviet products - do you know what's big, heavy, loud, ugly, and cuts apples in halves? It's a Soviet-made machine for cutting apples in quarters. I'm sure that people born before the year 1990 in one of the former Soviet bloc countries can relate...
Not a fan of much of his list or this video. I watch his stuff but honestly his list doesn’t make sense here, a place where people discuss $1000 boots and $200 shirts.
Hamilton? Timex? Omega Aqua Terra? Marathon? Sinn? Myriad other German brands? Piss-poor list. This channel is focused on buy-it-for-life one-and-done. All the above-mentioned brands fit there. Most mentioned on this list don't.
Look into MTM special ops watches. Used by special forces on the other side of the world. 9nly 3 places in the world you can buy them. All built on the concept of being indestructible. They have videos of their watches being hammered and even ran over by trucks and still surviving.
I weld, swing a hammer, shoot (Texas guy here) and work everyday with my Garmin Solar Instinct 2x tactical. I charge it every 40 days or so, it has a flashlight, takes my BP, and heart rate, my steps, sleep, 02 levels, has an Altimeter, gives me sunrise and sunset times… it can do more, but whatever..until this watch I wore a G Shock
A G-Shock 5600 will be on my wrist the vast majority of days for the rest of my life. I've been wearing them since 1991.
Damn, right on!!!
Had mine in almost everyday for 4 years. It’s a mini tank. I bought it just ti beat up but slowly have fell in love with it. I don’t know what I would do without mine! Tough solar is absolutely amazing too!
Been wearing Casio watches for over 40 years. Best watches for the price, hands down.
100%. I had mine stolen when I was a kid... walked by one on clearance that caught my eye and bought it, again. Best decision ever. My go to. Only thing that will replace it is the solar.
No mention of the highest class, incredibly durable Spaghetti Scametti???
I like Ben, I've watched dozens of his videos. I like the Bertucci fixed lugs.
Bertucci - my A1S has been through hunting, mechanics, everything I could throw at it. Been absolutely covered in dirt, blood, solvents, etc and has been absolutely bulletproof.
So rad to see Ben on your channel! Luminox was the first expensive watch (over $100 was a lot to spend on a watch for me at the time) when i started working at the refinery. I haven't worn it for probably 15 years since i have a bunch of other watches i prefer, but i hold on to it for sentimental reasons. 😊 Quick non related question, have you ever checked out Deso Supply Co. clothing? I just got a moleskin hooded shacket from them and it is really good quality for the price and made in the USA! They kind of remind me of the old Topo Designs clothing, before they moved manufacturing out of the USA. Anyways, you are awesome and this is another great informative video from the Carl. Have a great weekend brother!
No mention of Timex watches. Ben even stole their slogo, takes a licking but keeps on ticking. I have two Timex Expedition dive style WR200 and shock resistant. I think they are 20 yrs old and have been the most durable and dependable watches I ever owned.
Timex rules ! Especially the EZ readers.
Best watch in this video BY FAR is the Casio GWM5610-1, Always accurate to the second, will never run out of battery, has the best legibility out of any watch i have ever owned (over 50). For the sake of function over anything there's no better watch on the market, not for 50 bucks, not for 50.000 bucks.
So when are we getting the cereal recommendations?
I think the Invicta Pro Diver deserves a spot here too. Now hear me out! it is cheap and I have had one that is still running great, keeping great time after nearly 14 years of abuse on the jobsite, one of those sites being Afghanistan as a line medic with the 10th Mnt. division (2-87 INF)
The invicta pro diver is so funny. Garbage company with a single undeniably decent watch at a price that most brands can't touch
Yeah it’s their one good watch and damn is it a good watch
Honestly the answer to this is simple, Casio G Shock. If you want a do it all watch that will survive just about anything G Shock is the go to. And that would be what I would recommend for you Carl. And I would avoid any traditional hand wind or automatics as the environment you work in (with electro magicnetic fields and so forth can throw off the accuracy of the watch.
