From my brief stink on a construction site, I can confirm that a construction worker’s job is tough. Not only does your body take a toll – from carrying heavy loads to swinging a hammer to working on the steep pitch of a roof.
Apart from being physically demanding it also puts a lot of wear-and-tear on your tools. Everything from the boots on your feet to the hardhat on your head gets scuffed and dirty. The watch on your wrist is no exception!
If you are looking for an ideal watch for wearing while doing construction – it will need to be made to stand up to the job just like any other tool used on a job site.
Your watch will need to be tough, built to last, and should also be practical and easy to read. A good watch needs to be practical, tough and built to last.
Stainless steel, carbon steel or titanium are the best choices for the case material. Also, be sure to get a watch with scratch-resistant coating on the watch face and a band made of quality leather or a sturdy rubber strap that can take abuse on the job.
If you’re looking for a good affordable choice, the Casio G-Shock G-Steel is a perfect example. We’ve rounded up a list for you of other rugged watches that can stand the wear and tear of this tough job.
Quick Recommendations
Hopefully, you’ll find what you’re looking for on our list below. If you still haven’t found your watch after going through the ones below, we recommend you head over to our list of best digital watches for men with lots of other solid options.
Table of Contents
Best Watches For Construction Workers
Now that we have a picture of what makes up the ideal watch for a construction worker, here, we have a list of watches wherein the earlier mentioned watch descriptions apply. Along with all those said features, in accordance with how much you prefer to spend, as well as what style you prefer, you can choose from among these watches in this list with a wide range of prices and various styles.
Timex Expedition Watch
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When it comes to durability, a list of durable watches won’t be complete without a watch that takes a licking and keeps on ticking. That’s right—a watch from the company that manufactures tough watches that comes at affordable prices, Timex.
A Timex watch would be the most practical option for a construction worker, since a watch may get pounded while he works, and the model we have here from Timex.
Despite its affordable price, the Timex Expedition Watch ticks all the boxes for a watch for a construction worker. First and foremost and the most essential of all is that its shock-resistant to I.S.O. standards. In regards to its materials, the case is made of stainless steel; the dial window is made of mineral crystal, and the strap is made of leather.
Its water-resistance of 100 meters is an advantage for situations at work that involve water. Furthermore, its Indiglo dial feature, wherein the entire dial of the watch gets illuminated with a push of a button, helps to see the time in the dark or even just to serve as a light to manage in the dark as well. It also comes with a date display and a chronograph function.
Casio G-Shock GA110GB-1ACR
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Here is a watch from a line that has also been well known for its remarkable durability, G-shock. This watch line, from the innovative electronics company, Casio, is reputed to withstand any harsh environment or situation.
The Casio G-Shock GA110GB-1ACR with resin strap and case, mineral crystal dial window, shock resistance, and water resistance of 200 meters make it an exceptional watch to wear on a construction site.
This quartz dial includes displays for the month; day; and date, as well as a 1/100 of a minute sub-dial, which is illuminated with an auto LED light. The gold accents on its black color add some pizazz which makes it perfect for those who want something more stylish.
Moreover, the watch includes other functions, such as magnetic resistance; world time; five daily alarms; an hourly time signal; a stopwatch; a countdown timer; a full-auto calendar; and 12/24 hour formats.
Timex Expedition Shock
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Yet again, we have another watch from the company that provides watches that takes a licking and keeps on ticking, Timex.
The Timex Expedition Shock-Resistant Chronograph Watch is a quartz watch packed with features fit for a construction worker.
Its case, as well as its strap, is made of resin. It’s shock-resistant. And it has a water resistance of 200 meters.
Apart from all those useful features for a construction worker that the watch has, it also has several other beneficial features, such as an Indiglo dial; a compass; a chronograph function; a timer function; an alarm function; and an occasion function.
Casio G-Shock Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Watch
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Fun fact: G-Shock is actually the brainchild of Mr. Ibe inspired by his dream of an unbreakable watch.
So that would explain why G-shock watches are so resilient and why we have here, another G-Shock on our list, the Casio G-Shock Master of G Stainless Steel Solar Watch.
