sailboat racing watch

The Best Watches For Sailing

A sport as old as sailing, which went unaltered for decades, is currently seeing a technological renaissance thanks to innovation in the sport.

So when it comes to the best sailing watches, it’ll depend on if you are a purist (mechanical) or a modernist (digital/smart sailing watches).

In my 10-year career working in the yachting industry, I have personally used multiple Garmin marine smartwatches, but they aren’t your only option.

This article will take you through the best mechanical sailing watches and digital sailing watches on the market today.

Now, let’s get into it!

🏆 Best Sailing Watch Overall: Garmin quatix® 7 Standard Edition

Key Specs 🗝️ 🗝️ Corning® Gorilla® Glass lens 🗝️ Silicone strap 🗝️ Total weight of 79g 🗝️ Battery life of up to 18 days (smartwatch mode)

If you are unfamiliar with Garmin watches, then here is your introduction to their quatix® marine series. In the world of smart marine watches, these are the holy grail regarding functionality. There is simply no equal to what Garmin produces.

The watch is made to integrate with your Garmin system on board your boat seamlessly. Everything from the chart plotter to the Fusion sound system can be controlled from your quatix® smartwatch.

In terms of design, you get five tactile buttons that each perform various functions and dull color touchscreen capability. And the AMOLED display means you can still read the watch face even in the brightest sunlight conditions.

The watch face/touchscreen is bulky at 1.3 inches, which I’m not a fan of in watches. However, it makes sense in this case because you need to view the outputs. The screen is made with a sapphire scratch-resistant lens.

While the standard edition of the quatix® 7 is a few hundred dollars cheaper, the Solar Edition can harness the power of the sun to increase the battery life up to 37 days (in smartwatch mode). So charging the quatix® 7 Solar is one less thing to remember if you are doing ocean crossings.

A nice feature of the quatix® 7 is the built-in flashlight with four brightness levels. And this doubles as a distress strobe light which is excellent for sailing use cases.

The quatix® 7 will give you alarms like anchor drag and tidal changes. These alarms are relayed from your navigation system. You can also use the quatix® 7 as a remote to manipulate your fixed Garmin boat systems.

Safety & tracking features come standard in the quatix® 7. If an incident is detected, the watch will automatically trigger a notification with your location to your preset emergency contacts. And lastly, the quatix® 7 will even tell the time!

• Alarms for anchor drag and tidal changes
• Integrates with your Garmin system on board
• Good battery life
• Difficult for some users to navigate

🏁 Best Sailing Race Watch/Regatta Timer: Optimum Time Series 3

Key Features: 🗝️ Large 90 o rotating display 🗝️ Adjustable elasticated strap 🗝️ Hard install capability 🗝️ Countdown timer (5;3; and multiples of 1 minute)

There are two schools of thought when it comes to sailing race watches. Some purists will champion a Rolex Yachtmaster. And there are practicalists (is that a word?) that want a stopwatch on their wrist, nothing more.

The Optimum Time Series 3 is just that. It’s large enough to read without glasses and known affectionately around the sailing fraternity as the Big Yellow Watch, among other names.

The Optimum is a firm industry favorite from sailing clubs to Olympic competitors. It’s large enough to be strapped to the boom, so the entire crew knows the start timing.

The elastic strap has enough room to fit a boom, so there is plenty of space for your wrist. The plastic clasp buckle locks the strap securely in place. The watch face will rotate to face the right way if you strap it to your mast.

As for features, you have the bare essentials for regatta sailing. It tells the time (shocker). And there is a countdown start timer in the 5;4;1 sequence. World Sailing standard. Added to that standard, you can set the watch to various countdown increment combinations.

• Designed specifically for use in sailing
• Simple and intuitive interface
• Durable choice for sailors
• Lacks more advanced features

📍 Best GPS Watch For Sailing: Garmin Instinct® 2 Solar

Key Specifications: 🗝️40mm/45mm 🗝️Power Glass™ lens 🗝️Monochrome sunlight-visible display 🗝️1.87oz (53gr) 🗝️Smartwatch mode: Up to 28 days/Unlimited with solar*

The Garmin Instinct® 2 Solar is the best GPS sailing watch on this list and is supported by the GLONASS and Galileo satellite constellations.

But before we get deep into the watch’s technical features, it’s worth pointing out some of the styling options available.

The standard and the camo are the same in every way except for the coloring. The tactical and surf editions are different colors and have additional features. All four models come in 40mm or 45mm diameters, which I like.

The Solar is ideal for boating and features plenty of bells and whistles to aid your time on the water. With a built-in compass to help you navigate as a backup system. Or make it even easier with the trackback function or point-to-point navigation from your wrist.

This digital breadcrumb trail that gets laid down in real-time is an incredibly useful tool for M.O.B. situations when you need to locate a casualty.

The Garmin Instinct® is a multi-disciplinary watch that will track a whole host of other activities you do outside of your time on the water. For the days when you are on the boat, be sure to use the safety & tracking features that come standard.

If an incident is detected, the watch will automatically trigger a notification with your location to your preset emergency contacts.

Lastly, let’s talk about the battery life, which is fantastic on this model. At the lower end (the 40mm), you can expect a minimum of 22hrs when the GPS is engaged and an amazing 21 days in smartwatch mode.

• Different face size options
• Trackback feature
• Multi-disciplinary smartwatch
• Wide range of functions = complexity

🫰 Best Entry-Level Sailing Watch: Gill Stealth Racer Watch

Key Specs: 🗝️ 3.5oz (100grams) 🗝️ Black or orange 🗝️ Buckle/Mount: Nylon 🗝️ Battery Door: PC & 10% GFB

Gill makes some top-quality sailing apparel, and they have introduced their latest watch to the market. It’s a hit for entry-level buyers or beginner sailors needing something capable on the water and sleek enough on the street.

The Gill Stealth Racer watch is made with paddlesports, sailing, and dinghy sailing in mind and will suit anyone participating in those fields.

It’s made with carbon-reinforced ABS plastic front and a stainless steel case back. It is water resistant up to 50m and is shock/impact proof. The primary features include; four countdown modes (such as vibrate mode for a ‘silent countdown’), an audible alarm and alerts, and a backlight.

You can clearly distinguish the functions and modes on the face, and I’m a fan of the larger red button to start/stop the race countdown timer. Additionally, you have a key lock feature to prevent any bumps or knocks from muddling up the race start timer.

The sync timer is a glaring feature that is hard to find on this sailing watch. So if you miss any of the countdown guns, you’ll not be able to sync at the touch of a button.

This would be a deal breaker for serious racers. However, the Gill Stealth Timer does have the sync feature on the face.

Lastly, let’s talk about the modes. And in the Regatta mode is where you will find the SYNC options.

Although you need to press the lap and reset buttons together to match the official countdown. A dedicated button would have been better. You also have a compass mode to aid in navigation.

• The price is attractive
• Can clearly distinguish functions and modes
• No dedicated sync button
• Hard to read in sunlight

🧠 Best Sailing Smartwatch: Garmin quatix® 6 Marine Edition

Key Specs: 🗝️ 47mm and 51mm sizes 🗝️ Corning® Gorilla® Glass DX lens 🗝️ 2.9oz (83 grams) 🗝️ Battery life of up to 14 days (smartwatch mode) 🗝️ 10ATM water-resistant rating

While there is a newer quatix® series on the market (which we spoke about earlier), the 6 is still the leading digital smartwatch for sailing.

The quatix® 6 will give you the exact location of the start line so that you can time your start to perfection every time. Additionally, you have real-time boat data to ensure that you are sailing efficiently from the start line.

The Marine Edition is jam-packed with dedicated features for boaters with unparalleled boat connectivity. It’s compatible with Garmin chart plotters and other devices and will show you data such as current barometric pressure and hourly history.

You can also fully manage the vessel with the auto-pilot control to hold your heading while not helming physically.

The quatix® 6 will enable you to stream a plethora of data on its sizeable colorful display—everything from tidal information to wind speed and much more.

And for racers, there is the option to use the Garmin SailAssist capabilities, which use real-time data to suggest adjustments to your racing strategy on the fly.

Also compatible with Bluechart G3 Coastal Charts and Lakevu G3 Inland Maps, you can set Chartplotter location points with remote waypoint marking.

There is a considerable learning curve attached to this smartwatch when it comes to using all the functions. And it’s easier to use if you have other Garmin products in their ecosystem already on board.

However, it’s worth the effort to learn how to operate the functions, which are definitely helpful and not gimmicky.

• The exact location of the start line
• Compatible with Garmin chart plotters
• Auto-pilot control
• Considerable learning curve

⚙️ Best Mechanical Sailing Watch: TNG Classic Tornado

Key Specs: 🗝️ 42-hour power reserve 🗝️ Dedicated race countdown timer 🗝️ 4.7oz (134 grams) 🗝️ Stainless steel case 44mm Ø

TNG (Tack & Gybe) are Swiss-made mechanical watches made with discerning regatta sailors in mind. There is a considerable price jump when you move into the world of mechanical watches.

You won’t get close to the functionality of what the latest Garmin smartwatch will do. But you will get a superior build quality chronograph in every way.

Tack & Gybe have only been around since 1998, which is nothing in the lineage of Swiss watchmakers, but they have been making quality mechanical watches for sailors since inception.

The face features five dots representing one 1-minute by default and can be adjusted to a 10-minute countdown timer. It makes for a beautiful design suitable for serious racing and meeting sponsors/clients when required.

The Classic Tornado has a power reserve of 42 hours and a water rating of 10ATM

🤑 Best Luxury Sailing Watch: Rolex Yacht-Master II

Key Specs: 🗝️ Oyster Steel case 44mm Ø 🗝️ Rolex 4161 movement with 72-hour power reserve 🗝️ Count down timer 10-minutes 🗝️ 4.7oz (262 grams)

To round out the list, I’ve gone for one of the world’s most celebrated watches (at least amongst watch connoisseurs) ever produced. It’s an all-time classic Rolex in the same breath as the Daytona.

Granted, most of us will never have a spare $18k (give or take) to buy one of these, but it’s still fun to include this magnificent timepiece as the best luxury sailing watch. Although you wouldn’t expect to see this on the wrist of the professional at the America’s Cup , you might see one on the owner of Team USA 17 (Larry Ellison, Oracle).

The Yachtmaster II features a perpetual winding movement known for precision accuracy. In addition, it boasts a 10-minute timer for any regatta race captains to monitor.

A timepiece of this nature is a once-off lifetime purchase, so it’s made to be ultra-durable thanks to its oyster steel construction.

The RYM2 has a power reserve of 72 hours, a 10 ATM water rating, and scratch-proof sapphire crystal glass covering the dial.

Prices begin at around $18,000 and can rapidly increase. Use the button below to try different configurations and see how high you can inflate that price bracket.

🎖️ Our recommendation process

Between the editorial team at Sailing Savvy, we have nearly 20 years’ worth of experience within the yachting industry. We have used gadgets and watches while on the water.

The recommendations we share are 100% impartial and bias-free. We only offer genuine advice on what we have come to know as the best and most reliable sailing watches. And we also strongly advocate that Garmin makes the best watches for sailing and boating.

🧾 Sailors Buyer’s Guide To Sailing Watches

When shopping for a sailing watch or regatta timer, you should take into consideration a few vital elements:

Water Resistance

It’s important to choose a watch or timer that is water-resistant. So look for a sailing watch or timer with a high water resistance rating, such as 100 meters or more. This will help ensure that the watch or timer remains functional.

Sailing and boating, in general, can be rough on your gear and apparel, so it’s important to choose a watch or timer that can withstand the rigors of being on the water. Look for a watch or timer with robust construction and good reviews on its durability.

Functionality

Do you need a watch with a built-in chart plotter or a timer with multiple start/stop functions? Make sure to choose a watch or timer with the features you need, not those you don’t.

The market is saturated with overly gimmicky products claiming to make your sailing experience as smooth and efficient as possible.

What Watch Do Sailors Use?

Sailors can use various watches depending on their specific needs and preferences. Some sailors may prefer a mechanical sailing watch, a type specifically designed for use in sailing regattas. 

Other sailors may prefer a more general-purpose watch, such as a sports watch or dive watch, which can also be suitable for use on the water. Digital watches have other features, such as a built-in GPS, weather information, and even chart plotters, which can be helpful for sailors navigating.

Ultimately, the best watch for a sailor will depend on their individual needs and preferences and may vary based on the type of sailing they do and the specific features they require.

Is The Apple Watch Good For Sailing?

The Apple Watch can be a good option for sailors who are looking for a smartwatch with a range of useful features. It has a built-in GPS and compass, which can be helpful for navigation and tracking your location on the water. The Apple Watch also has a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters, making it suitable for use in wet conditions.

What Do Nautical Watches Do?

Nautical watches, also known as sailing watches, are specialized watches designed for water use. They typically have features such as a built-in GPS, tide information, and other marine information fed in to help sailors navigate. 

They may also have water resistance, countdown timers, and anchor alarms. Nautical watches provide sailors with the information and tools they need to navigate safely and stay on course while sailing.

🗣️ Final Words On Sailing Watches

Ultimately your buying choice will depend on what functionality you need. If you are regularly racing in regattas, then you can’t go wrong with the Optimum Time Series 3, a classic racing timekeeper.

Optimum Time Series 3 Sailing Watch

But if you are more of a general cruiser and you already have Garmin systems, such as Fusion speakers, then the Garmin quatix® 7 Standard Edition is what I would recommend.

Garmin quatix® 7 Standard Edition Marine GPS Smartwatch

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I’m the founder and chief editor here at Sailing Savvy. I spent a decade working as a professional mariner and currently, I mix those experiences with digital publishing. Welcome, and I hope that we can be the hub you need for safe passage.

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INTRODUCING RONSTAN ORBIT WINCHES™

Sailing Watches & Race Timer

Use them anywhere.

The most popular sailing watch in the world just got better. Ronstan’s ClearStart™ race timer and watches are completely updated with bold new styling and true sailing functionality. Besides the fresh new look they feature large buttons, easy to read displays and advanced intuitive programming designed specifically with the racing sailor in mind. Developed with input from some of the world’s top sailors, ClearStart™ watches and timers are sure to set the standard for years to come. If you’re looking for a simple competitive edge, the difference is ClearStart™.

RACE MODE FEATURES - SAILING WATCHES & RACE TIMER

• Multiple Start Sequence options – World Sailing 5,4,1,0, match racing, user set
• SYNChronisation function – auto-correction if you start the countdown early or late
• Multi-line display – Start Sequences + Time
• Loud intuitive lead-up and start sound signals
• Count down repeat or count down and up options (for elapsed race time)
• Separate fast access Race and Time mode scrolling
• Water resistant to 5 ATM (50m/150ft) – double gasket seals.

STANDARD FEATURES - SAILING WATCHES & RACE TIMER

• Time, hours/minutes/seconds – 12 or 24hr format
• Month/Day or Day/Month format
• Daily alarm
• Chronograph - Including hours and time of the day
• Luminescent backlight
• Battery saving mode – light can be turned off
• Shock resistant.

Clearstart™ RACE TIMER

Rf4050 (black, red, white).

• 65mm (2 9/16") diameter face
• Oversized 16mm (5/8") digit display
• Rotating face
• Wrist/Hull/Mast/Boom mount options
• 30mm (1 1/8") wide stretch Nylon band with security loop
• Flush fit buckle
• Dual batteries
• Extra-large easy-press silicon buttons – highlighted Start/Stop button
• Weight 92g (3.3oz)

CLEARSTART™ Race Timer

Clearstart™ sailing watch

Rf4055 (red, grey) / rf4055a (black, grey) / rf4055b (blue, grey).

• Durable, ultra-clear mineral crystal lens
• Comfortable and secure silicon band
• Glass fibre reinforced case
• 50mm (2") diameter face
• Oversized 13mm (1/2") digit display
• Textured easy-find buttons
• Stainless steel buckle with silicon band retainer
• Stainless steel back
• Weight 73 (2.6oz)

CLEARSTART™ SAILING WATCHES

Clearstart™ 40MM sailing watch

Rf4054 (red) / rf4054a (black) / rf4054b (blue).

• 40mm (1 9/16") diameter face
• Oversized 10mm (3/8") digit display
• Weight 50 (1.8oz)

LARGE QUICK VIEW DISPLAYS The entire ClearStart™ range features oversized digit displays for easy viewing. The Race Timer presents huge 16mm (5/8") numbers that can be easily viewed by the crew when mounted on the boom or mast base. The 50mm Sailing Watch display is only slightly smaller with 13mm (1/2") digits which can be quickly viewed at a glance without taking your hand off the helm, and the compact 40mm Sailing Watch still has impressive 10mm (3/8") digits.

RACE SEQUENCE RESYNCHRONISATION All racing sailors know how hard it can be to get the watch going at the exact second the start sequence is commenced. With the handy SYNC function, you can quickly resynchronise the ClearStart™ to the official race time. A simple press of a button allows you to drop down to the next minute, allowing you to get your starting sequence back in perfect SYNC at the next opportunity.

PRE-PROGRAMED RACE SEQUENCE SOUNDS

The intuitive ClearStart™ sound signals let you know exactly where you are in the start sequence without looking at the display. Pre-programmed with World Sailing 5-4-1-0 and match racing start sequences, it can also be programmed for other count down sequences by the user. Sound signals can be turned off if desired.

END OF SEQUENCE - COUNT DOWN OR COUNT UP Depending on the user’s preference, the watch can be set up to repeat the count down at the end of the sequence for general recall restarts, or to start counting up to track elapsed time.

MULTI-LINE DISPLAY WITH REAL TIME No need to switch between count down and time modes because the actual time is displayed below the countdown time on the new multi-line ClearStart™ display.

DAILY LIFE FUNCTIONALITY From waking up for work to working out, a ClearStart™ watch is also great for everyday activities. Standard modes include 12 or 24 hour time format, date in day/month or month/day format, daily alarm and chronograph (stop watch).

LUMINESCENT BACKLIGHT Bright, full-face electroluminescent backlighting is easy to read at night and can be turned on temporarily for a quick view.

WATER AND SHOCK RESISTANT Designed to survive the rigours of competitive sailing, ClearStart™ watches and timers are water resistant rated at 5ATM and highly shock resistant. Watch housings are moulded in rugged fibre reinforced resin, with a resiliant and super-comfortable silicon band.

How to use Ronstan ClearStart™ Race Timer and Watches

Learn the basics of your ClearStart™ and troubleshoot common issues. 0:00 – Turning on your watch 0:35 – Buttons, icons and digital displays 1:45 – How to set the time and datee 3:50 – Changing between time and race mode 4:33 – Troubleshooting

Need some advice?

Official Sponsors of the Australian Sailing Team

Best Sailing Watches: 6 Top Picks from Racing to Adventuring

Looking for a sailing watch but don’t know where to start? We’ve done the hard work for you. Here’s six top sailing watches for racing, cruising or all out adventuring.

Sailing watches.

Sailing watches today range from housing the latest tech and modern functions, catering to your every need, to being simply a clock and timer on your wrist. Have you been scrolling through pages of watches, trying to work out what’s best for you amidst long lists of fancy functions? Don’t fret, you’ve come to the right place… We’ve done the work for you and selected the top sailing watches from dinghy racing to lifetime voyages. 

Whether you’re a beginner skipper, experienced sailor , or globe explorer , here’s some of the top sailing watches out there from Garmin to Suunto. All the information you need… on your wrist!

Our Selection Process

How we selected these top-quality, top-performance sailing watches…

Brilliant durability.

Top water resistance.

Great visibility.

Exciting functionality.

Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer Sailing Watch

Why we chose it:

• Racing specific watch 
• Easy to press silicon buttons, great visibility 
• Robust design with ‘bumper’ around display
• 50m water resistant
• Includes ‘5-4-1-0’ and Match Racing start sequence programmes

Optimum Time Series 12 Sailing Yachting and Dinghy Watch

• A sailing-specific watch
• Water Resistant to 50m
• Large number display
• Comfortable silicone strap
• Boom/mast mount bracket supplied
• Elasticated strap for wrist or over sleeve wearing

Suunto 9 Baro

• Advanced watch for adventurous sailors 
• Over 80 sport modes
• 100m water resistant
• Touch screen sapphire glass
• GPS tracking and navigation 
• Additional functions: Sleep tracking, weather, multiple sport modes
• Four predefined battery modes – Performance, Endurance, Ultra and Tour – ranging from 25 hours to up to 170 hours while recording time, with GPS on.
• Withstood several extreme tough tests
• Connects to Suunto app for easy data viewing, and connecting to partners like Strava and Adidas

Casio Lithium Quartz (WS-1300H-2AVEF)

• Great value 
• Sailing specific watch 
• High quality plastic strap 
• Tide graph and moon phase

Garmin Quatix 7 Smartwatch (Standard)

• Sailing specific watch
• 16 days of battery life/ 42 hours in GPS mode
• Rugged and large 1.3″ always-on AMOLED display
• Traditional and touchscreen buttons
• Connects with select compatible Garmin chartplotters and remote control of key MFD features, including chart zoom, layout shortcut, Fusion® stereo, autopilot and more.
• Autopilot control from your watch 
• Stream data including wind, water depth, and engine RPM
• View coastal charts and freshwater maps from your wrist 
• Also designed for deep water and inland fishing
• And so much more…

Casio G-Shock (GA-100CF-1A9ER)

• 200m water resistant 
• Average speed display 
• Automatic Illuminated display
• Low temp resistant (-10 degrees centigrade) 
• Anti-slip oversized buttons
• Maiden & Tabarly Put Women at Top: Ocean Globe Race Results
• Boat Test: C-Cat 48
• Entries for the 2024 Round the Island Race are open

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Best Sailing Watches in 2022 (From Budget to Luxury)

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Table of Contents

Best Sailing Watches

Garmin quatix 6 multisport – premium sailing smartwatch.

Read Amazon Reviews | See on Garmin

Tissot “Sailing Touch” Watch – Swiss-Made  

Casio Tide Watch (WS-1100H-4AVCF)

Optimum Time Sailing Watch: Simple Budget Pick

Garmin Quatix 5 

See the  quatix® 5 on Garmin.com | Read Amazon Reviews that mention “Sailing “

If you’re looking for a watch with multisport functions, this should be at the top of your list. Garmin is a trusted brand when it comes to smartwatches for sports, so you’re sure that you’ll have some of today’s best technology. The Garmin Quatix 5 is built on the powerful Fenix 5 platform, a smartwatch designed for use in the water. This is a good option if you want a more affordable version of the Quantix since the price has dropped since the release of the newers version 6.  There really are too many features to name here. If you want a closer look at what’s changed to see which is a better fit – check out this comparison of the Quatix 5 and 6 on Garmin. This powerful GPS marine smartwatch has a heart rate monitor (it’s wrist-based, so you don’t need to use a chest strap). Aside from the boat features, this model also has functions for a wide array of sports (i.e. running, hiking , biking , swimming, etc.) Garmin has dozens of models for different sports and fitness activities, but the reason why the Quantix model made our list is that it has Garmin SailAssist™ Capabilities that allow the user to have a virtual starting line. There is also a tack assist and a race countdown timer. This one is excellent on water, but it’s equally efficient on dry land too. Its simple design is also perfect for daily wear.

SUUNTO Core – All around value

The brand’s sailor-specific watch, the Suunto Elementum Ventus , was one of our top picks in the past but this one is not made anymore, but you may still find second-hand models on the market today. Occasionally one will pop up on eBay . The Suunto Elementum Ventus is a smartwatch with a sleek and sophisticated design, sapphire crystal glass, stainless steel case, and leather strap. The sailing features include a sailing timer, chronograph, compass, and weather predictions.

Garmin MARQ Captain (010-02006-06)

Read Reviews | See on Garmin.com

The Garmin MARQ Captain is an impressive luxury smartwatch filled to the brim with fantastic features for various activities. Along with Garmin’s staple features such as GPS, activity tracker, smart notifications, and Garmin Pay support – the MARQ Captain also provides Driver, Aviator, Expedition, Athlete, and Captain modes. This smartwatch is undoubtedly a masterclass in what these devices can achieve. Design-wise the Garmin MARQ is more oversized than your typical smartwatch. However, this bulkier appearance makes sense considering the MARQ’s build quality and feature-packed design. Also, despite the larger build of the Garmin MARQ, it is surprisingly lighter than you would think, at only 94 grams. In terms of features, the Garmin MARQ offers similar functionalities to the Garmin Fenix 6, and I would even dare say that the MARQ is simply a flashier version of the Fenix 6. However, one of the most notable features in the Garmin MARQ is undoubtedly the Athlete mode. This feature comes with layers of functionality that cover a vast selection of sports such as running, swimming, cycling, skiing, and golf. Besides the variety of sports features, MARQ also offers nifty functions such as a heart-rate sensor, stress tracking, and incident detection that sends notifications to your emergency contacts about your location. I also want to highlight the Recovery feature, which helps you keep track of your rest which can significantly help if you are nursing an injury. For sailing, I have to say that Garmin MARQ provides an unbeatable collection of features for sailors. The MARQ comes with a Regatta feature that helps you formulate the optimum route. The Tack feature also gives you real-time updates on wind shifts. In addition, the Garmin MARQ comes with a Man Overboard function that enables you to track a person who accidentally fell off the boat, which is one of its unique features. Garmin MARQ is undoubtedly one of the top options available in the market as a sailing watch. The Garmin Fenix 6 is a solid sailing watch, but the MARQ Captain is undoubtedly the more stylish of the two.

Ronstan ClearStart Sailing Watch – Budget

Corum Admiral AC One 45 Tides

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta

Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta

Bremont Regatta AC

[instagram url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BDRRISat_Ld/ hidecaption=true width=320] The Bremont Regatta AC (America’s Cup) is a limited edition model (the company only produced 235 pieces) and is no longer in production. However, you can still try your luck searching for sellers on eBay. It was priced at around $6,800 when it was still available, this is relatively more affordable than the two luxury brands above. This series and a partnership with Oracle Team USA (OTUSA) were released in Baselworld 2016 with much acclaim. A Blog to Watch quoted Oracle Team USA Skipper Jimmy Spithill as saying (about both AC and OTUSA):

“Naturally, we have a central digital clock on the boat but every sailor still likes to have the time on his wrist, and before a race the countdown to the start is critical. It’s a really tough sport both mentally and physically, and not only does the team need to make decisions under immense pressure but we need to have equipment that allows us to do so,” Spithill said. “With the countdown function being so crucial when racing out on the water, we are really delighted that Bremont has invested in this for us and it’s incredibly special for me that the watches also incorporate some of our winning AC72 which I skippered in 2013.”

Some of the main features of the AC include a titanium case material, automatic movement, sapphire glass, and a rubber bracelet. This chronograph timepiece’s sleek, classic design exudes elegance without being flashy.

TNG Classic Tornado Sailing Chronograph

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The 13 Best Sailing Watches For Serious Sailors 2024

Looking for the best sailing watches.

The best watches for sailing have to tick a lot of different boxes in this day and age. Gone are the days when you just wanted a sailing watch that could tell the time accurately.

Sailing watches these days are PACKED with different features and will do a whole lot more than let you know when it’s time to drop the anchor for lunch.

If you’re shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect sailing gift for someone else, then we have a range of great options that cater to both style and function.

Let’s have a look at what the best watches for sailing can do for you.

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Table of Contents

• Garmin Quatix 6
• Suunto Core
• Garmin Instinct
• Timex Intelligent Quartz Watch
• Ronston Clear Start
• Tissot Sailing-Touch Watch
• Omega Speedmaster Racing Automatic Chronograph
• MARQ™ Captain Modern Tool Watch
• Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Automatic Chronometer
• Panerai Luminor Marina
• Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra
• Bulova Marine Star Chronograph
• Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown
• What makes a great sailing watch?

The Best Watches For Sailing

We’ve found the best watches for sailing in the market. These make the perfect present, or why not treat yourself? They all come with great features that will make sailing even more fun and enjoyable.

#1 Garmin Quatix 6

Although being one of the most expensive sailing watches on our list at nearly $600, we had to include the Garmin Quatix 6 , as it really is one of the best currently on the market.

This really is a whole lot more than just a watch, with features for every type of sport on the water including diving.

Bluetooth functionality means you can connect it to a Garmin chartplotter using the free Garmin Connect app. You can also connect it to other makes of plotter using the Garmin transceiver for $150 extra. This allows all the features of your chartplotter to be displayed on the watch, including charts and even autopilot control if that’s connected to your chartplotter.

It comes with p reloaded apps for boating tides and many features for race sailors including a race countdown timer. It even includes preloaded topographic maps, including ski maps ! We told you this watch really does have it all.

The Quatix 6 has a choice of displays to you can customise your sailing watch, and can also be switched between analogue and digital. You can get it with a plastic strap or stainless steel, but we prefer the plastic as it’s a lot lighter!

It receives e-mail and texts just as any smartwatch, can be used to control music on board, is waterproof to 100 meters, is sunlight-readable, and comes with night light. The Quatix 6 even monitors your heart rate (great for showing your other half just how stressed you get when mooring the boat!)

The battery version lasts around 14 days between charges or you can get a solar-powered version for double the price. This is a do-anything watch perfect for anyone serious about sailing and adventure sports.

✅ Buy Now from Amazon

#2 Suunto Core Watch

While not quite as fancy as the Garmin sailing watch above, the Suunto Core is still packed with a wide range of features that make it a practical and useful tool for days out on the water (and with a much softer price tag of around $150!) If you’re looking for a more affordable watch for sailing then this is a great choice.

It comes with a compass, barometer, and weather forecasting features like a storm alarm to keep you in the know of current conditions in your area. It has duel times for long-distance sailing and useful extra features like predicted sunrise and sunset times. This watch is suitable for freediving, recording depths accurately to 30 feet.

Suunto watches have a great reputation among adventure lovers. These Scandanavian designs are made to last even in tough conditions. It’s not a small watch but this actually makes it a lot easier to use, and we like the fact it isn’t too heavy. For a sailing watch on the cheaper end of the spectrum, you can’t go wrong with the Suunto Core.

#3 Garmin Instinct

Garmin’s more affordable product to make our best watches for sailing list is the Garmin Instinct watch. Garmin call this their outdoor watch, and although it doesn’t have as many fancy features as their Quatix 6, it’s still a fantastic sailing watch.

It’s co nstructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock, and water resistance (rated to 100 meters) so it will withstand being thrown around at sea. It has a built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass, and Galileo).

It also has smartphone connectivity so can receive e-mails and texts, and can control smartphone music. It has a thermometer and a heart-rate monitor.

#4 Timex Intelligent Quartz Watch

This might not be up there with the smart sailing watches but for anyone wanting a bit of old-fashioned class from their sailing watch the Timex Intelligent Quartz is one of your best (affordable) choices. This watch will look good both on and off the water and comes with some useful sailing features too!

The tide tracker counts down to high or low tide, it has a thermometer to measure air & water temperature and an analog compass. The dial lights up for night sailing and it’s water resistant to 100m (though note that they recommend it for snorkelling and swimming rather than diving).

✅ Buy Now on Amazon

#5 Ronstan Clear Start Sailing Watch

The Ronstan Clear Start Sailing Watch is designed with race sailors in mind and is a popular choice for those wanting something reliable and purpose-built.

The textured buttons are easy to locate and the numbers are big enough to see at a glance. The multi-line display enables you to see the time and timer together and there’s a backlight option, which is useful in bad lighting or adverse weather conditions.

The SYNC feature quickly synchronises the timer if it’s missed the count-down sequence by a few seconds and the pre-programmed race audible sequence provides a count-down signal so you don’t have to look down.

✅ Buy Now from West Marine

#6 Tissot Sailing-Touch Watch

The Tissot Sailing-Touch is designed with sailors in mind. Its stainless steel case and rubber strap make it rugged and it’s water-resistant to 200 meters.

You can choose 2 time zones for long-distance sails, it has a tide tracker, temperature, and compass.

For race sailors, the REGATTA function consists of a countdown that can be set from 0 to 10 minutes and is used as a timer for the departure procedure of a regatta. When the countdown reaches zero, it transforms into a racing chronograph.

#7 Omega Speedmaster Racing Automatic Chronograph

This is one classy watch by Omega, who make some of the best on the market.

In a stainless steel case with a fixed black aluminum-filled bezel showing tachymeter markings, and a black dial with luminous silver-tone hands, you’ll certainly get compliments on this new addition to your wardrobe.

But what about sailing features? This chronograph watch has three sub-dials displaying 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours. It is water resistant to 100 meters, so it will cope with all the salt water you can spray at it, and the scratch resistance is a great feature too.

✅ Buy now from Amazon

#8 MARQ™ Captain Modern Tool Watch

This watch has all the gadgets, but still looks great.

You’ll find a revolutionary regatta timer enhanced with GPS technology which pinpoints the start accurately. There is a tack assist and a man overboard button for the helmsman and it’s water resistant to 100 meters.

It has preloaded marine mapping with GPS navigation, maritime profiles and weather forecasts, including storm alerts and home port conditions.

If the gadgets don’t win you over then the exquisite nautical details will. With navy ceramic bezel and jacquard-weave strap made by artisans in the south of France you’re going to look the part no matter where you are.

✅ Buy now from West Marine

#9 Ulysse Nardin Marine Torpilleur Automatic Chronometer

We love the look of this watch, it’s so classic and timeless. With a stainless steel case and a blue (alligator) leather strap, fixed coin edge stainless steel bezel and blue dial with silver-tone spade-shape hands and Roman numeral hour markers, this watch really looks the part both on and off the water.

It’s water resistant to 50 meters, scratch resistant and has roughly 60 hours power reserve. This watch is pure luxury, and perfect for sailors who want to look the part.

✅ Buy now on Amazon

#10 Panerai Luminor Marina

The Panerai Luminor Marina is a classic sailing watch with modern features. It looks great whether you’re wearing it out sailing or to work, as it doesn’t have the sporty look of some of the other modern sailing watches.

It has an oversized crown that’s easy to grip, even with wet fingers. It’s water resistant to 100 meters.

#11 Omega Seamaster Aqua Terre

Omega really do make incredible watches, and the seamaster Aqua Terre is no exception. You don’t need to see this watch close up to know it’s a step above the rest.

The finishes are impeccable and this stylish watch lands somewhere between sporty and classic, so it goes with every outfit.

This watch has a 150-meter depth rating, a 60-hour power reserve, and a resistance to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss.

If you’re looking for the perfect watch for days out sailing and every day wear then look no further.

#12 Bulova Marine Star Chronograph

The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Watch is designed with a gold-tone stainless steel case with rotating dial ring to measure elapsed time. It has some beautiful details, like the red stitching on the blue leather and silicone strap, and the three-piece buckle closure.

It features a six-hand chronograph and is water resistant to 100 meters, so is perfect for days on or in the water.

#13 Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown

The  Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown  is one of the more simple and elegant watches on this list. It has a simple sophistication that goes perfectly from yacht to dinner to business.

Featuring a rose gold-plated polished stainless steel case with navy blue dial with guilloché decoration and applied rose gold-plated luminous indexes, and hand polished rose gold-plated hour, minute, orange second hands, this watch looks good on anyone.

It has an automatic FC-380 caliber with a 48-hour power reserve and a 100-meter depth rating.  

What Makes The Best Watches For Sailing?

Rugged Watches For Sailing

A watch used on the water is often exposed to harsh elements for long periods of time. The number one requirement of a watch for sailing is that it can stand up to any weather condition thrown at it.

Look for waterproof and shockproof watches that will withstand the various knocks it’s bound to get out at sea!

Features Of A Sailing Watch

Depending on what you plan on using your sailing watch for (day sailing, cruising, racing), you may not see some of these features as necessary. But here are a range of different tools you can look for in a sailing watch to help you find the perfect one for you.

• Chronometers – For ultimate accuracy. 
• Countdown Timers  – especially useful for race sailors to help them countdown to the start of a race.
• Compass  – an essential item on any boat, a compass remains a reliable navigation tool in case your electronic system malfunctions. 
• Barometer  – this tool shows the variations in air pressure and can help with predicting upcoming weather conditions and storms. 
• Tide information  – a tool that can help you keep track of the ebb-and-flow of the ocean. 
• Multiple time zones  – for longer expeditions when the vessel is crossing into different time zones.  

Sailing Watch Strap

This might seem like a strange thing to include, but a decent strap could make the difference between a watch that stays on your wrist, or one that falls overboard! If you’re going to invest in a decent watch for sailing then you’ll want to be sure it will stay on you at all times!

Most watches have soft, rubber, synthetic wristbands, which are considered more sustainable than either leather or stainless steel in the sailing environment. Rubber straps are also lighter than stainless and easier to adjust.

You’ll find that the most expensive sailing watches tend to feature a mixture of leather and synthetic wristbands, to add class for a watch that can be worn both on and off the boat.

Conclusion: The Best Sailing Watches

The best watches for sailing don’t have to have all the modern fancy features and there are plenty of affordable options out there that will provide you with the basic tools you need for a safe and enjoyable day out on the water.

For those among you that spend a little more time out at sea, there are some very advanced watches for sailing out there that should make your life on the water a whole lot easier!

If you’re looking for a more detailed review of sailing gear must haves then we’ve got you covered!

We really hope you found what you were looking for in this article. If you found this post useful then please do share and check out some more of our sailing articles below.

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12 Best Sailing Watches (+4 Luxury Watches)

Sporting a nice-looking sailing watch that also brings massive value can be one of those personal items that you end up keeping for years and years.

Over time, it’s not uncommon to become accustomed to a particular watch of ours that serves one function or another and ends up growing on us. Like that old-school t-shirt, hat, or wallet we’ve kept for years, a watch can stay with us for quite some time.

For a sailor, wearing a sailing watch that has multiple sensors and other functionalities we use by the minute can be extremely useful.

This is especially true if you’re in a situation that demands your attention immediately. Whether your watch has an altimeter, barometer, tide chart, temperature meter, or GPS, it’s good to know we can be in the know with a quick flip of the wrist.

The Best Sailing Watches That Are Actually Affordable

There are some sailing watches out there that can cost an arm and a leg, but I’m less interested in prestige and more interested in the functionality.

Obviously, we want our sailing watches to look good too, so I put together a list of the best sailing watches that not only look great but give a sailor just the right information they need when they need it.

1. Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Easily one of the best sailing watches out there is the Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch .

If you’re looking for a digital sailing watch that’s stylish and smart, you’ve certainly found your next one. There are so many useful features built into this watch it’s difficult to summarize!

Apart from the Garmin Quatix 6 having a nice design, it comes with a number of useful features for sailing (and watersports in general).

For one, it has a built-in GPS, altimeter, barometer, and compass that allows you to more easily navigate the waters.

You can also connect it to any of your other Garmin devices via Bluetooth so you can stream any sailboat data instantly across your wrist. It also monitors your heart rate and has a number of sailing apps that can be installed on it!

2. Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple-Sensor Watch

If you’re looking for an affordable sailing watch that’ll last you a very long time, definitely check out the Casio PRG270 Multi-Sensor Sports Watch .

I’ve owned this watch for many years and have not regretted that purchase for a second. It’s a tough watch that can take some hits and provides all the necessary functionality you’ll need on the water.

One of the best features about this men’s nautical watch is that it’s 100% solar-powered, so I’ve never had to worry about replacing the battery.

Apparently, the battery life can last up to 6 months without a charge! It also has an easy-to-use digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, backlight, world time, daily alarms, stopwatch, full calendar, and much more. I actually wear my watch literally all the time and it serves many functions in my daily routine.

3. Casio Pro Trek Men’s Stainless Steel Watch

I’d say Casio is one of the better affordable watch brands for sailing out there based on all of the watches I’ve researched.

This stainless steel Casio watch is almost exactly like the Pathfinder, but instead of having a resin strap it has a strap that’s made of titanium.

The price of this nautical men’s watch is a tab bit higher than the Pathfinder, but it probably has a heavier feel to it and it’s potentially more durable. Also, it looks more stylish than the Pathfinder, so you can probably wear it in many different settings.

4. Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Multi-Sensor Watch

The Suunto sailing watch brand is quite extensive and they make some really high-quality digital sailing watches for a reasonable price.

One of the coolest smart sailing watches is the Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Multi-Sensor Watch . This watch looks very nice and comes in a multitude of colors and strap designs.

This Suunto sailing watch is a bargain for what you get out of it. Not only does it have an altimeter, barometer, and digital compass, but it has a very intuitive and well-designed display that just makes sense.

