Set in a post-apocalyptic United States, The Last of Us follows Joel and Ellie as they travel across the country in search of a cure for a deadly fungal infection that turns people into "zombies." While the show offers plenty of survival horror, at its heart, it’s a story about human connection and love. One of the most powerful symbols of this bond is Joel’s broken wristwatch, a final keepsake from his late daughter. Though it no longer works, the watch serves as a reminder of how deeply personal and meaningful a timepiece can be.
That got me thinking, if I were surviving an apocalypse, what kind of watch would I want on my wrist?
Knockout Power
In a world turned upside down, a watch has to be as tough as the challenges I face, shockproof, impact-resistant, and built to last. Whether climbing through crumbling buildings, setting up camp in the wild, or fending off an enemy with my bare hands, I need something that will resist the pressure. At Watches and Wonders this year, IWC introduced the Big Pilot’s Watch Shock Absorber Tourbillon XPL. This watch takes durability to the next level. Its groundbreaking SPRIN-g PROTECT® system suspends the movement inside the case with a high-tech metallic glass spring, absorbing extreme shocks, even impacts over 10,000 g. Despite housing a delicate flying tourbillon, the watch remains incredibly tough, thanks to its lightweight Ceratanium® case and skeletonized construction, which keeps the weight low without sacrificing strength.
Splash and Dash
The elements won’t go easy—rain, rivers, mud, and maybe even some cordyceps contamination, but let’s focus on water for now. As a survivor constantly on the move, a watch needs to handle full immersion, torrential storms, and unexpected swims. Enter the Montblanc Iced Sea Automatic Date 0 Oxygen 38mm, a compact, ISO-certified dive watch built for extreme conditions. Water-resistant to 300 meters and housed in a case void of oxygen to prevent fogging and oxidation, it’s designed for reliability in the harshest environments. The glacier-textured dial, inspired by the Mer de Glace, adds a beautiful design to serious function, while the Super-LumiNova-filled hands and markers ensure visibility in the darkest waters. Check out our video where we go more in-depth on this piece here.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Drawing attention in the apocalypse? Not a good idea. Remember that scene in Season 2, Episode 2? (If you know, you know.) A stealthy watch that blends into the environment is essential. Camouflage tones, muted desert colors, and a rugged finish will help keep you out of sight. Nature will reclaim cities fast, so earthy palettes will dominate the landscape. For this, I’m choosing a timepiece that’s not only rugged but also visually discreet, a perfect balance of function and form. Enter the Graham Chronofighter Black Arrow Digi Camo, a tactical beast wrapped in digital camouflage and matte black finishes. The 47mm case might sound large, but its black PVD coating and stealthy ceramic bezel keep it low-profile. Inside, the automatic chronograph movement offers 48 hours of power, and the layout is all business, legible, functional, and tough. This watch won’t let me down or give me away.
Slips On Like a Glove
Survival demands agility. I need a watch that doesn’t get in the way, something ergonomic, lightweight, and flexible. Whether I’m sprinting, climbing, or swinging a bat at the infected, my wrist needs full range of motion. A bulky case could snag or slow me down, and that hesitation could be fatal. That’s where the Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical shines. It slips on easily, with a 38mm case that hits the sweet spot between vintage proportions and modern wearability. It’s built for durability and function. At just the right weight and height, it stays out of the way but never out of sight. This field watch has military roots, the descendant of the GG-W-113, upgraded just enough for a harsher world.
Firepower
Ultimately, if it comes down to a confrontation with one of these monsters, I’ll need every ounce of firepower at my disposal. No watch shouts fearlessness as much as The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Survivor. With its 42mm titanium case and striking, tactical-inspired design, this limited-edition piece is built to impress. The bezel mimics the look of a gun's heat sink, while the pushers resemble grenade pins, giving it an aggressive, utilitarian vibe. The dial itself is designed with sub-registers inspired by a scope's bulls-eye, further enhancing the tactical feel. Powered by the robust caliber 3126/3840 movement, the Royal Oak Offshore Survivor is as much about performance as it is about presence. It's a watch that truly commands respect.
In “The Last of Us”, Joel’s broken wristwatch symbolizes the enduring bond between him and his late daughter, a powerful reminder of the sentimental value of this object. In an apocalypse, a watch isn’t just a tool, it truly is a companion.
