ProTek’s latest collection celebrates the brand’s recognition as an official watch of the United States Marine Corps (USMC) following a rigorous assessment of their watches’ durability, accuracy and quality. The nine-model collection includes red, blue, green and desert colorways in official USMC pantones and one model with a blacked-out dial.

Each watch proudly commemorates ProTek’s elite affiliation on the dial and sports a special embossed stainless-steel caseback featuring the USMC’s famous Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem. I conducted my own evaluation of ProTek’s tactical underwater timepiece and was impressed with the watch’s performance during a South Florida wreck dive with Fort Lauderdale–based operator Sea Experience.

This 300-meter dive watch utilizes a super durable, lightweight carbon composite material for the 42 mm case and unidirectional rotating bezel. Housed inside is a dependable Citizen quartz movement that provides accurate, precise timekeeping for up to 10 years before the battery needs to be replaced. The lightweight components and the watch’s slim profile allow for extremely comfortable all-day wear. The black dial features large Arabic numbers at each hour—save for the 3 o’clock date display—with smaller corresponding 24-hour markers for those using military time. The standard white characters are strikingly bold, but even with the darkened dial of the blacked-out model it is easy to read the time at a glance. The subdued tactical styling of this rugged underwater watch pairs hardly there ergonomics with a practical, inconspicuous look suitable for tough everyday wear that won’t cause unwanted attention in the field.

Regardless of conditions, whether I found myself in a darkened studio during a ScubaLab photo shoot or in the shadowy holds of the Robert Edmister wreck while diving in South Florida, I could always read the time thanks to the watch’s brilliant ProGlo luminous markers. These self-powered, tritium-filled cylinders will emit constant, glowing illumination for up to 25 years without the need to charge by external light or a battery. Their strategic placement on the dial and bezel allows for precise timekeeping in absolute darkness while minimizing unnecessary illumination that could compromise a nocturnal operation.

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The ProTek USMC’s lightweight comfort and excellent legibility quickly made it one of my go-to watches for diving and daily wear. The bezel, while easy to operate underwater, has a thin, low-profile design that won’t snag when you’re up to your elbows in gear. The watch’s durable construction allows you to focus on the task at hand without having to babysit it when it’s on your wrist—a huge benefit when kitting up with heavy, bulky scuba gear. Capable of withstanding extreme abuse, comfortable enough to be worn for any duration and with legibility for any conditions, it’s no wonder ProTek has been chosen to serve among the few and the proud.

GUIDING LIGHT ProTek is guided by watch veteran Barry Cohen, a founder and previous owner of Luminox. ProTek’s commitment to durability and practicality are a continuation of Cohen’s 27 years at Luminox. Cohen has also carried over the innovative, self-powered Swiss illumination technology that he pioneered with his former tactical watch brand.

WATCH SPECS

ProTek Carbon Composite Dive 1010 USMC Series

MSRP $450

Movement Japan Quartz Citizen/Miyota 2S60 3 Hand & Date Movement

Power Reserve 10-year battery

Water Resistance 300 meters/990 feet

Case 42 mm

Material Carbon composite case and bezel with genuine rubber strap

Crystal Anti-reflective sapphire

Website protekwatch.com