The Best Watches Outside

^{Apple Watch Ultra 2/photo from Apple}

It’s 2025, and here we are again, standing at the starting line of our annual resolutions: hit the gym, spend more time outdoors, try something new—same goals, new year. And hey, no shade. The new year is a great time to reset, refocus, and start something that actually matters. Speaking of starting fresh, let’s talk about time—keeping it, spending it, and making sure it counts in 2025.

Watches have come a long way from their humble beginnings as just timekeepers. These days, smartwatches do everything short of making you breakfast—they mirror your phone, track your sleep, measure your steps, check your heart rate, and some even take your blood pressure. But here’s the thing: even with all that tech, there’s still something about a “normal” watch, whether it’s digital or analog, that hits just right. So, what are the best watches to take with you on your outdoor adventures this year?

Here are our picks.

CASIO G-Shock

Let’s kick things off with a no-nonsense, built-for-anything beast—the legendary Casio G-Shock.

There are so, so many G-Shock models out there, it’s almost overwhelming. Take the Mudman and Mudmaster—these are absolute tanks, designed to shrug off whatever the outdoors can throw at them. Then there’s the DW-5600, a personal favorite because it nails that perfect balance of military-grade durability and classic design. And honestly, we could go on forever about the lineup, but here’s the bottom line: there’s a G-Shock for every kind of person and every kind of adventure. It’s a classic for a reason.

AVERAGE PRICE: 10,000PHP

Apple Watch Ultra 2

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is like the Swiss Army knife of adventure gear, but way cooler (and it lives on your wrist). Built tough with aerospace-grade titanium and a sapphire crystal display, this thing can handle just about anything you throw at it. Lost on an unmarked trail? No worries—it’s got precision GPS to get you back on track. Blazing sunlight? Its ultra-bright 3000-nit screen laughs in the face of glare. And it’s not just for landlubbers—this beast is water-resistant up to 100 meters and even has a Depth app to give you real-time updates while diving. Hiking, biking, diving—whatever you’re into, the Ultra 2 is like having your own personal adventure buddy.

What really makes this thing a game-changer, though, is all the little details. The Action Button? Total lifesaver—use it to drop waypoints, fire up the flashlight, or start a workout without fumbling through menus. Forgot to charge? No sweat. Its battery lasts up to 72 hours in Low Power Mode, which means you’ll run out of energy way before it does. Plus, it’s loaded with tools like an altimeter, compass, and Backtrack for those moments when “exploring” turns into “where the heck am I?” The Ultra 2 isn’t just a smartwatch—it’s the gear that makes every outdoor adventure smoother, smarter, and way more fun.

AVERAGE PRICE: 55,000PHP

Timex Expedition North

The Timex Expedition line is for people who want a watch that’s tough, reliable, and won’t make your wallet cry. These are built to handle whatever you’re into—hiking, surfing, or just pretending you’re Bear Grylls on a casual Sunday. Take the Expedition North Slack Tide, for example. This one’s perfect for water babies—it tracks the tides, so whether you’re surfing, fishing, or just timing your beachside sunset walk, you’re covered. It’s functional, it’s bold, and it can take a splash without breaking a sweat.

Then there’s the Expedition North Traprock and Expedition North Field Watch, which are basically the go-to adventure buddies you didn’t know you needed. The Traprock? Solar-powered, so no battery drama when you’re miles off the grid. The Field Watch keeps it classic with that military-inspired, clean-dial look and a tough leather strap that’s also eco-friendly. Both are built with sustainability in mind, which is a nice bonus when you’re out there trying to connect with nature. Whether you’re climbing mountains, hitting trails, or just looking for a solid everyday watch that won’t quit on you, Timex Expedition’s got your back.

AVERAGE PRICE: 10,000PHP

Garmin

We saved the most obvious for last, of course.

We’d be crazy not to include Garmin. I mean, the watch literally greets you on setup with something like “Hello there, dedicated athlete.”

If you’re into the outdoors and want a watch that can keep up with your adventures, the Garmin Fenix is basically the MVP. This beast of a multisport GPS watch is built to handle everything you throw at it—hiking, trail running, mountain biking, even scuba diving. Advanced performance metrics? Check. Built-in mapping? Absolutely. Battery life that seems to last forever? You got it. It’s rugged, reliable, and basically screams, “Let’s go!” every time you strap it on.

But wait—don’t sleep on the Garmin Instinct. This one’s all about durability and practicality, with solar-charging capabilities that keep it going long after your other gadgets tap out. It’s got all the essentials: GPS tracking, altimeter, barometer, and compass, wrapped up in a tough, no-nonsense design. Whether you’re hitting the trails, summiting peaks, or just wandering off-grid for a bit, the Instinct is like that dependable friend who’s always up for an adventure.

AVERAGE PRICE: 30,000PHP

So What?

Well, in the end it’s really all up to you. Ride, hike, run, swim, do it all outside with or without a watch: that’s completely up to you. With everything a watch can do nowadays though, there’s an argument for it and how it can definitely ADD to your experiences outdoors AND what you take back home with you.