omega yachting watch

Regatta Yachttimers

An overview of sailing regatta watches.

Omega was founded in 1848 in Biel, Switzerland, by Louis Brandt and is today part of the Swatch Group. The brand has participated actively in some of the most challenging and fascinating adventures in the human history. In 1932 Omega introduced the world’s first divers’ watch and the brand has been active in underwater adventures ever since. And who doesn’t know the Speedmaster which was strapped to the outside of Buzz Aldrin’s spacesuit, being the the first watch ever worn on the moon, on July 21, 1969.

One of the earlier models related to sailing was the Omega Seamaster Chronostop , ref. ST 145.008, with an internal rotating bezel (via the crown at 10 o’clock) with a coloured 15 minute regatta scale that could be set for the regatta countdown. There was also an Omega Seamaster Chronostop Bullhead , ref. ST 146.011, with a 15 minute subdial, divided into 3 different coloured segments of 10 minutes each. A bit of a strange combination is the later Omega Seamaster Soccer , ref. ST 145.019, also with a rotating bezel with regatta scale. Apparently for both soccer and for yachting?

Omega Seamaster Chronostop, Chronostop Bullhead and Soccer, all with regatta scale.

In 1930, Omega and Tissot united to form an important Swiss watch group, the Société Suisse pour l’Industrie Horlogére SA (SSIH). Though both brands remained independent, they were also joined in the group by Lemania in 1932 and the SSIH-group would eventually grow into the Swatch Group that we know today. It is therefor understandable that Lemania movements appeared in watches of all three brands, and also that Lemania produced some of the cases too. One example is the  Seamaster Yachting   (with Lemania 1341 = Omega 1040 movement) with a 15 minute regatta scale along the outer edge of the dial.

Omega Seamster Yachting, in steel and gold-plated.

Model: Omega Seamaster Yachting .

• Reference: ST 176.0010.
• Caliber: automatic Lemania 1341 movement (Omega 1040).
• Case size: barrel shape 43 x 43 mm.
• Year: 1973/1974.

You can read an excellent review by Ilias Giannopoulos about the Omega Seamaster Yachting here .

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

Only very rarely have I seen an  Omega Regatta , with the Lemania 1345 movement as probably very few were sold. The left picture below was taken at the Omega museum. Like the Heuer version, Omega counts the seconds up from zero to 60, instead of down from 60 to zero as the Aquastar, Tissot and Lemania models do. The caseback is unbranded, and the rotor is signed ‘Lemania’.

The Omega Regatta with Lemania 1345 movement.

Model: Omega Regatta .

• Caliber: automatic Lemania 1345 fly-back movement.
• Case size: Ø 42 mm / H 15 mm.
• Year: late 1970’s.

For a description of the Lemania caliber 1345 go to the Aquastar 1970′s section .

In the book ‘Omega – A Journey Through Time’   by Marco Richon, the author explains that the Lemania Regatta   was the forerunner   for the later  Omega Seamaster Apnea , the version with a 2×7 minutes counter used for diving.

Omega Seamaster Apnea.

There’s also a picture of the Omega Regatta   in this book. So far the only version I have seen is with a black dial and has golden screws.

x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x – x

In 2003  Omega extended its Seamaster line with the Racing America’s Cup Chronograph , in celebration of the partnership with Team New Zealand and of its role as official timekeeper of the America’s Cup in 2003. It was available in steel or titanium, with either a metal bracelet or a rubber strap with buckle. The watches were released by Omega as officially certified chronometer.

Omega Seamster Racing America’s Cup chronograph with steel case and rubber strap.

Model: Omega Seamaster Racing America’s Cup chronograph .

• Reference: 2269.50.00 titanium case, bezel and bracelet
•                   2969.50.91 titanium case and bezel, and black rubber strap
•                   2569.50.00 steel case, black bezel and steel bracelet.
•                   2869.50.91 steel case, black bezel and black rubber strap.
• Caliber: Omega 3602 (automatic ETA 2892-A2 movement with a Dubois-Dépraz 2027 regatta module).
• Case size: Ø 44 mm / H 16,3 mm.
• Year: 2003.

A year later the model was replaced by the Omega Seamaster Racing 300 M , also available in either steel or titanium. The only difference was on the dial:  ‘AMERICA’S CUP’ is now replaced by ‘300 m/1000 ft’.

Omega Seamaster Racing America’s Cup and Seamaster Racing 300 M.

Model: Omega Seamaster Racing 300 M .

• Reference: 2269.52.00 titanium case, bezel and bracelet; phase-out 2008.
•                   2969.52.91 titanium case and bezel, and black rubber strap; phase-out 2008.
•                   2569.52.00 steel case, black bezel and steel bracelet.
•                   2869.52.91 steel case, black bezel and black rubber strap.
• Year: 2004/2010.

How the countdown function works:

This Omega 3602 regatta movement differs from other timers as in addition to a regatta module, it also has a fully operational chronograph! It was developed by Dubois-Dépraz in 1993 and first used by Piquot Meridien, read here .

The watch has the crown to set the time at 3 o’clock, and two pushers for the countdown and chronograph functions; one pusher at 2 o’clock for start/stop and another at 4 o’clock for reset. There are five round holes cut out of the dial, between 10 and 2 o’clock, and the indicator disk coloured black, blue, and red sits underneath. Besides the indicator disk the chronograph also has a large center second hand, a subdial at 9 o’clock with a 30 minutes register (of which the first 5 minutes are coloured blue, and the second 5 minutes red, just like the indicator disk), and a subdial at 6 o’clock with a 12 hour register. The subdial at 3 o’clock shows the running seconds.

After the chronograph has been reset, the five dots on the dial turn black. When the chrono is activated the countdown starts, the sweep hand is set in motion and the indicator disk runs continuously clockwise. After one minute the first dot turns blue,  and the 30 minutes register counts 1 minute. After five minutes all 5 dots are blue, and after the 6th minute the first dot turns red while the other 4 dots remain blue. And after 10 minutes all 5 dots have turned red.