I had a Gshock GA700UC-8A that I purchased some years ago as I’m a machinist & fabricator and I go through watches very quickly. My Gshock blew out in less than 90 days and had to warranty it so I fostered it off for $30. I had a Citizen EcoZilla eco drive sitting in my dresser that I wasn’t sure why I even bought the thing so I started wearing it to the shop 6 days a week. That was 5 years ago and my Bonetto Cinturini rubber straps last two years before I lose a strap keeper.
Never would've thought I'd see Ben here. Cool collab!
My "tough watch" is my G-Shock GMW-B5000 "steel square". Such a tank of a watch and a cool more modern and dressy-ish take on the classic square.
I bought a F-91 Casio in September '23 before my army service! (9 months in Greece). Continued all through summer with a job at the sea. Despite the salt, the water (diving almost every day), the strong cleaning chemicals and all the times I hit and scratched my hand in surfaces (even rocks!) this thing is almost as good as new! Propably I will replace it with something more stylish one day!
Wasn’t ready for the jump cut to young professor X
I bought Craft and Lore’s bronze watch a couple years ago and love it. I wear it to work where it’s been beat up so much, I’ve knocked the face against metal quite a few times each time thinking it was f*cked but not even a scratch on it. They make some cool stuff, and I found them from you Carl. Thanks man…
My Timex Expedition has been a great watch for me so far and was less than 50 bucks
Been rocking the Casio Duro on the jobsite off and on with a small Casio for the last year or so. That thing can take a beating, though does get fairly scratched up. All the other guys think it’s way more expensive than it really is, so take that however you want. It is a bit big so sometimes I have to remove it when fishing wire or working in confined space.
As I always say, a mans not fully dressed without a belt, pocket knife, and a watch.
That throw was atrocious 💀
Hey hey ...yes it was
What about reviewing watches in extreme temperatures?
Cool video. Love watches. Watched a ton of bens videos. Casio is the goat. I'd add timex watches like ironman and digital expedition lines. My grandfathers timex dynabeat is in my watch box ticking (loudly) rn lol. Also.. marathon, glycine and scurfa really should have been on the list.
The Collab I didn't know I needed
I've got my tough watch on, my G-Shock Rangrman GW-9400-1, got all the things I need on it and more. Maybe I might get the G-Shock GW-5000U-1 as a smaller and more discrete option. My other one which is pretty tough is my Casio MRW-200H analogue watch. Good video.
You are forgetting Helm and Vostok! Helms are built like tanks and Vostoks are very tough with an acrylic crystal that tightens with water pressure, a shock system and a crown that detaches from the stem.
I've put both, especially the Vostok through a lot of damage while rafting and travelling. Really well constructed.
Bertucci also has a great reputation but I've never held one.
I love my Helm Khuraburi, hard as nails though unfortunately a little too big to wear on the jobsite, just gets in the way sometimes. Definitely my favorite watch in the collection though.
@Lionharted14 it's so legible with that bezel.
My vostok stopped winding..... 🥲
@vlaricshard2 sorry to hear that. Apparently if you give them a good whack it helps lol. Happened to me and it started working. But you can always get a lemon
I work on a ranch, and the timex expedition scout 40mm is the watch I wear. I have others but when I want a good work watch that’s the one I reach for. It’s cheap so if you break it, it’s not gonna hurt to too bad, and it’s a great value.
The toughest watch is a Frogman (older digital one). I've taken many apart and frogman is a tank. Not sure I would ever consider any analog let alone a mechanical one as tough.
Although im a fan of Ben I gotta disagree with a lot of his list. Some of them just have no business being on there when there are so many others that easily outpace in quality, value and durability. I also think most of his list are incredibly cheap considering the most of us here fans of Carl's will drop a few hundred bucks on a pair of jeans or a few grand on a jacket. Now im not suggesting the list should of been full of Rolex, Omega and alike but I think too much of this list was focused on budget pieces. When I think TOUGH watches I think SINN, Damasko, Marathon, DOXA, Breitling... Even Luminox, Hamilton and of course durable can't be mentioned without Casio. Such amazing missed recommendations. when even the few I listed have insane pieces from $50-$3,000.
