Phil Sampson and Roger Hughes take a look at 15 of the best sailing watches available with functions for racing and cruising sailorsJust 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\u2019re 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.
\nHowever, 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.
\nAt the other end of the scale, \u00a0luxury horology brands \u2013 including Rolex, Panerai, and Omega among others \u2013 have long been closely associated with sailing, seeing it as the perfect sport to demonstrate their style, waterproof and ruggedised qualities, and accuracy.
\nIn making our selection of the best sailing watches, we\u2019ve chosen those with features specifically suitable for wearing aboard. That doesn\u2019t 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!
\nNote: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.
\nBest\u00a0multi-function\u00a0sailing watches<\/p>\n
Garmin Quatix 6 sailing watch
\nBest smart sailing watch
\nRead our in depth Quatix 6 review and long term test.
\nThis watch we tried out at length \u2013 it is a very comprehensive design, with functions for every type of pastime on the water, including diving. It is a beautifully crafted and extraordinary wrist computer.
\nGarmin 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\u201d inch round sailing watch.
\nBluetooth 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).
\nThis allows all the features of a chartplotter to be displayed on the watch, including charts and even autopilot control to allow you to\u00a0change heading or follow a GPS route \u2013 provided it is also connected through the chartplotter.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s heart-rate.
\nIt\u2019s simple to switch between \u2018boat display\u2019 and \u2018stylish watch\u2019 modes, as hundreds of different watch faces that can be downloaded to customise it to the wearer\u2019s preference, including an antique style face and even a copy of Big Ben.\u00a0The Quatix 6 can also be switched between analogue and digital.
\nIt\u2019s overall diameter is 51mm (2\u201d in) with a 36mm (1 5\/8\u201d in) viewable face, and it is 17mm (11\/16\u201d) thick. The Quatix 6\u2019s\u00a0weight 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.
\nIt is waterproof to 100 metres, sunlight readable and has a night light mode.\u00a0The watch has a soft synthetic wristband, available in various colours.
\nA single charge will last 14 days with normal use, or there is also a solar-powered version for continuous self-charging (available at twice the price). But whatever you do, do not drop this sailing watch overboard, as it does not float!
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Suits a multitude of water activity
\n\u2022 Highly customizable
\n\u2022 An incredible amount of data available on your wrist
\n\u2022 A single charge lasts 14 days
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 High level of functionality is not for the technologically phobic.
\nBuy the Garmin Quatix 6 now from Garmin UK
\nBuy the Garmin Quatix 6 now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Garmin Instinct 2S Solar
\nThe Instinct 2, launched in February 2022 is Garmin\u2019s 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.
\nIt 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.
\nThe Garmin Instinct is available in no fewer than 20 different styles and colours. It\u2019s actual diameter is 47mm (1 13\/16\u201d in) but the viewable face is 32mm (1 1\/4\u201d). The Instinct is 16mm (5\/8\u201d in) thick and weighs 53g (2 oz).
\nFor racing sailors, it also has multiple start sequence options. We have an indepth review from long term testing of this watch coming soon.
\nGarmin Instinct 2, used in our recent lifejacket test
\nGarmin Instinct 2 \u2013 sport modes
\nThe Garmin Instinct watch is a good alternative for anyone seeking a more moderately priced alternative to the Quatix 6.
\nRead our Garmin Instinct review for the previous model
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 GPS positioning on charts, barometric pressure and compass
\n\u2022 Smartphone connectivity
\n\u2022 An incredible amount of styles and colours
\n\u2022 A single charge lasts 14 days
\nReasons to avoid<\/p>\n
\u2022 Premium price without a premium design
\nGarmin Instinct 2S Solar
\nBuy the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar now from John Lewis
\nBuy the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar now from Wiggle
\nBuy the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar now from Garmin<\/p>\n
Buy the Garmin Instinct 2S Solar from Amazon<\/p>\n
Garmin MARQ Captain
\nBest feature-packed sailing watch
\nOur top priced pick comes from wearable tech-specialists, Garmin. The MARQ Captain sailing watch comes packed with marine-relevant features.
\nFunctions include weather and tidal data for your home port, a regatta timer to pinpoint starting times, a \u2018tack assist\u2019 function to determine whether you\u2019re on lift or a header, a man overboard button and GPS.