Unless you push the stop pusher and stop the chronograph, the indicator disk continues to rotate and so after another 5 minutes the dots are all black, and the cycle starts again. So the regatta countdown function can be used for a 10 minute start as well as for a 15 minute start.

• Make: Dubois-Dépraz.
• Caliber: Omega 3602.
• Type: automatic chronograph with yachttimer function.
• Size: 13,25″  Ø 30,00 mm / H 8 mm.
• Frequency: 28.800 A/h.
• Power reserve: 40 hours.
• Jewels: 39.
• Shock protection: incabloc.

Base caliber is an ETA 2892-A2 movement with a DD 2027 regatta module integrated.

In 2006 Omega presented the Seamaster NZL-32 chronograph , named after the boat that won the America’s Cup in 1995, in honour of Emirates Team New Zealand and to mark its role as the team’s official watch.

Omega Seamaster NZL-32 with steel bracelet or rubber strap.

Model: Omega Seamaster NZL-32 Chrono 150 M.

• Reference: 2513.30.00 steel case with steel bracelet.
•                   2813.30.81 steel case with rubber strap.
• Case size: Ø 42,2 mm / H 15,6 mm.
• Year: as of 2007/2010. Not shown in the 2010/2 catalogue.

Ad for the Omega Seamaster NZL-32 chronograph, in magazine Nautique 3/2007.

The Omega Seamaster NZL-32 Chrono 150 M   is similar to the Racing models but has a more stylish case with a fixed bezel. The movement is the same automatic Omega 3602, but the chronograph module is inverted so while the crown to set the time is still at 3 o’clock, the pushers for start/stop and reset are now at 8 o’clock and 10 o’clock respectively.

The indicator disk isn’t black/blue/red on this model, but silver/blue/red as the dial is also in a silver colour. The five openings in the dial are not between 10 and 2 o’clock, but between 7 and 11 o’clock which makes the regatta countdown a bit more difficult to read, but in terms of its operation, it works the same as in the Racing models.

In 2013 Omega is again supporting the yachtsmen of Emirates Team New Zealand with their entry to the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco, with the  Seamaster Diver ETNZ Limited Edition . This special edition chronograph features a red five-minute countdown tracker on the 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock, and is limited to 2013 copies. The watch is presented on a black rubber strap and comes with a stainless steel bracelet as well.

Also in the collection is an Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Regatta   featuring a yellow five-minute countdown tracker on the 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock, and is presented on a stainless steel bracelet.

 Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Regatta and the Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ Limited Edition.

Model: Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Regatta  and Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ Limited edition.

• Reference: 212.30.44.50.01.002 steel case and bracelet, with black dial and yellow markings
•                   212.32.44.50.01.001 steel case with black rubber strap, with black dial and red markings,
•                   the ETNZ logo on the back side with the text ‘Challenger for the 34 th America’s Cup’,
•                   limited to 2013 copies.
• Caliber: Omega Co-Axial 3330 automatic movement with chronograph function.
• Case size: Ø 44 mm / H 17,3 mm.
• Year: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Subdial at 3 o’clock with 5 minutes regatta indicator.

In 2015 Omega announced their continued sponsorship of the Emirates Team New Zealand and their challenge for the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017.

For this occasion Omega has launched a new version of the Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ , with reference number 212.92.44.50.99.001. The watch has a titanium case with a black ceramic rotating bezel, a sand-blasted titanium dial, a rubber strap, and a slightly different 5 minute regatta countdown indicator at the 3 o’clock subdial.

In 2017 again Omega will be supporting Emirates Team New Zealand at the 35th America’s Cup in June, a partnership that began in 1995. As part of this support for the New Zealand crew, Omega has unveiled two new timepieces.

The first watch, the Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph with ref. 318.92.45.79.01.001, is the model that each crew member will wear during the race. It is powered by the multi-functional quartz chronograph movement, OMEGA calibre 5620, with regatta functions CTD (countdown) and RAC (race). The LGB (logbook) function allows two races to be recorded with 10 buoy recordings each. If you want to know exactly how it works, you can download the Instructions Manual here .

The Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph is produced as a limited edition of 2017 pieces. The caseback is stamped with an Emirates Team new Zealand logo and engraved with the text ‘Challenger for the 35th America’s Cup, as well as the limited edition number.

Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph 45 mm, Limited Edition.

Model: Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph 45 mm .

• Reference: 318.92.45.79.01.001. titanium case, black dial and nylon fabric strap.
•                   limited to 2017 copies.
• Caliber: Omega 5620 thermo-compensated quartz movement with special functions.
• Case size: Ø 45 mm / H … mm.
• Year: 2017.

Omega’s second watch for the 35th edition of the America’s Cup is the Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ with ref. 215.92.46.22.01.004, based on the Seamaster Planet Ocean ‘Deep Black’ Master Chronometer (Certified Master chronograph, depth-rate of 600 meters, GMT hand, Helium Valve crown). Although this watch is not a real Regatta Yachttimer, it has an unidirectional rotating bezel with a coloured 15 minute regatta scale (last 5 minutes written START).

The caseback of this Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ has a similar centered logo and engraving as on the Speedmaster X-33 Regatta . This time, the Emirates Team New  Zealand has been engraved in red on the black ceramic caseback.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ.

Model: Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean ETNZ .

• Reference: 215.92.46.22.01.004. black ceramic case, black dial and nylon fabric strap.
• Caliber: Omega 8906 self winding chronograph.
• Case size: Ø 45,5 mm / H … mm.

In 2020 Omega announced the brand will once again be the official timekeeper for the 36th edition of the America’s Cup. This will be the third time after having already timed the races in 2000 and 2003. The 36th America’s Cup will be sailed early 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand. Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) will be the defending yacht, and will compete with team Luna Rossa from Italy, winner of the Prada Cup (the Challenger Selection Series). After a series of ten races it was again Emirates Team New Zealand who gained as first the necessary seven points (final result 7-3) to win the 36th America’s Cup 2021!

The first watch Omega released for the occasion, is the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M America’s Cup Edition.

Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M America’s Cup edition.