I think the bias towards budget pieces is because that's Ben's specialty at the end of the day. Can't remember the last time he featured a watch that was above 600 dollars in his channel
Would have been a better collaboration with Teddy.
I agree. This list was for the low budget get by watches. I wear a g shock GWG-2000 everyday, actively trying to kill it daily. At $800.00 it's not cheap, because it's not cheap. I have a pile of watches like the ones on this list that I have destroyed on the job. The Mudmaster Casio is the only one that I can't seem to hurt. I even ripped out a button trying to remove welding slag from it and it still works fine. I just filled the hole with rvt silicone to keep it dry and no problem. Although I do appreciate Ben's opinion, he looks like the last guy who would know anything about tough. Drag those things against some concrete or rusted steel and you'll really find out what's tough and what's fashion. I hope I'm not being to harsh here, Carl you know I love your stuff thanks for the "watch". ✌️
I'm glad to see my faith in the Casio G-Shock series confirmed. Id be interested in your opinions (both yours and Ben's) about the Instinct by Garmin. It maybe a little gadgety for some; but, I've found that it works well and has a lot of toughness. Glad to see that Timex wasn't on the avoid list.
Casio MRW200H is incredibly tough and good value at around £30
I think you should also mention Victorinox Inox series. The swiss army knife company has made some really tough watches.
You can’t forget the Omega Railmaster ad the Citizen Promaster Tough.
Casio Duro on my wrist, a buddy got an Erebus and I considered it, but I ended up just throwing my Duro on a Stainless bracelet from Long Island watch instead. 👌🏼 Tough as hell, looks sharp, and inexpensive.
Hey Carl, cool video. I have 2 questions though:
1, Are you still exclusively rocking the green Oris Aquis?
2, If you are, do you have any thoughts on upgrading to the version with the in-house movement, or has your current one been sufficiently bulletproof that you have no interest in the newer version?
If you're not familiar with the differences, the in house (AKA Calibre 400) has a 10 year service interval, 5 day power reserve, 10 year warranty, and while it doesn't say "Chronometer" on it and isn't sent to COSC, if you sift through Oris's FAQ's it is actually spec'd and gauranteed to -3/+5 seconds per day which is actually slightly better than the COSC standard.
Price is $3900 retail on the rubber strap.
I've worked all kinds of hellish jobs.
My nr1 absolutely most indestructible pick is the victorinox inox. Mine is so scratched it's not even funny but it's been with me since 2018 I think and has had 0 issues. It's been worn on the outside of my jacket in sub -40C and worked just fine, accidentally been left in a sauna, driven over, frozen, hit with shock, magnetism and so on. Never had a single issue.
I've had issues with g shocks. Buttons being pressed accidentally and water entering, fogging of crystals and even temperature fucking with timekeeping.
Next rugged piece I'm considering though is a luminox due to the tritium. The inox has good lume but it only lasts maybe 4-5 hours
I know everyone is going to have an opinion, but Sinn's UX watches are pretty much the holy grail of tool watches. I'm surprised that the Seiko Tuna didn't get a spot here.
Timex Ironman Triathlon Shock been on my wrist for 7 years now and has taken quite a beating and keeps on going even with the original watch band 👍
Please if I could, 1 more thing. The Squale watch you have might not be the toughest, but that is a very special watch. Great for divers and the history, you might want to look into it. Just a tibbet, I think if I remember correctly, they made the cases for either Rolex or Blancpain, the 1st "dive watches"
Love this collaboration! Appreciate the info. And now my wallet is lighter 😂
Ocean Crawler should definitely be on any list of toughest watches. Go to their site and read how they test their watches. I have the Bolt and it is as tough as nails.
Other watches to consider:
Hamilton Khaki Field watch.
Panerai Luminor.
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
Seiko Prospex
Seiko Five
Oris Aquis
Vostok (any these things are virtually indestructible)
Thank you for this!
@Antek_S Also put up several sub $1000 watches. Most of which are sub $500. Not everyone is on the same budget.
@Antek_S I am well familiar with who he is. And since the title of the video is "Testing the TOUGHEST watches you can buy" and not the cheapest tough watch, expensive isn't excluded.
