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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best sailing watches: 16 options for racing and cruising

• October 17, 2023

Fox Morgan, Phil Sampson and Roger Hughes test and review 16 of the best sailing watches available with functions for racing and cruising sailors

The best sailing watches can offer a multitude of functions, from MOB alerts to tidal calculations and large faced race count down timers. And yet still there’s utter simplicity of a waterproof self winding timepiece.

Just as tablets and even smartphones have revolutionised how sailors use multifunction displays and instruments, so the latest smart watch technology has now firmly filtered into sailing. While we’re now familiar with using our watches to give us directions, make calls and send messages, and act as a repeater screen on our wrists ashore, so the latest sailing watches also make navigation, data and comms technology wearable afloat.

You’ll see that Garmin have several entries in our best sailing watches guide and if you’re specifically after a Garmin, we have rounded up the best of those in this guide to the best Garmin watch for yachting sailing and more .

However, the cleverest watch is not always the best watch for sailing. For racing an extremely simple and speedy to operate model may suit better. Price is not always an indicator of functionality either; even some of the least expensive sailing watches, like the Casio we showcase below, can be packed with features.

At the other end of the scale,  luxury horology brands – including Rolex, Panerai, and Omega among others – have long been closely associated with sailing, seeing it as the perfect sport to demonstrate their style, waterproof and ruggedised qualities, and accuracy.

In making our selection of the best sailing watches, we’ve chosen those with features specifically suitable for wearing aboard. That doesn’t mean, however, that they float, so be sure to do the clasp up securely and be wary of pulling off jacket sleeves in a hurry and losing your prized timepiece overboard!

Editor’s top choices at a glance

Best sailing smart watch – Garmin Quatix 7 Best premium sailing watch – Garmin MARQ Captain Best value sailing watch – Casio Lithium Quartz Best racing sailing watch – Ronstan Clear Start Race Timer

Best sailing watch for multifunction use

Garmin quatix 7.

Best sailing smart watch

Specifications: Apple or android smart phone compatible,  Sizes: 47mm / 51mm, Weight 70g, Battery life: up to 16 days with screen on by demand, GPS tracking, waterproof to 10 ATM

Reasons to Buy: Large easy to read face | incredible versatility for an array of lifestyle activity | healthy wellbeing and boat interactivity | customisable to suit individual needs Reasons to Avoid: Battery life not as good as the Quatix 6 if screen is always visible | bright facia can be distracting | touchscreen is pointless without the additional kit it interfaces with

Garmin’s latest sailing smartwatch includes improvements to strengthen integration with onboard electronics.

It’s a touchscreen model that can, for instance, be used to control MFD displays or Fusion audio systems, as well as Garmin autopilots.

You can also pay for things with contactless payments, but you’ll need to use an intermediary app, such as Curve if you are in the UK as British banks haven’t signed up for that function directly yet.

So let’s address the major change for the Quatix 7 over the Quatix 6, and that’s the display. Plenty of folks complained about the darkness or difficulty seeing the Quatix 6 screen, so they’ve addressed that with a much brighter lit up style of screen.  It is very bright even when turned to its dimmest setting. To save the battery from being drained unnecessarily at night, there’s a night time version of the watch screen where you can view it as a digital numeric mono display, on demand, otherwise the screen is completely blank. This brighter clearer display does come at a compromise of battery life or screen saver settings.

The extra screen size in the same outer bezel size though is really very nice. Maps and other tracking options can be easily seen.

High end Sapphire models add a new ultra-clear AMOLED touchscreen.

The watch can output directly to Strava and myfitnesspal along with other apps according to your preference. We like this watch very much indeed and it is currently the best smart sailing watch for all round functionality. Pricey though, but worth it.

Garmin MARQ Captain

Best premium sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Smart | Size: 46mm

Reasons to buy: Weather and tidal data | MOB and GPS functions | Stream boat data to your wrist Reasons to avoid: Full extent of capabilities is governed by the onboard technology it’s connected to | Premium price

Tested by: MBY Editor, Hugo Andreae

Our top priced pick comes from wearable tech-specialists, Garmin. The MARQ Captain sailing watch comes packed with marine-relevant features.

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 lift or a header, a man overboard button and GPS.

The full extent of its capabilities is governed by the onboard technology to which it is connected, but possibilities include streaming boat data direct to your wrist wherever you are on the boat and controlling products from the Garmin-owned Fusion range of audio systems.

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar

Specifications: Type: Smart | Size: 40mm / 45mm / 50mm, weight 53g(2oz)

Reasons to buy: GPS positioning on charts | barometric pressure and compass | Smartphone connectivity | An incredible amount of styles and colours | A single charge lasts 14 days Reasons to avoid: Premium price without a premium design

Tested by: Tech Editor, Fox Morgan

The Instinct 2, launched in February 2022 is Garmin’s all-round watch, which they call their outdoors watch. Features that are particularly relevant to sailors include 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 and heart rate monitor.

The Garmin Instinct is available in no fewer than 20 different styles and colours. It’s actual diameter is 47mm (1 13/16” in) but the viewable face is 32mm (1 1/4”). The Instinct is 16mm (5/8” in) thick and weighs 53g (2 oz).

For racing sailors, it also has multiple start sequence options. We have an indepth review from long term testing of this watch coming soon.

The Garmin Instinct watch is a good alternative for anyone seeking a more moderately priced alternative to the Quatix 6.

Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Specifications: Apple or android smart phone compatible,  Sizes: 47mm / 51mm, weight 82g, Battery life: up to 16 days with screen always visible, GPS tracking, waterproof to 10 ATM

Reasons to buy: Suits a multitude of water activity | Highly customisable | An incredible amount of data available on your wrist | A single charge lasts 14 days Reasons to avoid: High level of functionality is not for the technologically phobic

This watch I tested comprehensively for several weeks/months – it is a very smart design, with functions for every type of pastime on the water and off it.

Garmin is well known for superior boating instruments and they have now managed to squeeze all the data of a ten-inch chartplotter into a 1.3” inch round sailing watch. Bluetooth functionality means you can connect it to a Garmin chartplotter using the free Garmin Connect app, and to other makes of plotter using the Garmin transceiver (a $150 extra).

This allows all the features of a chartplotter to be displayed on the watch, including charts and even autopilot control to allow you to change heading or follow a GPS route – provided it is also connected through the chartplotter.

The Quatix 6 also offers more typical smartwatch functions including the ability to receive email and texts, can be used to control music on board, and monitors the user’s heart-rate.

It’s simple to switch between ‘boat display’ and ‘stylish watch’ modes, as hundreds of different watch faces that can be downloaded to customise it to the wearer’s preference, including an antique style face and even a copy of Big Ben. The Quatix 6 can also be switched between analogue and digital.

It’s overall diameter is 51mm (2” in) with a 36mm (1 5/8” in) viewable face, and it is 17mm (11/16”) thick. The Quatix 6’s weight is 83g (3oz) with the plastic strap or 156g (5.5oz) with the stainless band, which is quite a bit heavier than a conventional watch.