The watch has a standard automatic movement (caliber Omega 8900) and no special countdown feature, except for a 5/10 minutes counter on the unidirectional rotating bezel. The bezel is made from polished blue ceramic, filled with white (first five countdown minutes) and red (next five countdown minutes) liquid ceramic segments for the yachttimer scale. Followed by the START indication representing literally the start of the regatta. The saffire caseback shows the famous “Auld Mug” trophy, as well as the text ’36th America’s Cup, Auckland 2021′.  The watch is produced as a Limited Edition of 2021 copies.

Model:  Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M America’s Cup edition .

• Reference: 215.32.43.21.04.001 steel case, white dial and textured blue and red rubber strap.
•                   limited to 2021 copies.
• Caliber: automatic Omega 8900 movement.
• Case size: Ø 43,5 mm / H 16,0 mm.
• Year: 2020.

In 2021 Omega released a second model to commemorate the 36th America’s Cup, and to celebrate the brand’s long-standing partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand: the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup edition. The watch is based on the chronograph Seamaster Diver 300M that was introduced in 2019. Eye-ketching is the red anodized aluminium central seconds chronograph hand which features a little America’s Cup on the counterweight, and the red (start/stop) and blue (reset) soft-touch pushers in rubber. On the caseback ’36th America’s Cup’ and ‘Auckland 2021’ in engraved (filled with blue laquer).

Omega Seamaster Diver 300MAmerica’s Cup edition.

The 3 o’clock subdial features the countdown indicator for a 10 minutes regatta start. In the same subdial at the bottom is a cutout window showing the chronograph hours register, by means of an internal hour disk underneath the dial. Although the watch is classed as a Special Edition, it does not have a limited production run.

Model:  Omega Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup edition .

• Reference: 210.30.44.51.03.002 steel case and bracelet, blue dial and an additional rubber strap.
• Caliber: automatic Omega 9900 chronograph movement.
• Case size: Ø 44,0 mm / H 17,0 mm.
• Year: 2021.

Omega’s new Quick Change system on straps and bracelets.

Every watch is delivered with a blue striped rubber strap and a steel bracelet. Both have the new unique Omega Quick Change system for an easy and fast exchange between the two. This could well be a new standard for future watches.

• Many thanks to Henrik (Heuerchrono.com) for the copied page from your Omega book.
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_watch .
• http://www.omegawatches.com/  and Omega’s official press kits.
• http://www.swisstime.ch/en-OMEGA-m179.html#.UyC8gdiYaUl .

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IN DEPTH: The Omega Seamaster Yachting – A Luxurious & Rare Regatta Chronograph from the 1970’s

Behind its visual appeal, its design and all those little things that jump out from its specifications sheet perhaps a wristwatch’s essence is that it is a highly personal item which also can be used to measure time. Timing events can be for something as simple as making al dente pasta, or more complicated like sport events, aerial manoeuvres, diving time, military actions (artillery arm was the first exponent of watches/chronos usage), the start up of jet engines and so forth. So from critical events to simpler tasks, the watch was and still is a fundamental companion.

The chronograph we are going to have a look at today belongs to a family of very specific timepieces: watches that are designed specifically for Yachting races. Yacht timers – also referred to as regatta timers, or yachting chronographs, – are watches specially designed and made for the countdown to the start of a sailing race. The Omega Yachting (ref 176.010) was the company’s proposal in a market being flooded with dedicated regatta chronos.

Before we go on to the watch we must shed a light to this specific naval race. What is a Regatta? A regatta is a term that means “a series of boat races.” The word dates back to the 17th Century and originates from Italy; in the Italian/Venetian dialect it literally means a fight or contest. At the end of all the races, whatever finishes that each boat received (i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.) are added together, similar to a Golf tournament for example. The competitor with the lowest total points wins the event. It’s taken for granted often, but many do not know exactly how a sailboat race works. It’s actually not much different from a runner’s track race. There are however, a few major differences that make a sailboat race work very differently than a track race. First, sailboats don’t have any type of brakes, so while there is a start line that each boat must cross, they cannot all line up and simply wait around for a gun to start the race. Instead, there is a five-minute countdown where the boats will sail around, and come up with a general game plan of where along the start line they want to be when the gun goes off. As time elapses down to under a minute, each sailboat starts to approach the line in hopes of being as close as possible to, but not over it, when the starting gun goes off. The second difference is how each boat goes around the course. Because a sailboat cannot go directly into the wind, they need to “tack” back and forth upwind to the first mark. After that, they will head to the next mark of the course until eventually they have rounded all the marks completing a lap of the racecourse. The combination of a good start, strong race course tactics, and simply making the boat move as fast as possible will get a competitor to the front of the fleet, winning the race. So, with this information we understand how time measurement is a serious parameter that guarantees the successful completion of all these intricate manoeuvres, and from that point we can now move to the specific chronograph offered by Omega in the 1970’s

This chronograph from Omega has the reference 176.010 and was introduced in 1973. This model was named the Yachting and was classified as part of the Seamaster family of watches. Its inner ring permits its usage for regatta races, so Omega targeted a specific segment of the chronograph market with the introduction of this model. Sailing is a hobby/sport (or for some people, a way of life) that has always charmed watch companies. Chronographs like the Heuer Autavia Skipper, the Regate/Regatta (sold under three different brand names – Aquastar, Heuer, and Tissot), Heuer’s Yacht Timer, the Breitling Co-Pilot and SuperOcean (both in regatta timing trim), Lemania’s self-branded Regatta Yacht Timer,   Yema Yachtingraf ,  and Wakmann were the direct competitors of the Omega Yachting. Skippers could use all these specialized watches for timing events during a regatta race.

Despite the plentiful competition, Omega followed a more luxurious route than from its mainstream competitors, Heuer and Breitling. If we look closely at the watch and compare it with its rivals, we can appreciate how.

