For a lot of hardcore adventurers, it is very hard to find a timepiece that is sturdy enough to keep up with their rugged activities. Oftentimes, the watches would either be kept in their bags or left at the hotel. Thus, Philippine Tatler sought the advise of top watch expert and Managing Director of Lucerne Group, Mr. Emerson Yao, to ask which brands will be the best for thrill-seekers.

Mr. Emerson Yao, Managing Director - Lucerne Group

PHILIPPINE TATLER: What makes a good outdoor watch?

EMERSON YAO: Utilitarian timepieces would be Suunto, Casio or Garmin (and even Apple watch) where functions like GPS, Altimeter, Barometer, Thermometer and even maps are incorporated. However, the latest development in technology had rendered these watches obsolete. Today, adventure seekers bring their mobile phone for all these functions and more. So watch buyer nowadays buy sports watches for image, personal style, and to look cool.

PT: What is the latest innovation in watches that is perfect for the rough outdoors?

EY: The Breitling Emergency is not a GPS watch, rather it is a watch that can alert nearby satellites of a distress; this is worn by pilots, and, now, adventurers where the possibility of accidents might happen.

PT: What are your top recommended timepieces for the outdoors man and why?

EY: Let me highlight a few cool watches that are designed for roughness and toughness and may have some technical features that could aid the adventurer as he go about his activities:

Breitling Emergency 

This watch can send an emergency beacon to nearby satellites to alert them of distress (accidents, SOS, etc..)

Victorinox INOX 

A watch for every situation, where the watch was build for extreme activities. It was tested for heat, coldness, drop test. And even withstood the forces of a tank rolling over it.

Ball Hydrocarbon

This is the ultimate explorer’s watch. Apart from the bright Micro gas tubes that is always bright all throughout the night, it also uses a high thermal tolerance oil that will never freeze when climbing Mt. Everest.