The 5 Best Sailing Watches [Expert Review]

suunto core watch for sailing

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Best Sailing Watch

 

A sailing watch is quite different from a regular timepiece. They are more than a fashion accessory. A good sailing watch is a combination of durability and functionality. 

Apart from the fact that they are waterproof, great sailing watches have a GPS function to help yachtsmen or professional sailors with their location while on their voyage.

The best sailing watches are packed with ingenious features to give the sailor a wonderful experience. Features such as GPS functionality, lasting battery life, durability, clear and easy to use functions and display system that can withstand any condition when cruising or racing.

Clueless on the type of sailing watch to pick for yourself or as a gift to your sailor pals? Read on as I will walk you through on some of the best sailing watches that can easily satisfy the needs of most sailors.

 

Product Image Product Name Key Features Star Rating Buy Now
Nautica Men's Quartz Resin Silicone Watch
  1.    Model Year: 2011
  2.   Case material: Stainless Steel
  3.   Case Thickness: 14 millimeters
  4.   Water-resistant to 100 m (330 ft)
  5.   Japanese quartz movement with analog display
  6.   47-mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
  7.   Resin band with buckle closure
  8.   Sporty stainless steel watch featuring multi-function dial with date window and blue resin strap with debossed brand callouts.
  9.   Analog Display.
  10.   Plastic band
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 style= SUUNTO Traverse
  1.   Date First Available: June 30, 2021
  2.   GPS and GLONASS Satellite Navigation Systems
  3.   Barometric Trend for weather prediction and storm alerts
  4.   Up to 100 hours battery life
  5.   Sync with a smartphone.
  6.   Rechargeable
  7.   Altimeter: Yes
  8.   Water-resistant, up to 100m/330 feet
  9.   Digital display

 

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Timex Ironman Classic
  1.   Water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet)
  2.   Digital display
  3.   Model Year 2013
  4.   Clasp Buckle
  5.   Case material: Resin
  6.   Case diameter: 38 millimeters
  7.   Case Thickness: 12.73 millimeters
  8.   It has a 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory with a 24-hour countdown timer.
  9.   Start and split button
  10.   On-screen prompts make setting easy forward or  backward setting.
  11.   Gray and black 38 millimeter resin case with acrylic  lens.
  12.   Indiglo light-up watch dial
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SUUNTO Core
  1.   Water Resistance to 30 meters
  2.   GPS: No
  3.   Storm, weather alarm and indicator.
  4.   Color: All black
  5.   Band Width: 24 Millimeters
  6.   Altimeter: Yes
  7.   Replaceable battery
  8.   Storm alarm
  9.   Temperature reading
  10.   Backlight: LED
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Bulova Men's Watch
  1. Case Diameter: 45mm Case Thickness: 15mm
  2. Stainless Steel with Rose Gold-Tone Accents
  3. Blue Dial with Luminous Hands and Markers, and Calendar Feature
  4. 43mm 6 Hand Chronograph
  5. Water resistant to 200 metres
  6. Date display window
  7. Analog display
  8. Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal battery
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Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Quartz Men's Watch
  1. Eco-Drive technology is fueled by light and never needs a battery
  2. Movement Japanese Quartz
  3. Water resistant depth  660 Feet
  4. Molded polyurethane band with buckle closure
  5. Case material: Stainless Steel
  6. Case diameter: 43 millimeters
  7. Case Thickness: 12 millimeters
  8. Date display.
  9. Weight: 15.17 Ounces
  10. Replaceable band
  11. Analog display
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Optimum Time Series 3 Sailing Timer
  1. Battery: 1 Lithium Metal battery
  2. Date First Available : April 9, 2014
  3. Display Type: Digital
  4. Case diameter: 20 millimeters
  5. Case Thickness: 16 millimeters
  6. Band Material: Plastic
  7. Band width: 20 millimeters
  8. Band Color: Pink, Yellow, Grey
  9. Item weight: 2.29 Ounces
  10. Water resistant depth: 50 Meters
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What to look for when comparing Sailing Watches:

 

Although a sailing watch is a sailor’s timepiece while at sea, it could also serve more than that with the addition of certain features, and these features make every watch distinct to them based on their needs. Most sailing watches now show real time data, and can be connected to other devices or smartphones. With advancement in technology and new innovations, most sailing watches now have features like GPS, internet, weather prediction just to make sailing experience worthwhile.

Some of these features are highlighted below for your reading pleasure.

 

Battery

 

The battery of a good sailing watch must be built to run for years. It must be specially made to have a power reserve mode, so as to make the watch function anytime you need it. Some more sophisticated models of sailing watches support recharging the battery through USB, while some use a standard battery that can be changed.

 

 

Durability

 

The most important thing to take note of is that the watch must be built to be shock-proof. Stainless steel, silicon strap and rugged plastics are common materials you will find on most sailing watches due to the fact that they are durable and flexible. Aside from the choice of material, it must be ready to withstand bumps and damage from accidents. The materials should be able to easily withstand repeated exposure to saltwater. 

