Compare Watches

Best Watches - What Lasts

/watches/ Updated 2025-11-12

Looking for a watch that lasts a lifetime—or even long enough to pass down? Choosing a durable, repairable, and accurate timepiece isn’t just about style; it’s about longevity. The best long-lasting watches combine tough materials, serviceable movements, and proven water resistance. Whether you prefer a rugged diver’s watch, a refined automatic, or a reliable quartz model, understanding aspects like case material hardness, crystal scratch resistance, and spare parts availability can help you make a smart, future-proof purchase. This guide breaks down what truly matters for watch durability, fixability, and performance, so you can find one that keeps ticking for decades.

Compare the Best of the Best

Citizen

Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender

View on Amazon Review
Scored 58.0 with a high confidence from 29 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Casio

Casio MDV-106 Duro

View on Amazon Review
Scored 47.9 with a medium confidence from 22 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Casio

Casio G-Shock

View on Amazon Review
Scored 47.9 with a medium confidence from 12 sources. Last updated on 2025-12-11.
Casio

Casio F-91W

View on Amazon Review
Scored 45.6 with a high confidence from 21 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Timex

Timex Ironman

View on Amazon Review
Scored 44.6 with a medium confidence from 23 sources. Last updated on 2025-11-19.
Citizen Eco-Drive Weekender
Casio MDV-106 Duro
Casio G-Shock
Casio F-91W
Timex Ironman
Brand 65.3%
  • PRO Publicly listed Japanese company (TSE: 7762) with over a century of operating history and a diversified global watch group.
  • CON Enthusiast outlets note that parts of the collection skew large or mass-market in design, which can temper appeal among purists despite capability.
Brand 61.9%
  • PRO Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is publicly listed, founded in 1957, with net sales ~¥261,757 million and 8,801 employees (as of March 31, 2025) — indicating substantive size and long-term operations.
  • CON While sustainability and social responsibility are emphasised, there is less explicit language about **repairability** or **long-life product support** in their public mission statements.
Brand 61.9%
  • PRO Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is publicly listed, founded in 1957, with net sales ~¥261,757 million and 8,801 employees (as of March 31, 2025) — indicating substantive size and long-term operations.
  • CON While sustainability and social responsibility are emphasised, there is less explicit language about **repairability** or **long-life product support** in their public mission statements.
Brand 61.9%
  • PRO Casio Computer Co., Ltd. is publicly listed, founded in 1957, with net sales ~¥261,757 million and 8,801 employees (as of March 31, 2025) — indicating substantive size and long-term operations.
  • CON While sustainability and social responsibility are emphasised, there is less explicit language about **repairability** or **long-life product support** in their public mission statements.
Brand 70.3%
  • PRO Timex Group is a long-established, privately held global watch company with headquarters in CT and NL and thousands of employees worldwide.
  • CON Net-zero target is long-dated (2050) and, while a reduction plan exists, third-party verification and detailed interim progress metrics are limited in public-facing summaries.
Warranty 50.5%
  • PRO Full warranty document published online with exclusions and process.
  • CON Excludes case, crystal, crown, stem, bracelet/strap and components, and accessories.
Warranty 31.0%
  • PRO Warranty card is publicly accessible online with clear plain-language terms.
  • CON Excludes battery, band, case, and glass; excludes damage from misuse, unauthorized repair, or natural calamity.
Warranty 28.2%
  • PRO Warranty terms publicly available in clear language
  • CON Excludes consumables and damage from misuse
Warranty 33.0%
  • PRO Warranty details published on Casio's website and as a downloadable PDF.
  • CON Battery, band, case, and glass are excluded from coverage.
Warranty 26.5%
  • PRO Warranty page and user manual with warranty language are publicly available online.
  • CON Lens/crystal, strap/band, case, attachments, and battery are expressly excluded.
Durability 56.4%
Durability 37.1%
Durability 30.0%
Durability 15.0%
Durability 27.2%
Fixability 54.6%
  • PRO Citizen offers replacement bands/links/clasps via parts portal.
  • CON Rechargeable cell is not user-replaceable; service is charged even within warranty.
Fixability 56.2%
  • PRO Uses SR626SW/377 silver-oxide cell; multiple guides and videos demonstrate straightforward DIY replacement.
  • CON Limited public access to model-specific internal parts (e.g., crown, bezel) outside authorized service channels.
Fixability 40.6%
  • PRO Uses common CR2016 battery
  • CON Genuine Casio parts availability not confirmed
Fixability 61.6%
  • PRO Uses standard CR2016 cell with published 7-year life.
  • CON Official Casio storefront does not centrally list all small parts for F-91W (availability varies by retailer).
Fixability 41.9%
  • PRO Uses a common CR2025 coin-cell battery listed on the product specs.
  • CON Timex advises battery replacement by a retailer/jeweler; no published movement service guides.
Function 63.5%
  • PRO Models in the Weekender/Avion family specify luminous markers and hands.
Function 53.3%
  • PRO High-contrast dial with large applied hour markers and luminous hands/indices.
  • CON Mineral crystal without stated anti-reflective coating; lume performance is described as decent rather than strong.
Function 78.8%
  • PRO Electro luminescent backlight for low light
  • CON Digital display may be less legible in direct glare
Function 56.8%
  • PRO Simple, high-contrast LCD is easy to read at a glance in normal light.
  • CON Backlight is dim and illuminates from one side, limiting nighttime legibility.
Function 57.3%
  • PRO INDIGLO® backlight illuminates the entire display for low-light readability.

