Best Watch for Paramedic: Why EMT Paramedic Watches Matter?

For EMT professionals and paramedics, having a reliable watch can be a matter of life and death. In most cases, EMT professionals have to rush out to save a patient’s life, and every second matters to them.

So, it’s almost evident that they need accurate, reliable, and highly functional watches in their arsenal. Despite the fact, that no watch manufacturer design watches specifically for the medical professionals, I think military watches and different smartwatches can meet their needs.

Especially, the watches with multiple sensors, health features, and especially, timer and stopwatch features are best watches for first responders and EMTs.

So, let me first talk about some of the best watches for paramedic without any further ado. Then, I would elaborate on the features to look for in these EMT watches. Finally, you’d find the answers to some of the FAQs regarding the point at hand.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  rating price
Best Overall Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch Apple Watch SE (2020)
  • Size (Case Diameter): 44mm
10
Budget Pick Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, BM8180-03E
  • Size (Case Diameter): 37mm
10
 Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch
  • Size (Case Diameter): 43mm
10
 Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400
  • Size (Case Diameter): 54mm
10
 Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch Timex Women’s Ironman Classic 30
  • Size (Case Diameter): 34mm
9.5
 Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch SKMEI CK1219 Army Watch
  • Size (Case Diameter): 52mm
9.5
 Fanmis “Reginald” Rotatable Bezel Luxury Quartz Watch Casio Men’s MRW200H-2B2V Classic Analog Quartz Watch
  • Size (Case Diameter): 44.6mm
9.5

7 Best EMT Watch: Detailed Reviews

Apple Watch SE (2020) – Best Watch for Paramedic

Apple Watch SE

Like I said, feature-rich smartwatches are best suited for the needs of the paramedics. And, when it comes to advanced smartwatches, very few watches come to close to the Apple Watches.

Apple recently launched the Apple Watch SE with its latest and greatest Apple Watch Series 6.  This Apple Watch SE is significantly better than the last generation Series 3 but doesn’t include all the flagship features of the Series 6.

For example, it has about 30% larger Retina display but doesn’t have the “Always-On” feature of the Apple Watch Series 6. Similarly, it has the upgraded Always-On Altimeter instead of the triggered Altimeter.

However, the biggest upgrade in this smartwatch is the dual-core S5 processor, which is about 2x faster than the S3 processor.  

Some of you might argue that, Apple Watch SE is almost the same as the Apple Watch Series 5. Well, I also agree with you guys. But this recently launched watch is bridge between the Series 5 and Series 6.

Despite all the debates, Apple Watch SE is the best EMT watch in terms of values proposition.

An EMT professional can even download third-party applications to meet his/her specific needs.

The only notable negative side of this watch is the price. Yes, you’ll get all the premium features but it comes at a premiums price too. After all, Apple is “the” premium brand of the world.

Product Specifications – Apple Watch SE (2020)

  • Processor: Apple S5 Dual Core
  • Display Type: Retina LTPO OLED, 1000 nits
  • Screen Resolution: 448×368 pixels (326ppi)
  • Case Dimension: 44 x 38 mm
  • Case Thickness: 10.4mm
  • Case Material: Aluminum with Ceramic Back
  • Band Material: Silicone
  • Weight (Approximate): 36.4 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 50 ATM
  • Battery Life: Up to 18 Hours
  • Clasp Type: Apple Buckle
  • Glass: Ion-X Strengthened Glass

Pros

  • Has the fastest and most powerful processor made for smartwatches
  • One of the most feature-rich smartwatches to date
  • The second-generation optical heart sensor  
  • Comes with fall detection feature
  • Has a loudspeaker, 50% louder than previous generation Series 3

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Apple Watch Series 6 is significantly better than SE variant

Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, BM8180-03E – Best Budget Watch for Paramedic

Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, BM8180-03E

If you feel that Apple Watch SE is a bit too expensive, you might like this next watch – Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, BM8180-03E.