It’s also water resistant, which is a big plus. The display is so well built that you can even display weather charts along with the other sensor inputs! Truly amazing.

5. Casio G-Shock Men’s Black Resin Sports Watch

As you’ve already probably figured out, I’m a sucker for Casio watches because they’re just so affordable and functional to the core. With that in mind, another fantastic digital sailing watch to check out is the G-Shock Men’s Black Resin Sports Watch by Casio .

As one of the most affordable sailing watches on this list, you’ll get just what you need to stay on top of the basic metrics while sailing.

From measuring the current tide and the moon phases via an intuitive graph to having a world clock at the flick of the wrist, you’ll be in the know.

It’s even water resistant down to 200 meters (600 feet), so a great watch for scuba diving as well.

6. Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer Watch

The look and feel of this nautical watch are very unique and serve as a benchmark for how a sailing watch should be presented.

Apart from the amazing design, this Timex watch is the first one on this list that’s 100% analog. Keeping it simple by never having to worry about battery life can be very handy.

It also has a Perfect Date feature that has the world date and time preprogrammed so you’ll never have to set the date and time again. Very cool!

7. Tissot Sailing-Touch Men’s Multi-Function Watch

Some of the oldest, most trusted watch brands today are Swiss-made, and the Tissot Sailing-Touch Men’s Multi-Function Watch  is a tribute to that reputation.

As an affordable, well-crafted Swiss sailing watch, it’s hard to pass up this great sailing watch for any other.

We’re all aware of the quality that comes with owning a Swiss watch. This Tissot sailing watch comes with a hybrid analog-digital display that delivers information regarding tide, speed, direction, pressure, countdown timer, and more.

Through a clear digital display, you’re able to recall this past data via a chart as well. If you’re looking for quality and functionality, you’ve found the right watch.

8. Casio Pro Trek Tough Solar Digital Watch

Yet again, the Casio watches enter the arena of best sailing watches. This one is great if you can find it in stock: the Casio Pro Trek Tough Solar Digital Watch .

While it’s a tad bit more expensive compared to the previous digital sailing watches we looked at, the reasons will become evident very soon.

Apart from being solar-powered and having all the necessary metrics you want to follow when having a sailing watch, like direction, elevation, pressure, and temperature, you also have an awesome looking display on the watch’s face.

A tide and moon graph can quickly be displayed on the screen and even has an atomic timekeeping feature. This will probably be my next sailing watch.

9. Timex Intelligent Quartz Watch

The look and functionality of this sailing watch are hard to beat and surely provide a lot of value when having it on while out sailing. It’s especially durable as well thanks to its stainless steel body.

This watch by Timex looks amazing and has the basic features that you expect with a good quality sailing watch. While having the standard digital watch features, it also comes with its patented INDIGLO night light for those low light conditions, has a racing chronograph, and is of course water resistant.

10. Nautica Men’s Quartz Resin Silicone Watch

The Nautica watch brand has a lot of really nice-looking watches and one of the more popular ones I’ve seen among those sailing is the Nautica Men’s Quartz Resin Silicone Watch .

This watch has a classic design that’s sturdy and reliable exactly as you’d expect.

While this Nautica watch doesn’t have the same fancy features that the other sailing watches do, I have to bring it up because it’s one of the more popular sailing watches out there.

It does come with a variety of designs and even comes with either a resin, leather, or metal strap.

11. Nautica Men’s Triple-Sensor Watch

This is another one that’s often out of stock. The last Nautica watch we looked at was more of a classic watch, but the Nautica Men’s Triple-Sensor Watch  is in a league of its own.

This watch is specifically tailored to sailors and comes with a sleek design that rivals many other sailing watches.

This Nautica watch comes with multiple sensors, including a compass, a tide tracker, and a thermometer. This combined with its rubber strap makes it a functionally beautiful sailing watch that can handle even the toughest of beatings.

12. Casio Men’s G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch

I promise you this will be the very last Casio watch I show you in this list of the best sailing watches.

One of the coolest Casio digital sailing watches has to got to be the Casio Men’s G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch due to its cool design and extremely useful functionality.

This Casio sets itself apart from the rest of the sailing watches on here because it’s the only one that has the ability to predict weather changes.

With its advanced sensor technology, they’re not only able to measure the standard metrics most sailing watches can measure, but it attempts to predict the future and alert you when necessary. This is a super smartwatch that can absolutely last a lifetime!

4 Luxury Sailing Watches for Superyachters

Now, I’m not in any place to afford any of the following luxury sailing watches, but there’s no doubt that they’re functional pieces of art that would look good on anyone and each can easily fit the category of the best sailing watch. For those superyachters out there, this next list’s for you.

1. Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Promaster Aqualand Analog Watch

There are few watch brands out there that command immediate respect and awe.

Citizen is one of such brands and it demonstrates that quite effectively with the Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Promaster Aqualand Analog Watch .

While certainly not the cheapest watch, it’s the most affordable in our superyachters edition.

This Citizen watch is a sight to see. Along with its elegant design, it has the Eco-Drive technology that allows it to quickly charge via the sun and can last a very long time.

It’s also water resistant for up to 200 meters (600 feet) and has the ability to keep track of and record the depth when out diving.

2. Tag Heuer Aquaracer Men’s Watch

We enter the sailing watch space of yet another well-known Swiss watch brand; Tag Heuer. Among the many fancy and expensive yachting watches offered by Tag Heuer, their Aquaracer Men’s Watch  is one of the most beautiful watches on the market today.

The Aquaracer Men’s Watch by Tag Heuer comes with an amazing blue Bezel display illuminated by the luminescent hands and markers on the watch’s face.

This watch requires no charging, solar power, winding, or battery replacement since it’s designed to mechanically self-wind based on your movement.

On top of that, it’s capable of going all the way down 500 meters (1650 feet) so deep scuba sessions are more than welcome.

3. Omega Men’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Stainless Steel Watch

A fantastic watch brand that has a long reputation for quality has to go to Omega, which has come out with the attractive Omega Men’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Stainless Steel Watch  for water dwellers all over the world.

If you’re looking to splurge on a superyachters watch, surely this one won’t disappoint.

This Omega Seamaster yachting watch has an elegant design that’s fitting for any occasion, whether you’re out sailing or dining out.

Its classic stainless steel, silver design gives off a familiar look and is accompanied by a Swiss-certified chronometer to boot. It’s also powered automatically via self-winding, so there’s no need to worry about battery life ever again.

4. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea

This list of luxury sailing watches would not be complete without mentioning the most famous yachting watch brand in the world; Rolex.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea Watch  is the epitome of a high-quality sailing watch with a price tag to match.

The amazing thing about Rolexes is that they don’t really need to be explained in terms of how good they are.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea is one of the most famous luxury sailing watches on the market and comes with a Swiss-certified chronometer that’s self-winding.

On top of that, it’s capable of going down 3900 meters (12,800 feet) underwater! Now that’s deep.

Which Sailing Watch Is Right for You

Sailing watches (or yachting watches) have proven to be a tremendous help out on the water in navigating and planning.

When it comes to a good sailing watch, it’s up to what is best for the individual and how they plan on using it .

Each sailing watch can have its own unique features and intricate designs that set it apart from other watches. So which sailing watch is considered the best based on usefulness and quality?

Most Important Features of a Sailing Watch

Not just any watch is going to cut it when you’re out on the water. You need a timepiece that is going to stand up to the rough conditions that you’ll face, as well as provide important information when you need it.

These include durability, resistance to water, GPS capabilities, and tracking the tide, which most sailing watches have.

All are important for how you plan to sail, so you need a high-quality sailing watch that can handle any situation.

Excellent Durability

Sailing has its moments where it can be tough in the heaviest conditions. A watch that can withstand wear and tear is going to be crucial if you’re spending thousands of dollars on one.

You should consider getting a watch that’s made out of stainless steel and titanium, in particular with a stainless steel case.

The glass also needs to be somewhat shatterproof, as you will need something to handle scrapes and dings.

Superior Water Resistance

You want your watch to be protected from the elements, especially if you’re constantly getting wet while sailing. Each watch will have a different rating on its water-resistant capabilities, which can be confusing since it is measured in meters, atmospheres, or feet.

At a minimum, you need five atmospheres (ATM) or 50 meters of protection. This is equivalent to 160 feet, which is somewhat waterproof and meant for coastal cruising or brief moments in the water.

These are generally less expensive sailing watches, so it is understandable if you’re on a budget and want something to compliment your sailing experience.

If you can afford a step up in quality, you can check out sailing watches that have at least 10 ATMs, which is the same as 100 meters or 300 feet deep of water.

These are the best bang for your buck, as they cover decent depths of water and spray from the ocean.

The best water-resistant watches are 20 ATMs, which are 200 meters or 660 feet.

These are dive-worthy and are the beginning stages of the best sailing watches with high water resistance. Some go even higher to 30 ATMs or 1,000 feet, making them a part of the dive watches family.

Informative GPS

Not only do you want a fashionable and functional sailing watch, but one that has GPS capabilities. You don’t want to rely on old maps that have not been updated for years.

These watches include up-to-date marine information to travel safely along designated routes.

These sail tools alone are worth their weight in gold, especially if you have an older method of navigating the ocean. Some are well advanced to help provide tack assistance to ensure you’re sailing at optimal speeds.

Accurate Tide Tracking

Tide tracking is another useful feature to have in a good sailing watch. A tide tracker can be relatively precise to match the true state of a tide.

While some are very accurate, it is important to know that they are not always 100% correct. Some tide-tracking watches are better than others.

You want one that will give you proper information based on your location to provide the closest possible scenarios.

Types of Sailing Watches

There are a few variations of sailing watches that prove to be useful, with some that sailors absolutely cannot live without.

Each one has its own benefits, so find out what works best for you and how to utilize them in your own sailing goals.

Mechanical Sailing Watches

Mechanical sailing watches are just as they sound, as they don’t have a battery and have a classic look to them.

Some have solar-powered capabilities so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries. They have wind-up or self-winding features to operate and often time are accompanied by a countdown timer.

The best mechanical sailing watches come from Sweden and are manufactured by the top names in the business.

In addition, they have some of the best waterproof capabilities for divers that want to go around 1,000 feet down.

Digital Sailing Watches

Digital sailing watches operate on battery life, while typically having a display to read. They vary considerably depending on how much they cost and the features they provide.

A digital sailing watch is generally affordable for any budget, but only if they are simple in its functionality.

They usually have an LCD screen in the form of a digital display showing the date, time, and temperature. They can even have a countdown timer, multiple time zones, a dual time display, a date window, and much more

One of the best sailing watches is the Garmin Quatix 6  which has an altimeter, barometer, and compass.

It also has Bluetooth, which you could argue makes it a sailing smartwatch too. Definitely one of the more popular sailing watches out there.

Sailing Smartwatches

Sailing smartwatches are very similar to digital sailing watches. They typically have an LCD screen displaying basic information, but their waterproof capabilities are slightly higher.

They have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options to connect to charts, GPS, and other crucial data.

They are even used in competitive sailing races to offer sail racing assistance to track important data for the team or the individual racer.

The Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Watch  is one of the best sailing smartwatches out on the water.

It allows you to save navigation data, track boat speed and heading through GPS, and offers multiple pages of information through Wi-Fi. This is a sailing smartwatch powerhouse.

Final Thoughts

Sailing watches are an innovative tool that offers sailors the ability to process information in real-time.

Each sailor can find their own unique function in a sailing watch, whether it be mechanical, smartwatch, or digital.

Since they offer GPS, tide tracking, or a stylish stainless-steel watch that will last for years, a great sailing watch is worth the investment.

There are plenty of affordable sailing watches to fit any budget, so finding one should be simple if you narrow down your criteria.

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2 Year Watch Protection Plan

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Covers broken watchband, movement failures, cracked crystal, bezel damage and more. Includes a 1-time refurbishment.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
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Product details.

• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.22 x 5.2 x 4.09 inches; 1.15 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ JR4061-00F
• Department ‏ : ‎ mens
• Batteries ‏ : ‎ 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ November 15, 2023
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Citizen
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B082XX7KQ4
• Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ Japan
• #2,427 in Men's Wrist Watches

Product specifications

Watch information, from the manufacturer.

AN ASPIRATIONAL ADVENTURE

Promaster sea.

Embodying the spirit of adventure in the air, on land or at sea, Promaster watches live up to the values of functionality, durability, and safety while respecting the planet it’s designed to explore.

Switches Location; Shows World Time in 30 Cities

Dual Time (Second Time Zone)

2 Digital Displays Show Multiple Features

A Yacht Racing Timer, A 99-minute Countdown Timer, Two Separate Alarms, Split Lap TImes

Water Resistacne to 200 Meters

1/100 Second Chronograph Measures up to 24 Hours

24-Hour Hand

Luminous Hands and Markers

THE DETAILS

Own your style- discover more.

CITIZEN PARTNERSHIPS

Disney Alliance

The official timepiece partner of Disney parks, runDisney sponsorship, events and more.

Everybody Solar

Everybody Solar, works to protect the environment and strengthen U.S. communities through solar-energy projects.

American Forests

American Forests is a pathfinder for creating healthy forests from coast to coast, leading the way for creating healthy and resilient forests.

Save The Beyond

Global adventurers on the front lines of the environmental battle share their stories in an effort to shine a light on destruction of the environment.

How long is the coverage on my Citizen Watch?

Your Citizen Watch comes with a five-year, limited coverage. When you register your watch online or through our My Citizen App, you will receive an additional coverage year free, for a total of six years coverage.

How do I set my watch?

If you know your model number, go to our brand website and search or browse for your model. When you're on the product page, the setting instructions are listed at the bottom of the "features" section.

How do I get a manual for my watch?

Setting instructions can be accessed through our website and our My Citizen App (available for iOS and Android). To obtain the instructions specific to your watch, you will need to provide the Movement Caliber Number on your watch's caseback.

Can I buy a replacement strap or links for my watch?

Straps, bracelets and links may be available for certain Citizen watch models. To find out if a replacement strap or part is available for your Citizen Watch, please visit our new self-service portal.

Product guides and documents

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the appearance and quality of the watch. They say it looks and feels good. They are also happy with the features and comfort. However, some customers have reported issues with the ease of use and time settings. They mention that there are virtually no instructions and that it's very difficult to set up. They also dislike the size. Customers disagree on the value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the watch. They mention that it is a really good looking watch, with a nice feature set. The color really looks great, and it arrived in its sturdy signature lockbox.

"...Would recommend this watch for all of your everyday needs and is very sharp looking ...." Read more

"Nice watch for everyday use, looks good and many features" Read more

"I love the looks of the watch . I’m glad it’s an Eco drive.It was very difficult to set up, however...." Read more

"...Had to return but refund was very fast!!! The watch itself was very nice looking . Would have kept if we had a users manual and could get it set up." Read more

Customers like the quality of the watch. They say it's a great product, a nice watch for everyday use, and a good timepiece. Some mention that it'll be a perfect watch for water sports, as it'd be resistant to 200 meters.

" Nice watch for everyday use , looks good and many features" Read more

" Good watch . Good price." Read more

"...are being adjusted because you switch time zones the watch no longer responds to anything , and this can take a minute or two.-..." Read more

"This is a nice watch with lots of features. The watch is very accurate over time...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the features of the watch. They mention that it has a lot of great features, nice styling, and great functionality.

"Nice watch for everyday use, looks good and many features " Read more

"This is a really good looking watch packed with a nice feature set , hence, the busy face.Set up is arduous requiring time and patience...." Read more

"This is a nice watch with lots of features . The watch is very accurate over time...." Read more

"This watch has a lot of great features all bundled up into one watch...." Read more

Customers find the watch very comfortable to wear. They also say it has a great fit.

"This watch is very accurate and is comfortable to wear not as heavy as some of my other watches...." Read more

"...Great for traveling across time zones, comfortable to wear ...." Read more

"Great watch for the price, very confortable " Read more

"Great fit and comfortable to wear . Glad that I choose the orange over the blue" Read more

Customers are mixed about the value of the watch. Some mention it's a great value in a quality watch with a robust feature set. However, others say that it looks like a very cheap watch, came in a cheap box, and is unusable.

"Good watch. Good price ." Read more

" Came in a cheap cardboard box , looked used. Very hard to set time!" Read more

"...Feature set = robust for the price (4)Subjective overall rating = (3)" Read more

" Horrible watch ...." Read more

Customers find the watch difficult to set up and operate. They also mention that there are virtually no instructions.

"...I’m glad it’s an Eco drive.It was very difficult to set up , however. And the watchto.com with a manual on how to set up to watch." Read more

"...with it and looked up videos on how to set date/time but never could get it set properly . Had to return but refund was very fast!!!..." Read more

"... Set up is arduous requiring time and patience. You can't just turn the crown to set the time...." Read more

"... Not hard at all to set up the master reset works well when first getting watch to start on. After that very easy to do." Read more

Customers find the time settings of the watch difficult to set and read. They also say the chronometer was off by 2 minutes.

"...Watch arrived with all hands spinning, date and time wrong ...." Read more

"...The LCD screens are near impossible to read practically ...." Read more

"...The watch also has a countdown timer, chronograph , two alarms, etc...." Read more

"...the dial is complex and cluttered, and often you can't read the time at your first attempt." Read more

Customers are dissatisfied with the size of the watch. They mention that the watch band is small, the display features are too small, and the strap is too short.

"Looks and feels good! I just wish the strap in longer , too short for me other than that great timepiece , I get a lot of compliments about it ." Read more

"...in color, design and aesthetics were there-just the size was so disappointing . I had to return the watch as I thought I'd never really wear it...." Read more

"...this watch, could not even figure out how to set the time, display features are too small , had to use a magnifying glass and even then, could not..." Read more

" Strap was too short ." Read more

Reviews with images

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• Paddle Board

Best Sailing Watches Reviews: Our Pick of the Top Models & Buyer’s Guide

Are you a sailing enthusiast? There’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting out on the water for some fun. Sailing is a challenging skill filled with ups and downs that will test your mettle against the elements of the ocean or lake.

Sailors rely on their position to show them their course while at sea. Without accurate positioning, it’s hard to tell where you are in the race and if you’re on the right course to win the event.

A sailing watch gives you everything you need to keep your position and time. These watches come with chronograph functionality for precision timekeeping, and they are available in smart and analog models.

This review unpacks the best sailing watches for your next aquatic experience. We’ll look at some of the top models and make our recommendations on the best sailing watch for your activities and budget.

Our Top Picks

• The Best Overall Sailing Watch – Garmin Quatix 6 The Garmin Quatix 6 wins our award for the best overall sailing watch. This smart model comes with a clean look, featuring stainless steel casing and a sapphire display. You get a bevy of smart functions in the watch, including GPS and timing functions.
• The Best Premium Sailing Watch – SUUNTO 9 The SUUNTO 9 wins our award for the best premium sailing watch in this review. This smart model comes with GPS and timing functions, and you get a host of functions and features with great battery life. This model is expensive, but it’s a great choice if you want the best sailing watch available.
• The Best Budget Sailing Watch – Garmin Instinct The Garmin Instinct wins our award for the best budget model in this review. This smart sailing watch brings you outstanding functionality and a military-spec design. You get plenty of features, including GPS and timing functions. Best of all, this smart model comes with an affordable price tag.

Sailing Watches Reviews

The best overall sailing watch – garmin quatix 6.

If you’re looking for a high-quality sailing watch offering you excellent performance in all conditions, we recommend the Garmin Quatix 6. This smartwatch features a rugged design with a sense of sophistication to its looks. We like the stainless steel bezel buttons and trim around the face providing a classy look to the watch.

You get a 1.3″ display that’s easy to read, with a simple interface providing a user-friendly experience. The watch comes with the Garmin QuickFit band system for easy adjustment to your wrist. The Quatix 6 connects to Garmin Chartplotters, allowing you to stream data to the watch.

• Provides comprehensive connectivity with compatible Garmin chartplotters and other devices (GPSMAP 7x2/9x2/12x2 Plus GPSMAP 10x2/12x2 GPSMAP 74/7600 GPSMAP 84/8600 GHC 20 GNX Wind GNT 10)
• Rugged sophisticated design features an always-on 1 3” display stainless steel bezel buttons rear case and QuickFit band system
• Improved sail racing assistance includes virtual starting line distance to start line race countdown timer and tack assist
• Preloaded apps for boating tides autopilot control Fusion-Link anchor fishing and GNT 10
• Support for optional BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps with improved chart presentation for the latest in Garmin marine cartography

The Autopilot feature on the Quatix 6 lets you control the boat even when you’re not at the helm. The Autopilot app allows you to change your heading, follow a pre-planned GPS route or engage pattern steering. The Fusion-link app also allows full control of your entertainment system from the watch interface.