• Firstly, It has an immaculate blue iridescent dial which creates a much more luxurious feel. Add to this the applied markers and the applied Omega logo.
• Secondly, its case: the case is unique for this model and its construction helps elevate the character of the watch with its continuous alternation of sunray-brushed and polished finishes. It is quite chunky and measures 43mm in diameter. When we consider the case and the dial together, we understand that the purpose of Omega was not just to create a tool wristwatch but a luxurious item that reflected the decade of its design and the lifestyle of the yacht-racers. This duality was the obvious difference from other offerings in the market.
• Thirdly, another distinguishing feature was the calibre used in this watch: calibre 1040. This actually a movement designed and build by Lemania, and originally introduced in 1972 as Lemania calibre 1340. It runs at 28,800bph, with 22 jewels, and has a 44-hour power reserve. Both have a bidirectional winding system and KIF shock protection. There are some differences however. The Omega movement is rhodium-plated, while the Lemania movement features a grey finish. The main difference however is that the Omega has a 24-hours indicator, placed at 9 in the second sub dial. The Lemania calibre 1340 lacks this 24h indication.

Did you know… Did you know that in 1973 Omega launched the first COSC chronograph calibre? Well they did with calibre 1041, which is a variation on calibre 1040. It was first used in the legendary Speedmaster 125 (ref 378.0801) that was made for the 125th anniversary of Omega. Highly collectible these days, as it was limited to 2000 pieces, making of it the first officially certified chronograph chronometer in the world.

The Yachting is today one of the rarest vintage chronographs of Omega, and an important link in a very long chain of sports watches focused on sailing. Take for instance the Seamaster Aqua Terra Chronograph (NZL-32) that Omega introduced in 2007, or more recent, in 2013, the Omega ETNZ Seamaster Diver Special Edition .

People in the yachting community, skippers and owners alike, who wanted a luxurious chronograph that could be used for measuring regatta races and other naval activities, now had a suitable option. It’s chunky, has quite a bit of a “bling-factor” and is quite complicated in its design aesthetics. Its purpose is to be an imposing item, which of course can measure time. Utilitarian is an adjective notably absent when we describe the yachting, an eye-catching and certainly a very beautiful Omega chronograph from the 1970’s.

For those who were looking for a slightly more affordable alternative, Tissot offered the Navigator Yachting ref. 45503. Inside ticks Tissot calibre 2170, which is actually the Lemania calibre 1341. That was Lemania’s value-proposition and was a more affordable variant of calibre 1340. Back in the 1970’s Lemania sold their movement to a large number of companies including Heuer, Sicura, Nivada, Alpina, Sinn, Bucherer, Dugena and Tissot. Both the Tissot and the Omega shared the same hands, pushers, plastic crystal and case, however the main difference was again the absence of a 24-hour indication.

8 responses

Top review of another rather underrated 70ies chronograph.

As for the photos, they just keep making me drool over the keyboard…

Again; an excellent review for an amazing watch. Really like your articles Ilias!

Glad you like them Horacio, Thank you very much……

i have a same one

Thank’s for Yema Yachtingraf

hello, got one of this but with a 1041 chronomètre version into it. Did you checked out the movement? Thanks for the info’s and presentation.

Hi Manu! As far as i know the cal.1041 was put exclusively to the 125 Speedmaster…..

Ilias Do you know what this watch should be insured for nowadays? Or how I could find out? Thanks!

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OMEGA Celebrates Sailing’s ‘Most Intense’ Race with New Seamaster Diver 300M

F resh off a grandstand showing as the official timekeeper for the Paris 2024 Olympics , Swiss luxury watchmaker OMEGA is venturing back into the sporting arena. From August 22 to October 27, the Biel-based maison will reprise its role as timekeeper for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, and to celebrate, it has unveiled a dazzling and durable new timepiece.

Similar to its predecessors , the new Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup 42mm pays homage to the oldest international sporting trophy in the world, complete with subtle nautical nods and historical tidbits. The 42mm stainless steel piece features a stunning blue ceramic unidirectional bezel with a regatta scale, comprised of two five-minute pre-start sections and a START section with a regatta-inspired flag.

These sailing-inspired elements are reprised on the dial, where OMEGA has laser-engraved waves on the white ceramic matte face, a reference to the original timekeeper’s tribute first released in 1993. Even the official America’s Cup trophy makes an appearance, referenced through the central seconds hand, which cops a trophy counterweight in the same blue as the Barcelona logo. The complete logo, with “Auld Mug” and B for Barcelona, is also on the sapphire crystal caseback, which provides an unimpeded look at the Seamaster’s incredible co-axial master chronometer calibre 8806.

A highly-accurate movement capable of producing 55 hours of power reserve, the calibre 8806 is among the maison’s most revered innovations. According to OMEGA, it has been certified master chronometer, a designation reserved for timepieces that meet the strict standards for precision, performance, and magnetic resistance set by the independent Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

For OMEGA, the latest timepiece isn’t just a stunning new addition to its already coveted Seamaster 300m lineup, it’s a flawless continuation of the brand’s storied connection to the America’s Cup. A partnership that dates all the back to 1995, OMEGA has bore witness to the iconic race’s unique revival, which has been transformed in recent years by a bold new format. Situated around Port Vell and along the beach to Port Olímpic, the 2024 edition is being touted as “one of the most intense America’s Cups in the event’s 174-year history”.

This time around, OMEGA’s role within the America’s Cup format has expanded slightly. In addition to the standard regatta race, the brand is now responsible for two new top-level competitions – The Puig Women’s America’s Cup, which makes its debut in 2024, and the Unicredit Youth America’s Cup, an opportunity for emerging crews to prove their worth on the waves. According to OMEGA CEO and president Raynald Aeschlimann, fulfilling timekeeping duties for the America’s Cup is core to the brand’s DNA, showcasing its prowess both on and off the water.

“It’s a huge thrill to see the OMEGA name and logo on some of the sails of these cutting-edge boats,” Aeschlimann said. “I’m proud to say, we’ve earned our place on the water, having served with distinction at three previous editions of the America’s Cup. We’re honoured to be tasked with measuring every microsecond of this historical boat race, and the exciting new races under the America’s Cup banner.”

