Best Watch By Hobby &#8211; WatchRanker

If you are looking for the best sport outdoor smartwatches around, you cannot go wrong with Garmin. Specifically, the Instinct Solar Surf Edition, an upgraded special edition version, offers excellent functionalities specifically designed to improve surfers’ experience.
Dedicated surfing functionalities nicely accentuate the rugged no-frills aesthetic. This smartwatch meets the U.S. military standard 810 ratings which means it has impeccable shock, thermal, and water resistance.
As we have noted, the Garmin Instinct Solar is chock-full of features such as a GPS utilizing GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo navigational satellites. The Instinct Solar is also compatible with the health monitoring Pulse Ox app.
As for its surf-centric capabilities, the Instinct Solar Surf Edition comes with a Surf Activity Profile which features that track the number of waves surfed, tide data, maximum speed/distance traveled, and other crucial ocean and weather condition data.
Add its solar-powered technology, and you have yourself a highly reliable smartwatch companion. This smartwatch will undoubtedly enhance your experience whether you are passionate about surfing or outdoor activities in general.
Integrating the Garmin Instinct with the premium Surfline Sessions app takes the watch to the next level. Surfing in front of any of Surfline’s network of hundreds of beach cams allows you to record every ride and track your GPS data. You can share your ride data and videos with friends or social media and review your ride data including waves caught, distance paddled, swell details and calories burned. This app is also compatible with the Rip Curl Search GPS 2 and Apple Watch mentioned below.

G-Shock G-LIDE (GBX100)

G-Shock GBX100

G-Shock has several watches in its lineup that feature tide graphs and mood data, but the G-Shock GBX100 was specifically designed as a watch for surfing.
The design of this tide watch is intuitive and user-friendly buttons and functions that you’d expect from G-shock. This is a well-rounded and reasonably priced tide watch with features that surfers will appreciate.
The GBX100 model is also compatible with the G-Shock Move app to use other key features such as tide graphs and storage that holds up to 3,300 locations.
Standard G-Shock functions – stopwatch, countdown timer, and auto-calendar but this watch also includes World Time feature (38 time zones), moon data, high and low tide times, sunrise and sunset times, and a power-saving mode. The watch also comes with G-Shock’s signature durability and also comes in a variety of color variants including white, teal, and black/white pictured above.
It’s unfortunate that G-Shock did not include their Tough Solar technology on this watch as it does feel like a missed opportunity. If solar is a top priority for you, we’d suggest the Garmin mentioned above or one of the other G-Shocks below.

Apple Watch Series 6

Apple Watch Series 6 GPS

Besides the apparent hardware upgrades from its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 6 also adds a slew of features that surfers will unquestionably welcome with open arms. This praise is due to the Series 6 being compatible with the Dawn Patrol and Surf Watch apps.
The Apple Watch Series 6 comes with a 50-meter water resistance rating which means it can handle shallow-water activities like swimming and, you guessed, surfing. The great built-in GPS also makes the Series 6 an excellent outdoor accessory.
We also love the always-on display, which is quite helpful when surfing, not too good on battery life, though, so we suggest you only turn on this feature when necessary.
As for its surfing features, the Dawn Patrol app has tidal data, wind speeds, moon phases, and weather information. You can also fully customize the Series 6 to suit all your surfing needs. In addition, the Apple Watch Series 6 has a fairly reasonable price tag.

Rip Curl Search GPS 2 Digital Surf Tracking Watch

Rip Curl Search GPS Series 2

If you are looking for a watch with features that primarily focus on improving your surfing experience, then the Rip Curl Search GPS 2should be right up your alley.
It comes with a slew of great functionalities such as real-time wind and swell reports along with the standard GPS surfing tracker.
There is also paddle tracking and tidal data that should further improve your surfing experience for the better. While designed for surfing, the Rip Curl Search GPS 2 is also an excellent option for other outdoor sports such as marathons, swimming, and snowboarding.
In addition to those outstanding surfing features, the Rip Curl Search 2 is also considerably more affordable than most of its competition in the market. You can also connect this surf smartwatch with your smartphone to gain access to several nifty applications.
As a surf smartwatch, the Rip Curl Search 2 is one of the best in the market. However, this focus on surfing activities does limit its overall functionality compared to, let’s say, the Apple Watch Series 6, which is more well-rounded.
That said, if you are incredibly passionate about surfing, there are few watches out there that can enhance your experience in your favorite water sport other than Rip Curl.

Rip Curl “Next Tide” Watch (A1137MID1SZ)

Rip Curl

We have another entry from Rip Curl; this time around, the Next Tide model garnered a lot of praise for its excellent surfing activity features. This surf tech watch has a water resistance of up to 100-meters, the Rip Curl Next Tide making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
The Next Tide’s most prominent feature is the pre-programmed global tide locations to help you determine which spot has the best waves. But, as the name implies, this Rip Curl smartwatch can display real-time tide data and forecasts for tomorrow and beyond.
It comes with an EL backlight, an excellent addition, but we find that it lacks in the brightness department. However, unless you prefer surfing in very low light, we don’t see the somewhat lackluster backlight as much of an issue.
Overall, we have another fantastic surf-centric watch from Rip Curl. At the same time, the surf-focus features might seem to limit the watch’s application. This aspect also means that this is a specialist surf watch that excels in a particular field. Rather than a watch designed for an all-around application.

Nixon Rival Women’ Digital Surf Watch (A1236)

Nixon Rival

Next up, we have an excellent entry for the ladies in the Nixon Rival Digital Surf Watch.
The Nixon Rival features similar aesthetics to the Nixon Base Tide but with more features. The Nixon Rival also incorporates a silicone band, which is generally preferable to nylon fabric regarding comfort when taking part in marine activities.
Like the Rip Curl watches, the Nixon Rival also utilizes features focusing on providing convenience for surfing. Such features include pre-programmed tide information for up to 550 beaches around the world.
Along with 100-meter water resistance and a custom negative LCD screen, the Nixon Rival is an excellent surf watch. Besides its surfing features, this digital watch also features a second-time zone, countdown timer, chronograph, alarms, and sunrise/sunset time.
The 38mm case also makes it ideal for surfers with a smaller wrist. At the moment, the Nixon Rival comes in blue and white color variations. Hopefully, Nixon will start including more color variants to the list to enhance its appeal.

Garmin Fēnix® 6 – Pro Solar

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar

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If you want one of the best multi-sport watches from Garmin, then the Fenix 6 Pro Solar could be the one you’re looking for.
The Fenix line by Garmin is one of the most premium multi-sports watches on the market. The recent release of the Solar Pro model takes the impressive build quality and features of previous Fenix models to the next level, now with a solar-powered battery that gives you up to 36 hours of full GPS usage. Battery life has been one of the biggest barriers to using full-featured sports watches that require GPS (especially if you want to track all your ride data), so this is a major improvement over previous models.
The Fenix 6 is built to US military standards for thermal, shock, and water resistance. Similar to the previous Garmin models presented, the Fenix 6 Pro and Sapphire Editions also have built-in activity profiles for almost any sport you can think of from adventure sports to even yoga and Pilates. Apart from the multi-sport functions, the Fenix gives you advanced health and fitness tracking such as Pulse OX monitor and some less common features including hydration reminders and stress and relaxation tracking (although most surfers already have those last two under control).
It integrates with the Garmin Surf Tracker2 app as well as other 3rd party surf apps.

Casio Frogman G-Shock Tough Solar GF-1000-1DR

G-Shock Frogman (Model: GWF-1000-1CR)

G-Shock Frogman (Model: GWF-1000-1CR) comes with a moon phase indicator and a high-speed tide graph. It also uses the multi-band six radio signal calibration for accurate timekeeping. Also similar to the other Casio G-Shock timepieces mentioned below, this one comes with a solar rechargeable battery, with 10 months power reserve.
It also has all the other basic features of a Casio G-Shock such as the auto calendar, world time, alarms, hourly time signal, stopwatch, and countdown timer. It also has a backlight that may be set in a hands-free mode so the backlight automatically activates when you flick the watch vertically.
If you’re looking for a great surfing watch that is also a high-end tactical watch with superior water resistance, rugged build quality, and solar power, the Frogman is definitely worth a close look.