The Quatix 6 gives you all the critical data you need for your position and heading. The watch measures engine RPMs, water depth, wind, and much more. You also get waypoint marking included with the Quatix 6. Mark your favorite fishing spots and destinations so you can return to them later.

Garmin included support for Navionics data and a full range of charts for the east and west coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Create virtual starting lines, and the track-assist function allows you to see if you’re on course or lifting.

The Quatix 6 includes preloaded topographic maps, multi-GNSS support, altimeter, and compass. The clean and crisp display is minimalistic, with all the data you need to improve your sailing experience. We rate the Garmin Quatix 6 as the best overall sailing watch in this review.

What We Liked

• Classic look with stainless steel finishes.
• Maps included and Navionics data available.
• Autopilot feature.
• Waypoint marking and Sail-Assist function.
• Comprehensive connectivity.

The Best Premium Sailing Watch – SUUNTO 9

If you’re looking for the best premium sailing watch, we recommend going with the SUUNTO 9 Baro & Peak. This smartwatch is the pinnacle of technology for sailing enthusiasts. The SUUNTO 9 comes with a durable design, with raised bezels to prevent scratching of the watch face.

You get a multisport GPS with accurate positioning and a 120-hour run time between charges. This model connects to your favorite sports and health apps with a 300-foot water-resistant rating. The intelligent GPS won’t run down the battery without compromising accuracy.

• Suunto 9 Baro: This durable multisport GPS watch is designed for athletes who demand the best; Featuring over 80 sports modes, a barometer for accurate altitude info, and wrist heart rate monitor
• Built To Last: Made for training, racing and extreme adventures, this GPS watch delivers up to 120 hours of continuous exercise tracking; Water resistant to 100 meters; Great for running, hiking, cycling and more
• Get Connected: Connect to your favorite sports apps and services from the Suunto app to get more from your watch; Share with your sports communities and access specific training analysis and guidance
• Adventure Starts Here: Combining Scandinavian design with ultra durable materials, our watches track your sports, daily activity, and sleep to help you keep life, training and recovery in balance
• Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high-quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products. Proudly made with 100% renewable energy

There’s an altimeter barometer included in the watch, and the unique FusedTrack algorithm tracks your distance accuracy through the use of GPS and motion sensor data. This smartwatch also syncs with your calls, messages, and emails, allowing you to stay connected out on the water.

The 2-inch watch face features large, legible numbers and letters, and you get a high-quality rubberized strap for durable wear. The clean look of the bezel and buttons make this watch ideal for sports use, casual wear, and semi-formal use.

Overall, the SUUNTO 9 is a great choice for your sailing watch, but it comes with a steep price tag. Still, if you’re looking for the best model in this review, you can’t go wrong with the SUUNTO 9.

• Attractive design.
• Large 2-inch face.
• Comfortable strap.
• Apps and GPS data are available.
• Connects to messages and communications.

The Best Budget Sailing Watch – Garmin Instinct

If you’re searching for the best budget deal in this review, we recommend going with the Garmin Instinct. This sailing watch comes in your choice of 34 different colors. You get a rugged military-spec design, making the watch capable of handling the most demanding environments.

The Instinct meets 810G Military standards for shock, thermal, and water resistance up to 300-feet. You get a built-in 3-axis compass in the watch and a barometric altimeter. The Instinct includes multiple global navigation systems, including GPS, Galileo, or Glonass. As a result of the multi-GPS systems, the Instinct provides accurate positioning data.

• Rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments.Supported Application:GPS,Fitness Tracker,Heart Rate Monitor,Sleep Monitor. Connectivity technology:GPS. Wireless comm standard:Bluetooth
• Constructed to U.S. Military standard 810G for thermal, shock and water resistance (rated to 100 meters)
• Built in 3 axis compass and barometric altimeter, plus multiple global navigation satellite systems (GPS, Glonass and Galileo) support helps track in more challenging environments than GPS alone
• Monitor your estimated heart rate, activity and stress; Train with preloaded activity profiles
• Stay connected with smart notifications (with a compatible smartphone) and automatic data uploads to the Garmin connect online fitness community

The Instinct includes estimated heart rate, daily activity levels, and athletic strain. You also have the option of using the pre-installed activity profiles. The Garmin Instinct also provides you with smart notifications for your devices, and you get an auto-upload of your data to the Garmin fitness community.

The Instinct comes with the Garmin “Tracback” feature, offering you auto navigation of the same route to your starting point. The Instinct comes with excellent battery life, with up to 14-days standby in smartwatch mode, 16-hours in GPS mode, and up to 40-hours in the Ultratrac battery-saver mode.

Overall, the Garmin Instinct offers you the best value deal in this review. It’s a highly functional watch with everything you need to enjoy your time out on the water.

• Affordable quality.
• 3-stage GPS.
• Built-in 3-axis compass.
• Smartwatch vital monitoring.
• 34-colors available.

The SUUNTO 7 is another great choice for your sailing watch. This model comes with a similar feel and interface to the SUUNTO 9 but with a price tag that’s half the cost of the SUUNTO 9. This watch features an attractive design, with a large 2-inch face and raised stainless steel or titanium bezels. With the adjustable rubber strap, you get a clean look, ensuring the watch sits securely on your wrist.

The SUUNTO 7 comes with 70-sports modes and a heart rate monitor. You get access to GPS functions, supporting Navionics data and maps. Connect to the SUUNTO app and bring the smartwatch to life with a range of custom functions.

• Suunto 7: This versatile smart watch combines Suunto's sports expertise with smartwatch technology; Track exercise accurately with access to more than 70 sports modes, GPS, and wrist heart rate sensor
• Make Life Easier: Compatible with Android and iOS phones, the Suunto 7 is powered by Wear OS by Google so you can see incoming calls and messages, make payments with your watch and download music to your watch to listen offline
• Authentic Heritage: Founded in 1936, Suunto brings over 80 years of high quality heritage craftsmanship, relentless accuracy, and pioneering innovation to our watches, compasses, and dive products

The SUUNTO 7 features the Google Wear OS, making it simple to integrate to any tech and your accounts. Download your favorite podcasts and music, and use the watch to Bluetooth it to your boat speaker system. This watch comes with the option of setting up dozens of widgets to enhance its functionality.

The SUUNTO 7 comes with smart battery technology. You get up to 40-days battery life in battery-saver mode, up to 2-days in smartwatch mode, and up to 12-hours in GPS mode. Overall, this model might not be as powerful as the SUUNTO 9, but you get a highly functional watch at half the price. There are eight colors to choose from when purchasing your SUUNTO 7.

• Compatible with Google apps.
• Accurate GPS tracking.
• Displays vital information like heart rate.
• Download music and podcasts.
• Long battery life.
• Eight color options.

SUUNTO Core

SUUNTO makes some of the best smartwatch models available, and the Core is another example of tech that enhances your sailing experience. The SUUNTO Core is a versatile smartwatch ideal for use out on the water. You get a range of connectivity features for your messages, calls, and emails, and plenty of apps and widgets to download to improve the functionality of this smartwatch.

The Core comes with a black face featuring red accents, giving it an appealing look—the raised bezels on the edges with navigational markings along the edges. The rugged nylon strap is water-resistant and tear-proof, ensuring a secure fit to your wrist.

• The daily companion in the mountains and on skiing tours – Ideal for all altitudes
• Barometric altitude measurement, Display of altitude graphic, Compass, Depth gauge for snorkelling (10 m)
• Storm warnings, Temperature, Time-, Date-, and Alarm functions, 12 month Battery life in time mode
• High durability thanks to aluminium case, Waterproof up to 30m (to ISO6425)
• Contents: 1x Suunto Core multisport watch (unisex), USB cable, Band length: 24.5 cm, Black/Red, SS023158000

The SUUNTO Core comes with a barometric altimeter, compass, and depth gauge. You get real-time alerts for storm warnings, the air temperature, and a highly impact-resistant aluminum casing that’s nearly indestructible and scratch-resistant. The watch is waterproof up to 100-feet, and you get an easy-to-read face with large numbers and letters.

Overall, the Core offers you a great range of functions for your time out on the water. It’s an affordable watch in the smartwatch category and a fantastic choice for your first sailing watch.

• Attractive looks with a Nylon strap and red accents on the face.
• Barometric altimeter and compass.
• Connects to Android and Apple devices.

Citizen Eco-Drive ProMaster Sailhawk

Citizen have a legacy of manufacturing high-quality watches at affordable prices. The Eco-Drive ProMaster Sailhawk is a great example of a sailing-specific watch in the Citizen range, with a reasonable price tag.

The Sailhawk comes with a bright orange or blue color on the strap and bezel of the watch. The rest of the watch body features design and construction with stainless steel for corrosion resistance and an elegant look to the timepiece.

• This Promaster Sailhawk timepiece isn’t just stylish, however — it is packed with features like the ability to give the time in 30 cities worldwide, a yacht racing timer, split lap time, a 99-minute countdown timer, and two different alarms.
• Sustainably powered by any light, with our Eco-Drive technology this watch never needs a battery.
• Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Orange Polyurethane Strap
• Retractable Hands and Mineral Crystal
• 200 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty

This watch features 30-time zones, a yacht racing timer, a 99-minute countdown timer, split-lap times, and two alarm settings. You get water resistance up to 600-feet and a 5-year warranty included with the Sailhawk.

This model is a great choice for anyone looking for an analog sailing watch without smart capabilities. There are two digital displays for the time zone and digital time. You get luminous hands and markings for low-light viewing and three low-profile function buttons.

The Sailhawk comes in a large plastic carry box. You get a one-touch interchangeable digital/analog time, digital backlit display, retractable hands, Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) display, and daylight savings time indicator.

Considering the price, the Sailhawk offers you excellent value for money and is one of the best sailing watches in this review.

• Rugged design featuring stainless steel construction.
• Eco-Drive technology means no battery changes.
• Yacht racing timer.
• 600-feet water resistance.
• 5-year warranty.

Casio Pro Trek

Casio has a reputation for manufacturing some of the best digital watches on the market. In the 80s and 90s, Casio dominated the entry-level watch market. Four decades later, the company still manufactures high-quality digital watches at an affordable price. The Pro Trek model is another great choice for your sailing watch.

The Pro Trek features a rugged design with the solar-powered operation and Multi-band atomic timekeeping. The attractive aluminum casing adds to the rugged look of the watch, and you get raised bezels with compass markings and luminous readouts on the face.

• Tough Solar Power,100M Water Resistant,Low Temperature Resistant (-10 C / 14 F),Module 3415,Approx. Battery Life: 9 months on full charge (without further exposure to light)
• Accuracy: +/- 15 seconds per month ,Full Auto Calendar (Pre-programmed until the year 2099),5 Daily Alarms (4 one-time and 1 snooze alarm),World Time 31 time zones (48 cities + UTC), city name display, daylight saving on/off
• Full Auto LED (Super Illuminator) Backlight with Afterglow,Countdown Timer Measuring unit: 1 second Countdown range: 24 hours Countdown start time setting range: 1 minute to 24 hours (1-minute increments ans 1-hour increments)
• Barometer Display range: 260 to 1,100 hPa (7.65 to 32.45 inHg) Display unit: 1 hPa (0.05 inHg),Thermometer Display range: -10 to 60 C (14 to 140 F) Display unit: 0.1 C (0.2 F)
• Digital Compass Measures and displays direction as one of 16 points Measuring range: 0 to 359 degrees Measuring unit: 1 degree 60 seconds continuous measurement Graphic direction pointer Bidirectional calibration and Northerly calibration function Magnetic declination correction Bearing memory

The Pro Trek comes with all the functionality you need in a sailing watch. There’s a duplex LCD, tide graph, moon cycle data, digital compass and altimeter, barometer, and thermometer. The watch face has full LED backlighting for viewing in low-light conditions and fire alarms, along with a 1/100th second stopwatch function.

There is a battery level indicator and a power-saving function. You get an auto-calendar and countdown timer with a solar-charged battery on this model. The Pro Trek offers you 5-months of operations without any exposure to sunlight.

The Pro Trek is water-resistant to 600-feet, and it comes with five alarms. Overall, the Casio Pro Trek is a great choice for your sailing watch, and it comes with an affordable price tag to boot.

• Rugged aluminum body.
• Plenty of functions.
• Solar-powered operation.

Tissot Sailing-Touch

Tissot is another name in sailing watches that stands out from the pack. This Sailing-Touch model is another great example of a purpose-built sailing watch for your aquatic adventure.

This Tissot model comes with a 45mm stainless steel casing design for the watch body and a blue accent on the face and bezel. The hands are luminous, allowing for reading the time and data in low-light conditions.

• Stainless steel watch featuring techymeter bezel and black dial with luminous hands, perpetual calendar, and chronograph functionality
• 45 mm stainless steel case and antireflective sapphire dial window
• Swiss quartz movement with analog-digital display
• Rubber band and fold-over clasp with safety closure
• Water resistant to 100 m (330 ft)

The Sailing-Touch features a sapphire dial for scratch-resistance and durability, and you get water resistance up to 330-feet with this watch. The Sailing-Touch includes a perpetual calendar and chronograph functionality. You get real Swiss Quartz movement and a hybrid analog/digital display with a backlighting function.

We like the Histogram function, showing you the evolution of relative pressure over the last 6 hours. You also get the minute hand indicating the tide at your chosen location, and the hour hand shows the low or high tide.

The Sailing-Touch also comes with a “regatta” function, allowing you to set the countdown from zero to ten minutes. The watch transforms into a racing chronograph when the countdown timer reaches zero. The digital display also notes the air temperature, and the compass function keeps your navigation on track.

• Clean design.
• Sapphire anti-scratch face.
• Blue-accent bezels.
• Stainless steel casing.

Casio G Shock Mudman

Who can forget the launch of the legendary “G-Shock” series from Casio? These watches were the hottest fashion item in the 80s and 90s, and for a good reason. These Casio watches are incredibly durable and the choice of many military operators.

The Casio G-Shock Mudman is a great choice for your sailing watch. This model comes with a mineral crystal display for durability and shock resistance. You get solar-power operation meaning the battery will never run out, and the buttons are all mud-resistant.

• Featuring a Black Band, Black Case, Scratch Resistant Mineral Crystal

You get a 600-foot water-resistant rating with the Mudman and plenty of features. The Mudman comes with moon [phase data, thermometer, digital compass, and backlighting with afterglow function. This watch comes with a preprogrammed calendar, world time, a stopwatch, and a countdown timer.

The G-Shock Mudman has a rubberized casing with a tick bezel and oversized buttons. It’s the ideal choice for sailors with larger hands looking for a durable watch that lasts a lifetime. The Mudman comes with a comfortable, adjustable rubber strap and a power-saving function for the battery.

• Classic G-Shock quality.
• Mud-resistant buttons.
• Sturdy shock-proof design.
• Digital compass.

Invicta I-Force

If you’re looking for an affordable and effective sailing watch, we recommend going with the Invicta I-Force. Invicta is one of the new timekeeping brands on the market. The company is making waves in the industry thanks to the high-quality materials and styling used in its watch design. The I-Force is a perfect example of one of the company’s elite products.

The I-Force comes with a 51mm stainless steel casing for durability and a classy look. You get blue dials on the watch that contrasts impressively against the brushed stainless steel. The watch face features design and construction with scratch-resistant flame fusion crystal. The rubber wrist band is completely adjustable for a secure fit, and you get a lightweight, powerful design for the watch.

• Stainless steel case 51mm diameter x 12.5mm thick; Black dial; Luminous hands
• Japanese quartz movement, VD57 Caliber; Assembled in Japan; SR920SW battery included; Watch weight: 164 grams
• Black polyurethane band, 210mm L x 26mm W; Buckle clasp
• Flame Fusion crystal; Screw-down crown; Stationary stainless steel bezel with blue top bezel ring; Functional Subdials: 60min, 60sec, 1/10th sec; 100 meter water resistant: Suitable for recreational surfing, swimming, snorkeling, sailing and water sports. Not suitable for diving.

The I-Force comes with several handy functions for sailors. There’s a 60-second and 1/10th second chronograph, luminous paint on the hands, and hour marking for easy reading in low-light conditions.

Overall, this watch has an impressive look, with classy use of stainless steel and plenty of features. Considering the price tag, it makes an excellent choice for an entry-level sailing watch.

• Very affordable.
• Polyurethane rubber strap.
• Chronograph functionality.
• Luminous hands.
• Flame fusion crystal face.

Other Best Selling Options

• 38mm x 20mm display size. Single row display. Massive 16mm digit height. Adjustable viewing angle.
• 5,4,1,0 ISAF start sequence pre-programmed with audible warning signals (can be silenced if preferred).
• Boom/Mast Mount Bracket Supplied. Elasticated Strap for Wrist or over sleeve wearing.
• Countdown repeat option or Countdown and Up to show elapsed time for handicap races.
• Large 65mm overall ABS case. Shock Resistant Construction. Water Resistant to 5 ATM.

• Product Type:Fishing Equipment
• Item Package Dimension:19.558 cm L X 17.78 cm W X6.35 cm H
• Item Package Weight:9.082 lbs
• Country Of Origin: China
• Item Package Quantity : 1

• Sailing | Accessories
• VEHICLES & PARTS > VEHICLE PARTS & ACCESSORIES > WATERCRAFT PARTS & ACCESSORIES

• Whitecap End-Bottom Mounted 90 Deg 7/8" Od 1-1/2" High - 6090

Sailing Watches Buyer’s Guide

After reading through the reviews of the best sailing watches, it’s time to decide on the right one for you. However, choosing the right sailing watch requires you the understand what you’re looking at.

This section will unpack the features and characteristics of sailing watches and what to look for in a prospective timepiece.

What is a Sailing Watch?

If you’re an avid sailor, it’s time to get yourself a timepiece that exemplifies your sport. A sailing watch, also known as a “regatta” or yachting watch, is ideal for sailing enthusiasts. The sailing watch is a timepiece dedicated to the sport, offering you the chance to capture accurate timekeeping during the journey.

If you’re into racing sailboats or yachts, you know that it’s challenging to line up at the starting line before the race. You’ll need to learn how to control the wind while waiting for the countdown to the race. It’s in these moments that a countdown timer pays dividends.

You’ll start your countdown timer at the resounding signal. The regatta watch gives you a measurement of progress and speed concerning time. With the right watch, you hit the start line right as the horn sounds at the beginning of the race.

A sailing watch is an essential piece of equipment for anyone that enjoys racing boats. This guide to sailing watches unpacks everything you need to know about these exquisite timepieces.

What are the Benefits of Sailing Watches?

Investing your hard-earned money in a sailing watch is money well-spent for yachting enthusiasts. If you enjoy getting into the outdoors and onto the water, they make a great watch for many different activities and sports, not just sailing.

The regatta watch is rugged and reliable, and it requires a sense of style. After all, you’re going to be flashing it around the yacht club, and you need a decent timepiece on your wrist, right? Most yachting enthusiasts require a sailing watch for several important actions.

The regatta watch will help you with timekeeping and tracking the weather, ad some also feature integrated GPS for easy reading of your position out on the water. Typically, the sailing watch has a straightforward design, without as many functions as you would receive in other sports-specific models. They focus on doing what the sailor needs – keeping time.

The sailing watch is easy to read and use and stylish, offering you a functional watch with an eye-catching aesthetic for dressing down or up.

What are the Types of Sailing Watches?

Sailing watches are available in a range of designs from several manufacturers. Sailing or “regatta” watches come in different models to suit your budget and activities out on the water. These dedicated marine watches have water-resistant features and materials for long-term use at sea.

You have options for analog, analog/digital, and smartwatches in this category. The models listed in our review represent the best of what we could find online. You have options for digital, analog, automatic, chronograph, dress, and quartz watches to suit your style and budget.

There are dozens of brands available, and we chose top manufacturers for the products in this review.

What are the Features of the Best Sailing Watches?

The best sailing watches come with basic features for timekeeping. However, manufacturing brands added several functions to these watches over the years. The introduction of the smartwatch added way more functionality to sailing watches, with some models having more than 70-functions.

