From luxury brands like Ulysse Nardin and Omega to entry-level models by Spinnaker or Timex, all the best chronograph watches offer a stopwatch function for sailors while on board – particularly handy when it comes to regatta timing…There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to the best sailing watches, with timepieces designed in all different styles and with various features to best suit the wearer. But for regatta racers and serious sailors, a chronograph watch makes the best companion on board.
\nThe function was first invented by French horologist Louis Moinet in 1816 to track the movement of stars across the night skies and was popularised in 1821 when Nicolas Mathieu Rieussec was commissioned to create a chronograph clock for King Louis XVIII to time horse races.
\nDerived from the Greek words for \u201ctime\u201d and \u201cto write\u201d, these intricately constructed timepieces are designed with what is essentially a stopwatch function alongside a regular display. Buttons \u2013 typically located by the hours of two and four on the clockface \u2013 are used to stop, start and reset the timer, which uses an independent sweep second hand for measurements.
\nThe best chronograph watches will also frequently feature a telemeter or tachymeter complication, allowing the wearer to calculate the speed that they are travelling at over a certain distance of nautical knots. As well as proving useful to sailors, they often seen on the wrists of pilots, racing car drivers, astronauts and military personnel.
\nA chronograph watch is therefore the ultimate gadget for sailors at sea looking for a range of functions that can track their progress all in one place \u2013 and still look good while doing it (if you\u2019re not a fan of more futuristic digital sailing watches, that is).
\n9 of the best chronograph watches for sailors<\/p>\n
Timex Waterbury Traditional Chronograph
\nBest value chronograph watch
\nInspired by the traditional look of its predecessor \u2013 the Waterbury Clock Company founded in Connecticut in 1854 \u2013 the Waterbury model by American brand Timex features a chronograph complication measuring to 1\/20th of a second and a date feature as well.
\nThe stainless steel case measures 42mm and has a globe design engraved on the back, while the watch face is finished in a watery blue hue and complemented by a quick-release leather strap.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Affordable
\n\u2013 Vintage look
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Only resistant to 10 bar
\n\u2013 Leather strap less durable at sea \u2013 will need more frequent replacing
\nBuy now from Amazon
\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.<\/p>\n
Spinnaker Hull Chronograph Lapis
\nMarine watch brand Spinnaker has produced a number of decent sailing-focused timepieces, but for a classic chronograph model, opt for the vintage-inspired 42mm Hull Chronograph.
\nProduced in Hong Kong with Japanese technology providing precision movement, this model is also equipped with a tachymeter feature and is available in a range of different colours (though the Lapis blue is one of the bestsellers).
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Affordable
\n\u2013 Tachymeter function
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Only resistant to 10 bar
\n\u2013 Leather strap
\nBuy now from Amazon<\/p>\n
Tissot Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph
\nWhile still considered a luxury brand, Tissot\u2019s Seastar 1000 Quartz Chronograph model is considerably more affordable while still providing a variety of chronograph functions necessary for sailors.
\nWater resistant to 30 bar, this dive-capable timepiece features a central 60-second chronograph hand, as well as 30 minutes and 1\/10 of a second counters, with extra ADD and SPLIT functions for a range of complex features in one watch.
\nThe stainless steel face is designed with luminous numerals and can be paired with sportswear-suitable rubber or metal straps with a divers\u2019 \u201csafety buckle\u201d. At 45.5mm, this Tissot is on the larger side, which could be a pro or a con depending on personal taste.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Affordable
\n\u2013 Luminous numerals
\n\u2013 Water resistant to 30 bar
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Larger size
\nBuy now from Jura Watches<\/p>\n
Tag Heuer Formula 1
\nTag Heuer watches may be designed for those who like to hit high speeds behind the wheel rather than under sail, but the brand is well-renowned for being favoured by sporty types, both amateur and professional.
\nThe Formula 1 model offers a variety of colours and straps to suit your taste, each one equipped with a quartz chronograph complication (for timing seconds and 30 minutes) and a tachymeter function as well.
\nThis 43mm watch is built to withstand the pressures of motor car racing and certain models feature luminous numerals as well.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Tachymeter function
\n\u2013 Luminous numerals
\n\u2013 Some variations of the model are more affordable
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Only water resistant to 200 metres
\nBuy now from Jura Watches<\/p>\n
Longines Hydroconquest
\nA Longines chronograph watch is a traditional choice, paying tribute to the Swiss brand\u2019s heritage as the first producer of a wrist-worn chronograph watch in 1913.
\nThe Hydroconquest is actually a dive watch, and is therefore the most water-resistant of the brand\u2019s chronograph collection, making it perfect for wearing at sea.