Casio GW-7900-1ER G-Shock Tide Graph Solar

Casio G-Shock Tide Graph Solar (Image: Amazon)

The Casio G-Shock GW-7900-1ER, as part of the 7900 G-Shock series, comes with various features that are particularly useful for marine leisure enthusiasts like the tide graph tracking and moon phase. It also has a multi-band radio-controlled functionality for more accurate timekeeping, alarm, and stopwatch functions. And, don’t worry about all these functions draining your watch’s battery because it is solar-powered with a battery reserve of eight months.
The timepiece is also water-resistant for 200 meters and built with the G-Shock standard of durability. Despite being bulky (as most Casio G-Shock watches are), the Casio GW-7900-1ER weighs only 2.33 ounces so it won’t tire your wrist or be a hindrance while you are surfing.

Casio G-Shock G-Lide Radio Controlled Watch (GWX-5600-1JF)

Casio G-Shock G-Lide Tough Solar (Image: Amazon)

Another tough timepiece from Casio that you may consider for your surfing sessions is the Casio G-Shock GWX-5600-1JF.
As with most other G-Shock models, this one is also shock-resistant, solar-powered, and uses multi-band radio-controlled timekeeping for accuracy. Its water resistance goes as deep as 200 meters.
For your surfing needs, the G-Shock GWX-5600-1JF has a tide graph and has 100 preset tide sites from around the world. It can also show the moon data, including a moon phase graph on its easy-to-read digital display.
It also comes with a solar rechargeable battery with 10 months of power reserve. This allows the timepiece to support all its other functions such as alarms, stopwatch, countdown timer, world time from 31 different time zones, and calendar.
Lastly, compared to the previous G-Shock timepiece presented, this one’s less bulky and quite light, weighing only 1.98 ounces.

Nixon Base Tide, 38 MM

Nixon Base Tide (Image: Amazon)

Simplicity and durability; are what the Nixon Base Tide gives you. It comes it a notable retro design with an easy-to-read LCD digital display. Aside from the time and calendar, it can show you the basic and future tide information. It also features a chronograph, a countdown timer, and EL backlight. Along with the current time, its home screen may display either the tide or the date.
In terms of durability, the watch case is made of custom injection molded TR90, with custom-molded polycarbonate gasketed pushers. The band, on the other hand, is a custom injection molded ultra-soft silicone band with Nixon’s patented locking looper. The watch’s water resistance is rated 10 ATM and it is covered by a two-year limited warranty.

Nixon Base Tide Pro (A1212)

Nixon Base Tide Pro (Image: Amazon)

The Nixon Base Tide Pro is very much like the previous Nixon Base Tide but with some upgrades. Its interface is still pretty simple but it helps present only pertinent information. Among its special features are the tide information for 550 pre-programmed beaches from across the globe, the time and height for high and low tide, wave timer, and the sunrise/sunset. It also has a chronograph timer, dual time, alarms, and backlight features.
You may toggle its digital display to show either the tide graph or the date. In relation to this, it is noteworthy that even the buttons of the watch are water-resistant so you can easily access them even on water. The whole watch is also durable with the TR90 case with a hardened mineral crystal dial window and a silicone band with a double locking looper. It is rated 10 ATM so you can take it as deep as 100 meters.

Nixon Siren

Nixon Siren (Image: Amazon)

Another timepiece that’s great for surfers is the Nixon Siren.
Aside from its functionality, Nixon boasts of its design that would make you look fashionable whether in or out of the surf.
If you’re looking to add some color to your wrist Nixon sells the Siren in a variety of colors including pink, aqua, burgundy and white.
In terms of functionality, of course, Nixon Siren also offers the features and functions you would look for in a surf watch. Its digital LCD display shows the time and date, basic tide, future tide, chronograph, and a customizable countdown timer. Similar to the Nixon Base Tide Pro, its home screen can be set to either date and time, or tide and time.
Nixon Siren is also rated 10 ATM, meaning it’s water-resistant for 100 meters. It is also covered by Nixon’s limited warranty for two years from the day it was purchased.

Rip Curl Men’s Rifles Digital Tide Surf Watch

Rip Curl Rifles Tide Digital (Image: Amazon)

The Rip Curl Rifles Tide Watch comes with 500 pre-programmed tide locations for you to choose from. You can also quickly access a tide graph as well as a detailed tide view. You can even see future tide to help you plan your surf sessions. It also has other functions that you might need such as an alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, and light.
Aside from being truly functional, it was also designed with durability and comfort in mind. For one, the material used was polyurethane and the case was made of ABS hardened plastic with a stainless steel case. The band is made of rubber with a marine-grade stainless steel forged buckle. Of course, it’s also waterproof up to 100 meters deep so it may also be used for swimming and snorkeling, but not for diving.

Surf Watch Buying Guide

Surfer wearing surfing watch (Image: U.S. Naval War College)

Before you finalize which surf watch you’d purchase, here are the aspects of the watch that you may want to double-check to ensure that you’ll have a great surf watch.

Water Resistance

When taking a watch in any water activity, whether that may be leisure or sports, you must first take note of its water resistance to make sure that it will still be functional when you’re in the water and as you come out (especially if it’s a smartwatch!)
As such, for your surfing sessions, the recommended water resistance is 10 ATM. Meaning, it can go as deep as 100 meters.
It is also the recommended rating for swimming, snorkeling, sailing, and water sports. A 5 ATM rating, on the other hand, may also be good enough as it is already suitable for everyday use, showering, bathing, shallow-water swimming, snorkeling, water-related work, fishing. You just have to be conscious enough and remember not to go deeper than necessary while wearing your watch.

Integrating Apps

As we mentioned above when talking about the Garmin Instinct Solar, pairing your watch with apps like Surfline Sessions can take the functionality to the next level. Surfing in front of any of Surfline’s network of hundreds of cameras on well-known beaches around the world with a compatible device allows you to record your entire ride, track data and share videos. Compatible devices on our list include the Garmin Instinct, Apple Watch 6, and the Rip Curl Search 2 GPS.

Tide Functions

You would also want to check the tide functions that the watch presents. Does it only show high or low tide? Or does it also measure tides and show you a graph? Can it also show future tides of the beach you visited or just the present tide? These are only some of the questions that may guide you in checking the watch’s tide functions.

Pre-loaded Beaches

The best surf watches on the market come with pre-loaded beaches; when it comes to this aspect, the more, the better. With just a few pushes of the button, you can easily check out the surfing beaches nearest you. This is especially great if you are the type who prefers to visit beaches in other countries because the pre-loaded beaches are usually located around the globe. With this function, you don’t have to waste time visiting a beach only to realize that it’s not a good surfing spot.

Surf Dial

The surf dial may seem a minor aspect of the watch. However, such is not the case. When you’re under the sun and waiting for your wave, you would want a watch with an easily readable surf dial. One wherein you will still be able to see the data you need even under direct sunlight.
For our Garmin smartwatches above, for example, once you install and access the Garmin Surf Tracker2 app, the dial instantly changes from being a smartwatch into a dedicated surf watch.

Brand

Some would also want to consider the brand and would prefer those that have already established a good reputation in surfing. If you’re particularly looking into this aspect, you’d be glad to know that Rip Curl and Nixon are listed among the best surf brands. In fact, Rip Curl is considered one of the big three in the surf industry along with Billabong and Quiksilver.
Closing Words

(Image: Jeremy Bishop)

As this tech trend continues to develop in the surf industry we continually update this article. Surfers and wave riders have now included surf watches as part of their gear mainly because of the useful information that they can easily access even on water.
We’ve presented the best surf watches for you to choose from. While all of these are useful and durable for your surfing sessions we’ve tried to include enough options so you can pick one that best suits your requirements, style, and budget. Some are still stylish even for everyday wear, others are also useful for other sports activities while there are some that focus on tides and surfing alone.

Equestrian Watches – Find The Perfect Watch For Horse-Lovers

TickTock — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 01:54:44 +0000

Any type of race requires accurate timekeeping. The need to measure speed and determine the exact time that an athlete finishes are some of the most essential things needed in professional sports.
This is why it only makes sense that horse racing (one of the oldest sports in the world), horse riding and equestrianism have always had a close connection to watchmakers. The relationship with the watch brands can be in the form of sponsorship of riders, a prestigious race or official timekeeping. In this article, we’ll talk more about these partnerships, and explore the watch brands that have long been part of the horse racing world. We’ll also feature some watches that would be a great match for any horse rider, jockey or any horse lover.

Equestrian with a horse (Image: Janice Byer)

Novelty Equestrian & Horse-Themed Watches

Most watch companies with horse racing partnerships are luxury brands, which we will discuss further below. However, there are still those that have a more affordable price tag. For affordable horse-themed watches (those by brands that are not too well-known), horse lovers could check out “Back in the Saddle” site of novelty quartz watches.
You can also check out these equestrian watches on Zazzle, a page that has different styles of a horse or equestrian-inspired designs (most of them have either illustration or actual pictures of horses). Most of the price tags do not exceed $100.