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

Spinnaker haas automatic.

Specifications: Type: Analogue | Size: 43mm

Reasons to buy: S mart styling | easy to read day and night | electronics free | self winding Reasons to avoid: Due to self winding mechanism the watch is not as slim as a quartz movement watch which might mean that cuffs on shirts and foulies are tight.

Tested by: Professional TopSail Schooner Skipper, Phil Pryor

The joy of a traditional analogue watch is right here in this stylish all metal timepiece from Spinnaker.

Spinnaker Watches collaborated with the Marine Conservation Society to produce this limited edition model that’s a tribute to marine biologist and pioneering diver Hans Hass.

If you want to ditch the computers and keep it simple then this is definitely worth a look.

It feels reassuringly sturdy with it’s all metal band and easy to read rating bezel.

It’s waterproof to 300m and requires no batteries as this watch self winds from the motion of your hand through every day movement.

The winder unscrews to allow time, day and date adjustment and that my friends is all there is to this gorgeous watch. At least as far as the wearer is concerned. Behind that metal back is the smooth Japanese workings of a self winding watch. When it arrived in the box the watch was still and inactive. But the moment I removed it from the box it started to self wind. With just a small amount of movement, the second hand was moving.

For sailors who want to a sleek non electric time piece and for those divers who like to go under the water as well as on it.

I love this safety yellow colourway as it really stands out and is easy to read. This might not be to everyone’s taste though which is fine because the Spinnaker Hass comes in 9 different colourways.

Buy the Spinnaker Hass now on eBay

Buy Spinnaker Hass from Spinnaker

Casio Lithium Quartz

Best value sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 48mm

Reasons to buy: Great value | Highly functional | 2 year warranty Reasons to avoid: Lacking in design | Lacking extensive features of premium alternatives

There’s no question that when it comes to affordable innovation, Casio is right up there.

Despite being one of the lowest-priced watches in our selection, the Casio Tide Watch Orange is a highly functional piece of kit which, in addition to all the usual time, day and auto date functions also features a tide graph and lunar phase display.

More conventional sailing watch functions include a timer, stopwatch and LED might. It is water resistant to 100m/10 bars and has a 2 year warranty, all packed into a 48mm diameter, 13 mm thick case.

Best sailing watch for racing

Ronstan Clear Start Race Timer

Best racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size 65mm

Reasons to buy: Robust design with secure strap | Extra-large | easy to press silicon buttons | Great display Reasons to avoid: Some consumers report issues with clasp/strap

With wrist, hull, mast or boom mount options, the Swiss-made Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer is aimed squarely at racing sailors.

Made by renowned rigging and hardware company Ronstan, it’s a robust design with a secure elastic strap and substantial ‘bumper’ around the digital display.

The ClearStart Race Timer’s features include extra-large, easy-press silicon buttons, a highlighted start/stop button, oversized 16 mm digits set in a 65mm rotating face and a double line display simultaneously showing the race countdown and time.

In addition, the ClearStart Race Timer offers ‘5-4-1-0’ and Match Racing start sequence programmes, making it a great choice for competitive sailors. Ruggedly constructed and built to last, this sailing watch weighs in at 92 grammes and is water-resistant to 50 metres.

Buy the Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer now from West Marine

Optimum Time Series 14 Rechargeable sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 68mm

Reasons to buy: Rechargeable battery | Packed with features | Suitable for mounting Reasons to avoid: Basic design

Optimum Time’s bold coloured watches are popular among racing sailors from dinghies upwards, and the new rechargeable design makes it more sustainable for anyone who uses theirs frequently.

Featuring a 36mm diameter LCD display mounted within a bright red and black 68mm ABS case, Optimum Time’s Series 14 watch is a substantial device that is equally suited to being mounted on a mast or boom as your wrist, while the digits are large enough to allow crew to see the same timer as the skipper.

Waterproof to 5 ATM (i.e. capable of withstanding a pressure of 5 bar), the sailing watch is packed with useful features and comes complete with a bespoke USB charger clamp for convenient charging.

Buy the Optimum Time Series 14 now on Amazon

Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer watch

Best analogue racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Analogue | Size 46mm

Reasons to buy: Striking analogue display | Countdown timers Reasons to avoid: Larger than average design | Complex to set up | lacks reset button | Expensive

This is a very striking analogue watch, designed to appeal specifically to racing sailors who don’t want a digital display. It features a racing countdown timers (from 5 mins, 3 mins or 1 minute), then after the start the chronometer automatically starts a race timer for up to one hour.

This is a larger than average design, at 46 mm (1.81” in) diameter and 14mm (0.55” in) thick.

However, this watch is complex to set up, as some functions require three buttons to be pressed in sequence. There is also no ‘reset’ button for anyone who misses their start sequence timer.

Buy the Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer now on the Watch Shop

Optimum Time Series 3 sailing watch

Best all-round racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 65mm

Reasons to buy: Great price | Highly functional | Easy to read Reasons to avoid: It’s really big

The popular ‘big yellow’ Optimum Time Series 3 is a lower-priced, yet highly functional racing watch. And it truly is big – far too large for my wrist at a gigantic 65mm (2.56” in) diameter and 16mm (0.62” in) thick. It’s also available in colours other than yellow – including white, blue and pink.

An advantage for racing is that this watch is easy to read at a distance thanks to its huge 16mm digits. A bracket is supplied to fix it to a mast. It also has a sync button if you miss the start gun, and can then run a repeat sequence or race timer for handicap competitions.

Robust, and water resistant to 5 ATM, with a wide elasticated strap.

Buy the Optimum Time Series 3 now on Amazon

Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 sailing watch

Best specialist racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 50mm

Reasons to buy: Multiple start sequence options | Match racing timer | Can sync for early/late start Reasons to avoid: Larger than average design

This sailing watch is another specialist racing design. Race mode features include multiple start sequence options, match racing timer and the ability to sync for an early or late start.

The Clearstart RF4055 is unusual in that it has a fibreglass case, which is available in striking yellow and red as well as the more subtle black. It has a 50mm (2″) diameter face, which is larger than most watches, with a 13mm (0.5″ in) digital display, and the weight is 74gm (2.61oz), though the buttons have a lower profile than some other race watches making it neater to wear on shore.

Buy the Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 now on Amazon

Buy the Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 now on eBay

Optimum Time Series 12 sailing watch

Best audible racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 26mm

Reasons to buy: Audible warning features | Many colour choices Reasons to avoid: No GPS or interconnectivity | Small display is hard to read in hectic moments

Another race timer with countdown time and pre-programmed start and audible warnings. Despite its more smart watch-style appearance, there is no GPS or interconnectivity, but you do get a countdown repeat option, World Sailing 5-4-1-0 start sequence pre-programmed with audible warning signals, and a sync button.

The Optimum Time Series 12 is available in many colours, but has a small 26mm (1.02” in) display, with 10mm (0.34” in) figures, which will make it hard to read in the middle of a hectic race start.