Analog models come with hands and luminous markings for reading in the dark or with a backlit operation and glow function to help you tell the time in low-light conditions. The countdown timer is the most important feature of the watch, allowing you to get the best start to your race.

Let’s unpack some of the other critical features you need to look for in the best sailing watches.

The watch’s casing should feature design and construction with lightweight, durable materials. The classic watch designs usually use stainless steel in the casing, stopping any form of corrosion from damaging the look of the watch and its internal components.

Smartwatch models typically feature a durable plastic or rubberized casing to absorb shock and prevent damage to the watch. Most classic designs have thicknesses ranging to 45mm, with a 1.3-inch watch face.

The new smartwatch models may feature a thicker design to accommodate the electrical and digital components of the watch. The Regatta watch must stand up to the test of being in saltwater all time, whether your sailing, snorkeling, or diving.

Depending on the model and the manufacturing brand, you can pick up a regatta watch at varying price points. There’s a reason why we left Rolex out of this review; not everyone has the kind of money to purchase one of those timepieces.

This review contains ten choices for the best sailing watches. We took our time to curate the list based on the watch’s functionality and its price tag. The models listed in this review all offer you value for money, and they won’t blow your budget.

What Straps are Available for Sailing Watches?

The sailing watch is available in a wide range of designs. Most of them feature straps that stand up to the test of being out in the elements. You can choose the strap to match the watch and your sense of style.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel and titanium wrist straps are popular for more expensive models. These straps are ideal for people that want to wear their sailing watch as a dress timepiece. Stainless steel offers you the best corrosion resistance, and it’s a very strong, durable material. Typically, these straps come with links, and you might need to visit a jeweler to adjust the strap to fit your wrist.

Leather is another common material used in strap design for sailing watches. Leather is a great compliment to a classic-style sailing watch and durable materials. However, continuous exposure to the elements on your yachting trips may cause the strap to wear out faster than other materials.

Rubber or Synthetic

Most sailing watches come with rubberized or synthetic straps. These straps are durable, lo9ng-lasting, and easy to maintain. They won’t tear or weather in the salt air, and they are available in a range of colors to suit your style.

What Functions Do I Get with Sailing Watches?

What are the top features to look for in a sailing watch? This section unpacks the basic components and design elements of regatta watches.

Time and Date

Of course, the watch should offer you the time and the date. Analog models will use hands to read the time, but some might have a digital display alongside the analog operation.

Water-Resistance

As a sailor, you probably get in and out of the water all the time. So, it would help if you had a watch that matches your lifestyle, with the right water-resistant rating for your activities. Most regatta watches come with a water-resistant rating between 100 to 600-feet. When choosing your watch, make sure it has stainless steel components to prevent the watch from rusting.

Countdown Timer

The sailing watch is all about accurate timekeeping. The countdown timer in the watch is essential for helping you get the right start to the race. Look for models that have up0 to a 99-minute countdown timer. Typically, you’ll need at least a 30-minute timer for your race.

Chronometer

As mentioned, the regatta watch is all about accurate timekeeping. Most of the top models include a chronograph in the design. The chronometer is not only important for assessing time, but it’s also useful for calculating your longitude at sea.

Compass and Barometer

The best sailing watches come with a compass to help you navigate. Typically, analog or semi-digital sailing watches have the compass feature, while smartwatch designs rely on GPS for positioning information. The compass can come in handy, especially when you want to check your course on the fly.

The best sailing watches also include a barometer and altimeter. These features let you understand the air pressure and make adjustments to what you think the weather is going to do on your trip. A barometric altimeter can help you predict storms and bad weather, helping you to mitigate these risks in your float plan.

Tide information

The tide is critical to launching and returning to the marina. Some waters are not possible to navigate during low tide, and you’ll need to know what the water is doing if you want to avoid damage to your sailboat.

The best sailing watches offer you tide information. They can tell you the current tide status and when you can expect the tide to change.

Multiple Time Zone Information

The best sailing watches come with multi-time zone compatibility. The watch should offer you the time in several different zones, with some watches in this review offering you up to 30 different time zones.

When taking long trips, you need to keep your timekeeping accurate as you switch between time zones.

GPS and Other Features

Many of the best sailing watches are digital models, including GPS in its range of functions. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are vital in giving you accurate location data for your position. If you’re calling the coast guard for assistance, you’ll need to let them know where you are. Giving the rescue team your exact coordinates will help them rescue you faster.

Most sailing watches with GPS function come with a set of maps built into the device interface. Some allow for map upgrades to extend the watches coverage of lakes and waterways around the United States. A GPS on your sailing watch could end up saving your life in rough weather.

The GPS in the watch also allows you to save your waypoints and routes, making navigation easier. They also allow you to mark dive spots and fishing grounds for easy identification on return trips.

While we all want the best functionality out of our sailing watch, we also need to ensure a stylish look. We have a model in this review to suit your tastes.

From the sleek, modern look of the Garmin Quatix 6 to the classic styling of the Invicta, there is a sailing watch in this review to suit your personal style.

Smart Sailing Watches Vs. Analog Sailing Watches

When assessing the best sailing watches, you have options for traditional analog models and smartwatches. The analog model is the conventional choice, and many sailors prefer analog models over smartwatches.

With an analog model, you don’t have to worry about the battery draining or the electronics in the watch malfunctioning. However, smart sailing watches offer you a bevy of functions, including GPS, that you can’t find on analog models.

Smartwatch models are typically more expensive than analogs, and they require more maintenance. You’ll need to ensure you fully charge the watch the night before going out on the water to have enough battery life for the trip. The last thing you need is for the watch to die on you when you’re navigating your way back to the marina.

The Best Sailing Watches FAQ

Q: what is a chronograph.

A: The word “chronometer” comes from the Greek language, meaning “timekeeper.” Chronometers are precision time measurement instruments, and they must meet international test conditions. The organization monitoring chronograph standards is the Swiss organization “Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC).” This organization tests all chronographs for 15-days in five positions and at three temperature levels.

Q: Do I go with a digital or analog sailing watch?

A: You have options for choosing digital or analog sailing watches. If you’re going out onto the water with a smartwatch design, you’ll need to ensure you have a charged battery and somewhere to set the watch if it goes flat. Analog watches don’t have this issue, and they are substantially more affordable than digital smart sailing watches. However, analog models don’t offer you the same range of functionality as digital smartwatches.

Q: How do I use a sailing watch?

A: Using a sailing watch isn’t as challenging as you think. You’ll sail from the beginning of the start/finish line to the other side. Use the lines marked at three or nine o’clock on the face to site your destination. If you find yourself steering on a course where you’re on the (+) side of the line, you’re on the best heading to win the race.

Q: Where can I buy the best sailing watches?

A: We recommend buying your sailing watch from Amazon. Amazon is the world’s largest marketplace with the best selection and prices. Prime members get free shipping and buyer protection on their orders. Sure, you could take a trip to the local jeweler for your sailing watch. However, we doubt you’ll find the same selection and great prices that you get in this review.

Sailing Watches – The Verdict

After reading the review and buyer’s guide for the best sailing watches, you probably have your eye on a specific timepiece for your activities out on the water. However, with so many great options in this review, you might find yourself struggling to make a purchase decision.

We get it; it’s challenging to make a decision when you have so many great options in front of you. If that’s the case, why not go with one of our top picks? We have a sailing watch to suit your needs and your budget.

• The Best Overall Sailing Watch – Garmin Quatix 6
• The Best Premium Sailing Watch – SUUNTO 9
• The Best Budget Sailing Watch – Garmin Instinct

John is an experienced journalist and veteran boater. He heads up the content team at BoatingBeast and aims to share his many years experience of the marine world with our readers.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

The Best Garmin Watch for Sailing, Boating and more

• November 8, 2023

From luxury designs to smartwatch technology and boat interactivity, here's how we crowned the very best Garmin watch for sailors.

With a wide range of watches available from a variety of brands, differing price points and a list of unique specifications, it can be challenging for even the most technologically-minded sailors to keep up with the best on the market. That’s why I’ve made it our mission to bring you the best Garmin watch for any time you spend at sea.

If you’re not familiar with Garmin, the best way to describe the global company is that they bring wearable technology and GPS navigation to the marine world (as well as many other markets).

Dan Bartel, Garmin’s Vice President of Global Consumer Sales, commented on the  MARQ™ Collection in 2019 and said, “For the past 30 years, we’ve created products that have fueled people’s passions.

“And now, we have reimagined the tool watch with MARQ, a series of extraordinary connected instruments, authentic in every detail, an inspiration for new adventures.”

Best Garmin watches at a glance Best Garmin marine specific smart watch  –  Garmin Quatix 7 Best Garmin watch for premium luxury design – Garmin MARQ Captain Best Garmin watch for robust multi sport action – Garmin Instinct 2 Solar  

What makes a good Garmin watch for the open water?

Garmin watches are renowned in the fitness world for being top-of-the-line wearables. Many features that attract athletes to this brand, such as extensive tracking, duration and navigation, will also appeal to sailors and boaters alike.

Whether you leave port on a catamaran, cruiser or sailboat, here at Yachting World, we think that the best Garmin watch should have GPS functions, good battery life and health monitoring. While we’re all familiar with using a watch for directions, making calls and sending messages, the options selected take features beyond that and into the realm of having navigation technology on your wrist.

If you’re on the lookout for the  best sailing watch options for racing and cruising , you’re in luck because we found one timepiece with a multiple-start sequence option. 

Garmin Quatix 7

Best marine specific smart watch

Specifications: • Facia sizes: Size: 47mm / 51mm • Display: 1.4-inch sunlight-readable color AMOLED display with touchscreen and sapphire glass • Battery Life: Up to 16 days in smartwatch powersave mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode. • Health and Fitness Tracking: Advanced health monitoring, heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, sleep tracking, and body battery. • Navigation: Marine features including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, barometer, altimeter, and compass. • Sports Modes: Preloaded with various sports profiles including rowing, paddleboarding, and swimming. • Smartphone Integration: Smart notifications, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. • Marine Features: Boat data, sail racing assistance, anchor alarm, fishing calendar, tides, and more. • Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters.

Reasons to buy: It has a large easy-to-read face, incredible versatility for an array of lifestyle activity, health, wellbeing and boat interactivity as well as being customisable to suit individual needs. Includes a dedicated MOB button.

Reasons to avoid:  The battery life isn’t as good as the Quatix 6, it has bright facia which can be distracting, and the touchscreen is pointless without the additional kit it interfaces with.

Debating on upgrading to the Garmin Quatix 7? The next-gen sailing smartwatch includes improvements to strengthen integration with onboard electronics. For instance, the touchscreen model on this watch can be used to control MFD displays, Fusion audio systems and Garmin autopilots.

But if you’re a Quatix 6 user, here are the major changes for the Quatix 7 over the Quatix 6. The main difference is the display it’s bigger and brighter and touchscreen.

If you found darkness or difficulty seeing the Quatix 6 screen, this has been addressed with a much brighter lit-up option. Whilst this might appease a large number of wearers, it can be harsh for some especially if you’re a frequent night sailor like me.  The obvious compromise to this is that the battery life takes a hit if you want an always on display. To eek out the battery life, then you’ll need to switch the display to on demand motion controlled.

The Quatix 7 has integrated more functionality into the Garmin app on the phone, so it’s easier to make changes to the user functionality of various apps within the watch, rather than having to fiddle about doing them on screen as with the earlier Quatix watches.

The Quatix 7 is undoubtedly one of the best watches for sailors and boaters currently on the market . I love mine and feel undressed without it.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Garmin marq captain.

Best Garmin watch for premium luxury design

Specifications: • Facia Size: 46mm • Display: 1.2-inch (30.4 mm) diameter, 240 x 240 pixels, sunlight-visible, transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. • Lens Material: Domed sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. • Case Material: Titanium with a ceramic or DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating. • Bezel Material: Titanium, ceramic, or DLC-coated titanium. • Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters (10 ATM). • Battery Life: Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode, up to 28 hours in GPS mode, and up to 48 hours in UltraTrac mode. • Navigation: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, barometric altimeter, and compass. • Health and Fitness Features: Heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, Body Battery, stress tracking, sleep tracking, and more. • Sailing Features: SailAssist, tack assist, virtual starting line, and race countdown timer. • Smart Notifications: Receive smart notifications from your connected smartphone. • Music: Store and play music on the watch, and sync playlists from music streaming services. • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ANT+. • Strap Material: Interchangeable, compatible with QuickFit bands.

Reasons to buy:  The watch has weather and tidal data, good OB and GPS functions and streams boat data to your wrist.

Reasons to avoid :  The full extent of capabilities is governed by the onboard technology it’s connected to and it has a premium price.

The MARQ Captain sailing watch comes packed with marine-relevant features that are ideal for the open water.

Functions include weather and tidal data for your home port, a regatta timer to pinpoint starting times, a ‘tack assist’ function to determine whether you’re on the lift or a header, a man overboard button and GPS.

If you’re searching for a top-quality Garmin watch and value luxury quality, don’t let the price tag put you off. The full extent of its capabilities is governed by the onboard technology it’s connected to. Still, possibilities include streaming boat data directly to your wrist wherever you are on the boat and controlling products from the Garmin-owned Fusion range of audio systems.

Essentially this lovely smart time piece packs all of the premium features possibly available from Garmin and encased it in a beautifully presented box, with premium quality wrist straps and a really smart watch body. If I had the money I’d buy this as a gift for my dad as I know he would love it (and he’d be able to keep track of his fitness and health monitoring too).

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar

Best budget Garmin watch for robust multi sport action

Specifications: • Facia Size: 40mm / 45mm / 50mm • Display: 0.9 x 0.9 inches (23 x 23 mm), monochrome • Lens Material: Chemically strengthened glass. • Bezel Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer with metal rear cover. • Case Material: Fiber-reinforced polymer. • Water Resistance: Rated to 100 meters (10 ATM), making it suitable for swimming. • Battery Life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to an additional week with solar models

Reasons to buy:  The watch features GPS positioning on charts, barometric pressure and compass, smartphone connectivity, and an incredible amount of styles and colours. Plus, a single charge lasts 14 days.

Reasons to avoid: We’ve  classed as a budget option, but it might also been a bit pricey still for those on a tight budget.

Back in February 2022, Garmin’s all-round time piece which is known as their ‘outdoors watch’ was released. Since then, Instinct 2 has continued to be a top choice for sailors across the world thanks to features like GPS positioning on charts, barometric pressure and a compass.

It has smartphone connectivity, receives emails and texts, and can control music via a phone. This watch also has an inbuilt thermometer, heart rate monitor, and is available in no fewer than 20 different styles and colours.

If you’re a racing sailor, pay close attention to the multiple start sequence options.

Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Specifications: • Facia sizes: Size: 47mm / 51mm • Display: 1.3-inch sunlight-readable color display. • Battery Life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 36 hours in GPS mode. • Health and Fitness Tracking: Advanced health monitoring, heart rate monitoring, Pulse Ox, sleep tracking, and body battery. • Navigation: Marine features including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo support, barometer, altimeter, and compass. • Sports Modes: Preloaded with various sports profiles including rowing, paddleboarding, and swimming. • Smartphone Integration: Smart notifications, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. • Marine Features: Boat data, sail racing assistance, anchor alarm, fishing calendar, tides, and more. • Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters.

Reasons to buy:  The watch suits a multitude of water activities, it’s highly customisable, creates an incredible amount of data available on your wrist and a single charge lasts 14 days.

Reasons to avoid:  The high level of functionality is not for anyone who finds it challenging to navigate technology.

Superceded by the Quatix 7, this watch model is still available and can be found offered at some great bargain deal prices if you shop around.

Tried and tested at length, the Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch has what it takes to be the best Garmin watch for yachting or sailing. Along with its very comprehensive design, it stands out with functions for every type of pastime on the water, including diving. The Quatix 5,6 and 7 are all brilliant pieces of wearable tech and you’ll no doubt be happy with any of them.

Garmin is well known for superior boating instruments. This watch has squeezed all the data of a ten-inch chartplotter into a 1.3-inch round sailing watch. The Bluetooth functionality connects you to a Garmin chartplotter using the free Garmin Connect app.

Some of our other favourite features include that it’s waterproof to 100 metres, sunlight readable and has a night light mode. The watch has a soft synthetic wristband, available in various colours and can be switched between analogue and digital.

What makes this Garmin stand out from other watches is that a single charge will last 14 days with normal use and there is a solar-powered version for continuous self-charging (available at twice the price). I alternate between using a Quatix 6 and  Quatix 7, both are very very good smart watches with a focus on marine activities. 

Garmin Fenix 7

Specifications:

• Display: 1.4-inch sunlight-readable display. • Battery Life: Up to 12 days in smartwatch mode. • Health and Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, Pulse Ox, and built-in GPS. • Sports Modes: Over 120 preloaded sports profiles. • Mapping: Full-color, preloaded topographic maps. • Music Playback: Store and play music directly from the watch. • Smartphone Integration: Smart notifications and Garmin Pay. • Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters. • Compatibility: Works with both Android and iOS devices.

Reasons to Buy:

Extensive Sports Tracking with a large selection of sports modes. Topographic Maps: Navigate with detailed maps Offline Music Storage: Store and listen to music without needing your phone.

Reasons to Avoid:

The premium features come at a premium cost. It might be overwhelming for those not needing advanced features.

The Garmin Fenix 7 is an absolute beast of a smartwatch, catering to adventurers, athletes, and those who demand the very best in terms of features, durability, and performance. If you’re willing to invest, it’s a top-tier choice. The Garmin Fenix 7 is a premium multisport GPS smartwatch that sets the bar high with its rugged build and a plethora of advanced features. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts and fitness fanatics, this smartwatch is a true powerhouse, though it comes at a premium price. Though it isn’t marketed as a sailing watch, it will do the job almost as a well as the Quatix 7 but handle other sports really well too. So if you are into your fitness you might consider this over the Quatix models.

Garmin Venu Sq

• Display: 1.3-inch, 240×240 pixels, color touchscreen. • Battery Life: Up to 6 days in smartwatch mode. • Health Tracking: Heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, SpO2, and built-in GPS. • Sports Modes: Over 20 preloaded sports apps. • Music Playback: Control music on your phone or store music on the watch. • Smartphone Integration: Smart notifications and Garmin Pay. • Water Resistance: Up to 50 meters. • Compatibility: Works with both Android and iOS devices.

Comprehensive health and fitness tracking, including heart rate, sleep, and SpO2 monitoring. Up to 6 days of battery life Waterproof: Suitable for swimming and other water activities.

Onboard music storage is quite limited. Some may prefer a more traditional round watch design.

The Garmin Venu SQ is a solid choice for those looking for a well-rounded smartwatch with an emphasis on fitness tracking and affordability. I really loved this watch when it came in to me for testing. It has elements of the aesthetic of the apple watch but with the Garmin functionality and far superior battery life.

It doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of the fancy watches I’ve listed in this guide to Garmin watches but it is a worthy watch to consider. It will see you right down the gym, out and about doing regular sporting activity and it can even store a small amount of music in the watch so you don’t need to have your phone with you to play music through bluetooth headphones.

It has a day to day style that is discrete and I like the sutomisable style of the venu series of watches. You can also get this with a round facia so if square isn’t your thing, not to worry, you’ll find a round one in a variety of styles to suit your personal taste.

The Garmin Venu SQ is a feature-packed smartwatch that strikes a balance between fitness and style. With a sleek, square design and a 1.3-inch color touchscreen display, it’s a fashionable accessory that doesn’t compromise on functionality.

Garmin Vivoactive 4S

Specifications :

• Display: 1.1-inch (27.9 mm) diameter, sunlight-visible, memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. • Screen: Corning Gorilla Glass 3. • Rated to 5 ATM waterproofing (50 meters), suitable for swimming. • Up to 7 days battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 5 hours in GPS and music mode. • Bluetooth, ANT+ for compatibility with various sensors. • Wrist-based heart rate monitor. • Stress Tracking: Monitors your stress levels throughout the day. • Tracks your sleep patterns and provides sleep quality insights. • Includes profiles for running, cycling, swimming, yoga, strength training, and more. • Features animated, on-screen workouts for various activities. • Receive notifications from your smartphone, including calls, texts, and app alerts. • Supports contactless payments

Fits a smaller wrist, lots of features to suit almost all users requirements, good for swimmers

Reasons to Avoid: 

The tracking option on the Garmin Vivoactive 4S is limited because it requires bluetooth and cellular connectivity, it may take some time to learn how to use it

The Garmin Vivoactive 4 and 4S is a smart watch that gives a whole host of features for tracking and logging health, fitness and sporting activities and comes in a lifestyle compatible case. You can wear this watch every day as a regular watch and it won’t look out of place in most day to day activities, from work and an office to the gym or swimming outdoors.