Yes, the price point for some of them is prohibitive. Just like the cost of Iron Heart ultra heavy flannels is cost prohibitive for many people. Or even the several Nicks Boots reviews, at an average price of over $600.
Are you sure you know who he is as a reviewer?
-edit-
Misread your statement. No, I am not familiar with Ben.
@@americannihilstgoing to a work site with a Bb58 or a Luminor is borderline re****ed.
I'm sure it won't last a decade, but my Garmin Fenix 7 has stood up to more wear than any other watch I have owned. I wear it every single day and the screen doesn't even have a scratch on it, plus 28 day battery life.
Cant beat that!!
If you got the money, I would look into Sinn watches. Some of their models are tanks specifically made for the hardest jobs
Some great watches on the list. Most of these are my style for sure.
I have used timex iron mans for 17 years in the military. It's not a fashionable thing but it's survived from -60 to +115 and been swimming in swamps lakes and rivers all over.
Thank you Carl and Ben!
C'mon Carl, you didn't even try with that hat throw.
Thank you Carl and thank you, Ben for this. I was pleasantly surprised that Armitron was on the “good list”. A lot of folks (snobs) write them off as cheap quality watches without looking at the history of Armitron. I was also happy to see other watches I own on that list. I guess my big mistake was buying a Timex “field watch” off of eBay. Terrible quality (and I love Timex Expedition watches). I think I was had (I’ll say it. “Ya think?).
The G-Shock GWM5610-1 is the definition of the bees knees. You could wear that watch to hell and back while staying perfectly on time with the multiband 6, staying charged with tough solar, and it looks good, too. I can't recommend that watch to enough people.
I'd like to put in my two cents: The sadly discontinued seiko solar. SNE095P2 (V158?). Mine seems to be utterly indestructible. It's seen a decade or more of hard weeks, hard knocks, chemicals, solvents, impacts, lumberjacking, wrenching... I just can't seem to kill it.
How to sell microbrands without saying "microbrands paid me to sell their brand" .
What about Muhle Glashutte, NFW watch, Seiko Tunas, Casio Titanium, Gshock MR-Gs.....
There's your answer. EVERYONE knows about those. Why list the same watches again and again and again?
@@TotemparadoxThat happens for a reason. Also most of these microbrands use a Seiko or Citizen movement anyway. Miyota which is the most common mechanical movement you will find in micro brands is owned by Citizen. Seiko and Casio are two of the most prolific quartz movement manufacturers in the world. And if they want to put Swiss on the dial the brand in question will go with a Sellita movement. So in most cases, you are just paying for what ever brand happens to be on the dial.
So to steal a tagline from a lot of these fashion watch brands. Why not cut out the middleman and buy a watch from the manufacturer of the movement?
Brands like Seiko, Citizen, and Casio have their reputation for a reason. Seiko single handedly brought the Swiss watch industry to their knees when they introduced the quartz movement in the 70s. Citizen has always been looking for new and inventive ways to tell time. From the eco drive, to linking with the atomic clock, and more recently reviving the Accutron brand and making a watch that uses electrostatic generators and a motor to tell time. And finally Casio with the G Shock. The watch you go to when you need a watch that can handle just about anything.
Muhle Glashutte is incredibly underrated. Though to be fair that going for most German brands outside of IWC and maybe Lange depending on who you are talking to.
Ben is not paid to shill these brands lol. Its just cheap sturdy watches.
@@MIIIB we hear about these all of the time,this was nice to hear about some lesser known models
Marathon watches are definitely worth looking at. Issued to militaries and government agencies all over the world.
You forgot the casio mrw 200h and the timex ironman shock as good watches
And not to forget world time too! Real accurate!
Any fully tegimented Sinn watch in steel will be indestructible and almost impossible to scratch. They use U Boat steel so it won't corrode either if you take a dip in sea water often
Yo, I watch an unreasonable amount of Watch content on RUclips. I also watch all the heritage/workwear channels too. Never thought I would see this crossover in a million years.
Also if there’s any one here who isn’t into watches, here are a couple of pieces of advice for your first watch.