Buy the Optimum Time Series 12 now on eBay

Gill Race Watch Timer

Best racing sailing watch for watersports

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size 44mm

Reasons to buy: Water-resistant to 30 metres | Carbon housing | The sleep feature preserves battery life Reasons to avoid: Basic design and functions

This striking red and black Race Watch Timer is a sailing-specific watch developed exclusively for watersports apparel company Gill. It’s water-resistant to an impressive 30 metres, with the timepiece unit encased in a reinforced carbon ABS plastic housing with a stainless steel back.

As well as telling the time, the sailing watch’s functions include a countdown with synchro, day, date and alarm. There’s a keyboard lock feature to you don’t accidentally change the settings and an electro-luminescent backlight allows the wearer to check the data day or night.

A neat sleep feature preserves and prolongs battery life in a ruggedly constructed unit designed for durability and years of trouble-free service.

Limit ProXR Countdown sailing watch

Best value racing sailing watch

Reasons to buy: Large, clear, easy to read display | Multiple design options | Dual time, stopwatch, countdown and pacer functions Reasons to avoid: Lacks features/functions of more premium competitors | Chunky

Limit has been producing watches for more than 110 years and specialises in offering a wide variety of styles at great value prices.

For a budget-friendly sailing watch option, the Limit ProXR Countdown comes with a large, clear and easily readable display and is backed by a two-year guarantee.

It also has a dual time display and stopwatch, countdown and pacer functionality. No fewer than five alarms can be set and there’s a night time illumination facility.

Available in a choice of orange/black or blue/black, the looks of this chunky 50 mm case diameter sailing watch certainly belie its low price tag.

Buy the Limit ProXR Countdown now on gooutdoors.co.uk

Ulysse-Nardin The Ocean Race Diver

Specifications: Type: Analogue | Size: 44mm

Reasons to buy: manufacturer with a strong history in watch making | ‘green’ credentials | classy and collectible Reasons to avoid: Lacks features/functions of more sailing-specific watches | you’ll need deep pockets

Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin sourced discarded fishing nets to upcycle into the base material for this watch, highlighting the 640,000 tonnes of nets that are discarded at sea each year.

In addition, 95% of components for the mechanical movement are sourced from within 30km of Ulysse Nardin’s site.

Buy The Ocean Race Diver now on ulysse-nardin.com

FAQ: What makes the best sailing watch?

The ability to read the time, countdown or data in a hurry or at an angle is key, so look out for digital readouts with large numbers – some sailing watches have the ability to switch from digital to analogue readouts – and screens that can be viewed in different qualities of daylight. Backlit functions are essential for anyone heading offshore, whether racing or cruising.

A well-fitting wristband or strap with a secure clasp is vital to keep the watch on your arm. Most sailing watches have soft rubber or synthetic wristbands, which are more durable in a marine environment, and safer than steel. Rubber straps are also lighter and easier to adjust.

If you plan to use your watch for race start timing, look for programmable start sequence options, a sync button, countdowns that switch to seconds in the final stages. A loud, clear alarm or ‘beep’ function that tells you time to the gun is particularly useful, so you can keep watching your course, trim and other boats around you during the final approach to the line rather than having to glance at your wrist.

You can read more about other types of GPS enabled and waterproof fitness trackers and smart watches at YBW.com

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

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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Regatta Time: 7 Yachting Watches

A number of luxury watch brands have gotten involved in sponsoring sailing teams and events. Some brands have even developed timepieces specifically suited for competitive sailing and other nautical activities, often incorporating some version of the all-important regatta countdown function. Here we run down seven yachting and regatta watches and reveal why they’re ideal companions out on the waves.

1.Corum Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Tides

Corum has been making watches for yachtsmen since 1960, when it debuted the first Corum Admiral’s Cup watch, named after and inspired by the famous yacht race of the same name. The Admiral’s Cup has since grown to become an entire collection, one of Corum’s core pillars. Numerous variations on the Corum Admiral’s Cup have been introduced over the years, including the Corum Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Tides . This watch’s movement, Caliber CO 277 — which Corum spent three years working with the Astronomic Observatory of Geneva and French Navy’s oceanographic institute to create — contains a mechanical complication that is eminently useful for someone piloting a boat: a moon-phase-like function that informs the wearer of how strong and how high the tides are, and when high and low tide will next occur. (Tides, of course, are affected by the moon’s relation to the earth and sun.) A hand on the subdial at 12 o’clock indicates the tidal coefficient, or range between high and low tides. A subdial at 6 o’clock tells when the next two tides will occur. Meanwhile, the 9 o’clock display tells the wearer if tides are rising or falling. The date is displayed at 3 o’clock. The Corum Admiral’s Cup AC-One 45 Tides has the collection’s hallmark 12-sided case, which is made of titanium coated with blue PVD and measures 45 mm in diameter, and comes on a vulcanized blue rubber strap.

2. Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Titanio

Panerai is much better known for making watches for use underwater rather than above the waves, but the Swiss-Florentine brand began sponsoring the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge in 2005 and introduced its first dedicated yachting watch at SIHH 2013. (AT SIHH 2017, the brand took its support of sailing sports to the next level, becoming Official Timekeeper of the America’s Cup.) that The Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta 3 Days Chrono Flyback Titanio (PAM00526) has a lightweight, brushed titanium case, 47 mm in diameter, and is outfitted with Panerai’s in-house Caliber P.9100/R, which powers not only a flyback chronograph but a user-friendly regatta countdown function.

To start the countdown to a regatta (in which perfect timing is crucial, with all boats required to line up behind an imaginary line without crossing it), the owner pushes an orange push-button at 4 o’clock to move the central orange chronograph minute hand back, one minute at a time, until it is at the correct position in relation to the length of the countdown. Next, he presses the chronograph stop/start button at 10 o’clock, which starts the chronograph hands moving, indicating first the minutes and seconds remaining until the start, and then, when the countdown has finished, the time elapsed since the start of the race. At the end of the interval being measured, the push-button at eight o’clock returns all the chronograph hands to zero; if it is operated while the hands are still moving, it activates the return-to-zero (flyback) function of these hands, enabling the wearer to start timing a new interval immediately, without using the stop and reset buttons. The flange around the dial displays a 15-minute scale for the regatta countdown, with the five final minutes distinguished in orange, along with a tachymeter scale that is measured in knots, which enables a sailor to determine the speed of his boat over a defined distance. For more details on this Panerai watch, including the price, click here . The price of the watch is $17,200.00 excl. sales tax (July 2017).

3. Rolex Yacht-Master II

The Rolex Yacht-Master II — the successor to the original Rolex Yacht-Master — debuted in 2007 and introduced a Rolex-exclusive regatta countdown function that can be “programmed” from 1 to 10 minutes and incorporates a mechanical memory that allows it to be reset to the same countdown duration used previously. Once launched, the countdown can also be synchronized on the fly, enabling adjustment to match the official regatta start-time countdown. Programming the countdown is easy, by means of the rotatable Ring Command bezel , a Rolex-developed system linking the bezel to the movement.