Composed of a stainless steel case; a mineral crystal dial window; and a resin strap for its materials, this quartz watch is built with a rugged construction perfect for a construction worker. Along with its solid build are its shock resistance and water resistance of 200 meters that will also come in handy.
This powerful watch that runs with its Tough Solar technology and provides timekeeping precision with its multi-band 6 atomic timekeeping is a triple sensor including an altimeter/barometer, a thermometer, and a compass.
What’s more is that this watch comes with a 1/10 second stopwatch; a countdown timer; day, date, and month calendar displays; a sunrise and sunset data; a timestamp; an auto LED light; and five daily alarms.
Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG1000-1A5CR
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For the third time, is another mention of a watch from the watch line, G-Shock. The watches from the said line are, in fact, some of the most resilient in the market. This time, the model we have is from its Mudmaster series, the Mudmaster GG1000-1A5CR.
The Mudmaster series is actually a breakthrough innovation of Casio as for its own cutting-edge technology, which is a distinctive development in the watch-making industry.
Only in the Mudmaster series can one find mud resistance, wherein mud; dirt; and dust that may cause damage to a watch are kept from getting in the watch with the multiple gaskets placed within the watches. Considering the dirt on mud on an active worksite, mud resistance is definitely something to consider when shopping for construction workers, as their work tends to get down and dirty.
Apart from this quartz watch’s mud resistance, construction workers could also benefit from its shock resistance; 200-meter water resistance; and watch materials of resin throughout its case and strap and mineral crystal for its dial window. This watch also made our list of best G-shocks for the military. If it can be taken into combat, it can stand up to construction work.
Additional features of this watch are a super illuminator LED light, Neo-brite luminescent hands, compass, a thermometer, world time, a stopwatch, a countdown timer, five daily alarms, an hourly time signal, a full auto-calendar, and 12/24-hour formats.
Citizen Eco-Drive CA0649-14E
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Apart from the ecologically friendly timekeeping that provides the time with power sourced from natural; artificial; and even dim light that will not need a change of batteries nor would ever stop—a technology Citizen has pioneered in developing that the Eco-Drive line is known for— comes with the Citizen Eco-Drive Brycen (CA0649-14E), plenty of advantages for a construction worker and more.
This Japanese quartz watch is built with a stainless steel case, a mineral crystal dial window, and a leather strap. And it’s water-resistant to 100 meters.
It’s an analog watch with luminescent hands, a date display, a chronograph function, and a tachymeter bezel.
Casio G-Steel GST-S110-1ACR
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You can never really go wrong with a G-shock, and again, here we are with another watch from the said watch line renowned for its resilience.
The Casio G-Steel GST-S110-1ACR comes with a convenient combination of features that will be of benefit to a construction worker.
Along with this quartz watch’s rugged construction includes a stainless steel case; a mineral crystal dial window; and a resin strap. Other advantageous features will come in handy for a construction worker, such as its shock resistance and water resistance of 200 meters.
This Casio Tough Solar watch also comes with a full auto-calendar, 12/24 hr formats, five daily alarms, an hourly time signal, a 1/100th-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and world time. It’s illuminated with a full-auto super illuminator LED light and has Neo-Brite luminescent hands.
If seeing in low light is a top priority, this is a great pick. You may also want to look at this list of the Best Luminous Watches, the list also has very durable watches from and Luminox, Pro-Trek and G-Shock that would also all make good picks for construction or other professions where gear takes a regular beating.
GPW Military GMT Titanium Watch
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The GPW Military GMT Titanium Watch is a product of Arctos Praezionsuhren e.K., a German watch company that has a history and tradition for creating quality watches for soldiers in Germany.
Without a doubt, a watch built for soldiers would surely also be efficient for the labor-intensive job of a construction worker.
With this Swiss quartz military watch, comes several desirable features fit for a construction worker. It’s built with a titanium case, a sapphire crystal dial window, and a rubber strap. It’s shock-resistant, as well as water-resistant to 200 meters. In addition, it has luminescent hands and hour markers; a date display; and a GMT feature with a second-time-zone.
Skagen Connected Hagen Titanium and Leather Hybrid Smartwatch
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Though it may seem like a mere analog quartz watch, the Skagen Connected Hagen Titanium Hybrid Smartwatch has a lot of great features in store as a smartwatch.
