Best Watches for Sailors

Whether you’re a sailor for pleasure, sport, or commercial pursuits, you know just how important a great sailing watch is to a successful voyage. One of the keys to an enjoyable and efficient nautical excursion is the ability to precisely monitor your movements and travels in order to get the most out of the wind and the routes you’ve chosen to take.

When searching for the best sailing watches which money can buy, peak water resistance is a feature which definitely needs to be at the top of your checklist. When the waters get choppy, you don’t want a rogue wave to ruin your prized sailing watch. Other things to consider when purchasing a sailing watch include a countdown timer for precise decisions and turns, a sturdy case, and sailing-focused applications and features for both novice and expert nautical aficionados.

Searching for the right sailing watch can be a daunting task. There are dozens upon dozens of sailing watches out there which claim to be among the best sailing watches in the marketplace. However, lofty claims alone do not make for a great sailing watch. It has to deliver and actually perform as one of the best nautical watches. It can’t just boast and not perform.

Rather than leaving you to find one on your own through trial and error, we’ve tested a litany of contenders and narrowed them down for our list of the Top 7 Sailing Watches In 2021. We’ve also included a handy Frequently Asked Questions section to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

First, let’s get to the list!

Top 7 Watches For Sailors In 2021

7) Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht Master II Watch

The first of two luxury watches on our countdown, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht Master II Watch is one of the best sailing watches ever created. The only reason why it’s occupying the 7th slot on our list is the fact that it’s the most expensive regatta watch on this list by far. If you have the money to invest in this gorgeous luxury time piece, you sure as heck won’t be disappointed. Rolex went above and beyond with this sailing watch, combining undeniable durability with perhaps the most reliable countdown timer you’re going to find. In fact, Rolex claims that their sailing watches are the only chronographs “in the world with a mechanical memory.” Beyond impressive, indeed.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Deployment Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Strap Material: Stainless Steel

Strap Width: 21 mm

Strap Color: Silver

Dial Color: White

Bezel Material: Ceramic

Water Resistance: 30 meters

Movement: Swiss Automatic

Pros

• You know what you get with a Rolex — precision timing and a unique handmade design which combines luxury and functionality.
• The chronograph function in this particular model is one of the most accurate and useful sailing chronographs currently available for sale.
• The Swiss automatic movement used by Rolex is among the most precise and reliable movements you’ll find in any watch, luxury or otherwise.

Cons

• This is the most expensive watch on our countdown. Unless you have the funds for such an investment, you may need to look elsewhere.
• Rolex time pieces can be hard to secure, especially if they’re out of a model during the pandemic.

6) Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta Stainless Steel Watch

One of the most trusted brands in sailing watches, Ulysse Nardin hit a home run with this beautiful nautical time piece. While we placed it farther up our countdown due to its luxury price tag, it’s undoubtedly one of the best sailing watches you can buy right now. A big part of that is the atypical countdown timer which allows to activate it before hitting the crossing line, and then start the chronograph at that point. In fact, it automatically switches from a countdown timer to a chronograph when you need it most. It’s also a dream among automatic watches with a lengthy power reserve which ensures you’ll be able to keep time even on the longest of voyages.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44 mm

Strap Material: Silicone, Integrated Titanium Elements

Strap Length: Unisex

Strap Width: 20.3 mm

Strap Color: Blue

Dial Color: Blue

Bezel Material: Uni-Directional Rotating

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Automatic

Pros

• We love the countdown timer/chronograph function and how well suited it is for sailing and races on the seas.
• The dial aesthetic is one of the most captivating we’ve seen in the sailing watch category. It’s really a breathtaking presentation.
• The silicone strap is super comfy and form fitting, and the integrated titanium elements increase its durability to a level unseen elsewhere on this countdown.

Cons

• This is a very expensive watch which may be out of most sailors’ price ranges. Unless you have the money to spend on a luxury time piece, this may not be for you.
• While this watch has a very solid water resistance rating, it’s not on the same level as some other time pieces on our countdown.

5) SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit

Moving away from luxury watches and sailing specific time pieces for the first smartwatch on our countdown, the SUUNTO Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS Unit replaces the sailing-specific SUUNTO Elementum Ventus on our list due to the discontinuation of the latter model. That’s not a bad thing considering just how effective of a sailing watch the Ambit3 truly is! It’s a fantastic multi-sport smartwatch built for those pursuing active lifestyles on a relative budget. It has a ton of useful features including weather info, a heart rate monitor, a compass and barometer, an altimeter, and GPS route navigation. It also has a really strong battery life for a smartwatch. That’s huge when the voyages get long.

Specs

Display Type: Digital

Case Material: Polyamide

Strap Material: Rubber

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Pros

• The smartwatch features included in this model are perfect for both sailing lovers and anyone with an active lifestyle.
• The ABC combination of an altimeter, barometer, and compass is a welcome and useful inclusion on the high seas.
• The battery life of this smartwatch is among the longest for smartwatches in its category.

Cons

• While this watch has sailing elements, it’s not made primarily for sailors. There may be some inclusions which aren’t applicable to your activities.
• The watch can feel a bit flimsy and low quality even if it’s not.

4) Corum Admiral’s Cup Ac-One 45 Tides Watch

One of the lesser-known superstars of the sailing watch industry, Corum is known among insiders for their unique time piece designs and quality watch construction. That’s why we included the Corum Admiral’s Cup Ac-One 45 Tides Watch on our list. It’s a luxury watch that doubles as one of the most effective nautical watches on the market today. Its 300 meters of water resistance puts it at the top of our countdown in that category. It also includes an extremely useful tides indicator which denotes tide strength and time, the height of current tides and the strength of surrounding currents, and a lunar cycle monitor. It’s also a true stunner with its atypical construction and color scheme.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp

Case Material: Titanium

Case Diameter: 45 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Strap Material: Rubber

Strap Width: 23 mm

Strap Color: Blue

Dial Color: Blue Textured

Bezel Material: Titanium

Water Resistance: 300 meters

Movement: Automatic

Pros

• Peak water resistance is a big reason why this watch is such a strong sailing companion. No matter how crazy the waters get, this watch will keep ticking.
• The look of this watch is as stunning and atypical as you’re going to find. This watch pops as soon as your place it on your wrist.
• The automatic movement is accurate and boasts a really strong power reserve for long journeys.

Cons

• While it’s not the most expensive watch on our countdown, it’s still an expensive luxury offering.
• These watches are in limited supply and can sometimes be hard to find through online retailers.

3) Garmin Quatix 5 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

When it comes to nautical smartwatches, the Garmin Quatix 5 Multisport Marine Smartwatch is a cut above the rest. Its water resistant casing and construction is designed for water sports of all kinds, so you can also take it jet skiing or kayaking after your sailing expedition has concluded. However, it’s the inclusion of the Garmin SailAssist Capabilities function which sets this smartwatch apart from other marine smartwatches. With this functionality, you can set a virtual starting line for any nautical race. It also contains an accurate race countdown timer and a tack assist function. The Garmin Quatix 5 is built for the water, whether it’s sailing or any other nautical sport you can think of.

Specs

Display Type: Analog/Digital

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Strap Material: Rubber

Strap Color: Baby Blue

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Pros

• This is the ultimate sailing smartwatch. The inclusion of the Garmin SailAssist application makes this a must have for sailing aficionados looking to steer away from traditional watches.
• If you are into other marine and water sports, this watch has an application or function for you.
• The analog/digital dial of the Garmin Quatix 5 has a very crisp and easy-to-read aesthetic.

Cons

• It can be hard to connect to some of this watch’s key features when cell signals are faint.
• There are no marine or land maps included in this device. You’ll have to download the information yourself.

2) Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer Watch

In terms of aesthetic and usefulness when sailing, the Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer Watch is a real standout. We lover the faux skeleton dial and the choice of either a bright yellow strap or a more muted and subtle black option. In addition to how cool this watch looks, there’s the inclusion of a sailing-focused countdown timer which is both accurate and fine tuned for the nuances of sailing races. If you want an accurate sailing watch that both pops and prides itself on accuracy for a fair price, you can’t do much better.