The Rolex Yacht-Master II has a 44-mm Rolex Oyster case (available in several precious metals, in Rolex’s proprietary “Rolesium” material, or in a new stainless steel version with blue Cerachrom bezel, shown below.) The watch contains the Rolex manufacture Caliber 4161, which has a COSC chronometer certification and includes a column-wheel chronograph. For more on the Rolex Yacht-Master II, click here .

4. Alpina Sailing Yachttimer Countdown

Not everyone who owns a boat is a millionaire, and the Alpina Sailing Yachttimer Countdown is a yachting watch for those on a slightly tighter timepiece budget. For under $5,000, the owner of this watch gets a clever yachting-specific complication, namely a moving countdown window that counts down from 10 to 1, gradually revealing a red “START” indicator for the start time of a regatta. The Alpina Sailing Yachttimer is a limited edition of only 8,888 pieces. The watch has a 44-mm stainless steel case, with a see-through caseback offering a view of the in-house movement, Caliber AL-880, and comes on a black rubber strap. The price of the watch is $3’695 (July 2017).

5. Perrelet Turbine Yacht

Introduced in 2014, the Perrelet Turbine Yacht — another new complication for the distinctive Turbine collection, which has swiftly become Perrelet’s flagship family — combines the spinning dial-side turbine-style rotor with an integrated windrose function, inspired by the world of yachting, which helps to orient sailors by points of reference and the position of the sun. The Perrelet Turbine Yacht has a substantial, 47-mm-diameter stainless steel case, also available with either black or bronze-toned PVD coating. The turbine rotor on the dial, made of titanium, has 11 blades, echoing the look of a submarine propellor, and rotates above a surface with a maritime-themed parallel-line pattern reminiscent of the teakwood deck of a yacht. The windrose — according to Wikipedia, “a graphic tool used by meteorologists to give a succinct view of how wind speed and direction are typically distributed at a particular location” — is on a bidirectional rotating ring surrounding the dial. prices for the Perrelet Turbine Yacht range from $6,550 to $7,200.

6. Bremont Regatta OTUSA

The U.K.-based Bremont brand has also served as Official Timing partner to the America’s Cup and to the competition’s defending champion, Oracle Team USA. To commemorate the races, Bremont brought out at this year’s Baselworld this COSC-certified regatta timer, the Bremont Regatta OTUSA. The watch has 15- minute and 5-minute countdown displays at 12 o’clock, a 12-hour counter and date aperture at 6 o’clock and running seconds at 9 o’clock. Bremont has incorporated into the crown a bit of carbon fiber taken from one of the foils of a 2013 Oracle Team USA AC72 yacht. The case is titanium, 43 mm in diameter, and water resistant to 100 meters. It has a transparent back through which you can see the rotor, decorated with a wave-like pattern and the words “America’s Cup.” Price: $6,895 (July 2017).

7. Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta Chronograph

Ulysse Nardin tapped two professional yachtsmen, Loïck Peyron and Iain Percy from the Swedish Artemis Racing team (which the brand sponsors), to help design its new regatta timer, the Marine Regatta Chronograph , which debuted at SIHH 2017. The watch is a bi-directional chronograph counter that automatically begins timing the race once the countdown is complete, thus eliminating the need to hit the restart button at the precise moment when the race begins. Official fleet yacht races begin with either a five-, seven- or 10-minute countdown to the starting signal, during which time boats jockey for a position as close to the starting line as possible without crossing it and thus facing major penalties. The movement, Caliber UN-155, is based on the manufacture automatic chronograph Caliber UN-153 and has a three-day power reserve. The 44-mm case is stainless steel and has a fluted bezel with rubber inserts, molded rubber pushers, a screw-down crown and 100-meter water resistance. There are two dial variations, one in ocean blue with signature Artemis Racing yellow and the other in sea foam. There is also a limited-edition series of 35 Marine Regatta Chronographs with black champlevé enamel dials. The regular series is priced at $15,900, and the special edition, at $29,800.

This article was originally published in 2014; prices are subject to change.

Such a wonderfully informative blog. thanks for sharing

A correction to your Bremont piece: Oracle was the defender of America’s Cup in 2013 and 2017. The current Cup holder is Emirates Team New Zealand. (interestingly, although Omega has sponsored ETNZ since 1995….by far the longest relationship between a watch brand and an AC team…it has never developed a regatta-specific watch , instead issuing a few “ETNZ versions” of Seamaster Diver over the years).

What about the many Ulysse Nardin releases?

title should be 5 ugly regatta watches

yup ! sure is !

imho — Ugly watches? Just exactly what would you consider to be beautiful watches in this category?

I agree Erik, I think these represent the best watches from Rolex (the 2 tone would be best), Bremont, Alpina and Panerai. Other versions are just a bit boring, imho.

I have a omega NZL-32 I think it’s the best looking regtta timer out. It’s a very stunning watch.

I agree. The Omega NZL is beautiful but out of production yes?

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Best Sailing Watches: Nautical Options For Sailors

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Sailing watches are enormously helpful for navigation, planning, and numerous other tasks.

In this article, we'll cover why every sailboat owner should consider investing in a high-quality sailing watch. We'll also go over the qualities and features of the best sailing watches, along with a few of the best sailing watches on the market today.

Sailing watches fall into two categories: mechanical and electronic. The best mechanical sailing watches are the Rolex Yachtmaster and the Omega Seamaster. The best electronic sailing watches are the Garmin Instinct and the Garmin Quantix 6. The Vostok Komandirskie is the best budget sailing watch.

We based this article on information from sailing watchmakers along with the experience of expert sailors. We also source information from the owners of these watches, along with their opinions about the products.

Table of contents

Types of Sailing Watches

There are numerous kinds of sailing watches that range in style and functionality. Due to the proliferation of smartwatches, the market is now overflowing with feature-laden devices that are ideal for sailing. Traditional sailing watches are analog and waterproof, so they'll work in all conditions. Here are the most common kinds of sailing watches.

Mechanical Sailing Watches

Mechanical sailing watches are classic waterproof timepieces that don't have a battery. Instead, they rely on compact wind-up or automatic (self-winding) movements. The finest mechanical sailing watches are produced in Switzerland.

Fine mechanical sailing watches are produced by names you may recognize. These companies include Rolex, TCG, Breitling, and others. Many people use mechanical dive watches such as the Rolex Submariner for sailing, as it's highly accurate and waterproof to 1,000 ft.

Many sailing watches are mechanical chronometers. A chronometer is a marine clock or watch certified to be accurate within 0.1 seconds per day. The chronometer is often confused with the chronograph, which is a mechanical watch that also includes a stopwatch.

Chronographs are useful for timing sailing races and calculating your speed, and some chronographs are also chronometers. These watches command the highest prices in the industry.

Mechanical sailing watches are generally much more expensive than digital sailing watches. Prices for these premium watches start around the $2,000 mark, though most examples cost about $8,000 to $15,000.

Digital Sailing Watches

Digital sailing watches run on batteries and usually include a display. These watches vary widely in cost, design, and functionality. If you're looking for features, a digital sailing watch is definitely the way to go.