Luxury Equestrian Watches

Equestrian events are a type of elite sports that require accurate timing, and so it’s fitting that it’s supported by luxury watch companies.
Below are some of the most popular watch companies that have partnerships with horse racing events, as well as sponsoring some of today’s most famous riders. We’ll discuss the brands’ histories and talk about different watch models that were featured during different events.

Longines

Longines Equestrian L6.142.4.71.6 (Image: Amazon)

Longines Equestrian Collection – L6.131.0.87.2 (Image: Amazon)

Swiss watchmaker Longines has had a long history with equestrian timekeeping—dating as far back as late 1878. It was in 1912 that the brand officially partnered with an international show jumping competition. The brand has been a part of some of the world’s biggest equestrian events, providing accurate time and sponsoring them.
One of the first designs that Longines made was a chronograph that had an engraved motif of a jockey and mount—the brand’s first-ever chronograph movement. In an interview with the brand’s former Longines Vice President Juan-Carlos Capelli, this now-patented movement was the first Longines watch used for precision timing. According to another article, the movement was very accurate that it was used in measuring minutes and seconds by sports judges a few years later.
Capelli added that Longines continues to innovate in sports timing for both the riders and the audience. Continually developing new and informative ways of measuring time, the brand raises the profile of horse racing further by providing more timing information and more splits.

Today, Longines is part of different equestrian sports events: show-jumping, flat racing, endurance and evening competitions. The brand has partnerships with events like the Dubai World Cup, Triple Crown, Kentucky Derby, Prix de Diane Longines, and many more. Rankings are available on the brand’s official website. These are updated regularly and in accordance with the schedule of the competitions.
The long history with equestrian events has also allowed the brand to get creative with its watches. The brand’s Equestrian collection, for instance, is a tribute to the sport and the people behind them. There are the oval stainless steel models such as this one, as well as round options like this one, both of which are dedicated to women who love equestrian sports.
See the rest of the Equestrian collection here. We also featured one of these watches on our Best Longines Watches for Women.

Longines Equestrian Collection – L6.137.0.87.2 (Image: Amazon)

Aside from being a sponsor at the Kentucky Derby (a horse racing event held in Louisville, Kentucky, USA annually), Longines also gives a watch to the event’s winner. According to a Watch Time article, some of these watches that have been given include those from the Longines Master Collection, Longines Conquest Classic Moonphase, and the Longines Conquest 1/100th Horse Racing, a chronograph that was created for riders and fans (the stainless steel watch is called such because it can measure time to a precise 1/100th second).
If you’d like to read more about Longines as a company and get to know some of its best models, you can also check out our Longines Watch Review article, where we take a closer look at the brand’s history and most important collections.

Rolex

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona (Image: Amazon)

Another big horse racing partner is Swiss luxury watch brand Rolex, which has been supporting events for over six decades, sponsoring both riders and big events.
One of these events is the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Introduced in 2013, the event was created by the CHIO Aachen, CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament, and the CHI Geneva (and later on included the Dutch Masters). In this showjumping challenge—with a goal that Rolex describes as “to win the most difficult-to-obtain trophies in the world of equestrian sport,” the rider who wins the Grand Prix at the four shows in direct succession will win.
Check out the official Rolex website for more details about the tournaments. This page will also give you a background on Rolex’s sponsored showjumpers such as Scott Brash, Kent Farrington, Martin Fuchs, Steve Guerdat, Kevin Staut, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Isabell Werth, and many others.
Another is the prestigious equestrian event that Rolex is a big part of is the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the largest outdoor horse show in the United Kingdom. The brand became an official partner in 2016.
There is also the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, where Rolex gives a cash prize to the rider who consecutively wins three big events: Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials, Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in Britain, and the Land Rover
Three-Day Event in the United States—“winning all three consecutively represents perfection,” says Rolex on its website. According to this article, the prize money for the event started at $250,000 but was later increased to $350,000.
Rolex has a page on its website called “Every Rolex Tells a Story.” Here, there are short stories about the brand’s sponsored athletes and personalities all over the world, and promotion of its classic timepieces. One of the sponsored riders, Steve Guerdat, talks about his Rolex Daytona, the watch that he wore when he won the CHI Geneva in 2013.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren Stirrup Large Chronograph Rose Gold (Image: Ralph Lauren)

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Ralph Lauren is not a known sponsor in equestrian events, but the brand has in its collections many different forms of tributes to the sport. Designer Ralph Lauren is known for equestrian-inspired designs in its clothing, accessories, and watches—riding jackets, jewelry, watches with stirrup design, and so on. According to an article by Forbes, the man even owns a horse ranch in Colorado.
The posh equestrian style has been part of the Ralph Lauren collection since the brand’s beginnings. The famous Ralph Lauren Ricky bag, according to this article, for instance, was inspired by a vintage saddle carrier. These early inspirations paved the way for more equestrian-inspired items, such as the brand’s fashion luxury watch line.
One of Ralph Lauren’s most popular equestrian-inspired collections is the elegant Stirrup collection, which, as the name suggests, are models with different features that share a common design: a stirrup-shaped watch case. There’s a small rose gold design (around $13,500), a medium steel black (around $6,500).
One of the most expensive models is the Large Chronograph (around $25,800), which is a polished 18-karat rose gold stirrup-shaped case, a lacquered dial, Roman numeral markers, and sword-shaped hands. This watch (36.6mm x 38.5mm) is equipped with an RL750 caliber and has a power reserve of 48 hours. There are 12-hour and 30-minute counters, as well as a seconds dial.
These are pretty high price tags for a name that’s widely known as a fashion brand so there was a lot of skepticism. When the watches came out, however, many were impressed by the movement and the design. Check out this review by A Blog to Watch, which pointed out that the movement of the Stirrup Chronograph was produced by the respected Jaeger-LeCoultre, changing the game for fashion brands producing watches.
You can check out the rest of the Stirrup collection here.
The brand also released the Miniature Ralph Lauren Stirrup collection, which is proportioned for women or anyone with smaller wrist sizes. The line includes the Mini Rose Gold Stirrup, with a 16.8 mm x 22.5 mm case and a case with a polished 18k rose gold. This watch has a quartz movement (which explains the more relatively affordable price tag of around $7,950 on the brand’s website) and a battery life of up to 63 months. This is part of the stirrup design collection that celebrated its 10th anniversary.

Other horse-Inspired Watches

Many horse-inspired watches also came out in 2014, which was the Year of the Horse in the Chinese calendar. This article mentions some companies that created watches inspired by the year, such as a silicone watch by Swatch ( which created the Year of the Horse SUOZ169 model).
The luxurious Altiplano Cloisonné Enamel Horse watch by Piaget, which is only limited to 38 pieces and costs a whopping £48,700. There is also the Vacheron Constantin horse models from its Métiers d’Art collection, with each piece only limited to 12 pieces each.

12 Deep Dive Watches 1000M (A Dozen Very Deep Divers)

OfeliaSM — Wed, 06 Nov 2019 08:53:35 +0000

Are you looking for a watch that can handle extreme depths? This article will let you in on some of today’s best deep dive watches. Whether you’re looking for a watch that you can take to your diving adventure, or want the robust dive watch design, this article will provide models that would help you narrow down your search.
Below, we’ll feature brands that are popular for their dive watches, and we’ll also talk about some that are not mainstream. We’ll also feature different price points—from luxury to more affordable models. All of the models we’re featuring have water resistance to at least 1,000M.

Top Deep Dive Watches 1,000M

Hamilton Men’s Khaki Navy Below Zero

Hamilton Khaki Navy BelowZero

Hamilton is a watch company that has been around since the 1890s. The brand has a wide range of watches like simple analogs, chronographs, and stylish open hearts, as well as heavy-duty watches such as this Hamilton BelowZero dive watch.
This is a 1,000m water-resistant watch with a sleek black dial, a 46.5mm case, a pin buckle, and a round stainless steel case. It also has luminous hands and a helium escape valve
If you’d like to know more about this brand and its other models, you can check a comprehensive article we’ve published here on the top Hamilton watches.
Hamilton has other models with 1,000-meter water resistance including the stylish “Frogman” model. This is a new titanium reiteration dive watch that was worn by WWII divers and made popular in the 1951 movie with the same name.