 

 

Display

 

It will be frustrating to have a display that is difficult to read or see at night or in direct sunlight. A good sailing watch must have an easy to read display outlook irrespective of the environmental conditions, time and period. It will be of benefit if you choose a watch that has night lights and LED display.

 

 

Functions

 

The best watch for any sailor will be the one that offers specific sailing functions. Features such as a sync button, race mode, audible alarm, compass, GPS, countdown timers, chronograph feature, to mention a few, can be very useful. Having daily functions such as a calendar, multiple time zones can also be considered when thinking of a suitable watch.

 

 

Design

 

The cost of acquiring a sailing watch that suits your needs might be on the high side, but that doesn’t stop you from going for a catchy looking one with sophisticated designs. Since the timepiece might not be one you flaunt about on your daily outing, at least you will know when the time to go on your voyage comes, you are donning a beauty. 

 

 

GPS

 

A top notch timepiece specific for sailors should be able to help in pinpointing the exact location the sailor is, especially during regattas with the help of GPS (through satellites). With this feature you will be able to tell tide reports, weather information, shipping data, GPS navigation, navigation routes, and sometimes heart rates etc. This feature also allows the watch to send emergency signals to the right authorities in case the sailor encounters any danger.

 

 

Solar powered

 

One of the advanced upgrades on any sailing watch is the ability to get charged using solar. The inbuilt solar system can power the watch for up to 6 months without changing it. This also saves you the stress of charging it.

 

 

A countdown timer

 

This feature might not be directly applicable to sailors at sea, but in case there are races, regattas or sailing competitions, then the countdown feature can come handy. You may not be so concerned about this as most sailing watches have these features.

 

 

Waterproof

 

Right now you shouldn’t be told that a sailor’s watch needs to be waterproof, since most of the time the sailors will be on the sea and various conditions such as waves, wind, and rain will all have an impact on you while you are sailing. The watch should also be shock-proof, you do not want to get electric shock anytime you come in contact with water, and also be made of corrosion free materials. This will allow you to engage in activities like swimming, scuba diving, regattas and snorkelling.

 

 

Best Sailing Watches

 

1.  Nautica Men’s Quartz Resin Silicone Watch

 

Features

 

  •   Model Year: 2011
  •   Case material: Stainless Steel
  •   Case Thickness: 14 millimeters
  •   Water-resistant to 100 m (330 ft)
  •   Japanese quartz movement with analog display
  •   47-mm stainless steel case with mineral dial window
  •   Resin band with buckle closure
  •   Sporty stainless steel watch featuring multi-function dial with date window and blue resin strap with debossed brand callouts.
  •   Analog Display.
  •   Plastic band

 

 

 

Description

 

With its origin from China, this sailing watch has features and functions that are quite useful in any sport. It also has details that are specially detailed to sailing such as the large function buttons which allows easy manipulation even when the hands are wet or wearing sailing gloves. This particular watch comes in handy with a digital compass which is very useful in case of an emergency.

 

PROS

  •   Nice looking watch with the blue and silver coloring
  •   Average sized so it is not too big or small
  •   The outer ring is adjustable
  •   The extra band is an added bonus that can make the watch look brand new or fit different settings when worn

CONS

  •   The size of the watch is a bit small

 

 

2. SUUNTO Traverse

 

Features

 

  •   Date First Available: June 30, 2021
  •   GPS and GLONASS Satellite Navigation Systems
  •   Barometric Trend for weather prediction and storm alerts
  •   Up to 100 hours battery life
  •   Sync with a smartphone.
  •   Rechargeable
  •   Altimeter: Yes
  •   Water-resistant, up to 100m/330 feet
  •   Digital display

 


 

 

Description

 

Originating in Finland in 1936, this watch is everything a sailor will want out on the sea. The watch has an inbuilt GPS, barometric trending functions and compass. This helps you track your movement. The battery in this watch is rechargeable, which makes it more efficient and durable.

 

PROS

  •   Long-lasting battery
  •   Good design, easy to read, and stylish graphite
  •   Rechargeable battery
  •   Can be connected to Android or iPhone through the app.

 

CONS

  •   A little on the big size for some people, or those with smaller wrists or frames

 

 

3.  Timex Ironman Classic

 

Features

 

  •   Water resistant to 100 meters (330 feet)
  •   Digital display
  •   Model Year 2013
  •   Clasp Buckle
  •   Case material: Resin
  •   Case diameter: 38 millimeters
  •   Case Thickness: 12.73 millimeters
  •   It has a 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory with a 24-hour countdown timer.
  •   Start and split button
  •   On-screen prompts make setting easy forward or backward setting.
  •   Gray and black 38 millimeter resin case with acrylic lens.
  •   Indiglo light-up watch dial

 

 

 

Description

 

This digital display watch is a no nonsense sailing watch which suits any type of wrist irrespective of the size. Best suited for racing on the sea as it has a start and split button. 