Today, many of these watches are highly affordable, considering what they do. The most basic digital sailing watches have a simple LCD display that shows the time, date, temperature, and possibly your heading. These watches aren't connected, which means they don't display much active real-time data. That said, they're robust and an excellent choice for pure functionality.

Features like temperature, heart rate monitoring and direction (compass) don't require any internet connectivity, which means they work everywhere in the world.

The more advanced members of the digital sailing watch family are connected, meaning they pull data from the internet and communicate with other devices. Examples of connected features include GPS mapping, live weather forecasts and data, messaging, and speed tracking.

Like mechanical sailing watches, digital sailing watches are waterproof and stand up well to harsh conditions. Standard smartwatches, while often used for similar purposes, are generally not up to the task. This is because many smartwatches are only marginally water-resistant (up to 50 feet), which is simply insufficient for offshore sailing and racing.

Understanding Water Resistance Ratings

Water-resistant watches are rated using either feet, meters, or atmospheres. However, these ratings can be deceptive, as a watch rated to 50 meters or less may not be waterproof enough to use as a sailing watch.

The lowest water resistance rating you'll find is 3 ATM or 30 meters. Technically, this watch is rated to submerge in up to 100 feet of water. But in reality, a 3 ATM watch is barely water-resistant enough to shower with. A 3 ATM watch is not well suited for sailing.

The next level of water resistance is 5 ATM or 50 meters. This watch is certified for 160 feet, and it is marginally waterproof. You can use a 5 ATM watch for brief periods underwater and in the shower, so it's suitable for coastal cruising and calm weather sailing.

Next up the scale is the 10 ATM watch, which is certified for depths up to 100 meters or 300 feet. These watches are much more reliable sailing watches, as they're waterproof enough for extended underwater use at shallow depths. That means that a 10 ATM watch will stand up very well to rain and ocean spray.

You may want to consider a 20 ATM watch if you intend to do any extended underwater activities such as snorkeling or if you anticipate an extended voyage. A 10 ATM watch is sufficient for many of these tasks, though a 20 ATM watch is a safer bet. These watches are water-resistant to 200 meters or 660 feet and are the most waterproof.

The most water-resistant watches in the 20 ATM category are dive watches such as the Zodiac Aerospace GMT automatic. Some watches are rated even higher and fall into the 30 ATM category or higher. One of the most well-known 30 ATM dive watches is the Omega Seamaster, which is water-resistant up to 300 meters or 1,000 feet.

Best Mechanical Watches for Sailing

Mechanical sailing watches are still extremely popular due to their reliability and intrinsic value. These watches can be passed down for generations and never become obsolete, and they've been used aboard boats in some form for hundreds of years. Here are two iconic and respected waterproof mechanical sailing watches.

1. Omega Seamaster Diver Chronometer

The Omega Seamaster  is one of those classic, quintessential yacht watches that's a fantastic combination of looks, quality, and functionality. This premium watch is a mechanical self-winding dive watch with a water resistance rating of 30 ATM or 300 meters. That means that it will withstand the roughest conditions encountered by sailors.

Omega watches use Swiss-made movements that are on par with other luxury brands such as Rolex. This watch has a bit of a cult following similar to other yachting watches like the Rolex Yachtmaster. A watch like this can be passed down for generations, and it’s also durable enough for hard use aboard a sailboat.

As far as quality is concerned, the Omega Seamaster is just about as good as it gets. But it's not just appearances and quality that make the Omega Seamaster an excellent sailing watch. The Omega Seamaster features a superbly accurate movement, complete water resistance, and a stopwatch chronometer feature.

The Omega Seamaster is a fantastic 'luxury' sailing watch that's robust enough to take out to sea. It's also great for wearing to business or formal events, as the Omega name carries quite a bit of weight.

2. Rolex Yachtmaster II

Here's another legendary mechanical watch with a unique history and practical functionality. This watch is on the high end of sailing watches, and it represents the top quality available. In other words, the Rolex Yachtmaster II  is one of the finest sailing watches you can buy.

The Rolex Yachtmaster series can cost more than twice the price of an Omega Seamaster. Mechanically, these watches aren't significantly different, at least according to some collectors and watchmakers. Both the Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Yachtmaster are extremely high-quality Swiss watches, so what's with the price difference? It comes down to branding, style, and features.

Rolex is one of the most well-known luxury watchmakers, and their products demand a premium. And when it comes to features, this classic Rolex watch has some of the most precise in its class.

The most noticeable feature of the Rolex Yachtmaster II is its bezel. The bezel features large-print numbers, and it rotates to help the wearer keep track of elapsed time. Some Yachtmasters feature a precision stopwatch and a separate second hand, allowing you to precisely time regattas and accurately measure speed.

The Yachtmaster II also features a programmable countdown feature, which is extremely rare on mechanical watches. Additionally, Rolex watches are some of the most accurate mechanical timepieces ever built. The company uses proprietary technology to ensure that each watch meets the superlative chronometer qualification.

Best Digital Sailing Watches

Digital sailing watches don't hold value like mechanical watches. That said, they're significantly more affordable. Digital sailing watches are 'smart' watches, and they pack an enormous amount of functionality in a small package. Here are two of the highest-rated and most popular digital watches used for sailing.

3. Garmin Instinct Marine Watch

Garmin is the industry leader for digital sailing watches. The Garmin Instinct  is their entry-level marine smartwatch, and it also functions well for other outdoor sports. Unlike many smartwatches, the Garmin Instinct is waterproof to 10 ATM (100 meters), which makes it suitable for almost all sailing activities. It's not for diving, but this watch stands up to rain and spray well.

The design is simple and functional. Garmin designed the display with readability in mind, as it features high-contrast letters, numbers, and dials. The watchband is made of durable rubber, and the case is rated to U.S. Military shock and thermal standard 810G. In other words, it's certified and durable enough to meet strict military standards.

For the price, the Garmin Instinct has a remarkable number of high-tech features. It's a GPS watch that can help you find your location and plot a course. It also features a precision compass for navigation and a backtrack map feature, which helps you retrace your location. The watch also allows you to check your heading with the touch of a button and plot your course along the way.

It has a 14-hour battery life while running GPS and other features, and you can connect it to a smartphone for notifications. For the price, it's tough to beat the durability and functionality of the Garmin Instinct. It's the perfect entry-level tech watch for sailing, and you can also take it along on other outdoor adventures.

4. Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Fundamentally, the Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport  does to smartwatches what the Apple Watch did to watches. It's the ultimate sailing smartwatch, and unlike the Garmin Instinct, it's specifically designed with sailors in mind. This watch is available in multiple casings and trims, and it's loaded with features to make navigation safer and easier.

What makes the Garmin Quatrix 6 stand out is both its range of features and the seamless execution of them. This watch features the basics such as time, date, and outside temperature. The default screen resembles a traditional analog chronograph, but it's customizable to include data such as heading and the weather.