Bremont Supermarine S2000

The Bremont Supermarine mechanical watch is a 43mm analog with a lightweight titanium case and rubber band. This is another luxury watch that will cost you thousands, but it’s an investment worth making if you’re looking for a durable and high-quality dive watch.
This one’s a popular timepiece among professional divers. A limited-edition piece of 300 pieces, this analog watch has a GMT/world time, a date window at 3 o’clock, and an integrated rubber strap.
Newer models of the S2000 have a 45mm case and have improved features such as a sapphire unidirectional bezel with a 20-minute red marker. The watches are also certified chronometers rated to the ISO 3159 standard.

Seiko Prospex Marine Master Diver 1000m SBBN025

Seiko Prospex Marine Master Diver. (Image: Amazon)

Seiko is known to be one of the best brands when it comes to dive watches, and this is a popular model among diving enthusiasts. Also called the Seiko Emperor Tuna, the Prospex Marine Master Diver is a 49.4mm watch has water resistance to 1,000 meters, making it suitable for saturation diving. It also has a and a heavy-duty silicone band, sapphire crystal glass, and hands and indexes powered by LumiBrite.
This watch has become very popular that it has had special edition releases, such as the Seiko Marine Master Prospex 50th Anniversary Edition, (link to eBay) which is slightly bigger at 52.4mm, and the Mobile Suit Gundam 40th Anniversary Edition, (link to eBay) which are limited editions with red and green versions.

Oris Men’s Prodiver Chronograph

Oris Force Recon GMT. (Image: Amazon)

The Oris Force Recon GMT has a black 49mm case, luminescent hands and hour marker, a screw-down crown and case back, and a deployment buckle.
Some of the things that make this unique are the GMT 2nd time zone feature, as well as a durable and lightweight titanium case. It’s also powered by the Oris Caliber 747.
Hamilton and Oris brands are often compared. To see these two brands side by side, take a look at this article that we wrote, which compares the Khaki Navy above and the Prodiver, as well as other models by both brands.

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea REF. 126660

Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea. (Image: Amazon)

If you’re looking for a luxury watch that you can take to a dive, this Rolex watch is something that you can consider investing in.
The Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is a stunning 44mm timepiece that’s equipped with the precise 3235 movement manufactured by Rolex, this watch is precise and is resistant to shocks. This one’s waterproof to 3,900 meters.
As the name suggests, this watch makes use of Oystersteel for its case. This material is used in industries like aerospace, where there is a need for maximum corrosion resistance. The bracelet is big but comfortable, has the Oysterlock clasp, which promotes safety. Some of the most notable features include a unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown, domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and Chromalight display.
See 100% certified authentic pre-owned Rolex Sea-Dwellers here.

Squale 101 Atmos ref 2002

SqualeWatches.com

Squale is a Swiss watch brand that has been specializing in professional dive watches since the late 1940s.
First made in the 70s, the Squale 101 Atmos ref 2002 professional 43mm dive watch is a Swiss-made 1,000M timepiece. The watch features a black bezel made of hard bakelite, a snap-on unidirectional bezel, a stainless steel case back, and a sapphire crystal. The band is made from durable rubber, and the case is polished stainless steel.
This is a well-reviewed watch in terms of readability. The phosphorescent material of the markers are applied by hand, and the varnish used is immune to corrosion that is often caused by seawater corrosion. See new and pre-owned Squale on eBay here.

Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M

Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M. (Image: Amazon)

The Omega Seamaster series is a popular line that has a wide range of models to choose from. Popular with those who do water sports and exploration, these watches are sporty, sleek, and luxurious.
The Omega Seamaster Ploprof 1200M (or Seamaster Professional 600), was first launched in 1970 and remains popular today. Water-resistant to 1,200M, this revamped model has a lighter titanium case and a ceramic bezel automatic helium escape valve, which allows the helium atoms to escape during decompression.
This watch also has a durable rubber strap and an improved diving safety clasp. You can read more about the features and technology of the watch here.

Sinn U1000

Model U1000

See on Sinn.de | See on eBay

Founded in 1961, Sinn is a German watch brand that produces mechanical watches. This is a popular brand for professionals who need accurate timekeeping—pilots, special forces, marines, and divers.
The 44mm Diving watch U1000 is made from high-strength, seawater-resistant German Submarine steel, and is certified by the DNV GL. The watch is scratch-resistant, has a Captive Safety Diver’s Bezel with guard, a mission timer, a chronograph with a 60-minute stopwatch, and a sapphire crystal glass.
This also has non-screwable and large push-pieces that allow the wearer to use the chronograph functions easily, even when wearing diving gloves.

Mühle SAR Rescue-Timer

Muhle Glashutte S.A.R. Rescue-Timer. (Image: Amazon)

The Mühle SAR Rescue-Timer men’s watch is a 42.5mm automatic dive watch packed with features that were designed by professionals at the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service.
The watch has a stainless steel case and a black rubber strap. The black dial has luminescent hands and markers, a sweep seconds hands, and a 4mm thick scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The watch also has a power reserve of 38 hours and has a magnified date window at 4 o’clock for easy reading.
This robust watch can resist extremely high water pressure and has a shock-proof automatic movement.

NEYMAR 44mm Men’s 1000m Diver Japanese Watch

NEYMAR Automatic 1000m Dive Watch. (Image: Amazon)

Anonimo Millemetri (Image: Amazon)

This is for those looking for something relatively affordable. This Neymar 44mm men’s 1,000-meter dive watch. It’s equipped with a Japan NH 35 automatic movement, has a date window at 3 o’clock, and a sapphire crystal glass.
Other notable features of this rose gold stainless steel watch include a helium escape valve, luminous hands and markers, and a screw-down crown. There are several designs available, such as case colors like green, blue, and black, and silver and two-toned bracelets.
Neymar is a relatively new brand. To learn more about this company, you can check out this page.

Anonimo Millemetri

Anonimo watches are known for the brand’s patented screw-in crown locking system and water-resistant push buttons. One of the early patrons of this Florence-based company was Cooperativa Nazionale Sommozzatori, a business specializing in hydro testing, diving operations, pipeline trenching, etc. The result of this relationship was the Anonimo Millemetri, a dive watch capable of withstanding depths of 1,000M. This collection is no longer in products but you can still find pre-owned Millemetri models today.
The Italian watch brand also produced the Professionale that was rated at 1,200 meters and according to the brand has been tested and successfully operated at 2,000 meters. The Professionale is no longer available on the Anonimo website but some can be found on eBay.

Delma Blue Shark III

See on eBay

Delma is a watchmaker from Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, that was founded in 1924. The company first made timepieces like pocket watches, wristwatches, and chronographs, and eventually moved on to producing sports (racing, diving) watches.
This watch was built for deep-sea divers. The Delma Blue Shark II, which claims to be one of the strongest dive watches ever made, is water-resistant to 4000m and has functions such as luminous hands and markers, and a modifiable durable rubber strap.
The Blue Shark III is Limited to only 500 pieces of each of the two cases (the solid stainless steel or the black DLC coated bezel). There are several colors available: black, blue, orange on stainless steel, and black bezels (the black bezel models are slightly more expensive).
To learn more about Delma’s creation process, visit this page, which explains the brand’s watchmaking process.

Doxa SUB 1500T

Doxa SUB 1500T (Image: Doxa Watches)

The Doxa SUB 1500T is a professional diver’s watch with an impressive 1,500m water resistance. Crafted as the worthy successor to the SUB 300T Conquistador, the 45mm watch boasts a rugged build with precise timekeeping. Super-Lumni Nova luminescent coating on the hands and indices ensures optimum readability in dark underwater conditions. The model is available with several dial color options and strap options.

Ulysse Nardin Deep Dive 1000M

We’ll cap off the list with a luxury brand. Ulysse Nardin is known for its precise and extremely durable watches, which include the Deep Dive collection—dive watches that are water-resistant to 1000m.
This watch has a helium valve at 9 o’clock, a detachable titanium crown guard, and an expandable rubber strap that allows the wearer to easily adjust around the wrist while wearing a neoprene suit. This has a titanium case, which means it’s lightweight and heavy-duty.
There are currently three models to choose from: The Diver Deep Dive 46mm (the one we discussed above), the Diver Chronometer 44m, which has a velcro closure, and a blue canvas strap with red lining, and the Diver Chronometer 44mm, which is limited to 300 pieces. See all of them here.

12 Best Golf GPS Watches To Improve Your Game in 2021

JoyceG — Tue, 18 Jun 2019 15:03:43 +0000

When it comes to golf, every little accessory you wear or bring and even a little extra weight may matter since it may affect your swing. As such, there is no united resolution on whether or not to wear a watch during a golf game. But, if you want to know more about the golfers’ stand on this, read this post.
Regardless, there is still a market of golfers who prefer to have a watch with them. If you are one of those, then this post is for you. We didn’t just compile some light and good-looking watches. Instead, this list features watches that will help you find a course, measure distances across your course and even record your playing stats.