The companion app, which works for all of the watches in this buyers guide gives access to a whole host of metrics and information. You can also download different screen options to your smart watch from the app too. The straps are compatible with the Garmin quick release strap system so you can swap those out and change them according to your activity or outfit.

Ali from Practical Boat Owner magazine tested this watch at length and had some great results with it.

Garmin Epix

Specifications: • Display: A 1.3-inch, sunlight-readable color touchscreen with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. • Battery Life: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and up to 24 hours in GPS mode. • Health and Fitness Tracking: Comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate, sleep tracking, Pulse Ox, and a Body Battery feature. • Navigation: Preloaded topographic maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and a barometric altimeter. • Sports Modes: It offers over 41,000 preloaded golf courses, skiing maps, and a variety of other sports profiles. • Music Playback: Store and play music directly from the watch or stream from music services. • Smartphone Integration: Smart notifications, Garmin Pay for contactless payments, and compatibility with both Android and iOS devices. • Water Resistance: Up to 100 meters.

preloaded topographic maps and turn-by-turn navigation Offers comprehensive health tracking, sleep analysis, and body battery insights, helping you maintain your well-being. Store and play music directly from the watch, eliminating the need for a smartphone during workouts or hikes.

It’s on the higher end of the price spectrum, making it an investment. Its array of features might overwhelm those looking for a simpler, everyday smartwatch.

If you’re confused about the differences between the top Garmin watches, Quatix, Fenix and Epix… then you’re not alone. I’ve compared the top three watches side by side to get a better understanding of what kind of person they are designed for. Essentially the Fenix and Epix are virtually the same watch but with slightly different screen options. The Epix has a red screen option for better night vision preservation and the fenix 7 has memory in pixel screen meaning you have the option of an always on display without killing the battery. Both have the same sports tracking and health and fitness features. The Quatix is very much geared towards the pure boating person with its dedicated man overboard button and marine first focus on onboard features.

If you see a great deal on either the Fenix 7 or Epix, then know you are getting pretty much the same watch with very tiny, subtle differences in the screen.

FAQ: Do I Need My Phone for My Watch to Acquire GPS?

No, all of the above Garmin watches have built in GPS. They do not require the internet to work, nor a phone. They can work independently, tracking your activities or personal metrics. They store this information onbaord until you upload to a suitable other deivce. For best results you should sync your watch to a smart phone from time to time. Especially if you want to download your activities to other apps such as Strava.

Best Sailing Watches of 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Setting Sail in Style!

Reviewed by Tim West

Note: As a reader-supported site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you when you purchase through links in this post; your support helps us maintain our content, read more .

This is a review of the best sailing watches in 2024 . 

As someone who’s spent a considerable amount of time sailing, I know a reliable sailing watch is a must-have during any journey.

It’s not just about time, it’s about getting key info to make your journey smooth and rewarding.

But, I get it – with so many choices and features out there, picking the right sailing watch can feel like navigating stormy seas. You’re balancing water resistance, durability, and accuracy, plus high-tech features like GPS, MOB alerts, race countdown timers, weather data, and more.

No worries, though! I’ve got your back. I’ve sailed these waters before, and I’m here to guide you through. 

Let’s begin this journey to discover the best sailing watches available for serious sailors.

Best Sailing Watch

Garmin MARQ Captain : Best Equipped Sailing Watch

Garmin Quatix 7 : Best Sailing Watch With Smart Features

Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer : Best Sailing Watch For Racing

Optimum Time Series 3 Race Timer : Best Large Display Sailing Watch For Racing

Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase : Best Budget-Friendly Sailing Watch

Table of Contents

Looking to upgrade your sailing wardrobe? Don’t miss our comprehensive Sailing Outfit Guide , designed to ensure you’re optimally prepared for every weather condition and sailing challenge.

Best Sailing Watches Reviewed

Garmin marq captain.

Display Size: 1.2” (30.4 mm) diameter

Water Rating: 10 ATM (330ft / 100m)

Battery Life: Up to 12 days (Smartwatch mode)

Pros: With its advanced features, the Garmin MARQ Captain offers sailors real-time boat data,  weather, and tidal data, an accurate regatta timer, MOB (man overboard), and a tack assist function. This ensures you’re always a step ahead, making informed decisions for exceptional sailing performance.

Cons: The MARQ Captain comes with a steep price tag. Also, utilizing its full range of features requires a solid understanding of its functionalities, which could be a learning curve for some users.

As a long-time sailor, Garmin is a brand I’ve grown to trust. Known for their commitment to precision and innovation, their latest offering, the MARQ Captain, is no exception.

Firstly, the real-time weather and tidal data right on your wrist is a godsend. No more guessing or approximations, it’s about making informed decisions for your sailing trip. As someone who has sailed since the times this technology was almost non-existent, this feature alone is a game-changer for me.

The Garmin MARQ Captain has also revolutionized how I start my races. The regatta timer, backed by enhanced GPS, ensures that I start my races exactly on time. It feels like having a personal assistant counting down for me.

As for the ‘tack assist’ function, it’s an incredible tool that tells me whether I’m on a lift or a header. It’s like having a second pair of expert eyes on the water. Plus, the MOB button is an essential safety feature I enjoy sailing with and gives me peace of mind.

This classic sailing watch also integrates with the onboard technology of my boat. Streaming boat data directly to my wrist, or controlling Garmin’s Fusion audio systems—you name it, the MARQ Captain does it. It’s like having your boat on your wrist.

The watch’s aesthetics are impressive, too. The navy ceramic bezel, jacquard-weave strap—every detail speaks to the thought and craftsmanship that’s gone into it. It feels good to wear, and it turns heads.

I also love the always-on display and waterproof capability up to 100 meters. The QuickFit® mechanism on the jacquard-weave nylon strap makes it comfortable for long wear.

The GPS sailing features including speed, distance, heading, and a virtual starting line are like my personal dashboard on the water. Having a time-to-burn calculator is incredibly helpful, too.

Lastly, the preloaded marine mapping and weather forecasts, including storm alerts and home port conditions, really round out the Garmin MARQ Captain as the best sailing watch for anyone serious about their time on the water.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect watch on the market, do yourself a favor and give the Garmin MARQ Captain a serious look. I can personally vouch for its outstanding features and benefits— this durable timepiece it’s well worth the investment.

Garmin Quatix 7

Display Size: 1.3” (33 mm) diameter

Battery Life: Up to 16 days (Smartwatch mode)

Pros: Advanced navigational features and comprehensive connectivity with select compatible Garmin devices, providing critical data right on your wrist. Bright display, ensuring readability even in direct sunlight.

Cons: High price points might deter budget-conscious buyers. 

The Garmin Quatix 7 is a unique multisport GPS smartwatch that is as useful on the water as it is off. As a previous user of the Quatix 6, I was excited to experience the updated features of the Quatix 7, and it did not disappoint.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Quatix 7 is its bright AMOLED display, which is a notable upgrade from the Quatix 6. This AMOLED display basically means you get rich, vivid colors and excellent image quality compared to other display technologies. The Quatix 7’s display is considerably brighter, making it much easier to read, especially in direct sunlight. 

However, some users have flagged that the extra brightness brings down the watch’s battery life compared to its predecessor Quatix 6 This wasn’t my case and I guess it all depends on which one of the watch’s features you use on a regular basis. 

As for its navigational capabilities, the Quatix 7 excels with its support for coastal charts and inland maps. It offers comprehensive connectivity with select compatible Garmin chartplotters using the free Garmin Connect app,  Fusion-Link™ entertainment system control, and even autopilot control. It’s also embedded with BlueChart® g3 charts and LakeVü g3 maps, which are perfect for any water-based adventure.

One standout feature for me is the watch’s ability to connect to my boat’s compatible devices and provide data like water depth, engine RPM, wind, and more right on my wrist. It even alerts me to imminent swell changes and anchor drag, offering a level of situational awareness that is incredibly useful when on the water.

The Quatix 7 also shines off the water, offering a suite of health monitoring and sports apps. It consistently samples your heart rate, even underwater, and provides advanced sleep monitoring and a recovery time advisor for post-workout.

This Garmin sailing watch is as rugged as it is sophisticated, with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens and a comfortable silicone strap. It’s designed to fit comfortably on wrists with a circumference of 125-208mm. It’s also water-rated to 10 ATM, so it can easily handle your aquatic adventures.

Overall, the Garmin Quatix 7 offers a wide array of features that will appeal to both boating enthusiasts and multisport athletes alike. Its bright display, comprehensive connectivity, and health monitoring capabilities make it a versatile and duarable companion for any adventure, whether it’s on land or sea. However, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.

While this sailing watch has a somewhat steep price point and complex features, its benefits and capabilities make it an investment worth considering. From the accurate GPS and useful navigational features to its health-tracking features and impressive durability, this smartwatch offers a comprehensive package for any sailing enthusiast.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable, feature-rich wearable timepiece that can keep up with your adventures, I encourage you to consider this sailing smart watch. Its blend of practical features and rugged construction is designed with you in mind, ready to meet the unique challenges and demands of life at sea.

Ronstan Clear Start Race Timer

Display Size: Oversized 5/8″ (16mm) digit display

Water Rating: 5 ATM (165ft / 50m)

Battery Life: Not specified

Pros: The Ronstan ClearStart sailing watch stands out with its large display and intuitive race sequence synchronization feature. These make it the perfect companion for racing sailors who value precision and ease of use.

Cons: While the watch excels in many areas, some users have reported difficulties trying to turn the watch on (watch the video below for a guide on how to solve this issue!).

When it comes to sailing gear, Ronstan is a name that commands respect. Their products are hailed worldwide for their innovativeness, and the ClearStart Race Timer is a proud addition to their portfolio.

Now, onto the watch. Imagine you’re out on the water, the sun’s gleaming, and you’re gearing up for a race. The large display of this sailing watch is a sight for sore eyes, with 5/8″ (16mm) digits that are a breeze to read, even from the boom or mast base. For an average sailor, it’s a relief not having to strain their eyes in crucial race moments.

The Multiple Start Sequence options are a great feature of this watch, offering World Sailing 5,4,1,0, Match Racing, and User Set. It’s like having a Swiss army knife of sailing watches. No matter your race type, this watch has got you covered.

I’ve always loved the SYNChronisation function on this watch. It’s easy to start the countdown too early or too late in the heat of the moment, but this feature brings you right back on track with the official race time. You’ll love how it keeps you on track, making your sailing experience smoother.

We all appreciate an alert when we’re up against time. With this watch’s pre-programmed race sequence sounds you’ll know exactly where you are in the start sequence. It’s like having your personal assistant on board, keeping you updated without having to glance at the watch.

Then there’s the multi-line display, showing the start sequences and time concurrently. It’s all there – no switching between modes needed. It’s almost like this watch reads your mind.

And the flexibility it offers! The countdown can repeat at the end of a sequence or start counting up to track elapsed race time. Plus, the separate fast access to Race and Time mode scrolling makes navigation a breeze.

As sailors, we value a watch that can withstand the elements. This watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters and shock-resistant, too. You can confidently wear it without fear of damage, even in the most rigorous of races.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the diverse mounting options this watch offers – wrist, hull, mast, or boom. This adaptability to different positions caters to personal preferences and optimizes functionality based on your needs.

The Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer isn’t just a watch; it’s a versatile companion that meets the unique demands of a sailing enthusiast. So, check out this sailing watch, folks. It’s not often you come across a combination of practicality, durability, and sleek design. 

OptimumTime OS3 Race Timer

Pros: Large display and buttons for easy navigation; Multiple start sequence options and a sync button make it perfect for competitive sailing.

Cons: The large size might not suit everyone.

In the sailing world, the ‘big yellow timer’ has quite the reputation. It’s renowned for its blend of robustness and user-friendly functionality, making it a go-to choice for sailors across the globe.

One thing that genuinely stands out about this Optimum sailing watch is its large, rotatable display. You see, it’s not just about the size, but the flexibility it offers. With a quick twist, you can adjust the viewing angle for optimal readability. No more squinting or awkward wrist twists to check the time while you’re tacking.

The timer function of this sailor watch is nothing short of impressive. Whether you’re a fan of the standard 12 or 24-hour format or need something a bit more advanced like the pre-programmed 5,4,1,0 ISAF start sequences, this watch has got you covered. You’ll appreciate the audible alarms too – just the nudge you need without being too intrusive.

We’ve all had those ‘oops’ moments when we’ve missed a gun. But here’s where this watch comes into its own. The sync button is a lifesaver – one press, and you’re back in sync with the race control timer. You can start your countdown late or early, and this watch will still keep you on track.

Despite its size, this sailing watch is surprisingly comfortable to wear, thanks to the adjustable elasticated strap and the neat, low-profile buttons. Even better, it’s water-resistant up to 5 ATM and built to withstand shocks, meaning it can handle whatever your sailing adventures throw at it.

Finally, there’s the backlight feature. As someone who enjoys sailing into the sunset, I can tell you how invaluable this is. Whether you’re in a race or simply navigating at night, being able to see your watch clearly is a game-changer.

If you’re on the lookout for the best watch for sailing out there, you can’t go wrong with this big yellow timer. It’s more than just a sailing watch; it’s a reliable partner that will make your sailing experience smoother and more enjoyable. 

So, don’t wait any longer. Check it out for yourself and see the difference it makes.

Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase

Display Size: 1.6” (42 mm)

Battery Life: Up to 10 years

Pros: This Casio sailing watch offers practical features including sea level graphs and moon phase, which any sailor can appreciate. The durability and extensive battery life of this watch make it a steadfast partner for maritime adventures.

Cons: Though sturdy, it does not provide the advanced features and capabilities available in modern smart sailing watches.  

Let’s chat about Casio. This brand, renowned for bringing innovations that meet our latent needs, continues to delight with its range of reliable products. One of which is their tough watches.

This watch is like your personal almanac on your wrist, providing world and dual time features and even displaying moon data like the moon’s age and phase. Being on the open sea, it’s you, your vessel, and this Casio watch acting as your guide.

The tide information for specific dates and times is a great feature when planning your sailing strategy. 

Built to last, this watch has a resilient resin casing and is water-resistant up to 100 meters. No more worrying about a wave splash, or an accidental drop in the water. This watch is likely to survive countless sailing escapades without skipping a beat.

One of the standout attributes of this watch is its remarkable battery life. Imagine not having to worry about a battery change for approximately 10 years! That’s a whole decade of worry-free sailing adventures.

The LED light feature is really useful when you’re sailing during dawn or dusk. With a selectable illumination duration, it ensures the watch is always easy to read in any lighting condition.

While this watch offers an array of useful features for any sailor, it’s important to note that it doesn’t include the kind of specialized sailing and racing features found in some of the higher-end sailing watches we’ve talked about. I am talking GPS, maps, boat data capabilities, connectivity etc. 

But if you’re looking for an entry-level, budget-friendly option to simply track time during your sailing adventures, this Casio watch is a strong contender. It might not be the most high-tech option out there, but it certainly delivers on functionality and reliability.

So, if you’re searching for a new sailing watch that offers great value for money, give this Casio a look. It may not be the most specialized watch for our purposes, but it holds its own with many of the best sailing watches in terms of practicality and durability. 

Ready for your next adventure on the waves? Don’t miss out on this sailing companion! Check out the Casio Tide Graph Moon Phase today and make it your reliable mate for all your sailing adventures.

What To Look For When Choosing A Top Sailing Watch in 2024

Sailing watches aren’t just timekeepers; they’re precision instruments engineered with the sailor in mind. These timepieces often include unique features such as tidal information and weather predictions, serving as starting points for the sailor’s journey. Advanced models go further, offering dedicated navigational features and racing chronographs essential for when the countdown reaches zero at the start of a race.

Their functionality extends beyond the typical scope of regular watches. These watches are not just about keeping time but are integral in keeping sailors safe and well-informed on the water. With waterproof designs, they withstand the challenging marine environment, ensuring reliability whether you’re racing or cruising.

Finding the best watches requires considering your specific sailing needs. Sailors use these watches for a variety of purposes, from timing maneuvers as the race countdown reaches zero to navigating through treacherous waters. The right watch is suitable not just as a timepiece but as a tool for precision and safety in every sailing scenario.

Whether your focus is on competitive racing or leisurely cruising, understanding and selecting a watch that aligns with your sailing needs is crucial. This guide aims to navigate you through the options, ensuring the watch you choose enhances your sailing experience.

Key Considerations for Sailors

When it comes to choosing a sailing watch, you need to consider its waterproof capability, as we’re dealing with a pretty wet environment! Durability is crucial too – it needs to withstand the rigors of saltwater, sun, and hard use. 

Accuracy is vital as well, particularly for racing, where seconds matter. And let’s not forget ease of use. You want something that’s intuitive to operate, even in challenging conditions.

Essential Features of Sailing Watches

A top-notch sailing watch should include features like race countdown and race start functions to keep you competitive during races. GPS capabilities help you navigate and plan routes, while a compass keeps you oriented. 

Being able to access tidal data and barometric pressure info can be a real game-changer, offering you insights into local conditions and upcoming weather patterns. 

Some advanced sailing watches even offer charting or plotter capabilities, allowing you to view electronic charts directly on your watch, providing a visual representation of your position relative to coastlines, landmarks, and other navigational information.

Timing Functions and Accuracy When Yachting

Timing is everything in sailing, and what you look for in a sailing watch is crucial. A good sailing watch will offer a range of timing functions like countdown time for racing and other regatta timers.

These tools help a race sailboat captain countdown to the start of a race and control pacing. Split timing for tracking multiple events can also come in handy when using your watch, especially for racers juggling multiple tasks.

Water Resistance and Durability

Sailing watches are rated for their ability to withstand water exposure, and a high water resistance rating is key. Your watch certainly needs to be durable, capable of handling not just splashes but also sustained submersion. It should be constructed with a rugged case and scratch-resistant glass to keep the watch performing in top condition. Tough materials like stainless steel or hard resin are ideal to ensure the watch stands up to the sea’s demands.

You’ll find that these watches are typically rated at 5 ATM or 10 ATM, indicating they can endure pressures equivalent to depths of 50 meters or 100 meters, respectively. This level of water resistance is essential to keep the watch protected during various activities, including sailing, swimming, and even light diving.

GPS and Navigation Features

Advanced sailing watches often feature integrated positioning capabilities, enabling you to navigate more accurately. With this feature, you can have distance travelled and GPS routes displayed on the watch, calculate speed, and even mark and record waypoints  This helps with route planning and can be a lifesaver if you get off course.

Environmental Sensors and Data

Modern sailing watches can include sensors to measure temperature, barometric pressure, and compass heading. Access to real-time tidal data can help you plan your route and timing, especially for long-distance sailing. These features give you a better understanding of your environment and allow you to make more informed decisions on the water.

Design and Comfort

Watches these days are designed to provide the best in both style and functionality for sailors. Not only should a sailing watch be lightweight and easy to read in various lighting conditions, but it should also ensure comfort.

Most watches have soft rubber or synthetic straps, ideal for the marine environment and preferable over metal for safety and durability. These materials provide the best combination of comfort and resilience, essential for sailors who need quick and easy access to data on a well-designed watch face.

Brand and Price Considerations

In your search for the perfect sailing watch, brands like Garmin, RONSTAN,  Rolex, Timex and Optimum Time are renowned for their quality, enhancing the experience of sailing. While expensive sailing watches may seem like a hefty investment, they often provide superior performance and durability, key qualities to look for in sailing gear.

Remember, a quality sailing watch may not only elevate your experience sailing but can also serve as an exceptional sailing gift. The right choice, though pricier, pays off in the long run.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your sailing watch is crucial for its longevity. You’ll need to keep an eye on the battery life and possibly consider regular servicing to keep the watch’s internal mechanisms in top shape. As for cleaning, rinse the watch in fresh water after each sailing trip to remove any salt or dirt. With proper care, your sailing watch can serve you well for many years.