However, what really makes the Garmin Quatrix 6 stand out is its superb navigation features. The watch displays full-color marine charts through Bluechart, and it displays your live heading and course. The chart feature also includes waypoint marking, speed, depth, and navigational hazards. You can do virtually all of your daytime navigation with your wristwatch.

This watch also includes several sailing-specific features. It connects seamlessly with onboard autopilot systems to keep you on course and helps you achieve target speeds with real-time monitoring. This watch features Sailassist, which is useful for aligning and timing regattas.

Other features include sea temperature monitoring, live weather data, smartphone alerts, Garmin Chartplotter integration, and even boat audio controls. It's essentially an all-in-one marine technology command center for your wrist.

Overall, the Garmin Quatrix 6 easily earns the top spot for digital smart sailing watches. If you're looking for features, there's no better option on the market in this price category. And for less than $700 for the base models, it still costs about the same as a medium-tier standard smartwatch.

Best Bargain Sailing Watch: Vostok Komandirskie

The most bang-for-your-buck depends on what features you're after. But if you're looking for an accurate and reliable watch that's tough enough for bluewater sailing, it's tough to beat the value of the Vostok Komandirskie .

Vostok is a Russian watchmaker that has been producing watches for the Russian military for decades. The diver Komandirskie is an automatic (self-winding) mechanical watch that's water-resistant to 20 ATM (200 meters) thanks to an innovative seal. Unlike most dive watches, the Komandirski actually seals tighter the deeper you go.

The watch itself (along with the rest of the Vostok lineup) has remained almost completely unchanged for decades. The watch features a surprisingly accurate 32-jewel movement, a date function, along with a rotating bezel for timing regattas. It's shockproof and available in an enormous variety of band, face, and bezel options.

These watches are still used by the Russian military today due to their accuracy and durability. They've developed a significant following in the west for the same reasons. However, the most impressive aspect of the watch is its price. You can get your hands on a Vostok watch for between $70 and $120, with some less popular models available for as little as $40 brand new.

It is virtually impossible to find a sailing watch of this quality for anywhere near the price of a Vostok. But how can the price be so low for a quality watch? The reason why Vostok makes the most affordable sailing watch is that all of the development and tooling was complete and paid off by the 1960s. They never bothered making any changes, which allows them to sell these excellent mechanical dive watches for a fraction of the cost.

Other models to consider are the hand-wound Komandirski  which typically retails for around $50. This model is only suitable for very light-duty work, as it's rated to only 3 ATM. The Vostok Amphibia  is rated for 20 ATM, which makes it a slightly slimmer and more affordable option for serious sailing.

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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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Nautica Watch Review – Are They Good Quality Watches?

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Nautica Watches is the core company of Nautica apparel and accessories. Originally founded in 1985, Nautica specialized in shoemaking for Hollywood celebrities. In 1994, Nautica and Timex Group signed on a licensing agreement enabling Nautica to take its watches to far corners of the world. Following this, the first-ever watch collection made a debut in 2008. Nautica combined the values of Swiss watch-making excellence and image of the Florentine brand. Nautica endeavors to maintain its name for the quality of materials and craftsmanship. The brand is now famous for experimenting with bright colors, contrasting combinations, experimental shapes, and the finest details.  Currently, Nautica watches are available across 50 countries and distributed by Timex Group. 

Table of Contents

Nautica Brand History 

The parent company Nautica, originally set sail in 1983, when the founder created outerwear to fuse maximum function and fashion. Named after the Latin word Nauticus, meaning Ship, Nautica took over the symbol of a spinnaker (sailboat). Subsequently, Nautica became the symbol of exploration and adventure. The brand mainly draws inspiration from elements of the sea. Reaffirming the brand’s sailing heritage, Nautica sponsors a global ocean conservation organization called Oceana. To date, Nautica’s underlying mission remains unchanged, to protect the world’s oceans. 

Origin of Nautica

In 1983, David Chu founded Nautica with a mission to create men’s wear that reflects his true love for sailing. The brand’s success in America catalyzed its international presence and expansion into apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. Today, Nautica makes waters, eyewear, swimwear, polos, pants, tees, home accessories like bed sheets, duvet covers, and more. 

The Merger of Two Giants 

In 1994, the Timex Group USA acquired a license from Nautica laying the brand’s foundation to create watchmaking history. Created to withstand the intensity of the ocean, the design came with large dials for easy readability. An additional subdial featured other information.  Timex Group BV is a Dutch holding company of Timex Group USA. The parent company collectively owns exclusive worldwide licenses of,

• Timex Business Group that includes Timex, Opex, Nautica, Marc Eckō;
• Timex Luxury Divison that includes Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Teslar; and
• Giorgio Galli Design Labs.   

Later in 2003, VF Corporation of North Carolina bough Nautica. Eventually, VF sold Nautica to Authentic Brand Groups LLC in 2018. In the wake of the change in leadership, Nautica has stayed true to its original vision. It aspires to reflect the evolution of a timeless classic. Timex Group continues to own Nautica’s license to distribute.  Nautica continues to produce watches in different designs, styles, and that are suitable under different conditions. Ideal for water wear, Nautica watches have gained steady preference amongst divers, sailors, and athletes. The collections are all water-resistant, mainly between 30 – 200 mm. No matter Nautica’s exemplary craftsmanship or attention to detail, they continue to retail at affordable prices. 

Nautica Watch Collections

As of 2019, Nautica officially features about fifteen different collections . Each collection offers a minimum of three types of timepieces. The collections retail between $75 to $400 based on the design, special features, and styling. This article will showcase some of Nautica’s best watches based on design, price, and usage. 

Soledad South Collection

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Soledad South collection showcases Nautica’s promise to reinvent itself and push boundaries. Designed with a 44 mm stainless steel case, the timepieces are water-resistant up to 100 mm. Woven with silicone blue, white or black strap, the Soledad South collection can be worn for any occasion. The special feature of this collection allows for precision tides and temperature reading, in addition to doubling up as a compass. A simple black dial, with red, blue and white hands, and nautical flags on the minutes reflect Nautica’s love for the sea. Enabled with Indigo technology, Soledad South collection promises clear reading even underwater or in darkness. The watches under this collection currently retails at $250.   

Porthole Skeleton Collection

To celebrate the 25 years anniversary of Nautica watches, the company launched the Porthole Skeleton collection. With a technical yet superior design, the timepiece is a true testament to Nautica’s love for seafaring. Revealing the heart of the timepiece, the Skeleton design of the dial takes the shape of a porthole to showcase the internal gear, elegantly dancing in synchronization, to display precision time.   Sticking to the true Nautica’s style, nautical flags finds its place on the indices and screw crowns. The entire watch resembles the deep blue shade of deep water as a declaration of everlasting love to the sea. This 44 mm case with up to 100 mm water resistance currently retails at $399.   

Nautica N83

The N83 series is a wholesome and diverse collective of multiple collections released by Nautica over time. It primarily features the below-mentioned.