Rather than stacking tons of features, Citizen has included only the basic and essential features in this watch. Also, this watch is one of the toughest watches in the market. So, you can rely on this watch to support you in the drastic situations.

I think Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology is extremely useful in this watch. The fact that it can charge itself using any source of light makes the watch literally undying!

The dial is clean without any unnecessary distraction. Plus, the strong lume on the hands and markers will help keep track of time in the dark.

However, I would have preferred a digital display instead of the analog style of this watch. Still, considering the reliability, performance, and value proposition, Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch is the best budget option.

Product Specifications – Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Watch, BM8180-03E

  • Movement: Quartz (Japanese)
  • Caliber Number: Miyota E100
  • Display Type: Analog
  • Case Diameter: 37mm
  • Case Thickness: 9.5mm
  • Band Width: 18mm
  • Case Material: Stainless Steel
  • Band Material: Nylon
  • Weight (Approximate): 60 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Mineral

Pros

  • Eco-Drive movement utilizes any source of light to charge the battery
  • Minimalist design with a clean distraction-free dial
  • Day and date display
  • Luminous hands and markers
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • The watch is very small, especially if you have a large wrist
  • Analog display

Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch – Highest Durability

Luminox Men's 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch

The EMT professionals seek durability and toughness, and only a handful of models can match Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch’s durability.

Luminox designed the 3001 Navy Seal Dive Watch following the requirements of the Navy SEAL’s guideline. Luminox 3001 has been the only watch in history that has passed the extreme durability tests of US Navy SEAL.

And, this watch has passed the test twice with flying colors.

The backlight perform at the highest level for about 25 years, and the battery lasts for more than 4 years. These two facts give a strong idea about the quality and reliability of this watch.

If it hadn’t been an analog watch, I would’ve named it the best watch for EMT without any doubt.

Product Specifications – Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch

  • Movement: Quartz (Swiss)
  • Caliber Number: Ronda 515 HH6
  • Display Type: Analog
  • Case Diameter: 43mm
  • Case Thickness: 10mm
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Carbon Reinforced Polycarbonate
  • Band Material: Polyurethane Dive Strap
  • Weight (Approximate): 140 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 20 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Mineral

Pros

  • One of the toughest watches, the only watch to last the Navy Seals’ durability test
  • Tritium Radioluminescence backlight that lasts for more than 25 years
  • The battery lasts for more than four years.
  • Day and date display
  • Extreme precision
  • Superior water resistance performance
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • The analog display might not be a good option for EMT paramedics

G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

Casio G-Shock is the most famed watch in the whole world for its unmatchable toughness. You can see a huge portion of army personnel wearing a G-Shock.

 G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400 is perhaps the most advanced watch in the G-Shock line-up from Casio. The sheer number of features of the Rangeman GW-9400 will overwhelm anyone.  Casio released the watch in 2013 comes with all the necessary features an EMT professional might need in challenging situations.

For example, like other modern military watches DW-9400 comes with the ABC navigation (Altimeter, barometer, and compass) system. Plus, it can read the temperatures too and offers sunrise and sunset data too based on your location.

Rangeman DW-9400 comes with automatic time and calendar feature. That means, the watch automatically shows the local time based on the time zone.

One of the major issues that military personnel face is the mud ruining the watches. G-Shock offers mud, dust, and dirt-proof casing, so you can use it in any kind of environment.  

Product Specifications – G-Shock Rangeman GW-9400

  • Movement: Quartz (Japanese)
  • Caliber Number: Casio 3410
  • Display Type: Digital (LCD)
  • Case Diameter: 53mm
  • Case Thickness: 18mm
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: Resin (Stainless Steel Case-Back)
  • Band Material: Resin
  • Weight (Approximate): 93 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 20 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Scratch Resistance Mineral