Wait. Watch reviews. Do research. Window shop. Go try stuff on in person. Watches wear completely different in person than they do on camera, and especially on someone else.
Second piece of advice, save up for the watch you really want. If you like the Rolex Submariner, don’t buy a Tudor Black Bay 58 as a replacement. It will only temporarily fill the void for the watch you actually want. Almost every watch guy will do this at least once in their collection lifetime.
Carl I appreciate your content, I am so like you in so many ways. I have to say, was really looking forward to the video, unfortunately I disagree w most of suggestions. I started getting into watches a few yrs ago, not an expert, but I'm neurotic when I have my mind on something. I have an idea , I think you'd agree the most important and useful tool, a ROUGHED CELL PHONE!! Im an HVAC mech 26yrs, have had 2 experiences 1 GOD awful and the recent was incredible. Done a ton of research. Would love to see what u think
Interesting, something to consider though, if the majority of the products you recommend are in the not so cheap category because they are considered to be dependable, why recommend bottom of the barrel priced watches? I get one or two, but there are some seriously dependable tool watches out there. You get what you pay for, and some of those vintage watches can still outperform what is currently being offered. Interestingly, Zodiac produced one of the first commercially available dive watches of the modern era in 1953 and is sought after by collectors. As far as brands to look at, Tudor, Breitling, Marathon, Sinn, Sangin, Stirling, Casio Protrek series, Hamilton, Seiko, and for digital folks, Suunto or Garmin.
Are you new to Carls channel? He got started with workwear, not thousand dollar watches. It doesn't make sense to recommend a watch that costs 2-3x his followers monthly pay.
@@Totemparadox no, but Carl does recommend dependable rock steady built to last gear not bottom dollar stuff. The jackets, hoodies, boots etc he talks about aren't exactly cheap, and they are built to last. You get what you pay for. If you want to go out and buy the readily available work boots on sale at the local box store, you'll probably end up buying several pairs a year, but the boots he talks about will last years if taken care of, the same goes for the watches I'm referring to. A tool watch is exactly that. I spent over 20 years in the mil putting tool watches through harsh conditions, and probably another 10 in assorted trades putting them to the test. Different watches for different budgets, but a good starting point is 3-500 dollars retail, and you can find those watches used for about half that price in nearly perfect condition. But hey, if guys want to carry a phone that costs 1500 dollars so they can watch youtube videos and tiktok on it instead that's cool, I'd rather have something I can pass on. I don't own all of the watches on that list, but I do have most, but it's nice to have goals.
@@boozytheclown I get you. I got a 1500 dollar phone and my watch is 1k. I'm not gonna buy any of these watches and I'm dreaming of the new Tudor 58 GMT. Yes most of these are bottom of the barrel when it comes to price BUT they'll still last. And if they don't. Buying one 50 dollar watch per year would take 100 years to pay for a Tudor.
LOL "Types of cereal"
Not a single luminox mention is wild
I've been wearing my timex for the last 25 years
I have a fossil that’s about 25 years old,still works well,and I still wear it
I like this list and the idea in general. I have learned that most people do not need tough watches as they do not have tough jobs and hobbies. I wear a relatively expensive Omega Speedmaster on my wrist every day. I drum with it on and play ice hockey 5 times a week. It withstands it all. Should people do what I do? I am kinda dumb and believe that a watch is a tool built to be used. Moonwatches were torture tested. They have 50m of water resistance. I shower and swim with it on. I know it can take it. It also has a 5 year warranty. Will it fail me? We shall see. Use what you have. The majority of people baby their watches and fear scratches or theft or water. Many of the toughest people I know wore regular watches and went about their lives. They never needed all this spec-heavy gear. But we invent all these scenarios so we can buy more stuff. I have been very guilty of this! Save your money. Use what you have. You'd be surprised how durable it is.😂
Hey Carl and viewers, Gshocks are pretty much Brunts if their claims were true. They are cheap and will outwork any other watch on the market.
This is the best analogy ever! 😆
Vaer watches are really good, too.
Gshock 😊
I think Marathon desrves a shout too.