Specs

Display Type: Analog

Clasp Style: Tang Buckle

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 47 mm

Case Thickness: 14 mm

Strap Material: Silicone

Strap Length: Men’s Standard

Strap Width: 22 mm

Strap Color: Yellow or Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100 meters

Movement: Quartz

Pros

• The countdown timer is a sailor’s dream. It’s completely tuned for sailing expeditions and is as accurate as they come.
• This watch is extremely durable for such an agreeable price point. It will last you a long time if you take care of it properly.
• The faux skeleton dial is fun to gaze at and pops in a way that other sports time pieces simply do not.

Cons

• This watch may be too large for smaller wrists.
• The silicone strap is comfy but does feel a bit flimsy.

And our pick for the best watch for sailors in 2021 is…

1) Tissot Sailing Touch Men’s Rubber Strap Multi-Function Watch

The ultimate sailing watch at an affordable price point, the Tissot Sailing Touch Men’s Watch was an easy choice for the #1 spot on our countdown. This analog/digital hybrid watch truly has the sailing touch it claims with a timer that morphs into a sailing race chronograph once it hits zero. The Timex Sailing Touch also has several other useful sailing features including a barometer, an accurate compass, a tide monitor, and a regatta timer which helps you set a starting line for races. There’s so much more to this watch for both sailing and sports lovers, and the refined look of this time piece belies just how durable and impressive it is. It’s an absolute gem and our unquestioned top sailing watch.

Specs

Display Type: Analog/Digital

Clasp Style: Deployment Clasp With Safety

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 45 mm

Case Thickness: 15 mm

Strap Material: Rubber

Strap Length: Men’s Standard

Strap Width: 20 mm

Strap Color: Black

Dial Color: Black

Bezel Material: Stainless Steel

Water Resistance: 100meters

Movement: Swiss Quartz

Pros

• The countdown timer and chronograph combination is a real standout at such an agreeable price tag.
• The Swiss quartz movement is as precise as they come. You’d usually have to purchase a luxury watch to get this kind of accuracy.
• The sailing-focused features included in this watch are a big reason why this is the ultimate sailing watch.

Cons

• This watch is a bit too big for smaller wrists.
• The luminescence of the watch hands doesn’t have the resonance of other watches on this list. They can be hard to see in low light.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the best sailing watches?

For a sail watch to be counted among the best sailing watches in the marketplace, there are a host of sailing specific features and nonspecific features which must be present. For one, the water resistance of a sailors watch must have an impressive depth rating and can’t show any signs of weakness when faced with prolonged exposure to water. It can’t be a water resistant sailing watch in name only. Other features to consider other than the water resistant rating of your sailing watch include a lengthy power reserve for automatic sailing watches, multiple time zones for long voyages, and a timer for both racing and monitoring route efficiencies.

For those looking for the best watches sailing communities have to offer on a budget, the price tag of a sailing watch is also a key element to keep in mind. On our list, the first two entries are luxury sailing watches while the last five are much more amenable to a tight budget. The best sailing time pieces don’t have to drain your bank account.

Which brands makes the best watches for sailing?

There are several brands in the watch industry which are notable for their contributions to the cache of the best sailing watches in the marketplace. Brands to consider when looking for a great sailing watch include Tissot, Timex, Garmin, Rolex, SUUNTO, Corum, and Ulysse Nardin. Each of the seven brands we’ve listed are known for both sailing specific and quality watches which are water resistant and durable enough to be counted among the best sailing times pieces available for sale right now. Whether you’re looking for a regatta watch for your next outing or a sports watch with peak water resistance and a sturdy case, these brands definitely have a sailing watch for you.

Closing Thoughts

Our countdown of the best sailing watches available for sale today isn’t just a compendium of the most water resistant watches we could find. They are a mixture of true sailing watches and water resistant time pieces which are built for long voyages in the most open of waters. Whatever you’re looking for out of your next sailing watch investment, you’re bound to find something you’ll love in the list above.