Pros

  • Extremely durable
  • Triple Sensor equipped, able to track altitude, barometric pressure, temperature, and direction reading
  • Time calibration signal reception up to six times a day
  • World time feature with 31 time zones with daylight saving on/off feature
  • Complete chronograph features with a 1/100-second stopwatch
  • Auto LED backlight
  • 5 daily alarms (with 1 snooze alarm) and hourly time signal
  • The solar-powered battery lasts 8 to 23 months based on usage style and battery level indicator
  • Sunrise, sunset time display
  • Shock and mud resistance
  • Perpetual calendar
  • Superior water resistance performance

Cons

  • Very bulky, almost unusable for smaller wrists

Timex Women’s Ironman Classic 30

Timex Women's Ironman Classic 30

Timex Women’s Ironman Classic 30 is basically an advanced sports watch designed for athletes. However, these features can help the paramedics too.

For example, lap counters, chronograph with split features, and the customizable alarms make Timex Women’s Ironman Classic 30 a perfect candidate for the best watch for paramedic.

However, the best two things about this watch are pricing and lightweight. EMT professionals certainly don’t want a hefty watch that might distract them in dire situations.

Maybe that’s why, Timex Women’s Ironman Classic 30 is one of the best-selling watches besides Timex Ironman Triathlon.

More: Best Affordable Moonphase Watch: What Are the Best Options?

Product Specifications – Timex Women’s Ironman Classic 30

  • Movement: Quartz (Swiss)
  • Caliber Number: Unknown
  • Display Type: Digital
  • Case Diameter: 34mm
  • Case Thickness: 12mm
  • Band Width: 13mm
  • Case Material: Resin
  • Band Material: Resin or Stainless Steel
  • Weight (Approximate): 28.3 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Acrylic

Pros

  • Small form factor and sporty design
  • Super lightweight and durable
  • Extremely budget-friendly
  • 30-Lap Memory Recall with 99-Lap Counter
  • 100-Hour Chronograph with Lap and Split Times
  • 15 preset occasions to set reminders with 3 customizable alarms
  • INDIGLO® Night-Light with Night-Mode
  • Calendar features

Cons

  • Strap quality is not up to the mark
  • Some users have complained against the water-resistance performance

SKMEI CK1219 Army Watch

SKMEI CK1219 Army Watch

SKMEI CK1219 Army Watch might just be the great option if you are looking for a cheap, fashionable, and functional watch. It’s tough to find a watch featuring all of these three parameters all at once.

But you need to understand that SKMEI is a fashion watch brand and their watches are not well-known for reliability. So, it might fail you in critical situations.

You can use this watch to make a fashion statement and rock the “military-look.” But I would suggest using this watch as a secondary option and have a reliable watch as the primary choice.

Product Specifications – SKMEI CK1219 Army Watch

  • Movement: Quartz (Chinese)
  • Caliber Number: Unknown
  • Display Type: Digital (13-Digit LCD)
  • Case Diameter: 52mm
  • Case Thickness: 17mm
  • Band Width: 22mm
  • Case Material: ABS Plastic and Polyurethane (PU)
  • Band Material: Polyurethane (PU)
  • Weight (Approximate): 74 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 5 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Resin

Pros

  • One of the cheapest EMT watches
  • Lightweight
  • Complete Calendar features
  • Chronograph, alarm, and countdown timer
  • EL backlight
  • Stylish and fashionable

Cons

  • Poor reliability and durability issues
  • Poor build quality

Casio Men’s MRW200H-2B2V Classic Analog Quartz Watch

Casio Men's MRW200H-2B2V Classic Analog Quartz Watch

Casio Men’s MRW200H-2B2V Classic Analog Quartz Watch is another budget-friendly option if you’re searching for a minimalist basic watch. In many ways, this watch is similar to the Citizen Chandler Field Watch that I mentioned in the second place.

It has three hands to tell time with a day-date display window at the 3 o’clock mark. The watch uses Seiko’s Caliber V157 that offers ±20 second/month accuracy. This level of accuracy is quite rare in the lower price range.

It’s also one of the lightest watches on my list today, which is always a nice thing to have.  However, Casio really disappointed me with the quality of the lume. First of all, it doesn’t have any lume on the markers. Then, the lume of the hand barely lets you see the time in dark.

