MIL-STD-810H: The Military-Grade Durability Test That Separates the Tough from the Fragile

From scorching heat to clouds of dust, from unexpected drops to icy mornings — not all watches are built to survive the real world.
The MIL-STD-810H standard is the benchmark for military-grade durability, and some of our toughest smartwatch models have been tested to meet these demanding conditions.

Whether you’re on the worksite, on the trail, or just hard on your gear, here’s why MIL-STD-810H matters — and how it’s tested.

What is MIL-STD-810H?

MIL-STD-810H is a United States military testing standard designed to measure how well equipment performs in extreme environments.
It’s not a single test — it’s a series of simulations that replicate the most challenging conditions equipment might face in the field.

While it was originally developed for military gear, it’s now used in industries like construction, aviation, outdoor adventure, and emergency services — and for select consumer electronics built to handle punishment.

Key MIL-STD-810H Tests

Here’s a breakdown of the most relevant tests for a smartwatch, and how they prove a device’s resilience.

1. Shock & Drop Resistance

Simulates the watch being dropped, knocked, or jolted during use. This ensures internal components stay intact and the display stays functional.

2. Extreme Temperature

Tests performance in high heat (e.g., summer worksites, direct sun) and freezing cold (e.g., winter hikes, alpine camping).

Below we see a smart watch being subjected to extreme cold (freezing in ice) and extreme heat.

3. Humidity & Water Resistance

Ensures the watch can withstand damp conditions — from sweat and rain to accidental splashes. (This is different from waterproof ratings like IP68 — MIL-STD testing simulates prolonged exposure.) Here a smart watch is tested inside a water pressure tester.

4. Dust & Sand Resistance

Replicates high-dust or sandy environments, such as construction sites, beaches, or desert trails. Prevents fine particles from damaging the internals. Here we see a dust chamber used for testing dust penetration.

5. Pressure & Altitude

Tests the watch’s ability to function at different air pressures, simulating conditions from mountain peaks to airplane cargo holds. Here a smart watch is subjected to extreme air pressures.

5. Hardness

Watch hardness testing refers to the process of evaluating the resistance of a watch's case and face to deformation. A diamond indenter is pressed into the case material to measure its resistance to penetration. 

Why It Matters

You don’t need to be in the military to appreciate this level of durability. These tests simulate real-life abuse — drops from a ladder, working under the sun, trekking through dust, or enduring a sudden downpour.

If you rely on your watch for more than just telling time, you need it to survive whatever your day throws at it.

Our Watches That Pass the Test

Not every watch needs this level of resilience. But for those who work in demanding conditions or love pushing limits, we offer select rugged models tested to MIL-STD-810H standards.

Explore below the watches that have been designed and tested to perform when it counts — without the military-grade price tag: