Top 10 Sailing Sports Watches

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by

Richard
in

Sailing sport watches offer a blend of traditional timekeeping, advanced GPS capabilities, and dedicated sailing features like regatta timers, tack assist, and sometimes even integration with on-board marine electronics. The market ranges from simple, robust race timers to full-fledged smartwatches with extensive mapping and health tracking.

Here’s a review of 10 sailing sport watches currently available on Amazon UK, with scores out of 10, their pros, cons, and approximate prices (which can fluctuate):

1. Garmin Quatix 7 (Standard Edition)

Score: 9.5/10

The Quatix 7 is Garmin’s flagship marine smartwatch, building on the success of the Fenix series with dedicated sailing features and marine connectivity.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Marine Features: Preloaded marine maps, tide data, anchor drag alarm, remote control of Garmin autopilots and Fusion stereos, GHC™ 20 autopilot control, tack assist, man overboard (MOB) function, and a dedicated sailing activity profile.
  • Advanced GPS: Multi-GNSS support (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo) for accurate positioning, even in challenging environments.
  • Robust Build: High-quality materials (stainless steel bezel, Gorilla Glass lens), water-rated to 10 ATM.
  • Long Battery Life: Excellent battery life in smartwatch mode (up to 18 days) and still very good with GPS.
  • Smartwatch Functionality: Includes heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, contactless payments (Garmin Pay), notifications, music control, and a vast array of other sports profiles.
  • Clear Display: Bright, easy-to-read display, even in direct sunlight.

Cons:

  • High Price: This is a premium device with a price tag to match.
  • Size: Can be quite bulky for smaller wrists.
  • Learning Curve: The extensive features mean there’s a learning curve to master all its capabilities.

Approx. Price: £500 – £600

2. Garmin Instinct 2 Solar (Tactical or Standard Editions, with some marine features)

Score: 8/10

While not specifically a “sailing” watch like the Quatix, the Instinct 2 Solar’s ruggedness, excellent battery life (with solar charging), and strong GPS make it a popular choice for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, including sailors who don’t need full marine integration.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Battery Life: Thanks to solar charging, potentially unlimited battery life in smartwatch mode with sufficient sun exposure.
  • Extremely Durable: Built to MIL-STD-810 standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance (10 ATM).
  • Robust GPS: Multi-GNSS support for reliable tracking.
  • Basic Marine Features: Includes tide data (on some versions), compass, altimeter, barometer (ABC sensors), and customisable activity profiles.
  • Affordable (for Garmin): A more accessible price point than the Quatix series.
  • Clear, Monochrome Display: Easy to read in all light conditions, though not as vibrant as AMOLED screens.

Cons:

  • Limited Dedicated Sailing Features: Lacks advanced sailing metrics and marine electronics connectivity of the Quatix.
  • Monochrome Display: Not as visually appealing as colour screens found on other smartwatches.
  • No Touchscreen: Relies solely on button navigation.

Approx. Price: £250 – £350

3. Optimum Time Series 3 Sailing Watch in Yellow.

Score: 8/10

The “big yellow” Optimum Time watch is a classic for racing sailors, renowned for its clear display and dedicated countdown functions.

Pros:

  • Massive, Clear Display: Huge digits (16mm) for easy readability, even at a distance or in high-stress race situations.
  • Dedicated Race Timer: Pre-programmed ISAF/World Sailing start sequences (5,4,1,0), customisable countdowns, and “sync” button for easy resynchronisation.
  • Loud Audible Alarms: Essential for crowded start lines.
  • Versatile Mounting: Comes with both a wrist strap and a boom/mast mounting bracket.
  • Simple to Use: Focused functionality makes it very intuitive for race starts.
  • Durable: Designed for the rigours of competitive sailing.

Cons:

  • Single-Purpose: Primarily a race timer; very limited daily watch or smart features.
  • No GPS/Navigation: Lacks any advanced mapping or tracking.
  • Bulky: Its large size can be a con for everyday wear.
  • Battery Life: Uses a replaceable coin-cell battery, not rechargeable.

Approx. Price: £80 – £120

4. Ronstan ClearStart Sailing Watch (50mm)

Score: 7.5/10

Another strong contender in the dedicated race timer category, similar to Optimum Time but with its own ergonomic design and features.

Pros:

  • Large, Easy-to-Read Display: Oversized digits (13mm) for quick glances.
  • Comprehensive Race Timer Functions: ISAF 5-4-1-0 and Match Racing sequences, sync function, audible signals (can be silenced).
  • Multi-Line Display: Shows countdown and real-time simultaneously.
  • Durable & Water Resistant: Built for marine environments (50m water resistance, shock resistant).
  • User-Friendly Buttons: Textured, easy-to-find buttons, even with wet hands or gloves.

Cons:

  • Limited Beyond Racing: Similar to Optimum Time, it’s highly specialised for race starts and lacks other smartwatch functions.
  • No GPS: Not a navigation tool.
  • Battery: Uses a replaceable battery.
  • Size: While large for readability, it’s not subtle for casual wear.

Approx. Price: £70 – £100

5. Gill Race Watch

Score: 7/10

Gill, a prominent sailing apparel brand, offers a functional and stylish race watch aimed at both racers and cruising sailors.

Pros:

  • Dedicated Regatta Functions: Countdown timers with audible alerts, 5-4-1-0 ISAF sequence.
  • Digital Compass: Useful for basic bearing and course checking.
  • Chronograph & Lap Memory: For performance tracking.
  • Vibration Alert: A useful feature for silent or noisy conditions.
  • Durable: Carbon-reinforced ABS plastic case, stainless steel back, 50m water resistance.

Cons:

  • Compass Accuracy: Digital compasses on watches can sometimes be less precise than dedicated handheld units.
  • Battery Drain (Compass): Using the compass can significantly impact battery life.
  • Display in Bright Sun: Some users might find the display a bit less contrasty in very bright direct sunlight compared to MIP displays.
  • No GPS: Lacks advanced navigation features.

Approx. Price: £70 – £120

6. Suunto 9 Baro

Score: 8/10

While primarily an endurance multisport watch, the Suunto 9 Baro’s robust outdoor features, excellent battery life, and barometric altimeter make it a strong contender for serious cruising and offshore sailing.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Battery Life: Intelligent battery modes can extend GPS tracking for days, crucial for long voyages.
  • Barometric Altimeter & Weather Functions: Provides accurate altitude, sea-level pressure, temperature, and storm alarms – vital for weather forecasting.
  • Robust GPS & Navigation: Precise GPS tracking, waypoint navigation, breadcrumb trail, and route planning features.
  • Durable Build: Tested to US military standards, 100m water resistance, sapphire glass on some models.
  • Over 80 Sport Modes: Includes generic “sailing” activity for tracking.

Cons:

  • No Dedicated Sailing Metrics: Lacks specific regatta timers, tack assist, or integration with marine electronics.
  • Larger Size: Can be bulky on the wrist.
  • Price: A high-end multisport watch, so it’s a significant investment.
  • Suunto App: While functional, some users might find the app ecosystem less extensive than Garmin’s.

Approx. Price: £80 – £100

7. Polar Vantage M3

Score: 7/10

Another strong multisport watch that, while not sailing-specific, offers excellent fitness tracking, GPS, and a durable design suitable for active water sports.

Pros:

  • Advanced GPS & HR Tracking: Accurate GPS for speed and distance, and reliable wrist-based heart rate monitoring.
  • Good Battery Life: Up to 30 hours with continuous GPS tracking, and days in watch mode.
  • Lightweight & Comfortable: Designed for long training sessions.
  • Weather Forecast: Provides basic weather information.
  • Water Resistant: Up to 30 meters.

Cons:

  • No Dedicated Sailing Features: Lacks regatta timers, tack assist, or marine integration.
  • No Barometric Altimeter: Relies on GPS for altitude, less precise for weather forecasting.
  • More Fitness-Focused: Its core strength is training load and recovery, rather than marine navigation.
  • Proprietary Charging Cable: Can be a minor inconvenience.

Approx. Price: £300 – £400

8. Casio G-Shock

Score: 7.5/10

While not a smartwatch, many G-Shock models, especially those with “Triple Sensor” (Altimeter, Barometer, Compass) and tide/moon phase data, are incredibly popular with sailors for their extreme durability.

Pros:

  • Unrivalled Durability: Legendary G-Shock toughness, shock-resistant, 200m water resistance.
  • ABC Sensors: Altimeter, Barometer (with storm alarm), Digital Compass – excellent for weather awareness.
  • Tide Graph & Moon Phase: Useful marine-specific data.
  • Atomic Timekeeping & Solar Powered: Highly accurate and virtually maintenance-free for daily timekeeping.
  • Clear Display & Lume: Easy to read in various conditions.

Cons:

  • No GPS: Not a navigation watch.
  • No Smart Features: Lacks connectivity, notifications, or advanced health tracking.
  • Bulky: G-Shocks are notoriously large.
  • Learning Curve for Features: Can take time to learn how to access and use all the functions effectively.

Approx. Price: £90 – £100

9. Coros Vertix 2S / Vertix 2

Score: 8.5/10

Coros offers extremely robust and long-lasting GPS adventure watches that are gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts, including sailors who prioritize navigation and battery life.