Still, I would overlook all of these issues considering the ultra-cheap price tag.

More: The Best Gucci Watches Review: Are Gucci Watches Worth the Purchase?  

Product Specifications – Casio Men’s MRW200H-2B2V Classic Watch

  • Movement: Quartz (Japanese)
  • Caliber Number: Seiko Caliber V157
  • Display Type: Analog
  • Case Diameter: 44.6mm
  • Case Thickness: 11.6mm
  • Band Width: 18mm
  • Case Material: Resin
  • Band Material: Resin
  • Weight (Approximate): 39 grams
  • Water-Resistance: 10 ATM
  • Clasp Type: Tang and Buckle
  • Crystal: Resin

Pros

  • Minimalist basic design
  • Day and date display
  • Lightweight
  • Rotary bezel with timer
  • Impressive build quality considering the price

Cons

  • No lume on the markers and the lume quality on the hands is very poor.
  • Analog display

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Good Watch for the Paramedics?

Define Your Purpose

Buying a watch is quite an easy task if you know what to look for and be sure of your purpose.

For example, as an EMT professional, you should focus heavily on the functionalities. Especially, try selecting a watch with chronograph, better visibility in dark, and better accuracy. At the same time, your watch should have a long battery-life (for quartz) so that you can rely on your watch’s long sessions.

Try to prioritize the functionalities that will help you become more efficient during emergency calls.

I would also advise you to steer clear of the fancy and expensive watches.

Why?

You’ll just end up badly damaging your precious watch as those are prone to damages.

More: Benyar Watch Review: A Case for Chinese Watches!

Watch Strap Materials

As you’re dealing with an emergency situation, your watch should hug your wrist tightly. It’ll help you perform your tasks without many interruptions.

That’s why, the best watch for paramedic shouldn’t have a metal bracelet. A leather strap could be a good option.

But I would recommend a watch with a silicon, rubber, PU, or nylon strap. These materials can handle wear and tear better. Also, these straps will help you keep the watch in a fixed position.

More: Fanmis Watch Review: The Best Cheap Chinese Watches

Water Resistance

Having good water resistance performance is essential for a good EMT digital watch or even an analog watch.

An emergency situation might require you to jump into water to rescue victims. Now, if you have a watch with poor water resistance, you’ll probably kill your watch!

So, try getting a watch with at least 10 ATM water resistance.

Size and Weight

It’s quite simple.

Your watch should be as light as possible. A lighter watch will help you focus on your job. Think about it, how can you give proper treatment to a patient, if you are constantly getting distracted by your 250-grams watch?

Things are a bit different with the size of your watch. The size (case diameter) should match your wrist size. Anything that is too big or too small, will be nothing but distraction.  

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FAQ: Regarding Best Watch for Paramedic and EMT Professionals

What Type of Watch Should I Buy?

You should opt for convenience and functionality both at the same time. I understand that these two factors contradict each other, so it’s wise to balance them.

Too much functionality will make a watch inconvenient. While you’re in an emergency situation, you can’t waste even a second. You don’t want your watch to drag you down. So, a perfect EMT watch should be able to tell you all the necessary information instantly.

That’s why, watches like Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, BM8180-03E or Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch are great options. These watches serve the purpose while making things simple.

Who Should Buy an EMT Watch?

Anyone who has to handle critical emergency jobs should get an EMT watch.

For example, emergency medical technicians, doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, and even police officers should own a reliable EMT watch.  

More: Check our review of Curren Watches Here

Conclusion

Let me finish with a list of best watches for paramedics.

Apple Watch SE (2020) would come to the first place because of the high level of functionality. Citizen Eco-Drive Chandler Field Watch, BM8180-03E would grab the second place for budget considerations and convenience.

And finally, Luminox Men’s 3001 Quartz Navy Seal Dive Watch will be my final choice for offering uncompromising durability.

What do you think?

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