The 2024 OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup 42mm is priced at AUD$10,800 and is available through the brand’s official online boutique and in-stores. The watch is presented in a commemorative blue box with red stitching and comes with either a stainless-steel bracelet or a blue rubber strap fixed with OMEGA’s patented Quick-Change system. The 2024 America’s Cup officially kicks off in Barcelona, Spain from August 22 to October 27.

OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup

• Brand : OMEGA
• Model : OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup
• Reference : Ref. 210.30.42.20.04.002
• Movement : Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806
• Diameter : 42mm
• Power Reserve: 55 hours
• Water-Resistance : 300 metres
• Price : AUD$10,800

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In-Depth The Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta

What happens when a moonwatch goes sailing.

Made as a special edition for the 35th America’s Cup and Emirates Team New Zealand, the Omega X-33 Regatta is an evolved variant of Omega’s mold-breaking Speedmaster X-33. They say that specialization is for insects, and if true, the X-33 Regatta is nothing short of a Praying Mantis; highly specialized and comparatively alien - especially among the hallowed ranks of the Moonwatch.

While I’m nothing if not a fan of an outlier, the current X-33 is best understood with something of a brief history. The original Speedmaster Professional X-33 was launched in March of 1998 to a packed house at Johnson Space Center in Houston, and the event even included the first public live TV transmission from Mir space station. While the X-33 was undoubtedly a wild design, we can see the foundation of its functionality in the Omega Seamaster Multifunction from the mid-80s. 

Left: A 1986 Omega Seamaster Multifunction (Photo: Omega Museum), Right: An early Speedmaster X-33 that was auctioned by Christies in 2016 (Photo: Christies)

By the time 1998 came around and civilians got their first look at this wild new mission timer from Omega, the watch had already been put to use in both military and extra-planetary roles. Originally seen as a Flightmaster X-33 in the mid-90s, Omega produced a series of prototypes and pre-production models that were designed with input from several astronauts and select pilots from the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds jet teams. Before being launched to the public, prototypes saw time on the ISS, Mir, and aeronautical applications, with one even surviving (along with the pilot) in the crash of a Mig 15 .

From launch, the X-33 was intended to be a mission-specific tool and the case had been designed to offer the highest possible volume for the audible sound of the alarm, with Omega claiming an impressive 80 dB output. Perhaps even more to the point, the X-33 was capable of measuring up to 999 days of “mission time” and displaying the value as either a countdown or as an elapsed total.

The X-33 looks and feels like a piece of high-end technology.

Eventually updated with a satin brushed bezel and a new crown in 2001, the X-33 was later discontinued for the public in 2006. Fast forward to December 2014 when Omega launches the third generation X-33 called, in full, the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33. This new model forgoes the previous generation's circular display for a more straightforward horizontal display with three segments, typically showing additional data (top), mode/function (at nine on the dial), and time or an active measure on the lower display. I won’t belabor the finer details of the X-33 as Jack wrote a hands-on story about a mostly similar X-33 back in 2015 .

Nicely legible in most conditions, the X-33 offers the ability to “hide” the hands. Press the backlight button twice and the hands rotate to a position that does not obstruct the digital displays. 

Like all of the third-gen X-33s, the Regatta is 45mm wide and 15.1 mm thick, with a case intricately carved from grade 2 titanium, a ceramic bezel, sapphire crystal, and 30 meters water resistance. While some have (understandably) taken issue with the limited water resistance rating, the X-33 is fully tested to this depth and their intended activities, such as sailing, aviation, and space travel, are largely best performed on or above the surface of the water. 

Apart from a limited run of 2017 units and some blue and red coloring denoting its connection to the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) sailing team, the main difference between a standard X-33 and the X-33 Regatta is in the clever way that Omega has customized the functionality for America’s Cup racing. While the standard X-33 offers a Mission Elapsed Timer and a customizable alarm system based on elapsed time to notify of specific stages in a mission (called the Phase Elapsed Time), the X-33 Regatta allows for the specific timing and recording of the various stages of a regatta.

Race mode is automatically engaged at the end of the countdown phase. 

“A06” indicating a sixth record in the phase of the race, used to measure split times as the boat passes each buoy. 

Pressing the Race button at 10 o’clock, the X-33 Regatta transitions to countdown (CTD) mode, where a pre-set countdown measure (up to one hour) will track the starting time of a race. Regattas are won and lost in the starting phase, where boats synchronize some sort of timer (like a watch) with audible sounds that indicate the exact progression of time up to the start of the race. As the boats cannot just sit and wait in a line to start, they must establish a pattern and position of movement that allows them to cross the start line, at speed, precisely as the race begins.

The X-33 Regatta is comfy and lightweight on wrist.

In countdown mode, the analog minute hand tracks seconds, traveling counterclockwise for the progression of the countdown. Likewise, the hour hand tracks the remaining minutes (from 12 to 0) before the start of the race (combined with a full measure on the lower display). If at any point the sailor would like to sync the measure with an audible signal, they need only to click the Race button to sync to the nearest minute based on the +/- of the nearest half minute (i.e., 45 seconds would round up, 15 seconds would round down). The passage of each minute receives a loud chime from the X-33 and the final minute has an alarm for each 15-second passage and for the final ten seconds.

The back of the X-33 is designed to allow for the loudest possible alarm sound. 

Once the countdown measure has finished (and the race has started), the X-33 Regatta will automatically transition to Race (RAC) mode, where the watch will measure and record each phase of the race, requiring only single button presses by the sailor to transition through a maximum of up to 12 recorded phases (such as split times from one buoy to another) of the race. At the passage of each buoy, the sailor need only press the Race button once to record the time and transition to the next measure (shown as A01-A12 records on the circular display at nine o’clock). At the end of the race, the Race button is pressed twice to end the measure and then held to store the data in the X-33’s logbook. For the visual learners among us, Omega includes the following helpful diagram in the user manual for the X-33 Regatta. 

An example race highlighting the application of the X-33 Regatta, as found in the user manual from Omega. 

