Everyday Carry

The Best Quartz Watches for EDC

Authored by:
Ed Jelley
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
The Best Quartz Watches for EDC

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A watch doesn't need a fancy mechanical movement to be worthy of your wrist. Quartz-powered watches represent some of the best value in everyday timepieces out there. Instead of the complex mechanical movement in an automatic watch, quartzes tick thanks to a PC board, battery, and gears. Watch purists may look down on quartz, but that shouldn't stop you from considering one for your EDC. These watches are dependable, reliable, and at the end of the day tell the time more accurately than even the best mechanical watches.


The Best Quartz Watches


Bertucci A2T
Citizen BM8180
Timex Expedition Scout
Maratac Mid Pilot
G-Shock GA-100





★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
★★★★
Case Size: 40 mm
Case Size: 37 mm
Case Size: 40 mm
Case Size: 39 mm
Case Size: 55 mm
Water Resistance: 100M
Water Resistance: 100M
Water Resistance: 50M
Water Resistance: 100M
Water Resistance: 200M
Origin: USA
Origin: Japan
Origin: USA
Origin: USA
Origin: Japan
Pro: Unique case material
Pro: Eco-Drive recharging
Pro: Affordability
Pro: Classic pilot design
Pro: Shock resistance
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How Does a Quartz Watch Work?

Quartz watches get their name from the tiny quartz crystal within the movement. When electricity from the watch battery passes through the quartz, it vibrates at an exact frequency. The circuit counts the amount of vibrations per second and converts them to an electric pulse, which in turn drives the small electric motors within that turn the hands.

Benefits of a Quartz Watch:

  • No Need To Wear Daily: Since a quartz watch runs on batteries, there’s no need to charge it up on the daily like you would an automatic. This makes quartz watches ideal for those who may not wear a watch every day, or those who just like to switch it up more often.
  • Robust Movements: Since there are less moving parts, there’s less inside to break. Quartz watches can stand up to more physical abuse than a mechanical watch due to the robustness of the movement inside.
  • Price Point: Since quartz movements are less complex, they can be mass manufactured to keep the price point down. You may find that you get more bang for your buck out of a quartz watch than a mechanical watch in the same price bracket.

Here are some of our favorite quartz watches for EDC.


Bertucci A2T Titanium Field Watch

Bertucci’s A2T draws inspiration from classic military field watches with some modern updates that make the watch a tremendous value. It’s not often that you see a titanium case on a watch at this price point. The one-piece case with integrated spring bars reduce two of the most common failure points on a watch. Since the titanium case is so light, you’ll hardly notice it on your wrist. The watch includes one of Bertucci’s popular two-ply NATO straps for extra durability and comfort.

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Citizen BM8180

This take on the field watch features Citizen’s Eco Drive technology. The BM8180 recharges itself by way of tiny solar panels mounted on the watch's face. This tech is ideal for those who never want to worry about their watch dying or needing its battery replaced. In addition to the self-charging capability, the BM8180 has a stainless steel case, stitched canvas band, and a durable mineral glass crystal.

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Timex Expedition Scout

Timex’s Expedition Scout is an easy-wearing watch, measuring in at 40mm. This case size is the sweet spot for any sized wrist, having enough presence to be easily read, while not looking oversized. Inside the watch is also Timex’s Indiglo technology. With a press of the crown, the entire face lights up in a cool green color. It makes the watch extra easy to read throughout the night. The Scout represents one of the best values in watches, coming in at under 40 bucks.

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Maratac Mid Pilot

Maratac is a brand that makes watches for law enforcement and military contracts, so you know they’re built to withstand a beating. The Mid Pilot is a handsome, sterile pilots watch packed with a ton of features that make it a worthy EDC. This is an excellent example of how a quartz movement can bring the price down on an otherwise feature-packed watch. The case is made from surgical grade 316L stainless steel that’s cut from a solid block. The hands are treated with Super Luminova paint that will glow long into the night. It also features a sapphire crystal for added durability and shock resistance. The quartz version is practically identical to the automatic version, except it’s $200 cheaper!

