In the upcoming film Warfare, a star-studded cast featuring Kit Connor, Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, and others, portrays a Navy SEAL team caught in a botched surveillance mission during the Iraq war. While the movie explores high-intensity action, it also brings attention to a key detail often overlooked in military films: the watches.
In real life, Navy SEALs are given a budget for their gear, allowing them to customize their equipment to suit their needs. This includes everything from weapons to holsters. But when it comes to watches, the focus is often on affordability and practicality rather than luxury. According to Warfare production designer Marco Digby, many SEALs opted for non-standard digital watches like the Casio DW5600, which became especially popular around 2003, the time in which the movie is set.
In Warfare, you’ll notice that the actors wear Casio DW5600 watches, which are rugged, affordable, and well-suited for military environments. You might also spot smaller models like the Casio F91W, which is equally durable and compact, making it a favorite among soldiers. These watches are a far cry from the luxury timepieces often associated with military films, like the Rolex Submariner.
When the Casio G-Shock was introduced in 1983, it revolutionized military wristwear. It was cheaper, tougher, and more reliable than the traditional watches used by military personnel. “The G-Shock is one of the most iconic military watches of the past few decades,” says an anonymous former CIA case officer from Watches of Espionage. “Its affordability and toughness made it a go-to choice during the early years of the Global War on Terror.”
In Warfare, the G-Shock’s effectiveness is showcased during critical moments. The SEALs must keep track of time to coordinate their operations, like waiting for backup or monitoring enemy movements. The Casio DW5600 plays a significant role in these scenes, proving its durability in extreme conditions. Unlike many other watches, including high-end luxury models, the DW5600 holds up under stress. It is shock-resistant, waterproof, and has a sturdy resin strap, making it the perfect choice for intense military operations.
The G-Shock’s role in Warfare is not central to the plot but serves as a practical, reliable tool for the SEALs. These watches aren’t flashy or symbolic but are designed to help the team perform their mission. “It wasn’t a prominent item in what we were talking about—it was about taking care of business,” Digby explains.
Though you may not immediately notice the watches in Warfare, they add a layer of authenticity to the film. The G-Shocks perfectly reflect the SEALs’ no-nonsense approach to their work: functional, reliable, and unpretentious. For the characters in Warfare, the mission comes first—just like the simple, rugged watches on their wrists.
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