\nIt comes in three colour variations (silver, blue, black) and is available as 43mm or 40mm size with either a rubber or stainless steel strap.
\nThe watch features a column wheel chronograph and has a central 60 seconds hand, a 30 minutes counter at 3 o\u2019clock and a 12 hours counter at 6 o\u2019clock.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 30 bar water resistance
\n\u2013 Different sizes to chose from
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Lack of other complications besides classic chronograph
\n\u2013 More expensive
\nBuy now from Jura Watches<\/p>\n
Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition
\nBest chronograph watch for America\u2019s Cup fans
\nOmega has revamped its Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph with a limited Emirates Team New Zealand model in collaboration with the world\u2019s oldest and greatest sailing race, the America\u2019s Cup.
\nThis grade 2 titanium-cased model is perhaps the most nuanced chronograph designed with regatta racers in mind. A run of 2,017 timepieces has been made for the series, each one finished with a Professional Regatta Function offering a countdown timer to start and count up for racing.
\nThis advanced watch also features a logbook complication that allows two races to be timed with 10 buoy recordings each. Other features accompanying the watch include a traditional chronograph function, a calendar indication, two different alarms and a perpetual calendar.
\nThe model is reportedly intricate to operate, but that\u2019s because it provides seriously advanced functions despite maintaining a traditional look.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Limited edition America\u2019s Cup theme
\n\u2013 Advanced regatta timing complications
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Nylon fabric strap will need more frequent replacing than metal or rubber
\n\u2013 Time-consuming to first set up
\n\u2013 Expensive
\nBuy now from Omega<\/p>\n
Ulysse Nardin Diver x The Ocean Race
\nThe official timing partner of The Ocean Race, Ulysse Nardin is a well-known nautical watch brand. The Swiss watchmaker released the 44mm Diver X The Ocean Race model to celebrate its partnership with the iconic round-the-world sailing regatta, producing a chronograph dive watch limited to just 200 pieces.
\nWhat\u2019s particularly unique about the design of this wristwatch is that the case and strap are made from recycled fishing nets, cementing the company\u2019s commitment to protecting the oceans.
\nThe masculine design is complemented by bold green accents which are meant to signify the brand\u2019s commitment to preserving nature.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Water resistant to 300 metres
\n\u2013 Made from recycled materials
\n\u2013 Limited edition
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Lack of other complications besides classic chronograph
\n\u2013 Expensive
\nBuy now from Ulysse Nardin<\/p>\n
Panerai Luminor Yachts Challenge
\nThe Luminor Yachts Challenge model by Florentine watchmaker Panerai celebrates the brand\u2019s longstanding tradition of supplying precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy.
\nA chronograph watch that will appeal to wearers with a more traditional style, this model has a classic-looking face paired with a brown suede strap.
\nThe 44mm hypoallergenic brushed-steel timepiece features a flyback chronograph complication, with the chronograph counter at 3 o\u2019clock and small seconds at 9 o\u2019clock plus a central chronograph with seconds and minute hands.
\n\u00a0Reasons to buy
\n\u2013 Classic, elegant look
\n\u2013 Luminous numerals
\n\u2013 Made with hypoallergenic steel
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Only water resistant to 10 bar
\n\u2013 Suede strap less durable at sea
\n\u2013 Very expensive
\nBuy now from Panerai
\nBreguet Type XXII<\/p>\n
Breguet is another excellent choice for watch wearers with a fascination for history; Abraham-Louis Breguet, the French founder of the Swiss brand, was responsible for finessing chronograph technology in the 1800s as the royally-appointed marine chronometer-maker for the French Royal Navy.
\nSticking to tradition, the 44mm Breguet Type XXII is a self-winding rather than an automatic watch, but it features a flyback chronograph complication with seconds hands on a 30-second basis at the centre and a half-minute totalizer at the centre.
\nAdditionally, the model is also equipped with a 24-hour indicator and a second-time zone indicator that will come in handy for sailors voyaging through the lines of longitude on longer passages.
\nReasons to buy
\n\u2013 Second time zone indicator
\n\u2013 Luminous numerals
\nReasons to avoid
\n\u2013 Only water resistant to 10 bar
\n\u2013 Self-winding
\n\u2013 Very expensive
\nBuy now from Amazon
\nDidn\u2019t find what you\u2019re looking for? Head to Amazon\u2019s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.
\nThe post Best chronograph watches buying guide: The ultimate stopwatches for sailors appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
From luxury brands like Ulysse Nardin and Omega to entry-level models by Spinnaker or Timex, all the best chronograph watches offer a stopwatch function for sailors while on board – particularly handy when it comes to regatta timing…There are plenty … <\/p>\n