While the standard X-33 uses the thermo-compensated quartz calibre 5619, the X-33 Regatta uses the further specialized 5620, offering the above programming specific to regatta timing. Alongside this ability, we find three time zones (UTC, T1 home, and T2), a timer, chronograph, alarms, and perpetual calendar. All of this is shown via the standard three hand analog display and the bright, legible and backlit trio of digital displays. While I didn’t measure it in any capacity, the alarm sound is impressively loud and will most certainly turn heads if it goes off while you’re in line for coffee.

Regatta timing has to be among the most esoteric of watch functions, perhaps only matched by the ever-braggy helium escape valve. A regatta timer’s usefulness is limited only to those who wish to race boats and the X-33 is only useful if your race is either part of America’s Cup or follows a largely similar format. That being said, zooming out to look at the X-33 on whole, I love this watch. Due to the lightweight titanium case and its chunky thickness, the X-33 wears smaller than 45mm. At only 78g on the included coated nylon strap and titanium fold over buckle, it may well be the most comfy 45mm sports watch I’ve ever worn.

Glow, both analog and digital. The backlight for the digital displays is activated via the button at eight o’clock. 

At $5,900 USD, the X-33 Regatta is an interesting and strange product among Omega’s modern line up. It is neither a screaming deal, nor a watch with mass appeal, nor a requisite tool for the sport of regatta racing. Made in conjunction with ETNZ and the 35th America’s Cup, this is a special edition intended to promote their sponsorship of the team, as the watch was worn by the crew and is likely only to be bought by the most ardent of ETNZ fans.

Being so very niche, I think it’s both remarkable and very cool that modern Omega would go to the trouble of making the X-33 at all, let alone customize the movement to offer an even higher degree of specialization for the Regatta LE. I have a slowly growing fondness for ana-digi watches and I think the X-33, Regatta or otherwise, represents a fun and fantastic specialization of the form.

For more on the Omega X-33 Regatta, visit Omega online .

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Suggestions Sailing watch

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Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M

45.5 mm, black ceramic on rubber strap

Sailing watch

For decades, OMEGA has been supporting sailors on the world's toughest oceans. We are proud to support teams such as Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi, as well as Olympic champions such as Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. We also have the pleasure of timekeeping historic competitions such as the America's Cup. <p> Among our flagship sailing watches, discover the Seamaster Planet Ocean America's Cup Edition. This chronometer is an exceptional tribute to the 36th America's Cup. The Master Chronometer certified watch delivers timeless style and honors the bright colours of the event's logo. You will also find the Seamaster Diver 300M, a tribute to the America's Cup trophy. This incredible chronograph will surprise you with its unique features. The 44 mm stainless steel chronograph is topped by a blue ceramic bezel displaying a white enamel diving scale. In the centre, the red aluminum chronograph seconds hand has a counterweight in the shape of the America's Cup trophy.

For decades, OMEGA has been supporting sailors on the world's toughest oceans. We are proud to support teams such as Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi, as well as Olympic champions such as Peter Burling and Blair Tuke. We also have the pleasure of timekeeping historic competitions such as the America's Cup. [READ_MORE] Among our flagship sailing watches, discover the Seamaster Planet Ocean America's Cup Edition. This chronometer is an exceptional tribute to the 36th America's Cup. The Master Chronometer certified watch delivers timeless style and honors the bright colours of the event's logo. You will also find the Seamaster Diver 300M, a tribute to the America's Cup trophy. This incredible chronograph will surprise you with its unique features. The 44 mm stainless steel chronograph is topped by a blue ceramic bezel displaying a white enamel diving scale. In the centre, the red aluminum chronograph seconds hand has a counterweight in the shape of the America's Cup trophy.

OMEGA & Sailing

Waves & the watchmaker, omega and the america’s cup.

Rich with history, innovation and prestige, the America’s Cup is one of the world’s oldest and most dramatic sporting events. The legendary sailing duel has been fiercely contested since 1851, and in all the years since then, has only been won by teams from four different countries.

Adding its own precision and excellence, OMEGA’s association extends back to 1995, when the brand supported Team New Zealand, led by the legendary sailor Sir Peter Blake. The Kiwis’ victory that year paved the way for OMEGA to take the coveted role of Official Timekeeper in 2000, 2003 and 2021. Now, history is set to repeat. OMEGA is returning to the role in 2023 at the 37th edition of the great event.

From the Depths to the Deck

Our passion for the sea.

OMEGA’s strong ocean heritage extends back to the early days of the brand. In 1932, long before its connection to sailing began, OMEGA created the first commercially available divers’ watch. Since then, OMEGA’s depth-defying timepieces have earned the trust of countless ocean explorers and professional divers, including those in the British Royal Navy, fields of science, and legends of the sea, such as Dame Ellen MacArthur, who broke the solo round-the-world record in 2005, as well as free diver Jacques Mayol and world-famous conservationist Jacques Cousteau. It’s no surprise that OMEGA’s achievements beneath the waves would lead to a passion for sailing.

The Pinnacle of Sailing

From the late 19th century to 2023.

The America’s Cup, first contested in 1851, predates the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. The coveted prize, affectionately dubbed the “Auld Mug” is the oldest trophy in international sport. For over 170 years, the 27- inch high trophy fashioned from 134 ounces of Sterling Silver, has been the source of fierce international rivalries and spectacular duels.

It takes many wins on the water to claim the prize – and there’s no second place – either you win or you lose.

Precision under Sail

Omega the trusted timekeeper.

The competitive crews can certainly place their trust in this year’s Official Timekeeper, given OMEGA’s reputation for split-second precision. In addition to delivering a flawless performance at the world famous regatta in 2000, 2003 and 2021, OMEGA has served as Official Timekeeper at almost every Olympic Games since 1932. Throughout the years, adventurous sailors have also relied on OMEGA’s high-precision marine chronometers for navigation, including French sailing legend Eric Tabarly, winner of the OSTAR east‑west transatlantic race in 1964 and 1976. OMEGA’s robust and highly water-resistant Seamaster has proven its worth countless times since. Today, OMEGA’s strong nautical links include partnerships with top competitive sailors and sailing events.