I'm surprised marathon never made an appearance
G-Shock Mud Master FTW 🤙
Just get a marathon search and rescue
Tell me more about your bad experience with luminous. I was thinking about getting one ! Help !
I've owned like 15 Casio F-91s. Only because I lose them. They never die.
Except their bands break after a year or two if you actually wear them outside... Also, the crystal is made of soft plastic and is fully exposed, so it tends to accommodate scratches rather easily. It's a cheap, disposable watch - the actual opposite of a durable one. Plus, the backlight is next to unusable, it's very difficult to read time in the dark.
Fossil needs to focus on Zodiac
Tough watch review and g-shock comes in at number 10? I like Ben’s channel, been following him for a while… but the more I watch his reviews the more I have started questioning his choices and opinions on watches.
This list is an absolute joke.
Victorinox, Marathon, and/or Damasko if you're looking for a tough mechanical watch. G-Shock if you're looking for for a tough quartz watch.
The toughest channel for men stuff
Much appreciated amigo!
Why CWC or Victorinox INOX are not on the list? CWC has fixed spring bar and you can purchase seperately for a plastic watch protection piece.
Victorinox has case design that can withstand a tank rolling over. Also you get a plastic watch protection piece as well.
All you need is the cheapest G-shock they sell and it will last as long as any watch in the video. This dude is showing a lot of pricy watches no one would wear on a construction site.
Dude missed off the toughest of the lot . Vostok . Tank of a watch . 🦉. I know my watches pal 😉
I know you do brother! I'm gonna check them out.
Good price , look at the scuba dude great watch . Crown is a unique design , those pesky soviets 🙂🦉
Automatic movement is not something I'd call durable, it is susceptible to shock, magnetism and needs servicing every couple of years. In the case of Vostok it's also incredibly outdated, it doesn't even have a date quickset function. Plus, cases of the older models were made of chrome/nickel plated brass, which gets pitted from sweat over time, not to mention it scratches easily - as does the plastic crystal. The contemporary models made of stainless steel might be difficult to get as Russian produce has been sanctioned in many countries (plus you might just prefer not to sponsor a company which provides military equipment to the Russian army). If you need a true beater, just get a solar-powered G-Shock.
As per the Soviet products - do you know what's big, heavy, loud, ugly, and cuts apples in halves? It's a Soviet-made machine for cutting apples in quarters. I'm sure that people born before the year 1990 in one of the former Soviet bloc countries can relate...
Ben needs to grow beard and stop wearing loafer!! 😂😂😂😂
Does the Biden watch forget what time it is?
LoL 😂
Luminox
Not a fan of much of his list or this video. I watch his stuff but honestly his list doesn’t make sense here, a place where people discuss $1000 boots and $200 shirts.
Shocked the Rolex Explorer wasn’t brought up.
I’m not, it’s middle class overpriced dream watch.🙄
No submariner??? Most of those watches are ass
....put a battery in the Luminox
Hamilton? Timex? Omega Aqua Terra? Marathon? Sinn? Myriad other German brands? Piss-poor list. This channel is focused on buy-it-for-life one-and-done. All the above-mentioned brands fit there. Most mentioned on this list don't.
I agree with nothing Ben said. Only the g shock and the former was even close.
Ok
This is a slightly dumb video, ... Just buy a G-Shock.
This is a slightly dumb comment- he mentioned G-Shock
Drawing your weapon man? Seriously?!?! You should NOT be a cop. Pathetic! Who were you going to shoot, the 80 yo Chinese lady???
Look into MTM special ops watches. Used by special forces on the other side of the world. 9nly 3 places in the world you can buy them. All built on the concept of being indestructible. They have videos of their watches being hammered and even ran over by trucks and still surviving.
I weld, swing a hammer, shoot (Texas guy here) and work everyday with my Garmin Solar Instinct 2x tactical. I charge it every 40 days or so, it has a flashlight, takes my BP, and heart rate, my steps, sleep, 02 levels, has an Altimeter, gives me sunrise and sunset times… it can do more, but whatever..until this watch I wore a G Shock