 

PROS

  •   Fairly priced
  •   Easy to set, easy to read
  •   Great set of functions
  •   Much more than just a stopwatch

CONS

  •   Light does not always seem to work

 

 

4. SUUNTO Core

 

Features

 

  •   Water Resistance to 30 meters
  •   GPS: No
  •   Storm, weather alarm and indicator.
  •   Color: All black
  •   Band Width: 24 Millimeters
  •   Altimeter: Yes
  •   Replaceable battery
  •   Storm alarm
  •   Temperature reading
  •   Backlight: LED

 

 

Description

 

Again, originating in Finland 1936, this watch is suitable for sailors and hikers. With an inbuilt altimeter, you get to know your current elevation. Combining an altimeter, barometer and compass with weather information, the watch will bring out the explorer in you. This particular model has been tested to military standards. It has the ability to give accurate weather readings such as sunrise and sunset, storm alarm, temperature. The battery of this watch can only be replaced.

 

PROS

  •   Good value
  •   Replaceable battery
  •   Low battery indicator

 

CONS

  •   A little on the big size for some people, or those with smaller wrists or frames
  •   It doesn’t support GPS.
  •   It is quite heavy.

 

 

5. Bulova Men’s Watch

 

Features

 

  •   Case Diameter: 45mm Case Thickness: 15mm
  •   Stainless Steel with Rose Gold-Tone Accents
  •   Blue Dial with Luminous Hands and Markers, and Calendar Feature
  •   43mm 6 Hand Chronograph
  •   Water resistant to 200 metres
  •   Date display window
  •   Analog display
  •   Batteries: 1 Lithium Metal battery

 

 

 

Description

 

With origins in Japan, this men’s watch has clean styling. Made of pure stainless steel. Your Bulova watch is covered by Bulova’s 3-Year Global Warranty, so you are covered on any purchase for 3 years.

 

PRO

  •       It has a 3-Year Global Warranty.
  •       Cannot rust

 

CONS

  •   It can’t be connected to a device.

 

6.   Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Diver Quartz Men’s Watch

 

Features

 

  •       Eco-Drive technology is fueled by light and never needs a battery
  •       Movement Japanese Quartz
  •       Water resistant depth  660 Feet
  •       Molded polyurethane band with buckle closure
  •       Case material: Stainless Steel
  •       Case diameter: 43 millimeters
  •       Case Thickness: 12 millimeters
  •       Date display.
  •       Weight: 15.17 Ounces
  •       Replaceable band
  •       Analog display

 

 

Description

 

Citizen is a pioneer in watchmaking and innovative technology, founded in 1918. This watch brand keeps surplus energy in a rechargeable power cell. Designed not just to charge not just from the sun, but also from everyday light sources.

 

 PROS

  •       Replaceable band.
  •       Does not need a battery.
  •       Energy storage
  •       Eye-catching
  •       Solar-powered
  •       Waterproof
  •       Recharges continuously

 

CONS

  •       Slightly complicated operation

 

 

7. Optimum Time Series 3 Sailing Timer

 

Features

 

  •       Battery: 1 Lithium Metal battery
  •       Date First Available : April 9, 2014
  •       Display Type: Digital
  •       Case diameter: 20 millimeters
  •       Case Thickness: 16 millimeters
  •       Band Material: Plastic
  •       Band width: 20 millimeters
  •       Band Color: Pink, Yellow, Grey
  •       Item weight: 2.29 Ounces
  •       Water resistant depth: 50 Meters

 

 

 

Description

 

This Optimum Time Sailing Timer makes it easy to start your countdown when the gun goes so you won’t miss the start. It also comes with an elastic strap so that you can wear it on your wrist or over your sleeves, as well as a mast/boom mounting bracket for even more viewing options. 

 

PROS

  •       Sturdy construction
  •       Easy to wear and to use
  •       The very large display makes it super-easy to read
  •       Good racing functions

 

CONS

  •       The strap may stretch over time

 

 

FAQs

 

 

What do sailing watches do?

 

As well as telling the time, the sailing watch’s functions include countdown with synchro, day, date and alarm. Sailing watches are enormously helpful for navigation, planning, and numerous other tasks.

 

 

What is a nautical watch?

 

The term “nautical” can mean different things to different people. However, in general, any watch called “nautical” is built for the sea.

 

 

What are the best brands of sailing watches?

 

Suunto, Timex, Citizen and Nautica are great brands of sailing watches. 

 

 

What is a sailing watch?

 

Yachting watches are a niche type of watch and can also be called regatta timers or sailing watches.

 

 

What to look out for in a good sailing watch

 

Buying a sailing watch is not simple, as you may end up confused  by various brands online. It might also be confusing as to what features are important when trying to get value for money.

There are many different straps which help to make the sailor comfortable while carrying out his duties. Most watch brands now make use of soft rubber, synthetic bands, because they are considered more sustainable than stainless steel. These bands are lighter than steel and can be in bright colours.

First of all, you will need to understand the kind of sailing you are going for and find the watch that suits it.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Find a watch that suits your style and has the features you need for your sailing activities. All the options here are good choices, it’s up to you to decide which one is the best fit for your specific needs. Make sure it’s waterproof, durable and has an easy to read display. Happy sailing! 

Bill
Bill

Bill is an ISA Sailing & Powerboating Instructor in Ireland. He writes about all things sailing.

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