Auld Mug New Tech

The spirit endures & the boats evolve.

First offered as the Hundred Guinea Cup on August 20, 1851, by the Royal Yacht Squadron of Great Britain for a race around the Isle of Wight, the trophy was renamed the America’s Cup as a tribute to the winning boat – America – a 100-foot (30-metre) schooner from New York.

Today, schooners are more likely to be sailed by the event’s spectators. The latest AC75 monohull boats are in a different league. They literally fly! Unique features include T-wing hydrofoils mounted on port and starboard, a double-skinned semi-battened mainsail and the absence of a keel.

OMEGA on Course

Following the racing action.

Before the ultimate clash on the waves, the America’s Cup crews will compete in three preliminary regattas, the first of which is scheduled to place in Vilanova i La Geltrú in mid-September 2023. In 2024, it’s all on! The race for the 37th America’s Cup begins. One of many compelling regattas. The Women’s America’s Cup makes its debut in 2024. A proud moment for the sailing world. What’s more, emerging crews will get to prove their worth on the water in the Youth America’s Cup.

The Timekeeper’s Timepieces

Omega’s america’s cup tributes.

This Seamaster Professional diver’s watch, launched in 2000 to mark the 30th America’s Cup and OMEGA’s debut as Official Timekeeper, was developed in association with Kiwi sailing legend Sir. Peter Blake. A numbered edition of 9999 pieces, it featured the distinctive “Auld Mug” logo on a wave-pattern dial.

For the 2003 edition, OMEGA released the Seamaster Professional America’s Cup: an automatic diver’s chronograph with the event’s name printed on the dial. To give sailing fans greater choice, OMEGA launched two metallic marvels. A titanium and tantalum Seamaster with red gold bezel – and an all-titanium model.

Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Edition

This 43.5 mm timepiece sports a white polished ceramic dial with 36th AMERICA’S CUP transferred in red at 6 o’clock. Circling the striking dial is a blue ceramic (ZrO²) bezel ring with a 5-minute countdown and START indication highlighted in liquid ceramic. Its wave-edged caseback features commemorative wording and an America’s Cup logo transferred on the sapphire crystal. Presented on a blue structured rubber strap and powered by OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900, it is a true collectable, appropriately limited to just 2,021 pieces.

Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup Chronograph

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OMEGA celebrates the America’s Cup with new Seamaster Diver 300M

Celebrate the America’s Cup (or time your next regatta) with this new OMEGA

OMEGA has revealed a new version of its iconic Seamaster Diver 300M to mark its partnership with the upcoming 37th America’s Cup.

Kicking off on 22nd August and running for six days, the 37th America’s Cup sailing competition takes place in Barcelona, Spain. As official timekeeper, OMEGA has revealed a new watch to mark the occasion.

The new timepiece is a 42mm Seamaster Diver 300M. It’s a model James Bond fans will be very familiar with, but in this case the watch has been tweaked for sailing. It features a blue ceramic bezel with a regatta scale, where the first two five-minute sections have unique markings to be used during the 10-minute pre-start of a regatta. There’s then a ‘start’ section with a regatta-inspired flag at the two o’clock position.

The sailing details continue with a laser-engraved wave pattern in positive relief on the white ceramic, matt-finish dial. There’s also an America’s Cup trophy counterweight on the end of the seconds hand, and a minute hand that shifts from blue to red.

Turn the watch around and you’ll find a sapphire exhibition case back giving a view of the movement within, and on the crystal there’s a ‘B’ for Barcelona. The watch is driven by OMEGA's familiar C-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8806 automatic movement with 55 hours of power reserve.

Water resistance is to 300 metres, of course, and the watch features the usual Seamaster details, including a helium escape valve at the 10 o’clock position and a guarded screw-down crown at three o’clock.

Returning to the America’s Cup theme, the watch comes in a unique blue and red box designed to mark the 37th instalment of the sailing competition. The new OMEGA watch is priced at £5,800 on a blue rubber strap or £6,100 on a steel bracelet.

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Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.

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Omega’s Special-Edition Watch for the 37th America’s Cup Is a Seamaster Diver

By: Ethan Brehm Published: Aug 20, 2024

In mid-2023, Omega gave an unveiling of a Seamaster Planet Ocean variant made in partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand for the 37th America’s Cup. The watch was a black and turquoise regatta timer, meaning it’s a chronograph with a running seconds subdial and another with a unique countdown timer in increments of five minutes to aid with the peculiarities of competitive sailing.

Seeing that the watch’s announcement came before a preliminary round — a year before the actual 2024 yacht race was even underway, which it will in October — the timepiece felt like it was jumping the gun, so to speak. With Omega announcing it will return as the Official Timekeeper of the yacht race, they’re now showcasing a new watch to honor the 37th America’s Cup as a whole. Conflict of interest aside, this is a pretty cool watch and may surprise most people to find out that it’s not actually a chronograph at all.

The America’s Cup

Competitive sailing in its own right dates back to the 17th century and requires a specific type of timer, called a regatta. For the uninitiated, the America’s Cup is one of the most prestigious trophy events in the world, offering the coveted Auld Cup to the winner. The longest-running sporting competition to date, it comprises two yachts, one of which is the Defender from the previous event and another of which is the Challenger, decided by several rounds of preliminaries. 

Held this year in Barcelona this October, the 37th America’s Cup will feature a Defender yacht from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, defending its title from the 2021 race. The Challenger yacht this year will be from the U.K.’s Royal Yacht Squadron.

Omega Seamaster 300M Diver America’s Cup

As we said, the special-edition Seamaster 300m diver won’t be a chronograph of any sort but will have some design cues inspired by the yacht race. Housed in the standard 42mm stainless steel case boasting 300m of water resistance, the timepiece has a matte white ceramic dial with the classic wave pattern, surrounded by a pretty cool blue ceramic bezel with a regatta scale of sorts. 