A golfer at driving range wearing a wristwatch.

Best Golf Watches With GPS

Garmin Approach S62: Premium Pick

Garmin Approach S62, Premium Golf GPS Watch (Image: Amazon)

We start off our list with the technologically impressive Garmin Approach S62.
When it comes to sport-specific smartwatches, Garmin really is ahead of the pack, from swimming to cycling watches, Garmin has cutting-edge features and golf is no exception.
The features you get and the seamless integration with the companion “Gamin Golf” app put it several strokes ahead of the competition. Combine that will the optional accessories such as the CT10 golf club tracking sensors that automatically track every shot you take – on any club (including putts) and you have a tourney-winning combo of hardware and software.
*** Garmin recently came out with an upgraded S62. If you’re considering buying the S60, click here to see a side-by-side comparison of the S60 and S62 to decide if you think the more advanced playing and training features make it worth upgrading to the newer model.
Moving forward, for your golf game, this watch is already loaded with more than 40,000 preloaded golf courses that you will find around the world. You won’t even have to purchase them! The watch even auto-recognizes the course you’re on once you put it on golf mode.
What’s more, since you can already see and load your course on your watch, the touchscreen of Approach S62 also allows you to move the flagstick at any point on the course. By doing this, you’d also be provided the exact distance to the pin.
The Approach S60 can also track and remember your score. It has an AutoShot game tracking that detects your shots and records your scores for each hole. You can check and compare your strokes in each round. You don’t even have to upload your data to your phone or computer right away because the watch itself comes with 1GB of internal memory. But, if you want to compare scores with your golf buddies, the Garmin Connect phone app will make it a lot easier.
Aside from all its smart and helpful features, the overall look of this GPS golf watch would also make you want to wear it even when off the course. It looks great and sleek and comes with convenient QuickFit bands that are comfortable on your wrist. The screen is also large and bright, making it easy for anyone to read the displays even in direct sunlight.
There is so much more to love about this golf watch we could go but you can also check out the full specifications of the Approach S62 on Garmin.com.

Garmin Approach® S60: Runner-Up

If you’re looking for a premium golf watch but don’t need the latest and greatest you could opt for the Garmin Approach S60. You’ll save about $100 off the S62 (based on Garmin’s pricing as of Feb 2021) and still get a feature-packed watch.

Garmin Approach S60, Premium GPS Golf Watch (Image: Amazon)

Golf Features
Other Features
But, the new feature on this watch that most customers really loved is its multi-activity tracker. As such, it is not only useful for your golf games but also for running, swimming, biking, even snowboarding, and rowing!
“Will it last for the whole game or activity?”, you might ask. It sure will! Even though it is packed with smart features, the Approach S60 will last for up to 10 hours even when you’re using the GPS, up to 10 days when in smart mode, and much longer if you’ll use it just as a simple watch. It is packed with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery so you can easily plug it into your computer and any USB-charger.

Samsung Galaxy Active 2 – All-Around Smartwatch

Samsung Galaxy Active 2 (Golf Edition) (Image: Amazon)

For Samsung smartphone owners or any Android user wanting to pair a compatible watch with their phone, it’s definitely worth looking at this special Golf Edition Galaxy Active 2 Watch that Samsung has launched. There’s an LTE version for tether-free calls and messaging, an Under Armour Edition which comes with a built-in running coach, and, our favorite, the golf-edition which is perfect for taking out on the course.
The underlying hardware and build of the watch will be identical to the standard Active Watch 2 with the slim design and touch-sensitive bezel for navigating the interface. It comes with a new rubber strap that is more breathable than the standard Galaxy Active 2 strap and more suited to long games on the course.
There’s a new Smart Caddy app that’s only found in the Gold Edition. This has satellite maps and information for over 40,000 golf courses across the USA and other countries, including distances and views of the green.
The app can use the watch’s GPS to show you how far to the green. You can also track your game and progress using the built-in yardage book which also uses GPS to track the distance that you walk between the shots.

Garmin Approach® X40: Ladies Pick

Garmin Approach X40, GPS Golf Band (Image: Amazon)

See full specs on Tag Heuer | Check eBay

If your leaning towards getting a Garmin golf watch but have smaller wrists or just want something more discreet (and more affordable), take a closer look at the slimmer Garmin Approach® X40.
The features of Approach X40 are very much similar to that of Approach S40, except that its display is rectangular and its band is sleeker. It is perfect for those with smaller wrists and/or female golfers. The downside, however, is that its battery is only good for 5 hours when on GPS mode.
Read more about Approach X40 here on Garmin.com

Bushnell Neo Ion 2 – Budget GPS Watch

Bushnell Neo Ion 2 Golf GPS Watch (Image: Amazon)

Read Amazon Reviews | See on Bushnell Golf

The Bushnell Neo Ion 2 is a Bluetooth-capable GPS golf watch. Bluetooth connectivity is beneficial especially if you install the Bushnell App on your smartphone. Through this, you can choose from more than 36,000 pre-loaded golf courses located from only 30 countries, which is still less compared to the number of pre-loaded courses in Garmin Approach model but still impressive.
Ion 2 can also measure distances with auto-hole advance, calculate shot distances, has an odometer, and step counter. However, there have been concerns that the GPS connectivity may lose at some points. In such instances, you will have to sync your watch with your phone again to find the course and hole you’re playing.
The Ion 2 battery will last for up to 12 hours without having the need to recharge. Another feature that stands out about this GPS golf watch is the reversible strap. Black may be turned to blue, and silver may be turned to green.

Golf Buddy Aim W10 GPS Watch: User-Friendly

Golf Buddy Aim W10 GPS Watch

Primarily, there are two words to describe the Golf Buddy Aim W10 GPS Watch – simple and easy-to-use. It stood on its concept to make the watch simple by not including any online and Bluetooth connectivity, so it is focused on being a GPS golf watch or as a standard watch when off-course.
Making it easy to use is a golf button along the side of the watch face so you can quickly switch to Golf Mode or back to watch mode.
For the Golf Mode, this watch is still equipped with the basic features you need such as the around 40,000 pre-loaded courses in over 170 countries. Automatic course and hole recognition, Green View display, hazard yardage, shot distance calculator, and an odometer.
Its battery will work up to 11 hours Golf mode before (a 2-hour upgrade from the previous Golf Buddy WT6 model) and up to 60 days when in watch mode only.
GolfBuddy also provides a 1-year limited warranty on this W16 so better make sure that your unit is covered especially considering that there have been a significant number of complaints on some W16 units.
Evidently, the GolfBuddy W16 does not intend to compete with the previous Garmin Approach models. Rather, it is designed mainly for new golfers and marketed as an entry-level GPS golf watch. In such a target market, this one won’t disappoint.

Tag Heuer Connected Modular Golf Edition – Luxury Pick

Tag Heuer’s New Golf Watch 2019

Last on the list of best GPS golf watches is one very recently announced by Tag Heuer – the Tag Heuer Connected Modular Golf Edition.
It is mainly designed after the Connected Modular 45, which is one of the most expensive smartwatches you can buy! From its bezel alone, you can instantly see that this smartwatch is dedicated to golfers, which indicates the 18 holes of a typical round. The watch is made of PVD titanium and the strap is made of rubber. There are also green accents along the white strap and watch body.
Alongside the release of this golf watch is the launch of its partner app, the Tag Heuer Golf app. Through this, you can access the watch’s golf features such as the preloaded courses, Green View display, hazard distances, shot distance, and score tracker.
The primary downside of this smartwatch, however, is the price. Because as you might think, it is indeed a luxury golf watch.

TAG Heuer Golf Connected Watch (Image courtesy Tag Heuer)

Garmin Approach® S40

Garmin Approach S40 (Image: Amazon)

Another GPS golf watch from the Garmin Approach collection is the Approach® S40. It comes with a 1.2″ color screen with a sunlight-readable display and quick-release bands so you can easily swap its sporty strap with a more formal band.
Its features are similar to that of Approach S60. It comes with the pre-loaded courses, the Green View that allows you to move the pin and score tracker. The Approach S40 is also equipped with “AutoShot Game Tracking” that can project the distance of your stroke and accurately measure distances from hazards.
For better and more automatic game tracking capabilities, you may connect your Approach S40 to the Approach CT10 club tracking sensor. If you want a CT10 together with your Approach S40, you can directly buy a bundle from Garmin here.
Aside from the C10, you may also connect it to your smartphone so you would always be in touch with your messages, emails, calls, and other important notifications. You may also download the Garmin Golf app on your phone for live scoring and real-time leaderboard updates.
Interestingly, its battery life is quite longer than that of Approach S60. When in GPS mode, the S40 can last up to 15 hours (as compared to S60’s 10hours). On smartwatch mode (What does this mean? Read more about smartwatches here.), the battery is good for 10 days without recharging.
See more details about the Garmin Approach S40 here.

Garmin Approach® S20

Garmin Approach S20, GPS Golf Watch (Image: Amazon)

Another Garmin Approach model that you would love to take to your golf game is the Approach® S20. Unlike the Approach S60 and S40 models that come with a circular display, the S20 showcases a square display although it is still not as sleek as that of X40.
Its features are also mostly similar to that of S60 and S40. It is preloaded with more than 40,000 golf courses (and free course updates), provides the yardage you need about the course, the Green View display to help you through your hole, TruSwing compatibility, and C10 compatibility. (see the Approach S20 & C10 bundle at Garmin.com)
Anyway, what it really boasts of is its battery life of 15 hours (similar to that of Approach S40) when on GPS mode and up to 8 weeks when in using the activity tracking feature.
See more detailed specs of the Approach S20 on Garmin.com

Garmin Approach® S10

Garmin Approach S10 (Image: Amazon)

The last of the Approach models for this review is the Approach® S10. Because of its square display, it looks very similar to Garmin Approach S20. Its design is a lot simpler, although it’s fashioned after the Apple Watch.
It comes with a 1.3″ sunlight-readable screen. However, at the onset, you must know that it is not a touchscreen. Rather, to navigate it, you will have to use the four buttons located at the sides of the watch face.
Regardless, the Approach S10 is also equipped with features that you’ll appreciate during your golf game – pre-loaded courses, yardages, and score tracker. You can even upload your scorecards to Garmin Express and participate compete with the top players on the leaderboards of the Garmin Golf app.
When in GPS mode, the rechargeable battery can last for 12 hours. Also, the watch is water-resistant up to 50 meters deep (rated 5 ATM).
See full specs of the Approach S10 on Garmin.com

Garmin Approach® X10

Garmin Approach X10 GPS Golf Band (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon |See on Garmin

If the Approach S10 still seems to be too big for you, Garmin has a slimmer version as well – the Approach® X10.
Although slimmer, you might be surprised to know that the X10 is actually designed with a touchscreen display. It is also packed with intelligent golf-related features such as the 41,000 preloaded courses, Green View display, and distance.
You may also use the Garmin Express to find new courses and it updates for free. Its water rating is also 5 ATM, meaning its resistant to water up to 50 meters deep. Its battery, on the other hand, can go for 23 days if used as a standard watch and up to 12 hours when on GPS golf mode.
See the full specs of the Approach X10 on Garmin.com

TomTom Golfer 2

TomTom Golfer 2 GPS Watch (Click to see more images on Amazon)

Read Amazon Reviews | See on TomTom

The TomTom Golfer 2 is the improved version of its predecessor, the TomTom Golfer golf watch. It is also equipped with the basic features you’d expect from a GPS golf watch – hazard yardage measurement, auto-shot detector, score tracker, more than 40,000 pre-loaded golf courses, and activity tracker.
However, the auto-shot detector is not very accurate since it detects other movements at times. It also has a Green View function but was found to be not very helpful. Another low point for this golf watch is that it is not a touchscreen.
Nevertheless, it has a battery that can last for 11 hours when using GPS, interchangeable bands with a tri-fold closure system for better hold on your wrist; sleek design; and water resistance up to 40 meters.

Golfer Checking GPS Watch For Distance

What About Garmin TruSwing sensors?

**We had recommended getting the TruSwing sensor in the past as a great accessory for the Approach watches but as of early 2021, these have been permanently discontinued.
If you’re looking for the ultimate golf combo, the Garmin Approach S60 is compatible with the TruSwing sensor that analyzes your swing speed, club path, club head tempo, and even your shaft angle. The sensor easily mounts right on your club just below your grip and sends tons of useful data about your golf swing to your wrist.
You can also see the data on your smartphone or tablet including a 3D rendering of your shot and the ability to compare to past shots with the same club. Although you may buy and use the Approach S60 without this accessory, it’s a great training aid that can help you improve swing and take strokes off your game.
Here is a quick video that shows some of the features of the sensor.
(Please note, the Approach models have all been updated. The video refers to a small number of previous models, but there are currently many Garmin watches and devices that are compatible (see the current list of devices compatible with TruSwing on Garmin.com)
The watch is also compatible with other Bluetooth-ready devices, such as your phone. As such, you can access and read your messages and emails, answer phone calls, and control your song playlist.

One Golf Watch To Avoid:

As you search for an affordable GPS golf watch, you might also encounter the GT1+ Golf Watch from POSMA. Based on its advertised specs, you may think that this watch looks very promising especially considering its price. However, such is not the case. There is a surprisingly high percentage of bad reviews on Amazon, with many buyers stating that this watch disappoints and does not function as you’d expect it to.
Among the most common feedback is that the GT1+ suddenly stops working properly after a month or less. This is due to various reasons – for some, the battery will not charge anymore; others complain that there’s a problem with the memory that can’t be resolved; there are also instances that the watch needs to be connected to PC but the watch will still not sync. There are also reviews that the course information is not accurate.
So, if you want a reliable and accurate GPS golf watch, we recommend you choose one from one of the watches we presented here (or their previous versions). You may also look for other golf watch models from the brands mentioned here, or from other well-known golf brands or watch brands.
Conclusion
Whether you are a beginner just trying to avoid the hazards on the course and figure out how to deal with doglegs or an advanced golfer looking to dial in your shot slightly closer to the pin, you’d find a watch that will suit you and will provide the data that you will need. And hopefully, you’ll be able to improve and develop your golf skills from the first tee to the final green. But these watches are not just about the features. Even when off-course, these watches come in great design and look stylish.

11 Best Triathlon Watches in 2021 {GPS, Waterproof & Heart Rate}

TickTock — Mon, 13 May 2019 08:57:50 +0000

Understandably, triathlon racers want to find the best sports watch for the budget that offers the most features This is where the multi-sports smartwatch comes into play. These feature-packed watches allow you to keep track of your progress during the triathlon, but it also comes with several helpful features that help track recovery time, pulse ox and even hydration alerts.
In this list, we cover the most basic but reliable watches like the ever-popular (and aptly named) Timex Ironman that provides 30 lap memory, workout timer, 100-meter water Resistance your swim workouts, and an Indiglo® backlight for evening runs.
On the other end of the spectrum, we’ve covered some of the best high-end sports smartwatches on the market, such as the Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar with its built-in full-color topo maps, wrist-based heart rate, and optional Pulse Ox Acclimation feature to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels.
Quick Picks

Whether you’re looking for a basic watch under $50 or are willing to invest in the latest and greatest smartwatch will the latest performance metrics available on the market, we’ve got you covered.

Complete your run with the right watch | Photo Credit: RUN 4 FFWPU

Have I piqued your interest? Well, then let us head on straight to our list of the best triathlon watches available in the market today.

Best Triathlon Watches

Timex Ironman Classic 30 – Budget Pick

Timex Men’s T5E901 Ironman Classic 30 (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon | See on Timex

If you are looking for an affordable yet top-notch triathlon watch, then look no further than the Timex Ironman Classic. At a very affordable entry-level price, it still delivers several features that will be of great help during triathlons.
The Timex Ironman Classic is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Learning how to navigate its features is intuitive. The watch comes with a 30-lap memory, which gives you more than enough space to store data regarding your performance.
Note that the incredibly affordable price tags mean that you won’t be able to take advantage of other modern features. The Timex Ironman Classic is primarily for tracking your performance. It does not connect to apps, and it does not feature heart rate monitors.
All in all, the Timex Ironman Classic is a great beginner triathlon watch that allows you to keep track of the basics. It is affordable, well-made, and reliable when it comes to assisting with your performance during such events: no fancy bells and whistles, just the bare essentials.
Click here to see the full line of Ironman watches on Timex.com including sleek, mid-sized, full, and oversized styles depending on your personal taste. If you’re looking for more features and GPS, you could also upgrade to the Ironman GPS watch which is still very affordable compared to other GPS watches.
Pros:

Extensive 30-lap memory.
Water-resistant and shock-resistant.
Battery life can last up to a full decade.
Extremely affordable price tag.

Cons:

Limited features

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar – High-End Pick

Garmin Fenix 6 Pro Solar

See on Amazon | See on Garmin

Garmin is a market leader in multi-sports smartwatches and the newest Fenix 6X Pro Solar is the latest and greatest.
In 2020, Garmin launched a new solar-powered line of smartwatches, including this newest generation of the Fenix.
The new solar power is a game-changer when it comes to battery life, the Fenix 6X Pro Solar can last up to three days with adequate solar charging.
Pulse OX monitor, altitude acclimation, and heart rate are just some of the features that triathletes will find useful apart from the fact that there is a dedicated Triathlon Training mode on the watch
You can also use Garmin’s PacePro training program that analyzes elevation changes along the course to adjust calculations and pace strategy to increase or decrease pace based on your current altitude.
You’ll also get top-notch navigational capabilities thanks to its GPS that utilizes GLONASS, Galileo, and GPS satellites and topographical maps built into its memory The navigational system comes with a barometer, altimeter, gyroscope, and 3-axis compass.
The build quality is rugged with a stainless steel bezel and watch specs that meet U.S. military standards for thermal, shock and water resistance.
Additional everyday features such as the Garmin Pay contactless payment and compatibility with popular music streaming services make this a great all-around smartwatch even when you’re not training.
The Fenix 6X Pro is too rich for your budget, check out the previous model, the Fenix 5X Plus. Although it lacks the battery life that the new solar version offers, it does deliver similar features at a more affordable price point, especially now that it’s no longer the flagship model.

Garmin Forerunner 735XT – Best Overall Value

Garmin Forerunner 735XT (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon | Buy on Garmin.com

Garmin Forerunner 735XT offers the best value for money with its budget-friendly price tag and an impressive array of features. The 735XT comes in two variants: the stand-alone unit and the tri-bundle that includes a chest strap and the HRM-Swim accessory.
The HRM-Swim variant is designed to be used for swimming and is constructed to be resistant to chemical damage. While the Tri-bundle improves the 735XT, this does not mean that the stand-alone version is lackluster. Far from it. The 735XT is already a solid triathlon sports watch on its own and will be able to provide an excellent and reliable experience in this area, even without the additional accessories.
The watch also comes in with a water-resistant ATM rating of 50 meters, a good number for those who will be using it for swimming. It comes with a variety of modes designed to accommodate you during specific activities such as running, cycling, and swimming. The running mode is excellent for tracking progress, while the cycling mode can monitor distance. The cycling mode is also compatible with the Vector app.
The 735XT is a sleek and lightweight sports and tracking watch that is as well-rounded as they come in this category. There is an issue with its battery life though, as utilizing every available feature can quickly drain the power within hours of use. Other than that, the Garmin Forerunner 735XT is a solid choice for individuals looking for a reliable fitness tracking, and sports watch to accompany them when participating in a triathlon.
See Full Specs of the Forerunner 735XT on Garmin.com
Pros:

It offers impressive versatility with the Tri-bundle version.
It is lightweight and compact.
Solid construction.
Reliable tracking capabilities.

Cons:

Battery life is disappointingly short if you turn on all features simultaneously.

Garmin is a frequently seen brand at triathlons, like this finalist medal in Barcelona. Image: Image by cesardv

Polar Vantage V

POLAR VANTAGE V

Check Price on Amazon | See on Polar.com

Another high-end fitness and sports watch that is among the most popular in the market today; the Polar Vantage V is a slightly more substantial variation of the Vantage M. However, this added weight should not be considered as a downside. In exchange for this heavier design are additional and improved features that make the Vantage V into a veritable powerhouse.
When it comes to features, the Vantage V has the standard GPS and GPS tracking functionality. Additional features include a heart rate monitor powered by precision prime technology for higher accuracy. It also comes with a barometric measurement function and an easy-to-use touchscreen control configuration.
A unique feature that it has is the Recovery Pro. What this feature does is help you get the proper recovery period in between each exercise or activity. A nice feature to have to prevent injuries due to over-exercising your body.
Surprisingly enough, it still has one more trick up its sleeves in the form of the Running Power Meter feature. This mode helps track in great detail how the users exert energy during activities from running to biking. This is a new tracking feature that can help deliver valuable data to triathlon participants on how they should conduct their training to optimize results.
See more details about the Vantage V on Polar.com
Pros:

Highly durable construction with a touchscreen made from Gorilla glass.
Accurate H10 Bluetooth heart rate monitor.
Unique running power meter feature.

Cons:

The screen display can sometimes get unreadable when under bright lights.

Garmin Forerunner 935 Running GPS

Garmin Forerunner 935 (Image: Amazon)

The Forerunner 935 is undoubtedly one of Garmin’s top releases. From its sleek and unassuming design to its multitude of features, the Forerunner 935 is among the best triathlon watches that you can get your hands on.
The battery life of the Forerunner 935 clocks in at an impressive 24-hours with GPS navigation turned on. The Forerunner 935 comes with features that allow you to track your performance during physical activities.
It can help track your pace during running and can count the number of strokes you perform during a swim. It offers wearers in-depth data about their performance during such activities to assist in developing the best possible pace.
The Forerunner 935 is also compatible with chest strap heart rate monitors. It also covers a variety of sports when it comes to its ability to track performance, not just for running, cycling, and swimming.
The Forerunner 935 can also connect to your Wi-Fi to download more features/fitness programs to help you develop your training regimen.
See more details about the Forerunner 935 on Garmin.com
Pros:

It has a highly accurate GPS navigation system.
You can use a variety of training programs.
Sleek and lightweight design.
Compatible with third-party apps and accessories.

Cons:

It only comes in one size.

Suunto Spartan Sports Wrist HR

SUUNTO Spartan Sport (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon | See on eBay

As you would expect from a high-end Suunto sports watch, the Spartan comes with top-of-the-line battery life and a robust built-in monitor. But what else does it have under the hood? First off, the overall appearance of the Spartan makes it ideal for casual wear as well. Tough as nails and design for the outdoors, the Spartan lives up to its name.
It has a GPS navigation system that is quite fast to connect and provide real-time updates. It also comes with a bezel, which is not a standard feature you will find in a smartwatch but is a welcome inclusion.
The battery life of the Spartan is currently clocked in at 12-hours in training mode. That is a pretty substantial number for a triathlon watch. It also has a 100-meter water resistance making it an excellent watch for a variety of water sports.
The training mode we pointed out earlier can also accommodate up to 80 activities. That amount pretty much covers every single outdoor sport and exercise you can shake a stick at. The Spartan does look more massive than its competitors, but it is surprisingly lighter. All in all, this is another solid triathlon watch from Suunto.
Pros:

Excellent and accurate fitness tracking program.
It can connect to your smartphone and provide smart notifications on the fly.
Users get a selection of up to 80 sports mode.

Cons:

The display screen might be too small for other’s liking.

Garmin Vivoactive 3, GPS Watch

Garmin vívoactive 3 (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon | See on Garmin

For those looking for another budget-friendly option, the Garmin Vivoactive 3 is also a good option that you should check out. Not only is the Vivoactive 3 one of the more affordable fitness tracking sports watch, but it is also incredibly easy to use. Navigating through the built-in apps is a breeze.
Garmin also allows users to fully customize what apps are installed as well the having near countless options for the face watch. This high level of customization is great for people like me who enjoy personalizing different kinds of stuff.
The Vivoactive3 comes with 15 pre-installed programs for a variety of sports and physical activities such as running, biking, and swimming. It has the VO2 app that helps track your fitness training progress accurately. It also comes with the Optical Heart Rate monitor program.
Another convenient feature included in the Vivoactive3 watch is its Garmin Pay functionality. This feature allows users to pay for items with their Vivoactive three instead of cash. This can make outdoor activities significantly more convenient.
See Full Specs of the Vivoactive3 on Garmin.com
Pros:

Comes ready with the Garmin Pay App.
Well-made fitness watch.
Fully customizable apps and face watch.

Cons:

Not all credit cards can be linked to the Garmin Pay app.

Suunto Ambit3 Peak HR Running GPS

SUUNTO Ambit3 (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon | See on eBay

Suunto is another famous sports watchmaker, and it is clear they brought their A-game with the Ambit3 Peak. It comes with a built-in heart rate monitor, which helps track your ideal pace and gives an accurate display of your BPM. It is packed with features, and while the design of the watch itself is rather bulky, it more than makes up for it with its features.
The Ambit3 Peak is water-resistant for up to 100-meters. It also has an internal compass, which will be of excellent service when participating in triathlons. It is also Bluetooth-ready and can connect to your smartphone without issue. The Ambit3 Peak is also known for having one of the best batteries for a sports watch clocking in at 200-hours.
It also displays current and future weather forecasts, a great feature to have when camping. Additional features include a barometer and an altimeter.
Pros:

Durable design thanks to the steel bezel and scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass.
Bluetooth connection capability is top-notch.
The Suunto Movescount app has voice guidance features.