Cocoa Beach Collection

In comparison to the other collections part of the N83 series, the Cocoa Beach collection is sporty and bold with vibrant colors and classy detailing. The primary specialty of this collection is that it can convert any source of light into energy and store it within its secondary battery for up to two months. The Cocoa Beach collection is available in silicone and canvas strap. The canvas strap comes with navy blue or black dial and the silicone staps come with navy blue, black and white dial. Designed with a simple dial and contrasting linear color, the strap design proudly showcases the N83 logo. The silicone strap watches have a more intricate design on the dial with the nautical flags at the indices, that have distinguished the brand from its competitors ever since its inception. With a capacity to withstand 50 mm in water, the collection retails at $115. 

Accra Beach Collection

Unlike other collections, the watches part of the Accra Beach collection comes in three variations. At first glance, the watches will capture your interest with its elegant yet contemporary design. The silicone and canvas strap comes with a contrasting N83 logo, set below the dial. Yet again emphasizing its love for the sea, the Accra Beach collections some in shades of blue and grey. You may also choose a metal bracelet if you like. In addition, this collection comes in a box set giving you the option to switch from metal strap to canvas in seconds, at a meager $120. 

Urban Surf Collection

Mirroring the essence of urban lifestyle, the watches under the Urban Surf collection are sporty with vintage style leather straps. If you are not a fan of leather straps, Nautica offers this collection in silicone straps as well. The minimalistic design embellishes the N83 logo and the date window at 3’o clock. This 44 mm stainless steel with up to 50 mm water resistance currently retails at $89 for the leather strap and $85 for the silicone strap. 

Polignano Collection 

Designed with a 36 mm case, characterized by color and distinctive looks, the Polignano collection is suitable for men and women. Four watches under this collection represent the four seasons with its colorful silicone straps – yellow, white, grey, and blue. Dynamic and rebellious, the Polignano collection spares no attention to detail. With nautical flags as indices on the dial and bezel,  and the N83 logo at 6’o clock, the watches are water-resistant up to 50 mm and currently retails between $80-$85.   

Tarpoon Dive Collection

Nautica Brand Reputation

Nautica watches enjoy a reputation for being affordable yet premium fashion watches. Built with one main drive, to reflect the love for the sea, either in design or function, Nautica watches have made a name for durable underwater watches for adventurers.  Given the fact that the leadership changed multiple times, the brand never lost sight of its core vision. Over 25 years of hard work and innovation have made Nautica what it is today.  25 years is young for a watchmaking brand, and Nautica definitely has a long way to go. Nevertheless, the achievements and milestones so far only reiterate that Nautica watches are here to stay and to support the cause of the ocean. Nautica is definitely appealing to the younger crowd with some of their timepieces retailing as low as $75. Modern technology, ingenuity, and craftsmanship keep Nautica watches fresh, real and sought after. If you are a diver/seafarer by profession, or if you’re a frequent visitor to the beach, then Nautica watches might be worth considering, for it definitely will not burn a hole in your pocket. Nautica does have its critics. Serious watch aficionados often group the brand in with other fashion watch brands. Watch collectors do not take the brand seriously due to their lack of significant watchmaking history. The brand selling everything from pajamas to umbrellas, with watches being one of their many product lines. Because of that, it’s understandable that they are not considered a dedicated watch brand apart from the fact that they do not produce any watches that collectors would be after.  However, the merger with Timex has given them more credibility and many do consider them a decent option for a stylish watch in the price range.   

Is Nautica A Good Brand?

Watch forums show an inkling of liking towards Nautica. One main reason being, Nautica continues to be part of the Timex Business group. Timex has gained a loyal customer based over its years and this overshadows all the brands Timex takes under its wing. By virtue of being part of the same group, Nautica also strives to keep alive the overall brand value by innovating and mastering the art of high-quality watchmaking. Not to forget the inexpensive and affordable price range, that definitely attracts much attention from students and watch collectors alike.  In comparison to its competitors like Tommy Hilfiger and Fossil, watch aficionados like Nautica for its bold design, build quality, presence and the amazing feel. The watch forums further indicate that new customers of Nautica absolutely fall in love with its design and function. On the other hand, customers who have owned Nautica timepieces for a long time swear by the brand but also point to the fact that the luminous fades a little over time. So much so, many watch lovers who take pride in owning Nautica for over eight to ten years only reflects on the brand’s durability.  Nautica watches are comparable to Michael Kors, Daniel Wellington ,  Guess , and other fashion brands. Many watch experts point out that you can get a quality timepiece from an established watchmaker for the same price or less. Seiko , Citizen , Bulova , Orient all come to mind. However, many younger buyers do like the modern style of these modern brands and have little interest in watch history, so a stylish Nautica watch may be the perfect choice for them. After all the “best” watch is the one you love wearing.   

Nautica Watch Warranty

Nautica offers two types of warranty: US and International. 

International Warranty

Nautica offers two years of limited international warranty against all manufacturing defects, from the date of purchase. The warranty will, however, not cover normal wear and tear, and accidents/losses. The warranty does not apply to the watch strap, battery, and case.  In the event of a warranty claim, locate the closest authorized service center next to you to drop off the watch. Based on closer inspection, Nautica reserves the right to either replace or repair the timepiece. Further guidelines are provided on the website , along with translated warranty guidelines in other international languages. 

US Warranty

Nautica offers five years of limited warranty from the date of purchase on all its watches. The warranty does not include the battery, strap, and case of the watch. The warranty extends to manufacturing defects by Nautica but does not extend to purchase made from the dealer. In the event of damage, Nautica will either repair or replace the timepiece based. However, don’t forget to include the proof of purchase, and an $8 cheque or money order. The nominal amount aims to cover postal charges, handling, and service fees.  The warranty does not cover:

• Defects relating to service;
• Defects arising from negligent use or wear and tear;
• Incidental damages. 

Make sure to check the website on the shipping address and warranty guidelines, prior to shipping your watch.  

Where to Buy Nautica Watches?

Whether you are investing for yourself or for your loved ones, the idea of buying a watch is close to the heart. Nautica watches offer an inexpensive range of superior quality watches engineered with high dexterity and attention to detail.  If you wish to purchase a Nautica timepiece, their website is a good place to start off with. Nautica ships worldwide so you can place an order at the comfort of your home. If you are one to try out watches in person before purchasing, then find the nearest store to get your hands on authorized dealers.  Nautica is also available to be shipped worldwide on Amazon. If you are based in the UK, you can get Nautica watches on Watch.co.uk . Word of Caution: A lot of unauthorized dealers sell damaged or fake timepieces. Check the website store locator to identify an authorized dealer near you. Most importantly, the warranty benefits do not apply to watches purchased from unauthorized dealers.