Here is a classy-looking watch built with a titanium case, a mineral crystal dial window, and a leather strap. Appearances can be deceiving, but this model by the Danish watch brand is not just an ordinary watch.
Its water-resistance of 100 meters is also an advantage in addition to the watch’s rugged yet chicly designed build. If you feel like changing up the style, the strap can be easily interchanged with all Skagen 20mm straps, plus it has customizable buttons. Learn more about Skagen watches here.
As a smartwatch, it automatically updates the time and date. And not only will one be able to keep track of time with this watch, but also one’s goals with its custom goal setting. Activity tracking and sleep monitoring are also provided in this watch.
With this hybrid smartwatch, one can immediately be updated on his smartphone notifications just with a peek at his wrist. One can also enjoy music with this smartwatch. And as a phone is one of the most constantly misplaced belongings, its phone finder will come in handy when searching for your misplaced phone.
One can enjoy all those features and more in this smartwatch with its system requirement of Android OS 5.0 or higher or iOS 9.0 on an iPhone 5 and above. See the full specs of this watch on Skagen.com.
If you are interested in other top hybrid smartwatches, here’s a list of our picks.
Dakota Watch Company Mini Clip Microlight Watch
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If you don’t want to risk destroying a watch worn on your wrist at work, perhaps, you may opt for a clip watch instead like this Dakota Watch Company Mini Clip Microlight Watch.
This timepiece could serve as a good alternative that one can just clip on his belt loop. It comes with luminescent hands and hour markers with an added ultra-bright LED microlight.
Construction Of A Quality Watch For A Construction Worker
In terms of practicality and convenience, the characteristics to look for in a watch to wear for a construction worker would be one that is durable with rugged construction. Just like watches for firefighters or police officers, this line of work needs everyday gear that can stand up to a fair bit of abuse.
In regards to the watch materials, for the outer case stainless steel, titanium or resin work best for durability. A scratch-resistant dial window made of either mineral crystal or sapphire crystal is critical. Without this, your watch glass will soon be covered in scratches.
As for the strap, either resin, plastic, or genuine leather would do for a comfortable and strong strap, as compared to a metal strap that also tends to scratch.
With all the difficult tasks in the construction site that may get a watch accidentally hit, in addition to the scratch-resistant face, shock resistance would also be a helpful feature for a construction worker’s watch.
Water-resistance is also another feature that scored points on our reviews, while you may not be submerging your watch on the job, there are plenty of times it might get wet so you want a watch that is well sealed.
And since construction work tends to be brutal on watches, we limited the list to relatively affordable watches. However, if you’re a construction worker who also wants a watch as an accessory that he can also use outside of work, several of these watches are designed with enough sophistication they could easily be worn day and night, not just on the job. Most would agree to skip luxury watches. No matter how rugged the watches are, you wouldn’t want to wear an expensive Swiss watch that might get trashed on the job.
Just how the foundation of a structure must be made sturdy, a watch’s overall build must be made strong, with quality materials and excellent workmanship, a construction worker’s watch must also be crafted masterfully built.
Everyone has their own preferences. While some would opt for the tougher but lighter and trendy titanium-cased watch; there are others who would prefer the classic appeal of the shiny silver stainless steel case that also has its strengths. Being corrosive-resistant and scratch-resistant.
Others would go for the sporty and stylish-looking, sturdy, resin case. That’s just one simple example, as there are other features one might consider. In general, tactical watches overall are a good category to look at since most come with sturdy outer cases and rubber straps and many excel at absorbing shock.
One is really free to choose whatever kind of watch as he wishes, and from our list, you can select any suitable watch for construction work that you prefer.
Or perhaps, you might want to hear from other construction workers as well. Nevertheless, as an ideal watch for construction workers, we’d advise the Casio G-Shock Mudmaster GG1000-1A5CR, for we know that construction work can get down and dirty, plus it’s not at all too pricey.
On the contrary, as long as a watch has suitable features that can withstand the circumstances at the construction site, you’ll be good to go with that watch. As we end this article, we hope you may find that perfect watch for you here.
Related Video: Watch Shock Resistance Testing