\nThe 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.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Weather and tidal data
\n\u2022 MOB and GPS functions
\n\u2022 Stream boat data to your wrist
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Full extent of capabilities is governed by the onboard technology it\u2019s connected to
\n\u2022 Premium price
\nBuy the Garmin MARQ Captain now from Garmin
\nBuythe Garmin MARQ Captain now from Westmarine.com
\nBuy the Garmin MARQ Captain now from Jura Watches<\/p>\n
Casio Tide Watch Orange
\nBest value sailing watch
\nThere\u2019s no question that when it comes to affordable innovation, Casio is right up there.
\nDespite 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.
\nMore conventional sailing watch functions include a timer, stopwatch and LED might. It is water resistant to 100m and promises a 10-year battery life, all packed into\u00a0a 43mm diameter case.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Great value
\n\u2022 Highly functional
\n\u2022 10-year battery life
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Lacking in design
\n\u2022 Lacking extensive features of premium alternatives
\nBuy the Casio Tide Watch Orange now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Best sailing watches for racing<\/p>\n
Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer
\nBest racing sailing watch
\nWith wrist, hull, mast or boom mount options, the Swiss-made Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer is aimed squarely at racing sailors.
\nMade by renowned rigging and hardware company Ronstan, it\u2019s a robust design with a secure elastic strap and substantial \u2018bumper\u2019 around the digital display.
\nThe ClearStart Race Timer\u2019s 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.
\nIn addition, the ClearStart Race Timer offers \u20185-4-1-0\u2019 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.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Robust design with secure strap
\n\u2022 Extra-large, easy to press silicon buttons
\n\u2022 Great display
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Some consumers report issues with clasp\/strap
\nBuy the Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer now from West Marine<\/p>\n
Optimum Time Series 14 Rechargeable sailing watch
\nBest racing sailing watch
\nOptimum Time\u2019s 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.
\nFeaturing a 36mm diameter LCD display mounted within a bright red and black 68mm ABS case, Optimum Time\u2019s Series 14 watch is a substantial device that is equally suited to being mounted on a mast or boom as\u00a0your wrist, while the digits are large enough to allow crew to see the same timer as the skipper.
\nWaterproof 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.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Rechargeable battery
\n\u2022 Packed with features
\n\u2022 Suitable for mounting
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Basic design
\nBuy the Optimum Time Series 14 now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer watch
\nBest analogue racing sailing watch
\nThis is a very striking analogue watch, designed to appeal specifically to racing sailors who don\u2019t want a digital display. It features a racing countdown timers (from\u00a05 mins, 3 mins or 1 minute), then after the start the chronometer automatically starts a race timer for up to one hour.
\nThis is a larger than average design, at 46 mm (1.81\u201d in) diameter and 14mm (0.55\u201d in) thick.
\nHowever, this watch is complex to set up, as some functions require three buttons to be pressed in sequence. There is also no \u2018reset\u2019 button for anyone who misses their start sequence timer.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Striking analogue display
\n\u2022 Countdown timers
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Larger than average design
\n\u2022 Complex to set up, lacks reset button
\n\u2022 Expensive
\nBuy the Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer now on the Watch Shop<\/p>\n
Optimum Time Series 3 sailing watch
\nBest all-round racing sailing watch
\nThe popular \u2018big yellow\u2019 Optimum Time Series 3 is a lower-priced, yet highly functional racing watch. And it truly is big \u2013 far too large for my wrist at a gigantic 65mm (2.56\u201d in) diameter and 16mm (0.62\u201d in) thick. It\u2019s also available in colours other than yellow \u2013 including white, blue and pink.
\nAn advantage for racing is that this watch is easy to read at a distance thanks to its huge\u00a016mm 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.
\nRobust, and water resistant to 5 ATM, with a wide elasticated strap.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Great price
\n\u2022 Highly functional
\n\u2022 Easy to read
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 It\u2019s really big
\nBuy the Optimum Time Series 3 now on Amazon<\/p>\n
Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 sailing watch
\nBest specialist racing sailing watch
\nThis sailing\u00a0watch 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.
\nThe 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\u2033) diameter face, which is larger than most watches, with a 13mm (0.5\u2033 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.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Multiple start sequence options
\n\u2022 Match racing timer
\n\u2022 Can sync for early\/late start
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Larger than average design
\nBuy the Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 now on Amazon
\nBuy the Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 now on eBay<\/p>\n
Optimum Time Series 12 sailing watch
\nBest audible racing sailing watch
\nAnother 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.