Cons:

It has a rather large design.

Coros Apex Premium Multisport Watch Trainer

COROS APEX Pro Premium Multisport GPS Watch

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The Coros APEX may not be as well-known as the other watches in this list but consider it as a hidden gem. This sports watch is designed to provide convenience for both veteran and beginner marathon/triathlon runners alike. The APEX watch trainer is available in two sizes as well for those who prefer a smaller or larger sports watch.
The features that come with the APEX are top-tier stuff. Users will get the standard GPS navigation system along with a heart rate monitor, compass, and altimeter. It utilizes satellite technology to provide an accurate location in a matter of seconds.
One of the unique features found in APEX is the Coros’ Intelligent Stride Algorithm. This program helps to track every detail of your run. This algorithm helps keep track of your movement even if you go through an area with a weak internet connection.
For runners who want to get every necessary detail simultaneously, you will be happy to learn that the APEX features a 5-in1 display screen. The screen will be able to display all the information required during your jog or run at the same time from heart rate to lap time.
Connecting the APEX to your smartphone via the Coros app will also allow you to check any progress you are getting from your exercise. You can also join the APEX to third-party fitness apps like Strava.
Pros:

Impressive battery life.
Built-in heart rate monitor.
It comes with a slew of programs and other sports/fitness tracking apps.
Utilizes user-friendly UI.

Cons:

Reasonably limited in terms of activities supported. It is restricted to running, cycling, and swimming.
It does not have a web platform.

TomTom Multisport GPS Watch and Heart Rate Monitor

TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon

The TomTom Multisport GPS Watch is an excellent choice for beginners who are still not quite sure with a triathlon watch. This sports watch comes with all the standard triathlon watch features, such as progress tracking. It also comes with a Virtual Companion app that helps you develop the right training routine.
This sports watch comes with GPS navigating technology and a one-button control that should prevent accidentally pressing the wrong button when navigating the programs. This watch also comes with smart connectivity and is compatible with different platforms.
The large screen of the TomTom Multisport GPS also allows for easily readable displays. This is a pretty straightforward fitness tracking, and sports watch, a good choice for those who prefer a simple companion during training.
Pros:

It uses simple and easy one-button control.
It comes with vibration notification capability.
The slim and lightweight design makes it ideal for runners.

Cons:

Has issues tracking data when swimming.

Polar V800 GPS Sports Watch

Polar V800 GPS Sports Watch (Image: Amazon)

Check Price on Amazon

The Polar V800 is designed to handle the roughest of activities that triathlon can throw at you. The glass is durable and scratch-resistant material with a high-contrast display, which helps improve visibility even under sunlight.
It comes with a standard GPS navigation system that incorporates a barometric altimeter that helps track your location during uphill and downhill hikes. The GPS navigation system comes with everything you need to help plan out your route, track your progress (steps and speed), and show you an updated distance between your current location and the checkpoint.
You can also fully customize your profile in the V800. You can customize three profiles to cover every three laps in a triathlon, a nifty feature to help you keep track of your progress during this event. This feature alone makes the V800 an excellent choice for both beginners and veteran participants of triathlons.
As for additional features, the V800 comes with the Bluetooth H7 heart monitor. This feature can help track your BPM during physically strenuous activities and assist you in developing a good pace. It is also water-resistant for up to 30-meters.
Pros:

It comes with three customizable profiles for use during triathlons.
Bluetooth H7 heart rate monitor.
Sturdy scratch-resistant glass.

Cons:

- It does not have a wrist heart monitor.
- This is one of the older models out there.

Buyer’s Guide for Triathlon Watches

Taking part in a triathlon is no simple feat. You will need to be physically and mentally prepared before the event. That means months of intense training to ensure your body will be up to the task. Whether you’re racing in a Sprint distance triathlon, Olympic, or the coveted full Ironman, the distances and level of fitness required to complete one of these events are daunting.
Apart from the physical abuse that you’re body goes through while training for one of these races, the damage to your wallet can also be quite painful. Not only do the registration fees for events continue to rise, but the total cost of preparing for a triathlon (running shoes, a quality road bike, nutrition, etc) can also require some smart budgeting.
Faced with all those costs, u

Woman starting the bike segment of the race. Image by Dimitris Vetsikas

If you are planning on participating in triathlon and want to use triathlon watches, there are several features that it must include. Why leave anything to chance when there is a reliable device that can help you through the event, a device that is exceptionally lightweight and compact and will not hinder your performance but help optimize it? We will be listing essential functions that a triathlon watch must have down below:

Do you use a triathlon watch? | Photo Credit: Pixabay

GPS Navigating System

This feature is one of the key features that any good triathlon watch has. By having a reliable and accurate GPS, you can easily track your current progress and adjust your pace to optimize your energy during the triathlon, helping prevent you from expending too much power at an inopportune moment of the race.

Durability and Water Resistance

Triathlons can be quite a physically taxing event. You will be pushed to your absolute limit as you make your way through challenging terrain. Having a triathlon watch that can withstand such abuse is a no-brainer.
You will need a sturdy watch to conquer such a tough event. Sports watches with bezels, scratch-resistant and anti-glare glass, and high water resistance are all essential characteristics to have.

Battery Life

Triathlons usually take up to 12 hours to complete; as such, you need a triathlon watch that can survive that long on a single charge. Make sure that the sports watch can deliver the maximum amount of battery life even with several features such as GPS tracking is turned on.
Some smartwatches will see a considerable drop in battery life; the more apps are used. Fortunately, this is not the case with all sports smartwatches in the market.

Connectivity with Triathlon Apps

Check for multisport features. If the triathlon watch is compatible with third-party workout apps, then that is a better choice. Triathlon and workout apps are invaluable when it comes to their ability to offer improved convenience during these sorts of events. You can easily pace yourself properly with the right triathlon app by your side. Some of the most common apps include Strava and the Swim.com app.
How much to spend on a good triathlon watch?

Triathletes starting the swim portion of the race. Image: Image by skeeze

Many outsiders think that an event that is “just” running, swimming, and biking would be cheap. But anyone that has actually participated in a race knows that gear adds up: ever-increasing cost of registration entry fees, running shoes, and a decent road bike, not to mention travel costs to and from the event and more hidden costs such as nutrition, supplements, personal training, and gym fees.
So with all that in mind, many triathletes hesitate to drop a bunch of cash on a high-end smartwatch. However, given the useful info, you can get from a top watch such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, or more advanced features like pulse-ox readings, the value is more evident. However, the price on some of these watches can be prohibitive ($500+ range)and we understand that not all racers are willing to spend that much or may not see the value in having all the latest and greatest features. Because of that, we’ve included everything from the most basic (and reliable) Timex that you can get for around $35 to the top-of-the-line smartwatches from brands including Suunto, Garmin, and Polar.
Conclusion
Triathlon is designed to push the physical body to its limits; having a triathlon watch along with you can help optimize your run and improve your chances of finishing such a challenging event. Hopefully, this list has helped you in choosing the best triathlon watch that suits your needs and is within your budget.

Monitor your activity while running | Photo Credit: RUN 4 FFWPU

15 Best Dive Watches Under $500 in 2022

TickTock — Thu, 11 Apr 2019 09:57:06 +0000

While iconic watches like the Rolex Submariner or the Omega Seamaster have set the standards as some of the best dive watches, most of our readers would not actually spend that much on a watch.
The good news is that there are plenty of good quality, affordable dive watches to choose from in the sub-$500 range. We’ve narrowed down the options to include watches from Japanese brands, Seiko and Citizen, two of the most prominent brands when it comes to budget-friendly diver’s watches. We also found a few Swiss-made dive watches that came in within our budget.
All of the watches below are waterproof rated to 200m, a feature you’d expect from a quality dive watch.
So here is a closer look at our list of best dive watches under $500.
Quick Recommendations

(Last Updated: March 2022, all these watches were selling for $500 or less. Prices may have fluctuated since then, possibly pushing them over the original budget. We’ve also included watches at the lower range for decent dive watches to provide affordable options for everyone’s budget).

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Best Dive Watches Under $500

Casio 200M Duro Dive Watch (MDV106-1AV)

Casio Duro Dive Watch (MDV106-1AV 200M)