When it comes to electrical work, precision and safety are paramount. Having the right tools can mean the difference between a job well done and a potential hazard. A watch is no different and should be thoughtfully considered just like any other tool. The best watch for an electrician is largely down to personal preference — but keep an eye out for features like non-conductivity, resistance to magnetic fields, and general usability & durability in your day-to-day activities.
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- Highly recommended: G-Shock
- Best watch for any budget: Casio vintage collection
- Best smartwatch for sparkies: Garmin Instinct
- Something a bit different: Swatch SISTEM51
- Timeless classics: Timex Expedition Shock
- For big budgets: Rolex Milgauss
- For the electrical business owner: Omega Railmaster
What to consider in a watch as an electrician
- Safety - Your health should always be the number one priority. Only you know the conditions you face on the day-to-day. If it's safer not to wear a wristwatch, you could consider a belt-loop watch, or forgo a watch entirely in favour of your phone (like many electricians).
- Utility - Your watch needs to be functional for your daily tasks. Too bulky, and it may hinder access to tight cavities. Too lightweight, and it might get damaged onsite.
- Resistances - There's a watch for every trade, no matter what you need it to stand up to. Waterproof watches are perfect for plumbers and shock-resistance is a must-have in a builder's wristwatch. Electricians should keep an eye out for watches made with non-conductive materials or even resistance to magnetic fields.
- Strap type - Steel, rubber, fabric, plastic, silicon, resin—more options than you probably need. Don't worry, most straps are interchangeable so you can always try out a few.
- Luminosity - Do you ever work in low-light environments? Consider whether your timepiece should glow, with or without pressing a pusher.
- Power source - Battery, mechanical, solar—what's your power preference?
- Display - How do you like your dial? Digital, analogue, or maybe even both?
- Personal preference - At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. If you like it, you'll use it, and you can afford it—go ahead and buy it!
1. Highly recommended for electricians: Casio G-Shock
We'd recommend a G-Shock for any trade, in any industry. With a long history of durability, G-Shock watches will handle pretty much anything you throw at them—and stay accurate to the second. The massive range of options means you'll definitely be able to find a style that suits you.
Why electricians love G-Shock watches:
- Shock-resistant
- Low-conductivity models
- Easy-to-read display with light
2. Best watch for any budget: Casio vintage collection
Yes, Casio is on the list twice—because it deserves to be. The brand is basically synonymous with watches, and for good reason. The legendary blue and black F-91W is the quintessential 'affordable' watch and its calculator cousin comes in handy for figuring out formulas onsite!
Why electricians love Casio watches:
- Function & form
- Low-conductivity models
- Durable enough, but easily replaced
3. Best smartwatch for sparkies: Garmin Instinct
If you're looking for a smartwatch and haven't automatically bought an Apple watch, there's another great option for electricians. Whether you're interested in health and fitness, technology, or just want to track your physical output throughout the day, then it’s hard to go past the Garmin Instinct range.
Why electricians love Garmin Instinct watches:
- Solar charging models
- iPhone & Android connectivity
- Water, thermal, and shock resistance
Looking for more rugged smart tech? Check out our top 5 tough phones for tradespeople!
4. Something a bit different: Swatch SISTEM51
Our first mechanical watch on the list comes from Swatch and is for the electrician with a more particular taste. You wouldn't know just by looking at it, but the Sistem51 is engineering brilliance, consisting of only 51 pieces and 1 central screw. Its automatic movement winds by the movement of your wrist (no battery) and boasts a 90-hour power reserve.
Why electricians love the SISTEM51
- Resistance to magnetic fields
- Huge range of styles & low-conductivity models
- Automatic mechanical movement (no battery)
5. Timeless classics: Timex Expedition & Ironman
Timex is like Casio for contrarians. Their Ironman range offers a slightly sleeker and sportier style than G-Shock, but with the same rugged capabilities and resistances. Their Expedition range, on the other hand, is a firm favourite for those out in the field.
Why electricians love Timex
- Range of movements & low-conductivity models
- Value for money
- Durable & dependable
6. For big budgets: Rolex Milgauss
Although discontinued at the time of writing, the Rolex Milgauss is an intriguing option for those in the electrical trade (and on a high charge-out rate!). Rolex designed this watch with a specific purpose in mind: to resist the magnetic fields encountered in scientific and industrial environments.
The Milgauss is engineered to withstand magnetic forces up to 1,000 (mil) gauss—achieved by encasing the movement in a Faraday cage of soft iron. While maybe only an option for the richest electricians, the iconic lightning bolt seconds hand of the Milgauss couldn't be left off this list.
Why electricians love the Rolex Milgauss:
- Resistance to magnetic fields
- Automatic mechanical movement (no battery)
- Did we mention it's a Rolex?!
7. For electrical business owners: Omega Railmaster
So you've built and grown your electrical business over the years and now you want to commemorate your success with a new watch. Maybe you can't quite justify the Rolex, or perhaps you're just looking for something a little different. The Omega Railmaster combines classic design with modern technology, making it a compelling choice for electricians.
Like the Milgauss, the Railmaster was designed for busy professionals (like railmen) working near magnetic fields. The Railmaster was originally built to withstand magnetic forces of up to 1,000 gauss, but modern versions can take up to 15,000 gauss. For electricians who appreciate craftsmanship, heritage, and peace of mind around magnets, the Omega Railmaster is a watch that delivers both style and substance for any job.
Why electricians love the Omega Railmaster:
- Resistance to magnetic fields
- Automatic mechanical movement (no battery)
- Rail industry aesthetic
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