Pros:

  • Exceptional Battery Life: One of the best on the market, crucial for multi-day voyages.
  • Dual-Frequency GPS: Highly accurate GPS tracking, even in challenging environments.
  • Offline Maps: Preloaded global offline maps (can be downloaded), with turn-by-turn navigation.
  • Rugged Build: Sapphire screen, titanium bezel, 10 ATM water resistance.
  • Comprehensive Metrics: Includes altimeter, barometer, compass, and extensive sports/health tracking.

Cons:

  • No Dedicated Sailing Features: Lacks specific regatta timers or marine electronics integration.
  • App Ecosystem: While improving, Coros’s app and third-party integrations might not be as extensive as Garmin’s.
  • Price: A premium adventure watch with a corresponding price.
  • Size: Can be quite large and heavy.

Approx. Price: £550 – £700

10.BANGLIN 100m Digital Submersible Waterproof

Score: 7/10

This watch is a strong contender for anyone seeking a highly affordable, functional, and genuinely water-resistant digital watch without breaking the bank. It’s often chosen as a “beater” watch for activities where you wouldn’t want to risk a more expensive timepiece.

Pros:

  • Excellent Water Resistance (10ATM / 100m): This is the standout feature. Users consistently report it holding up well during swimming, showering, snorkeling, and even light diving. The 100m rating means it’s suitable for surface water sports and general immersion, though not typically recommended for serious scuba diving despite the brand’s occasional claims.
  • Affordable Price: This is arguably its biggest selling point. It offers a surprising amount of functionality and water resistance for its cost.
  • Clear Digital Display & Backlight: The large digital numbers are easy to read in various conditions, and the electro-luminescent backlight aids visibility in low light.
  • Multiple Functions: It includes essential features like an alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, dual time zone display, and hourly chime, making it versatile for sports, travel, and daily use.
  • Comfortable and Lightweight: Made with a soft PU (polyurethane) strap and ABS case, it’s designed to be comfortable for extended wear.
  • Long Battery Life: The CR2025 battery is reported to last for 1.5 to 2 years, reducing the hassle of frequent charging or battery changes. It’s also replaceable.
  • Shock Resistant: Designed to withstand minor knocks and bumps, which is beneficial for an active lifestyle.
  • Simple to Use: Customers generally find it easy to set up and operate the various functions.

Cons:

  • Build Quality (Budget Materials): While durable for its price, the ABS case and resin dial window are not as premium or scratch-resistant as materials found in higher-end watches (e.g., stainless steel, mineral glass, or sapphire crystal). It might show wear and tear more quickly.
  • Aesthetics: The design is purely functional and utilitarian. It’s not a fashion statement, and some might find it a bit chunky or basic-looking.
  • Button Durability: While the water resistance is generally good, some users might question the long-term integrity of the buttons under frequent underwater use. It’s usually advised not to press buttons underwater on any watch unless explicitly designed for it (which this watch claims, but caution is still wise on budget models).
  • Alarm Volume: The alarm and hourly chime are present but might not be loud enough for all users or in noisy environments.
  • Countdown Timer Functionality: Some reviews indicate that the countdown timer only stops at zero and doesn’t have a count-up feature from zero, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.

Approx. Price on Amazon UK: £15 – £25

Key Considerations When Buying a Sailing Watch:

  • Your Sailing Style:
    • Racing: Prioritize dedicated regatta timers, sync functions, and clear, large displays (Optimum Time, Ronstan, Gill).
    • Cruising/Offshore: Focus on GPS navigation, robust battery life, weather features (barometer, storm alerts), and durability (Garmin Quatix, Suunto 9 Baro, Coros Vertix 2, G-Shock).
    • Casual/Day Sailing: A robust, water-resistant watch with a simple timer might suffice (Timex Ironman, basic G-Shock).
  • GPS & Navigation: Do you need real-time position, mapping, and route tracking on your wrist?
  • Marine Integration: Do you have Garmin marine electronics and want the watch to act as a remote display or controller?
  • Smartwatch Features: Do you want health tracking, notifications, and contactless payments alongside your sailing tools?
  • Durability & Water Resistance: Essential for any watch on the water. Look for at least 5 ATM (50m) for splashes, and ideally 10 ATM (100m) for more rigorous use or accidental submersion.
  • Battery Life: Critical for longer trips, especially with GPS use. Solar charging can be a game-changer.
  • Display Type: MIP (Memory-in-Pixel) displays are excellent in bright sunlight and efficient. AMOLED offers vibrant colours but uses more power. Large digits are key for race timers.
  • Budget: Sailing watches range from very affordable basic timers to highly expensive smartwatches.

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