\nThe Optimum Time Series 12 is available in many colours, but has a small 26mm (1.02\u201d in) display, with 10mm (0.34\u201d in) figures, which will make it hard to read in the middle of a hectic race start.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Audible warning features
\n\u2022 Many colour choices
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 No GPS or interconnectivity
\n\u2022 Small display is hard to read in hectic moments
\nBuy the Optimum Time Series 12 now on eBay<\/p>\n
Gill Race Watch Timer
\nBest racing sailing watch for watersports
\nThis striking red and black Race Watch Timer is a sailing-specific watch developed exclusively for watersports apparel company Gill. It\u2019s water-resistant to an impressive 30 metres, with the timepiece unit encased in a reinforced carbon ABS plastic housing with a stainless steel back.
\nAs well as telling the time, the sailing watch\u2019s functions include a countdown with synchro, day, date and alarm. There\u2019s a keyboard lock feature to you don\u2019t accidentally change the settings and an electro-luminescent backlight allows the wearer to check the data day or night.
\nA neat sleep feature preserves and prolongs battery life in a ruggedly constructed unit designed for durability and years of trouble-free service.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Water-resistant to 30 metres
\n\u2022 Carbon housing
\n\u2022 The sleep feature preserves battery life
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Basic design and functions
\nBuy the Gill Race Watch Timer now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Limit ProXR Countdown sailing watch
\nBest value racing sailing watch
\nLimit has been producing watches for more than 110 years and specialises in offering a wide variety of styles at great value prices.
\nFor 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.
\nIt also has a dual time display and stopwatch, countdown and pacer functionality. No fewer than five alarms can be set and there\u2019s a night time illumination facility.
\nAvailable 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.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2022 Large, clear, easy to read display
\n\u2022 Multiple design options
\n\u2022 Dual time, stopwatch, countdown and pacer functions
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2022 Lacks features\/functions of more premium competitors
\n\u2022 Chunky
\nBuy the Limit ProXR Countdown now on gooutdoors.co.uk
\nBest new sailing watches of 2022<\/p>\n
Garmin Quatix 7
\nGarmin\u2019s latest sailing smartwatch includes improvements to strengthen integration with onboard electronics.
\nIt\u2019s a touchscreen model that can, for instance, be used to control MFD displays or Fusion audio systems, as well as Garmin autopilots.
\nHigh end Sapphire models add a new ultra-clear AMOLED touchscreen.
\nPrice: \u00a3599.99 to \u00a31,049.99
\nBuy the Garmin Quatix 7 now on Garmin.com
\nBuy the Garmin Quatix 7 now on Amazon
\nBuy the Garmin Quatix 7 now on Jura Watches<\/p>\n
Spinnaker Hass
\nSpinnaker Watches collaborated with the Marine Conservation Society to produce this limited edition model that\u2019s a tribute to marine biologist and pioneering diver Hans Hass.
\nIt\u2019s water resistant to 300m, has a scratch-resistant lens and a battery-free automatic movement. Five percent of proceeds will support the society\u2019s work.
\nPrice: \u00a3375
\nBuy the Spinnaker Hass now on eBay<\/p>\n
The Ocean Race Diver
\nSwiss 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.
\nIn addition, 95% of components for the mechanical movement are sourced from within 30km of Ulysse Nardin\u2019s site.
\nPrice: US$11,500 \/ \u00a39,540
\nBuy The Ocean Race Diver now on ulysse-nardin.com
\nWhat makes a good sailing watch?
\nThe 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 \u2013 some sailing watches have the ability to switch from digital to analogue readouts \u2013 and screens that can be viewed in different qualities of daylight. Backlit functions are essential for anyone heading offshore, whether racing or cruising.
\nA 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.
\nIf 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 \u2018beep\u2019 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.
\nYou can read more about other types of GPS enabled and waterproof fitness trackers and smart watches at YBW.com
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated boating page for more marine products.
\nThe post Best sailing watches: 15 options for racing and cruising appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Phil Sampson and Roger Hughes take a look at 15 of the best sailing watches available with functions for racing and cruising sailorsJust as tablets and even smartphones have revolutionised how sailors use multifunction displays and instruments, so the latest … <\/p>\n