Final Words

Well, there you have it! After navigating through our guide to the best watches specifically for sailing, it’s clear that the Garmin MARQ Captain stands out as the premier choice for sailors who want the best.

This timepiece is more than a watch; it’s a testament to what makes the best in maritime timekeeping. With its precise navigation capabilities and crystal-clear display, it is perfectly tailored for sailors.

The Garmin MARQ Captain not only meets but exceeds the expectations of sailors who want a watch designed specifically for sailing, boasting a wealth of features dedicated to their unique needs.

Happy sailing as you embark on your adventures with one of the finest watches for sailors!

Why not explore more? We’ve got other sailing articles that you might find interesting:

• Best Sailing Hats
• Best Sailing Shoes
• Best Sailing Jackets
• Best Sailing Sunglasses
• Best Sailing Movies
• Best Sailing Gloves

Do you need a sailing watch?

A sailing watch is beneficial for serious or competitive sailors, offering features such as waterproofing, race countdown timers, and navigational aids. For casual sailing, a standard watch may suffice, but for enhanced safety and performance, a sailing watch is a valuable asset.

Are sailing watches reliable?

Absolutely, sailing watches are built to be reliable under extreme sailing conditions. They’re designed to withstand the elements and to provide crucial data accurately. Their reliability, however, depends on the quality of the watch, so always choose a reputable brand.

What features should a good sailing watch have?

Watches for serious sailors typically have a countdown timer for races, water resistance, durability, and a clear display. Advanced features can include GPS, barometric pressure tracking, temperature sensors, tidal data, and a compass.

What is a good watch for sailing?

The Garmin MARQ Captain is an excellent choice for sailing, offering a wealth of specialized sailing and racing features. For a budget-friendly option, Casio’s Tide Graph Moon Phase is a solid choice with basic yet valuable features for any sailor.

What makes a sailing watch?

A sailing watch is specifically designed to assist sailors with functions such as countdown timers, tidal data, and accurate timekeeping. They’re built to withstand harsh marine conditions, offering high water resistance and durability.

Which Garmin watch is best for sailing?

The Garmin MARQ Captain is the best for serious sailing. The Garmin Quatix 7 is also good and a bit cheaper. It has many useful features for sailing too. You can learn more about these watches in this article.

What is a nautical watch?

A nautical watch, also known as a sailing watch, is designed to assist sailors with useful features such as tidal information, countdown timers for races, GPS for navigation, and strong water resistance. They’re built to endure marine conditions and provide sailors with the necessary data for their adventures.

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Best Sailing Watches of 2024

Watches and sailing go together. Sailboat racers have very particular timekeeping needs, and premium watchmakers have long sought the cachet of association with high-end yacht races. That association produces some truly extravagant timepieces. If the $200,000 price tag on the Breguet Marine Equation Marchante 5887 seems excessive, you can always settle for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yachtmaster-II at a mere $18,750! Fortunately, watchmakers recognize that sailors of slightly humbler means also use sailing-specific watches, and they’ve responded with an array of affordable timepieces that can stand up to the rigors of sailing and provide many of the same features found on the most refined models. This guide to the best sailing watches should help you choose one that suits your needs.

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out the Best Sailing Gloves .

Quick Answer - The Best Sailing Watches

• Optimum Time Series 3 Sailing Timer View at Amazon
• Ronstan Clear Start View at Amazon
• Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer View at Amazon
• Tissot Sailing-Touch View at Amazon
• Garmin Quatix 6 View at Amazon

Comparison Table - Best Sailing Watches

Reviews - best watches for sailing, optimum time series 3 sailing timer.

• Water Resistance : To 50 meters/5 ATM
• Battery : Replaceable CR2032
• Display Size : 65mm
• Band : Elastic
• Multiple Specialist Race Timing And Countdown Options
• Luminous Backlight For Use In The Dark
• Can Be Mounted On A Mast Or Boom
• Huge 16mm Digits For Easy Visibility

BEST BUDGET SAILING WATCH

Optimum Time brings you a full-featured sailing watch with an impressive array of features and a remarkably accessible price tag in the Series 3. The “big yellow watch” is well-known and popular, and you can look around almost any club race and spot a number of these mounted on wrists and ready for action! If you don’t want to mount it on your wrist, there’s a bracket for mounting on your mast or boom, and the massive display and audible countdowns make it easily usable from a distance. The face can be rotated 360 degrees to give you a clear view in any mounting situation.

There’s a full range of pre-programmed countdown and count-up sequences also a re-sync feature that allows you to reset to race time if you miss the starting gun. We never do that, of course, but it’s good to know we’re covered if it happens!

Ronstan Clear Start

• Water Resistance : 50 meters/5 ATM
• Display Size : 50mm
• Band : Silicone
• Large 13mm Digits Can Be Read At A Glance
• Pre-Programmed Race Start Sequences
• Multi-Line Display Shows Race Time And Real Time
• Durable Fiber-Reinforced Resin Body

BEST VALUE RACING WATCH

Ronstan claims that the Clear Start is “the most popular sailing watch in the world”, and it’s hard to contest that claim. The latest generation of the Clear Start model packs a host of race-specific features into a well-planned interface that gives you fast access to key features and is easy to master. The watch is water and shock resistant and the case and crystal are solid enough to stand up to regular racing. 

The Clear Start provides great value in a race-specific watch, but it is primarily designed for racing, and if you’re a recreational sailor who prefers exploration to competition, it’s probably not the best choice.

Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer

• Water Resistance : 100 meters/10 ATM
• Battery : Replaceable CR2016
• Display Size : 45mm
• Band : Silicon
• Dedicated 4th Hand For Compass Readout
• Air Or Water Temperature Readings In Fahrenheit Or Celsius
• Indiglo Night Light Illuminates Face In Low Light Conditions
• Tide Tracker Counts Down To Next Low Or High Tide

BEST IF YOU DON’T RACE

Not all sailors race and not everyone wants a race timer with a digital display. This offering from Timex delivers a sleek, traditional analog package that will appeal to non-racing sailors. The body is crafted from a solid steel casting and the watch combines durability with elegance. The race-specific timing functions are replaced by more general marine features that all boaters will find useful: an effective compass, a thermometer that will measure air or water temperature, and a tide tracker. It’s an appealing package for the marine enthusiast who isn’t all about competition.

Some reviewers found the multi-dial functions confusing, so you can expect to spend a little time with the owner’s manual to master everything the watch can do. As with any watch offering temperature readings, you’ll have to remove the watch from your wrist to get an accurate reading, as body heat can skew the results.

Tissot Sailing-Touch

• Battery : Replaceable LR44
• Band : Stainless Steel
• Weather Forecasting Function Tracks 6-Hour Barometric Pressure Trends
• Regatta Mode For Start Countdown And Time Synchronization
• Integrated Compass and Speed Tracking
• Tide Tracker Gives Current Tide State, Ebb Or Flow, And Time To High Or Low

BEST ANALOG DIAL SAILING WATCH

If you prefer the look of a traditional chronograph but want a full range of sailing-specific functions, The Tissot Sailing-Touch will grab your attention. This Swiss manufacturer has a long history of making practical, elegant sailing watches, and the Sailing-Touch continues that tradition. You get start countdown and time synchronization functions for racing, a functional compass for navigation, and tide and weather tracking to keep tabs on sailing conditions. The whole package comes wrapped in a stylish, durable stainless steel case and combines the appeal of the traditional watch dial with fully modern functionality.

The Tissot Sailing-Touch delivers many of the features and much of the visual appeal that you’ll find in sailing watches that cost many thousands of dollars and brings them to market at a reasonable price. It’s a top pick for sailing enthusiasts looking for an affordable high-quality analog-dial sailing watch.

Garmin Quatix 6

• Display Size : 30.5mm
• Multifunction Touch Screen
• Bluetooth Connectivity To Your Boat’s Garmin Navigation Instruments
• Activity Profiles And Performance Metrics For Multiple Water Sports
• Full GPS Navigation Capability
• Garmin SailAssist Suite Of Sailing-Specific Functions

BEST GPS SAILING WATCH

They call it a smartwatch for a reason. Lots of sailing watches will give you a race countdown. The Quatix 6 will show you a virtual starting line, your distance from the starting line, your position relative to the starting line, your speed, wind direction and speed, and your tack angle. Other sailing watches will give you tide and barometric pressure data; the Quatix 6 gives you a continuous link to your boat’s entire navigation suite (check for compatibility). You get GPS navigation and tracking functions, a 3-axis electronic compass, a wrist-based heart rate monitor and much more. It also tells the time!

The only real downside here is that the sheer number of functions and options can be overwhelming: if you like to keep it simple, this may not be the watch for you. If you’re willing to spend some time working out what it can do and how to get it done, you’ll have one of the most effective wrist-based information systems on the market!

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SAILING WATCH

All sailing watches are water-resistant. They usually offer a visual and often audible countdown designed to help racers time their approach to a starting line and set an ideal starting position. That’s just the beginning. Many modern sailing watches can provide barometric pressure, tide data, compass bearing and much more. Some can double up as a GPS and take on advanced navigation functions. You can fit a lot of power on your wrist, and you don’t need to spend a small fortune to get it!

DO YOU RACE?

What most manufacturers call a “sailing watch” might be better described as a “regatta watch”: the niche is largely defined by race-specific functions. If you race or you’re thinking about racing and learning how race starts work, these functions are important. If you don’t race and don’t intend to race, you’ll be looking for a solid water-resistant watch that offers functions like barometric pressure readings, tide status, and even the navigation capacity offered by wrist-based GPS units.   

GPS FUNCTIONS

If your sailing is more about journeys and exploration than competition, you may want to look for a GPS-equipped “smartwatch”. Many sport-oriented smartwatches also offer race-specific functions. If you’re interested in this type, check out this guide to choosing a GPS sports watch .  

STYLE MATTERS

Most of us don’t wear a sailing watch exclusively for sailing. You may not wear it every day, but it’s likely to go on your wrist well before a race or an expedition and stay on it for a while after. If you have specific preferences in watch styling, take those into consideration! Some people like digital watches, some like analog, some prefer stainless steel bands, others silicon. Find a watch you like to look at, and wearing it will make you happier!

SPECS AND FEATURES EXPLAINED

Water resistance.

Manufacturers specify water resistance in different terms. Some state a specific depth of water, some cite pressure in ATM, which is the pressure equivalent to atmospheric weight. 10 ATM is 10x the weight and pressure of the atmosphere. One ATM is roughly equivalent to ten meters according to the depth rating criteria. 

Note that a “50 Meters” rating does not mean that a watch is safe to use at that depth. Activity that moves the watch through the water greatly increases the pressure, especially if it involves significant speed, like a high dive into the water. In general, a 50m or 5 ATM rating is considered safe from splashing or rain, while 100m or 10 ATM is preferred for swimming, snorkeling, and other sports requiring sustained immersion. Remember that impacts can compromise water resistance, even if there’s no visible damage!

For more information, check out this comprehensive guide to water resistance ratings .

RACE TIMING FUNCTIONS

Sailboat racing is unique in that much of what goes into winning happens before the race starts. Getting to the starting line at the right time and position relative to the wind, the course, and the other contestants often determines who wins and loses. If you’re at the helm you need to keep an eye on the race countdown and your position on the water at the same time, which is why the sailing watch and its race-specific features are so important to racers. Race starts and the rules that govern them are complicated and take some time to master. Sailing World offers this advice on sailboat racing rules at the starting line and Yachts & Yachting contributes this advice on how to start faster .  

Most watches use a replaceable battery. The batteries typically last a long time, and it’s easy to forget they are there until they finally run out! If watch batteries aren’t readily available in your area, consider ordering extras with the purchase of your watch.

For more of our top sailing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer's guides:

Sailboat Anchors

Sailboat Winches

Sailing Shoes

Solar Panels for Sailboats

Bilge Pumps

Best Boating Watches For The Avid Sailor

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

May 1, 2023

‍ Key Takeaways

• Sailing watches come in many variations and intended uses
• A digital sailing watch can be ideal if you enjoy advanced technology on the water
• Many sailing watches can track your data in real-time and give feedback
• A great sailing watch does not have to break the bank but some are quite expensive
• Sailing watches are often used for sailing races to help track the countdown timer

‍ Sailing watches are quite useful for sailors that spend a lot of time on the water. But what are the best watches for boating?

The best sailing watches are from reputable brands such as Seiko, Tissot, Casio, Garmin and Optimum. There are other sailing watch brands that make a competitive product such as Wrist Armor, Garmin, and Timex. What makes one sailing watch better than another will vary based on many factors.

Accurate timekeeping is crucial when sailing and that is why certified sailing watches are necessary. Dive watches are similar and they offer more benefits for sailing due to their complexity. In my experience there is a watch to suit every need.

Table of contents

‍ The Top 12 Best Sailing Watches

Different types of sailing watches offer various styles and functions. Some of these include smartwatches that have multiple features including MOB (man overboard) alerts, tidal calculations, and race timers.

Waterproof self-winding watches are also effective but may not have all of the same features. The introduction of smartwatch technology has revolutionized sailing and allowed navigation and communication tools easily wearable on the wrist.

Garmin Quatix 5 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

The Garmin sailing watch has a Quick Fit band system, steel bezel, and rear case for 24/7 monitoring without a chest strap. It also connects with the free Garmin connect app to link with chart plotters and other devices for remote waypoint marking, data streaming, and autopilot control.

The watch includes a built-in Fusion-Link Lite app for controlling stereo-active products. It offers exceptional activity tracking but it may not be the best choice for rugged outdoor activities due to its high price so keep this mind.

• Helps keep up with your activities
• Can keep track of vitals and has GPS
• Has sailing assistance capabilities
• Might be too expensive compared to other brands
• Smartwatch might not work for those that have difficulty with electronics

Seiko Divers Watch

The Seiko sailing watch blends sporty and classy aesthetics with superior functionality and affordability. Its screw-down crown and unidirectional rotating bezel are notable attributes. It checks all the boxes for basic sailing needs such as:

• Water-resistant
• Easy to see luminous hands
• Scratch-resistant
• Sturdy and ideal for rugged activities

The watch's small size is sleek and unobtrusive but it may not be suitable for individuals with larger wrists. The bezel may also be challenging to turn. It has proven to be a dependable and fashionable choice for everyday wear and outdoor pursuits at an affordable price point.

• Sturdy enough to handle many water activities
• Quality construction and water-resistant
• Classic look that many boaters admire
• Large wrists might not work with wrist strap
• Bezel might be difficult to rotate

Casio Sport Sailing Watch

This water-resistant sailing watch is ideal for everyday use including light water activities and showering. It features a silent tick and a rotating bezel but its grip can be challenging at times. The rubber band has a sliding holder to keep the excess strap secure.

It is not recommended for deep diving and does not have glow or backlight functions. It is a classic diver-style watch that is durable and affordable with a straightforward appearance.

• Solid water resistance of 328 feet
• Arguably the most affordable under $30
• Constructed from resin with a sturdy buckle fastening
• Not meant for diving deep or long periods in the water
• Difficult to see at night or dark environments

Optimum Sailing Watch Time Series

This regatta timer watch is ideal for sail racing and favored by many enthusiasts for its large polarized display. It can be worn around your waist or stretched around the mast and has user-friendly features such as large buttons and the ability to rotate the display. It is also:

• Water-resistant up to five ATM (atmospheres)
• Shock-proof
• Specialized sailing timer functions

The strap may become floppy over time and there is a lack of countdown customization but it is still a durable and reasonably priced option. This watch is a must-have for anyone looking to be prepared for sail racing and is easy to read and use. It also happens to be a great choice for those on a budget.

• Water resistance rating up to five ATM (165 feet)
• Designed for regatta racers in mind due to regatta timer capability
• Easily adjusts to fit your wrist over can be worn over your sleeve
• Strap can become floppy or weakened over time
• Does not allow for custom countdown features

Ronstan Race Timer Sailing Watch

This watch stands out as a high-quality yacht racing timepiece with precise start race timing. It sets the standard for years to come and has a handy SYNC function. It is recommended that you test it out before regatta races since it can be difficult to start the timer if you are not familiar with it.It is affordable and can be programmed for other countdown sequences. It comes in three color combinations with contemporary styling that does not compromise usability.

• Has large digit displays provide effortless and convenient viewing
• SYNC button makes it easy to match countdown and ideal for sailors that enjoy races
• Sleek design with large buttons and intuitive programming
• Might need to practice working it before a race
• Instructions are somewhat unclear

Bulova Marine Star

Bulova's marine star sailing watch is a renowned nautical timepiece with stainless steel and rose gold-tone accents with a blue glass insert on the rotating bezel. It is waterproof up to 200 meters and has a six-hand chronograph movement that is perfect for marine activities.

The only downsides are that the lume fades quickly and it is not recommended for extreme diving. It can also be a costly option compared to other watches with the same characteristics.

• Perfect for pro marine pursuits and high-adrenaline surface water sports
• Reliable chronograph features incorporated in the design
• Water resistance rating of up to 656 feet
• Glow fades quickly
• Cannot be used for long diving adventures
• Might be too expensive for some

SUUNTO Core Sailing Watch

This functional nautical watch is a reliable companion for any adventure. It stands out for its ability to easily monitor direction using a rotating bezel or by locking onto your destination while exploring new places.

The plastic bezel and dim backlight are potential drawbacks. It can be used for many water applications and is equipped with a smart storm alarm, altimeter, and long battery life.

• Water-resistant up to 65 feet
• Can be used in different languages
• Has a barometer and compass as well as an altimeter
• Bezel is plastic and has printed numbers
• Backlight might be hard to see

Tissot Sailing Watch Multi-Function

The Tissot sailing watch is a durable timepiece with great scratch resistance. It has a Swiss quartz tactile movement and a racing chronograph feature. Its LCD display shows time, date, barometric pressure, compass heading and allows for two time settings and alarms.

The metal and rubber watchband is adjustable but the rubber strap and background light may be subpar. This versatile watch is suitable for sailors and non-sailors, with meteorological monitoring, perpetual calendar, two time zones, and chronometer functions. Its battery life can help be extended by a sleep function.

• Water-resistant up to 330 feet
• Expertly designed round case chronograph watch with luminous hands
• Displays relative pressure changes of past six hours through Histogram design
• Rubber strap is not the most durable
• Backlight not as bright as it could be

Garmin Instinct Watch

This branded GPS sailing watch is reliable in harsh conditions with global navigation satellite systems and preloaded activity profiles. It has auto data uploads to the brand’s fitness community and tracks stress, activity, and heart rate. The battery lifespan is short and iOS devices may have delayed responses.

It is compact and durable but also easy to navigate with a clear screen. The Garmin instinct is a great deal from a reputable brand.

• Water-resistant up to 328 feet and able to handle changes in water temperature
• Keeps up with vitals
• Includes a barometric altimeter and tri-axial compass
• Not a great battery life
• Seems to lag when connected to iOS devices

Wrist Armor Sport Watch

Wrist Armor offers an affordable high-quality marine watch with innovative components and military standards. It is perfect for sailing and outdoor activities that is easy to set up.

Despite lightweight packaging it offers maximum precision and performance under extreme conditions. It is arguably stylish and durable but is a great option that will not break the bank.

• Best suited for swimming or light water activities
• Affordable and has dual time, alarm, and backlight
• Water-resistant up to 165 feet

Timex Intelligent Quartz

The Timex INDIGLO Night-Light watch is a highly-rated sailing timepiece that is water-resistant up to 328 feet. Its analog thermometer and tide tracker are convenient features for aquatic activities and it maintains accurate timekeeping.

The sailing watch may not fit smaller wrists and is not intended for diving. This is a sailing watch intended for tech-savvy adventurers who love swimming and snorkeling.

• Easy to see hands and background with Indiglo
• Multiple functions including compass, monitoring tides, and gauging air and water temperature
• Great for light-water activities
• Not meant for diving
• Bezel attached to plastic channel

Nautica Sport Watch

Nautica makes some quality products among clothes and other apparel items. Their Quartz Resin Silicone watch is a popular and reliable sailing watch with a classic design.

Despite lacking fancy features it stands out among sailing watches and offers a variety of strap options. It is also an affordable option for those wanting something without spending too much on other expensive brands.

• Easy to dials with 24-hour timekeeping
• Durable and scratch-resistant
• Feels heavy on the wrist
• Might not fit larger wrists

Tips to Find the Best Sailing Watches

Finding the best sailing watches takes time and patience. To maximize the value of your investment in sailing watches you should prioritize factors like water resistance and functionality over style.

