Analog Time in a Digital Risk Zone
Radium Instruments Norway has supplied analog aluminum watches to a number of military units. Why?
With increasing geopolitical instability and a more complex threat landscape, operational security has gained renewed importance. The war in Ukraine, heightened intelligence activity, and several documented sabotage incidents have made it clear that even everyday technology can pose a risk.
The Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM) has warned of rising digital threats, including mapping, influence operations, and data collection targeting both critical infrastructure and individuals.
In this context, personal equipment—such as watches—takes on new significance.
When Functionality Becomes Vulnerability
Smartwatches and fitness watches are now advanced sensor devices. They continuously record and store GPS location, movement patterns, activity levels, and connectivity data.
In civilian contexts, this is useful. In military or security-sensitive environments, it can be problematic.
Several real-world incidents illustrate the risks:
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Exposure of military bases through fitness data:
In 2018, the fitness app Strava published a global “heatmap” based on user activity data. The map made it possible to identify military bases in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria because soldiers had logged runs and patrols. This was not a cyberattack—but an indirect leak through seemingly harmless use. -
Location data from personnel:
It has also been documented that individual training sessions can be traced back to specific individuals. This makes it possible to map routines, movements, and in some cases the identity of military personnel or employees in sensitive positions. -
GPS interference in Northern Norway:
NSM has reported repeated GPS disruptions in Northern Norway. Such incidents affect all equipment dependent on satellite signals—including smartwatches. This highlights a dual vulnerability: data can be exposed, and it can also be disrupted or manipulated. -
General increase in digital mapping and intelligence activity:
NSM also points to increasing activity related to digital mapping of infrastructure and movement across Europe. Personal electronics—including watches—can be part of this picture, either directly or indirectly.
Why Restrictions Exist
Based on these risks, the use of smartwatches in the military is regulated.
Typical measures include restrictions on GPS and Bluetooth devices, requirements to use airplane mode or disable tracking, and limited use in operational areas.
In many cases, the recommendation is clear: avoid smartwatches entirely in sensitive situations.
The Analog Advantage
The analog watch represents a completely different category.
It has no connectivity, stores no data, and transmits no signals.
The result is simple but decisive: it cannot be tracked, it cannot be hacked, and it cannot leak information.
In operations where a low signature is critical, this is a fundamental advantage.
Material Choice That Enhances Reliability
Radium Instruments Norway has supplied analog aluminum watches to a number of military units. Aluminum is a non-magnetic metal.
This provides concrete advantages, as magnetic fields can affect mechanical movements and reduce precision. Aluminum eliminates this influence.
In environments with electromagnetic activity—such as cockpits, technical installations, or medical equipment—the watch remains stable.
A Clear Conclusion
Modern technology gives us more possibilities—but also new vulnerabilities.
Experience shows that data can reveal positions, patterns can be analyzed, and technology can be disrupted or exploited.
In this landscape, the most advanced solution is not always the best.
An analog watch represents the opposite: no exposure, no signals, and no digital traces.
When combined with non-magnetic materials and proven durability, it becomes a tool adapted to a modern threat environment.
For military use, an analog watch—especially in aluminum—is the safest choice.