See details on our Scoring Method.

From the BIFL Braintrust

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Watches Shopper's Guide

A good watch can outlast trends—and sometimes even its owner. From everyday quartz watches to heirloom-grade mechanical pieces, longevity depends on more than brand prestige. It’s the combination of materials, construction, and serviceability that determines whether a watch can endure years (or generations) of wear.

Durability: Built to Withstand Daily Life

The first sign of a lasting watch is how well it holds up to the elements. Key aspects include:

  • Case Material Hardness – Stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic cases resist scratches and dents far better than plated alloys or plastics. Look for materials rated around 1200 HV hardness for real scratch resistance.
  • Crystal Scratch Resistance – A sapphire crystal is ideal; it’s nearly as hard as diamond (Mohs 9) and won’t haze or scratch easily. Mineral or acrylic crystals may be cheaper but wear down faster.
  • Water Resistance Rating – Even if you’re not diving, a minimum of 100 m (10 ATM) ensures that rain, handwashing, and light swimming won’t harm the internals.
  • Movement Lifespan – A mechanical or quartz movement designed for 10+ years between services signals long-term reliability.

Fixability: The Hidden Ingredient in Longevity

Even the toughest watch will eventually need maintenance. Watches designed for easy repair often last the longest because their parts and movements can be serviced or replaced.

  • Serviceability of Movement – Choose watches that use standardized movements (like ETA or Miyota) or have published service manuals. Proprietary systems can limit who can fix them.
  • Spare Parts Availability – The best manufacturers or suppliers offer replacement crystals, gaskets, and crowns for at least a decade after production ends.
  • Battery or Power Source Replacement – Quartz watches should have user-replaceable batteries; mechanical and solar watches shine here, as they avoid frequent battery swaps.
  • Strap and Lug Compatibility – Standard lug widths (18–22 mm) make strap replacement easy, extending the life and style options of your watch.

Function: Accuracy and Everyday Usability

A long-lasting watch also needs to perform well day after day.

  • Timekeeping Accuracy – Look for movements rated within ±15 seconds per month (quartz) or ±5 seconds per day (mechanical).
  • Power Reserve Duration – For mechanical watches, a 48+ hour reserve means you can skip a day of wear without resetting the time.
  • Legibility and Illumination – A clear, high-contrast dial with luminous markers or a backlight ensures usability for years to come.
  • Magnetic and Shock Resistance – ISO 1413 shock-resistant certification and antimagnetic shielding help preserve accuracy during everyday knocks.

Longevity Tips for Watch Buyers

  • Avoid overly proprietary designs—standard movements and strap fittings are easier to maintain.
  • Store your watch away from magnets and moisture.
  • Service mechanical watches every 5–10 years, depending on use.
  • Prioritize materials and engineering over branding; a well-made midrange watch often lasts longer than a flashy designer piece.

Bottom Line

If you want a watch that truly lasts, think beyond aesthetics. Durability protects it, fixability extends it, and accuracy keeps it relevant. By checking specs like sapphire crystal, standardized movements, and spare part availability, you can choose a timepiece that’s not just beautiful—but built to endure for decades.