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• Instruction manual

NAUTICA Yachtimer Instruction Manual

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Table of Contents

• Set the Time - Hour, Minute, Date
• Set the Date (Quick Correction)
• Set the Alarm
• Alarm On/Off
• End of Life (EOL)
• Alarm Repetition
• To Set the Count down Timer
• Count down Function
• Activation of Count down
• Count down Progress Beeper
• "Second Chance" Count down Adjustment
• Chronograph Starts Automatically after Count down
• Chronograph Start/Stop
• Count down Reset
• Chronograph Reset
• Reinitializing the Chronograph Hands
• Reset of the Small Counter Hand at 10H
• Reset of the Central Counter Hand

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• 2 Set the Time - Hour, Minute, Date
• 3 Set the Alarm
• 4 Count down Function
• 5 Chronograph Reset
• 6 Reinitializing the Chronograph Hands
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Summary of Contents for NAUTICA Yachtimer

• Page 1 YACHTIMER General Setting Count Down Function Chronograph Function...
• Page 2 Count down indicator Small second hand (10 minutes maximum) Central hand To display: — Count down minutes Push button A — Chronograph minutes — Start / Stop Hour / second counter hand Positions To display: — Count down seconds Crown position: —...
• Page 3 A. SET THE TIME - HOUR, MINUTE, DATE 1. Pull the crown to position 3. 2. Turn the crown anti-clockwise to set the time of the day (hour & minute) and the date. 3. Push the crown to position 1. Attention: * The date changes at 00:00midnight, not at 12:00noon.
• Page 4 GENERAL SETTING B. SET THE DATE (QUICK CORRECTION) 1. Pull the crown to position 2. 2. Turn the crown clockwise to move the date to the desired position. 3. Push the crown to position 1. Attention: * Do not do quick date correction between 21:00 and 00:30.
• Page 5 C. SET THE ALARM (12h) 1. Pull the crown to position 2. 2. Turn the crown anti-clockwise to set the alarm hand to the desired alarm time. 3. Push the crown to position 1.
• Page 6 GENERAL SETTING D. ALARM ON / OFF 1. Press C to activate the alarm, 2 beeps emit. 2. Press C again to deactivate the alarm, 1 beep emits. Alarm repetition: If the alarm is not turned “OFF” during the first ringing, a repetition alarm will ring in 2 minutes. (Info: duration of alarm ~ 15 seconds).
• Page 7 F. TO SET THE COUNT DOWN The count down timer allows the user to choose the time to be counted down up to the start of chronograph. The user can set the count down duration between 10 minutes and 1 minute. Adjustment of count down is not allowed during the last minute. Attention: Count down timer can be set only when the count down or chronograph functions have been reset (please refer to “L.Count down / Chronograph Reset”).
• Page 8 COUNT DOWN FUNCTION Exit automatically from the setting mode if there has been no action on B for 3 seconds, 1 beep emits. G. ACTIVATION OF COUNT DOWN Count down in progress ... Display of count Display of count down seconds down minutes 1.
• Page 9 H. COUNT DOWN PROGRESS BEEPER Once count down is activated, there are beepers to communicate to the user about the progress of the count down. 1. During count down, 2 beeps emit every minute up to the last minute. Then: 2.
• Page 10 COUNT DOWN FUNCTION I. “SECOND CHANCE” COUNT DOWN ADJUSTMENT The user can at anytime during the count down period adjust the count down timer, except the last minute. Example: If the count down was set at 10 minutes at the beginning with delay: 1.
• Page 11 J. CHRONOGRAPH STARTS AUTOMATICALLY AFTER COUNT DOWN 1. W h e n c o u n t d o w n i s f i n i s h e d , chronograph starts automatically. 2. The central minute counter hand displays the chronograph minutes (1 step every 12 seconds).
• Page 12 CHRONOGRAPH FUNCTION K. CHRONOGRAPH START/STOP Stop: 1. Press A to stop the chronograph, 1 beep emits to confirm the chronograph “OFF”. Start: 2. Press A again to start the chronograph function, 2 beeps emit to confirm that the chronograph is engaged “ON”.
• Page 13 CHRONOGRAPH FUNCTION L. COUNT DOWN / CHRONO- GRAPH RESET Count down reset: a. Press A to stop the count down, 1 beep emits. b. Press B, the small counter hand at 10H is reset to zero (“60”), and the central hand returns to the previously set count down start time.
• Page 14 REINITIALIZING THE CHRONOGRAPH HANDS (For reset only after battery change or mishandling) Following a battery change, an incorrect actuation, violent impact or exposure to a strong magnetic field, the count down/chronograph counter hands many fail to revert to its original position (zero). To reinitialize the hands, proceed as follows: Attention: Initialization can be done only after having stopped and reset the count down or the chronograph.
• Page 15 REINITIALIZING THE CHRONOGRAPH HANDS Reset of the central counter hand: 3. Press B step-by-step or constantly to adjust the central hand to rest at “12”. 4. Exit from the mode of initalization automatically when the crown is pushed to position 1 or pulled to position 3.

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Strange Glow Over Moscow Skies Triggers Panic as Explosions Reported

B right flashes lit up the night sky in southern Moscow in the early hours of Thursday morning, new footage appears to show, following reports of an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of the city.

Video snippets circulating on Russian-language Telegram channels show a series of flashes on the horizon of a cloudy night sky, momentarily turning the sky a number of different colors. In a clip shared by Russian outlet MSK1.ru, smoke can be seen rising from a building during the flashes lighting up the scene.

Newsweek was unable to independently verify the details of the video clips, including when and where it was filmed. The Russian Ministry of Emergency situations has been contacted via email.

Several Russian Telegram accounts said early on Thursday that residents of southern Moscow reported an explosion and a fire breaking out at an electrical substation in the Leninsky district, southeast of central Moscow.

Local authorities in the Leninsky district told Russian outlet RBC that the explosion had happened in the village of Molokovo. "All vital facilities are operating as normal," Leninsky district officials told the outlet.

The incident at the substation in Molokovo took place just before 2 a.m. local time, MSK1.ru reported.

Messages published by the ASTRA Telegram account, run by independent Russian journalists, appear to show residents close to the substation panicking as they question the bright flashes in the sky. One local resident describes seeing the bright light before losing access to electricity, with another calling the incident a "nightmare."

More than 10 villages and towns in the southeast of Moscow lost access to electricity, the ASTRA Telegram account also reported. The town of Lytkarino to the southeast of Moscow, lost electricity, wrote the eastern European-based independent outlet, Meduza.

Outages were reported in the southern Domodedovo area of the city, according to another Russian outlet, as well as power failures in western Moscow. Electricity was then restored to the areas, the Strana.ua outlet reported.

The cause of the reported explosion is not known. A Telegram account aggregating news for the Lytkarino area described the incident as "an ordinary accident at a substation."

The MSK1.ru outlet quoted a local resident who speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but no other Russian source reported this as a possible cause.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Moscow with long-range aerial drones in recent months, including a dramatic wave of strikes in late May.

On Sunday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the region's air defense systems had intercepted an aerial drone over the city of Elektrostal, to the east of Moscow. No damage or casualties were reported, he said.

The previous day, Russian air defenses detected and shot down another drone flying over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow, Sobyanin said.

There is currently no evidence that an aerial drone was responsible for the reported overnight explosion at the electrical substation in southern Moscow.

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