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Casio G-Shock GA-100

It’s hard to mention quartz watches without including something from GSHOCK. The GA-100 is one of the most popular watches on the site, and for good reason. It’s ultra resistant to shock and can be worn during practically any activity you can throw at it. The rugged, oversized case has an impressive wrist presence, while the rubber strap keeps it comfortable to wear. The GA-100 features an analog display by way of two contrasting white hands on the dial. Since this watch is a digital hybrid, there’s plenty of useful features like multiple time zone display, stop watch, and a fully programmed automatic calendar.

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What's your favorite budget quartz watch tough enough for EDC duty? Let us know in a comment below!

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (15 total)

Edmundo ·
Really great article! I pulled out my Bertucci A3T after reading it... They make a super rugged watch, with the recessed crystal, screw down crown and TI construction. If it had a date wheel of wear it a lot more. Great recommendations at a nice range price points :)
Ed Jelley ·
Thank you! I'm always pleasantly surprised by my Bertucci. I have the carbon fiber housing version, and it takes whatever I can throw at it. The price point is just right too - it's quality without being overly expensive. Plus, it's not the end of the world if something happens to it.
ThreePercenter ·
I just don't enjoy any cloth or leather bands. I also dislike the huge g-shocks. There are some that are normal sized and they look great. I currently have a GW2310FB-1CR, but the automatic time zone is problematic and the battery died after two years even with power savings. I am currently looking at one you featured a while back, the G100BB-1A. Even though it is mainly analog and I prefer a visible date on the watch face, I love the look of it. However, I feel G-shock has a hit and miss with quality control. I am looking for something like the suunto, which I also had at one point and disliked very much, but without the suunto cost. Unfortunately, the best watch right now IMHO, is the Garmin Fenix 5x Saphire. But that cost is breaking the bank. I cannot afford that.
You have put forth a very nice selection of watches and this has reminded me that my old timex weekender should be replaced. If ever the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and the America dollar ever gets a little closer I'm planning on ordering a Maratac Mid Pilot watch. I like these because the face isn't all cluttered with brand names etc.

Speaking (writing?) about cluttered watch faces, that Casio G-Shock GA-100 sure is an ugly looking thing when compared to the other watches in this article. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Ed Jelley ·
Thank you!

I'm not huge on the appearance of the GSHOCKs either, but they definitely have their place in the EDC community. Rugged, reliable, and have that tactical look. I much prefer something more minimal, and much smaller. A 40mm case is ideal for me, so I've yet to add a GSHOCK to my personal collection!
Great article. For those of us like teachers who are outdoors, in class and also meetings I'd add two slicker quartz watches: a mvmt black link and a casino edifice. Both hard wearing and around 200 bucks or less. Don't look out of place in a parent or management meeting. Mine have taken quite a few knocks and are going well. A timex field watch for outdoor activities with good back light and easy to read dial. That's under 100 bucks.
Fabio Pandiscia ·
non cambierai mai con nessun altro orologio il mio m.e.c. automatic f-35
Orwell ·
It says "Best EDC Watches" but assumes, that the best EDC watches are military style. Going through this period, i'm now on dresswatches for the EDC at the job, smart-causal style. Would like to see something in that way, although i have a nice watch now.
Ed Jelley ·
Thanks for the suggestion! Maybe we can put together a guide on some dressier/casual watches. What are you wearing around the office?
Orwell ·
Alternative for EDCable Dresswatches : Citizen BM7193-07B or BM7190-05A with 40mm to big for me, but nice 1950/60s retro style.
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craig b ·
I don't love straps, except maybe rubber. Metal bracelet all the way for durability, utility, and sweat resistance. Should do a "watch for the right occasion" piece.
Ed Jelley ·
Hey Craig, thanks for the idea! I'll see what we can come up with.

Wearing the right watch for the right occasion is definitely something I put into practice with my own collection. My office watch is definitely not the same one as my mowing the lawn watch!
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