Regatta watches can enhance your look but you need to make sure to choose a yachting watch that can withstand the challenges of sailing. By choosing wisely you will get a watch that satisfies your requirements.

Choosing Reputable Brands

​​When shopping for functional sailing watches you should prioritize the brand and consider those with unique designs, superior quality, and a range of prices. Established brands often provide the best quality along with reliable product warranties and customer service.

Basic Functions

Discover multifunctional regatta timepieces with a range of unique features such as:

• Thermometer (for digital models)
• Date and day display (for analog models)

These watches also include luminous features and countdown timers that are essential for race countdowns and available on either bezels or dials. Some are equipped with GPS capabilities that are great for long-distance sailing trips. These are especially a strong buying point if you have older or out of date navigational tools.

Having a tide tracker on a sailing watch is beneficial but it may not always be completely accurate. To ensure you have the most precise information based on your location it is important to choose a high-quality tide-tracking watch.

Many regatta watches cater to water activities like swimming, diving, fishing, and snorkeling with varying water pressure resistance. To ensure durability it is important to know the pressure limit of the watch you want to buy. Some watches can withstand 328 feet while others are crafted for deeper diving up to 3280 feet.

Quality Materials

Regatta watches are manufactured using various materials for the machine, screen, and strap. Water-resistant stainless steel is used for the device and case to prevent water damage. Watch straps are made with leather, rubber or synthetic, and stainless steel.

Stainless steel watches are now coated with rust-proof material to make them seawater-friendly. Regatta watches are designed to be both functional and stylish for sailors.

Your Budget

Sailing watches are available in a wide range of prices. High-end brands command higher costs based on various factors such as the brand name itself and the materials that are used. Reasonably priced alternatives are also easily accessible if you do not mind losing out on a few options or the way it looks.

Different Types of Sailing Watches

There are many different variations of sailing watches. They also have different names based on the features they carry and are often called:

• Yachting watches
• Digital sailing watches
• A race countdown timer

Yacht countdowns are indicated uniquely with rotating discs displaying numbers or colors through date-like windows and differ among timer models. Even autopilot control is an option for different brands but some also have various chronograph functions.

Mechanical sailing watches are commonly made in Switzerland. These are water-resistant and rely on winding movements.

They are favored for their precision and can resist depths up to 1,000 feet. Some models are chronometer-certified or have chronographs for race timing.

The most expensive ones are chronograph chronometers. Prices for mechanical sailing watches begin at $2,000 and are more than their digital counterparts.

Digital sailing watches offer diverse costs and designs while some cater to certain functionalities. They usually operate on batteries to show information. They are ideal for feature seekers and are now more affordable.

While basic models display time, date, temp, and heading, they lack real-time data. Essential features like temp, heart rate, and compass operate offline.

Advanced models connect to offer various tools such as:

• GPS mapping
• Weather forecasts
• Speed tracking

Waterproof digital sailing watches are suitable for offshore sailing. These are unlike regular smartwatches so make sure you know the difference.

What are Water Resistance Ratings?

Water-resistant watches are rated in feet, meters, or atmospheres, but ratings can be misleading. A watch rated to 50 meters may not be waterproof enough for sailing.

A 3 ATM watch is only suitable for showering, while a 5 ATM watch is marginally waterproof. A 10 ATM watch is reliable for extended use at shallow depths and can withstand rain and ocean spray.

For budget-friendly sailing adventures, 5 ATM or 50 meters of shielding (about 160 feet) are necessary for coastal cruising or short water dips with these affordable sailing watches. Having a 20 ATM watch is safer for extended underwater activities and dive watches are the most waterproof. Most of the well-known dive watches for serious diving have a 30 ATM rating.

Why You Need a Sailing Watch

The best sailing watches serve a multitude of purposes. Investing in a classic sailing watch is crucial for extreme outdoor sports enthusiasts. These watches can make outdoor activities more enjoyable and worthwhile besides just looking great on your wrist.

The best sailing watch will help play a vital role in the success of races and activities in rugged conditions and provide an easy-to-use technology for tracking time, weather, and other important factors. Today's sailing watches are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a range of professional features and the ability to be adjusted using a mobile device.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Harvard University

Sailing 5/15/2024 10:54:00 AM

Sailing to Co-Host ICSA Fleet Racing National Championships

What to know.

• The Crimson is co-hosting with MIT two ICSA national championships for the second time in less than a month after welcoming an elite field to the Charles River for the team racing event in late April.
• Harvard finished in second place at the ICSA Open Team Racing National Championship (April 25-27), following its 17.50-4 record. Entering as the defending national champs, the Crimson fell a half-win shy of 2024 winner Roger Williams, which compiled a mark of 18-4.
• The Harvard women's team came in fifth place at the ICSA Women's Team Racing National Championship (April 28-29), logging its best performance in program history. The Crimson finished just outside the top four with a record of 9-7, denying it the chance to compete for a national title. Stanford found itself atop the leaderboard at 18-1, and was followed by Yale (13-6), Boston College (12-7) and Dartmouth (11-8).
• In the days that followed the conclusion of the ICSA Women's Team Racing National Championship, the Ivy League revealed its postseason honors. Head coach Michael O'Connor was named Ivy Women's Sailing Coach of the Year, with Sarah Burn (first team) and Lily Bartlett (second team) earning all-conference accolades. Burn also collected Academic All-Ivy honors.
• Harvard enters next week's action as the No.-7 seed in the ICSA Women's Fleet Racing National Championship. The Crimson earned an at-large berth and will be one of 36 teams in the field.
• The Crimson open squad was one of 11 automatic qualifiers, joining Brown as the NEISA's two automatic entrants. Harvard will begin its quest for a national title as the No. 1 seed among a field of 35 other teams. The Crimson secured its spot in the regatta after winning the New England Open Fleet Racing Championship, April 20-21, in Providence, Rhode Island.
• Harvard will open the women's regatta in the western semifinals, while the Crimson open entrant will begin its national-championship journey on the eastern semifinal side.
• The Harvard women's team will look to improve upon its sixth-place performance a year ago at the ICSA Women's Fleet Race Nationals at King's Point, New York. Back this season from that squad is Sarah Burn , who competed in the A-Division, and B-Division sailors Marbella Marlo , Cordelia Burn and Margo Silliman .
• Harvard has finished in the top six of the women's regatta three consecutive times (2019 – 2 nd , 2022 – 4 th , 2023 – 6 th ). The Crimson will be in search of its first national fleet race title since 2005 and its sixth overall after capturing the crown in 1968, 1969, 1970, 1972 and 2005.
• On the open side, the Crimson returns Lachlain McGranahan (A-Division), Justin Callahan (B-Division) and Kennedy Leehealey (B-Division) off last year's group that posted a third-place finish at the ICSA Open Fleet Race National Championship.
• Harvard the last two seasons has finished in the top 10 at the open fleet race event, coming in 10 th in 2022 and third a year ago. The Crimson will be in search of its first national title since 2003 and sixth overall (1952, 1953, 1959, 1974, 2003).

Players Mentioned

Lily Bartlett

Cordelia Burn

Justin Callahan

Kennedy Leehealey

Marbella Marlo

Lachlain McGranahan

Margo Silliman

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Catalina_425

Catalina 385

Catalina 355 Salon

Catalina 425 Salon

Catalina 315 interior

Performance Cruising Yachts appointed as exclusive Australian dealer for Catalina Yachts

The team at Performance Cruising Yachts is delighted to announce that they are the new Australian dealer for the prestigious US brand, Catalina Yachts.

Founded by Frank Butler in 1970, Catalina Yachts has always prioritised quality and value over sheer size. Their philosophy remains unchanged: to craft exceptional boats that exceed customer expectations. With more than 40 designs and over 60,000 boats built, they are America’s largest sailboat builder.

COO of Catalina Yachts, Patrick Turner said: “We are delighted to appoint Performance Cruising Yachts as the dealer for our Catalina Yachts range. We know Matt Hayes and his team will do an incredible job representing and growing the brand in Australia that has traditionally been a very strong market for us”.

Matt Hayes, founder and CEO of PCY, said: “We are delighted to be representing Catalina Yachts in Australia. Catalina is a prestigious brand known for their quality, and we look forward to working with Catalina to grow the brand.”

“Catalina is by no means a new name in Australia, with well over 300 yachts previously sold into the country. They are a well-known and respected brand with models spread far and wide across the country. Their range of timeless classics are renowned as being well built with unmistakable American craftsmanship. They offer one of the highest specification of standard inclusions amongst all brands and maintain abundant use of solid rich timbers throughout, Corian counter tops, modern appliances and extremely comfortable interiors” said Hayes.

The Catalina Yachts shipyard is based in Largo, Florida and produce a vast range of boats, from the Sports Series, the Cruiser Series and the Ocean Series, featuring models from 12- 45ft. Over the years they have received a plethora of ‘Boat of the Year’ & ‘Best New Boat’ Awards across the range. Catalina Yachts thrives in a competitive market by actively engaging with our customers and dealers, listening attentively to their feedback. Rather than reinventing the wheel with each new design, they blend time-tested features with innovative ideas and insights from boat owners, ensuring a consistent product line that maintains its value over time.

The Catalina Yachts team is made up of dedicated professionals, many of whom have been at the company for over 20 years and provide a depth of knowledge and experience that is unparalleled in the industry. Their passion for sailing and commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of their operations, from design to production to customer service. With their expertise, Catalina Yachts continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in the sailboat industry.

The first Catalina is already on order, with the 425 due to arrive late 2024/early 2025. The 425 incorporates all the valued hallmark Catalina features; a functional spacious cockpit, a comfortable, carefully detailed interior and all the “5 Series” features that have redefined the Catalina brand.

To find out more about the 425, or the rest of the Catalina Yachts’ range, visit performancecruising.com.au or call (02) 9281 4422.

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Things to Do in Elektrostal, Russia - Elektrostal Attractions

Things to do in elektrostal.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
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1. Electrostal History and Art Museum

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Filipino activists decide not to sail closer to disputed shoal, avoiding clash with Chinese ships

In this photo provided by Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party, a Chinese Coast Guard ship, background, passes the boats of activists and volunteers from a nongovernment coalition called Atin Ito, Tagalog for This is Ours, at the South China Sea on Thursday May 16, 2024. About 100 Filipino activists on wooden boats have decided not to sail closer to a fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday to avoid a confrontation with dozens of Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships guarding the area. (Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party via AP)

In this photo provided by Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party, a fisherman raises a Philippine flag on his boat as activists and volunteers from a nongovernment coalition called Atin Ito, Tagalog for This is Ours, sailed at the South China Sea on Thursday May 16, 2024. About 100 Filipino activists on wooden boats have decided not to sail closer to a fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday to avoid a confrontation with dozens of Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships guarding the area. (Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party via AP)

In this photo provided by Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party, fishermen raise a Philippine flag on their boat as activists and volunteers from a nongovernment coalition called Atin Ito, Tagalog for This is Ours, sailed at the South China Sea on Thursday May 16, 2024. About 100 Filipino activists on wooden boats have decided not to sail closer to a fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday to avoid a confrontation with dozens of Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships guarding the area. (Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party via AP)

In this photo provided by Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party, activists and crew members fish on a boat as groups from a nongovernment coalition called Atin Ito, Tagalog for This is Ours, sailed at the South China Sea on Thursday May 16, 2024. About 100 Filipino activists on wooden boats have decided not to sail closer to a fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday to avoid a confrontation with dozens of Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships guarding the area. (Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party via AP)

In this photo provided by Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party, activists and crew members distribute fuel to fishermen as groups from a nongovernment coalition called Atin Ito, Tagalog for This is Ours, sailed at the South China Sea on Wednesday May 15, 2024. About 100 Filipino activists on wooden boats have decided not to sail closer to a fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday to avoid a confrontation with dozens of Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships guarding the area. (Atin-Ito/Akbayan Party via AP)

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MANILA, Philippines (AP) — About 100 Filipino activists on wooden boats have decided not to sail closer to a fiercely disputed shoal in the South China Sea on Thursday to avoid a confrontation with dozens of Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships guarding the area.

Accompanied by journalists on four boats, the activists will distribute food packs and fuel to Filipino fishermen about 58 nautical miles (107 kilometers) southeast of Scarborough Shoal and then sail back home, Emman Hizon and other organizers said.

Chinese and Philippine coast guard and accompanying ships have had a series of increasingly hostile territorial faceoffs at Scarborough, which is surrounded by the Chinese coast guard, and at Philippine-occupied Second Thomas Shoal since last year. The Chinese ships have used powerful water cannons and employed blocking and other dangerous maneuvers that led to minor collisions, injured several Filipino navy personnel and strained diplomatic ties.

The United States has repeatedly warned that it’s obligated to defend the Philippines , its longtime treaty ally, if Filipino forces, ships or aircraft come under an armed attack in the region, including in the busy South China Sea. That has sparked fears a conflict could involve Washington if the territorial disputes escalate out of control.

The activists and fishing community leaders, who belong to a nongovernment coalition called Atin Ito, Tagalog for This is Ours, provided aid to Filipino fishermen and floated symbolic territorial buoys on Wednesday on their way to Scarborough’s outlying waters to assert Philippine sovereign rights over the atoll. But two Chinese coast guard ships started shadowing them Wednesday night, according to Hizon and the Philippine coast guard.

A group of 10 activists managed to evade the Chinese blockade by at least 46 ships in the outlying waters on Wednesday and distributed food and fuel to Filipinos fishing closer to the atoll. That was cited by the activists in declaring that their mission was a success.

“We managed to breach their illegal blockade, reaching the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc to support our fishers with essential supplies,” said Rafaela David, an activist leader who led the voyage to the disputed waters. “Mission accomplished.”

The Philippine coast guard deployed three patrol ships and a light plane on Wednesday to keep watch on the activists, who set off from western Zambales province. Dozens of journalists joined the three-day voyage.

In December, the group mounted an expedition to another disputed shoal but cut the trip short after being tailed by a Chinese ship.

China effectively seized Scarborough Shoal, a triangle-shaped atoll with a vast fishing lagoon ringed by mostly submerged coral outcrops, by surrounding it with its coast guard ships after a tense 2012 standoff with Philippine government ships.

Angered by China’s action, the Philippine government brought the territorial disputes to international arbitration in 2013 and largely won, with a tribunal in The Hague ruling three years later that China’s expansive claims based on historical grounds in the busy seaway were invalid under the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The ruling declared Scarborough Shoal a traditional fishing area for Chinese, Filipino and Vietnamese fishermen, but China refused to join the arbitration, rejected the ruling and continues to defy it.

Two weeks ago, Chinese coast guard and suspected militia ships used water cannons on Philippine coast guard and fisheries ships patrolling Scarborough Shoal, damaging both ships.

The Philippines condemned the Chinese coast guard’s action at the shoal, which lies in Manila’s internationally recognized exclusive economic zone. The Chinese coast guard said it took a “necessary measure” after the Philippine ships “violated China’s sovereignty.”

Aside from the Philippines and China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have also been involved in the long-seething territorial disputes .

Indonesia has also had skirmishes with Chinese vessels in resource-rich waters stretching from its Natuna islands to the margins of the South China Sea, which Beijing has claimed virtually in its entirety.

The Indonesian navy has fired warning shots in the past and seized Chinese fishing boats it accused of encroaching into Indonesian waters.

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Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Preview: Red Bull Looks to Rebound While the F1 Field Gives Chase

Zach koons | may 17, 2024.

It’s been nearly two weeks since Lando Norris shocked Max Verstappen and the rest of the Formula One field by winning his first ever race at the Miami Grand Prix. The McLaren driver impressed throughout the weekend, providing a real threat to the dominant Red Bull, and will now look to keep up as the circuit returns to Imola, Italy, for the fourth annual Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The last time a race was held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in 2022, both Verstappen and Norris ended up on the podium with the Red Bull driver claiming the win and Norris slotting in third. Now back for the seventh race of the 2024 season, here’s what to watch for as the drivers take to the grid this weekend.

Can McLaren, Ferrari Keep the Pressure on Red Bull?

It’s been some time since Red Bull had a consistent challenger to its throne atop the F1 grid. Since Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton’s duel in Abu Dhabi, it’s been relatively smooth sailing for the Milton Keynes outfit over the last three years. In the 49 races before Miami dating back to the start of the 2022 season, Red Bull has won 42 of them, 38 with Verstappen driving. 

That was until Norris not only won in Florida but thoroughly outpaced the Red Bulls after the safety car restart. Of course now the question is: Can McLaren keep it up?

Norris received the full load of upgrades in Miami while teammate Oscar Piastri only took on about half of the changes, meaning there’s room for growth in at least one of the team’s cars. It’s difficult to assess McLaren’s outlook for the remainder of the year on such a small sample, but there’s certainly room for optimism based on the showing two weeks ago.

As for Ferrari, a return to Italy comes with the team’s most significant upgrade of the 2024 season. Lining up an improvement with a home race was no coincidence and it’s clear that Fred Vasseur thinks his team is poised to make a real run at the top spot of the podium—and for good reason. Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz showed plenty of pace by the time the weekend was out in Miami, with the former finishing second in the sprint and third in the Grand Prix.

All that being said, Red Bull is sure to have assessed the relative disappointment in Miami and prepared a response for Imola. At this point in the season, the team has lost as many races (two) in six outings as it did for the entirety of the 2023 campaign. That’s a reality that Christian Horner and Verstappen are surely aware of and won’t be eager to stand for.

Musical Chairs at Williams 

The big news on the driver’s market this week came Wednesday when Williams announced that Alex Albon agreed to a multiyear extension that will keep him with the outfit into the new regulations period. Having already signed a deal through 2025, the 28-year-old will now be under contract through the ’27 campaign as he continues to impress team principal James Vowles in a car that has yet to crack the top 10 in any race this season.

A mighty drive in Montreal 💪 @alex_albon holds off a train of cars to record his best result for Williams 👏 #F1 @WilliamsRacing pic.twitter.com/wLOI0Ercuf — Formula 1 (@F1) May 15, 2024

However, the plot only seems to be thickening for the team’s second seat. Pressure was already mounting on American driver Logan Sargeant going into the Miami Grand Prix, and then a wreck in Sunday’s main event gave him his fifth DNF in 26 starts across his less than two seasons with Williams. His future is now approaching a boiling point—especially as the presumptive frontrunner to be his successor will be back on the same track this weekend. 

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a phenom within the Mercedes development system, will be present at Imola this weekend as Formula 2 returns to the grid. The 17-year-old, who currently drives in F2 with Prema, already conducted an F1 test with Mercedes back in mid-April, and Williams requested that the FIA grant him a Super License before his 18th birthday. Rules currently dictate that drivers must be 18 years of age to compete in F1, meaning Antonelli wouldn’t be able to appear until the Italian Grand Prix in late August unless he was granted an exemption.

Williams finished seventh in the constructors standings last year, due in large part to Albon’s performance on the track. Without a point in six races in 2024, Vowles & Co. will want to get on the board as soon as possible—even if that means a midseason driver change. 

Powerful Plans for a Return to Imola

An F1 race hasn’t been held at Imola since 2022 after widespread flooding devastated the town last year and resulted in a cancellation of the ’23 grand prix. Teams rallied around the Emilia-Romagna region at the time, issuing various statements of support and making a collective €1m donation to assist the nearby communities in the recovery effort. Surely, the situation will be top of mind for the paddock as the group returns this weekend. 

Additionally, F1 has planned a series of special events to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the deaths of three-time world champion Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. Ratzenberger, a driver for Simtek racing team, died in a crash during qualifying while Senna died the following day in an accident during the race. Tributes are planned throughout the race weekend, one of which will feature four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel getting behind the wheel of Senna’s McLaren MP4/8—the same car Senna last won a race with in 1993.

“Ayrton Senna was not only a driver who I valued highly for being one of the best racing has ever seen, but also a man of great compassion,” Vettel said of the tribute . “It’s been 30 years since his accident and I would like to pay tribute to Ayrton.

Even 30 years after his time, the class of 2024 are still taking inspiration from the great Ayrton Senna #F1 #Senna30 pic.twitter.com/Ny0sP2WheL — Formula 1 (@F1) May 15, 2024

Senna, who was just 34 at the time of his death, continues to have a lasting effect on the sport and the current lineup of drivers, making for what should be an emotional weekend.