What Watches Do Soldiers from the SAS/SBS Wear?

For soldiers serving in the UK Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS), the choice of a watch goes beyond mere aesthetics. It often involves a balance of reliability, functionality, and suitability for military operations. Elite units such as the SAS and SBS often opt for watches that are rugged, reliable, and equipped with features necessary for their demanding tasks.

Popular Brands and Models

While there is no official standard issue, several brands and models are commonly associated with these elite units. Below are some of the most favored watches:

G-Shock

Casio G-Shock watches are celebrated for their durability, water resistance, and shock resistance. Models like the G-Shock Mudman are particularly favored for their unparalleled toughness and functionality. These watches are renowned for their reliability and are often chosen by soldiers for their ability to withstand the toughest conditions in the field.

Rolex Submariner

Some personnel opt for the Rolex Submariner, known for its robust construction and excellent water resistance. This iconic watch features a classic design and often serves as a status symbol within the unit. Its popularity among SAS and SBS operators is due not only to its aesthetic appeal but also to its functional characteristics.

Seiko

Seiko dive watches, especially from the Seiko Prospex series, are appreciated for their reliability and affordability. These watches are often chosen for their functionality in various conditions, making them a practical choice for soldiers who need a watch that can perform well in different environments.

Suunto

Suunto watches with GPS and altimeter features are favored for outdoor navigation and training purposes. These watches are particularly useful for soldiers who need to navigate accurately and track their altitude in the field. The brand is recognized for its precision and reliability, making it a popular choice among military units.

Luminox

Luminox watches are renowned for their visibility in low-light conditions, making them suitable for nighttime operations. Luminox watches often feature a high-visibility dial and hands, ensuring that soldiers can easily read the time in the dark. This feature is crucial for missions that require stealth and precision.

Breitling

Breitling watches are another favorite among some operators, particularly models designed for aviation and extreme conditions. These watches are celebrated for their precision and durability, which are essential characteristics for pilots and soldiers who need a high-precision timepiece. Their reliability and functionality make them a popular choice among personnel who require a watch that can withstand extreme conditions.

Personal Experience and Stories

Personal choice plays a significant role in the selection of watches for SAS and SBS soldiers. For instance, my personal watch of choice was a Suunto with an altimeter and barometer. It has been in use for well over 50 years, and all I have to do is change the battery every two years. This long-lasting reliability emphasizes the importance of a watch that can maintain its functionality over extended periods.

There was also a recent story in the press about someone with access to military stores selling these watches on that well-known market/auction site. The watches, however, bore serial numbers, which made it possible to trace the thefts to the individuals responsible. This highlights the importance of maintaining traceability and security for military equipment.

UK MOD and Special Forces Watches

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has provided watches made by Cabot to special forces. However, this is not an absolute as many soldiers choose to wear their own watches or none at all. The Cabot watches, both CWC SBS/RN divers and CWC G10 Pulsar, were developed in the late 1970s. They were created to address the RN's need for a cheap yet tough watch for divers, and to provide a cheap and effective option for the army's general issue.

Cabot Watches

The CWC SBS/RN diver typically comes with a quartz movement and Lexan crystal, while the army and other units get the CWC G10 Pulsar or Seiko. While there may be a few exceptions, it is common for soldiers to bring their own watches. This flexibility allows individuals to choose a watch that best suits their personal preferences and specific needs.

US Military Watches

Regarding the US military, there is no standardized watch issue. In many cases, soldiers are encouraged to purchase their own watches, usually of the G-Shock brand. However, pilots facing potential cabin altitude issues due to OBOGS (On-Board Oxygen Generating System) problems have been issued with Garmin or Suunto watches equipped with a barometric altimeter. This feature helps them monitor their altitude safely.

While the precise watch selection varies among different military branches and units, the common thread is the requirement for a reliable and functional timepiece that can meet the unique demands of their operations.