With no standing start grid or quick accelerations, yachts must get as close to the starting line prior to race time without crossing it. Since starting is a little tricky in yacht racing, regattas usually feature a pair of pre-start sections separated by five-minute intervals before the start marker. And you’ll see those notches are implemented on the unidirectional bezel on this dive watch.

You’ll also notice the hands, which are “ skeletonized ” and have a unique gradient color scheme. As for the second hand, its counterweight is in the shape of the America’s Cup trophy. Like other Seamasters, the watch ticks by with the Master Chronometer-certified in-house Caliber 8806 automatic movement with 55 hours of power reserve. It’s visible (sort of) through the exhibition caseback. However, the crystal on the back is largely covered by a blue “B” for “Barcelona, as well as another silhouette of the trophy. It’s paired with either a stainless steel link bracelet or a blue rubber strap.

Case Size: 42mm Lug-to-Lug: 49.9mm Case Thickness: 13.8mm Case Material: Stainless steel Water Resistance: 300m Movement: In-house Caliber 8806 automatic Band: Stainless steel bracelet or blue rubber strap Limited Edition?: No

Pricing & Availability

Surprisingly not limited in edition size, the Seamaster 300m America’s Cup is priced at $6,500 and available soon from Omega’s website and boutiques.

Omega Seamaster 300m Americas Cup

Omega unveils its special-edition Seamaster 300m diver for the 37th America’s Cup, featuring some design cues inspired by the yacht race and a regatta bezel.

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• Digital Edition

Best sailing watches: 16 options for racing and cruising

• June 9, 2024

Marine Tech Editor Fox Morgan has created a short list of 16 of the best sailing watches on the market. There's a range to suit all budgets and sailing needs, from a basic time waterproof timekeeper to a top of the range smart watch. There something for everyone, from racing to cruising sailors.

The best sailing watches can offer a multitude of functions, from MOB alerts to tidal calculations and large faced race count down timers. And yet still there’s utter simplicity of a waterproof self winding timepiece.

Just as tablets and even smartphones have revolutionised how sailors use multifunction displays and instruments, so the latest smart watch technology has now firmly filtered into sailing. While we’re now familiar with using our watches to give us directions, make calls and send messages, and act as a repeater screen on our wrists ashore, so the latest sailing watches also make navigation, data and comms technology wearable afloat.

You’ll see that Garmin have several entries in our best sailing watches guide and if you’re specifically after a Garmin, we have rounded up the best of those in this guide to the best Garmin watch for yachting sailing and more .

However, the cleverest watch is not always the best watch for sailing. For racing an extremely simple and speedy to operate model may suit better. Price is not always an indicator of functionality either; even some of the least expensive sailing watches, like the Casio we showcase below, can be packed with features.

At the other end of the scale,  luxury horology brands – including Rolex, Panerai, and Omega among others – have long been closely associated with sailing, seeing it as the perfect sport to demonstrate their style, waterproof and ruggedised qualities, and accuracy.

In making our selection of the best sailing watches, we’ve chosen those with features specifically suitable for wearing aboard. That doesn’t mean, however, that they float, so be sure to do the clasp up securely and be wary of pulling off jacket sleeves in a hurry and losing your prized timepiece overboard!

Editor’s top choices at a glance

Garmin quatix 7.

Best smart sailing watch

Specifications: Apple or android smart phone compatible,  Sizes: 47mm / 51mm, Weight 70g, Battery life: up to 16 days with screen on by demand, GPS tracking, waterproof to 10 ATM

Reasons to Buy: Large easy to read face | incredible versatility for an array of lifestyle activity | healthy wellbeing and boat interactivity | customisable to suit individual needs Reasons to Avoid: Battery life not as good as the Quatix 6 if screen is always visible | bright facia can be distracting | touchscreen is pointless without the additional kit it interfaces with

Garmin’s latest sailing smartwatch includes improvements to strengthen integration with onboard electronics.

It’s a touchscreen model that can, for instance, be used to control MFD displays or Fusion audio systems, as well as Garmin autopilots.

You can also pay for things with contactless payments, but you’ll need to use an intermediary app, such as Curve if you are in the UK as British banks haven’t signed up for that function directly yet.

So let’s address the major change for the Quatix 7 over the Quatix 6, and that’s the display. Plenty of folks complained about the darkness or difficulty seeing the Quatix 6 screen, so they’ve addressed that with a much brighter lit up style of screen.  It is very bright even when turned to its dimmest setting. To save the battery from being drained unnecessarily at night, there’s a night time version of the watch screen where you can view it as a digital numeric mono display, on demand, otherwise the screen is completely blank. This brighter clearer display does come at a compromise of battery life or screen saver settings.

The extra screen size in the same outer bezel size though is really very nice. Maps and other tracking options can be easily seen.

High end Sapphire models add a new ultra-clear AMOLED touchscreen.

The watch can output directly to Strava and myfitnesspal along with other apps according to your preference. We like this watch very much indeed and it is currently the best smart sailing watch for all round functionality. Pricey though, but worth it.

Casio Lithium Quartz

Best value sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 48mm

Reasons to buy: Great value | Highly functional | 2 year warranty Reasons to avoid: Lacking in design | Lacking extensive features of premium alternatives

There’s no question that when it comes to affordable innovation, Casio is right up there.

Despite being one of the lowest-priced watches in our selection, the Casio Tide Watch Orange is a highly functional piece of kit which, in addition to all the usual time, day and auto date functions also features a tide graph and lunar phase display.

More conventional sailing watch functions include a timer, stopwatch and LED might. It is water resistant to 100m/10 bars and has a 2 year warranty, all packed into a 48mm diameter, 13 mm thick case.

Ronstan Clear Start Race Timer

Best Race Sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size 65mm

Reasons to buy: Robust design with secure strap | Extra-large | easy to press silicon buttons | Great display Reasons to avoid: Some consumers report issues with clasp/strap

With wrist, hull, mast or boom mount options, the Swiss-made Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer is aimed squarely at racing sailors.

Made by renowned rigging and hardware company Ronstan, it’s a robust design with a secure elastic strap and substantial ‘bumper’ around the digital display.

The ClearStart Race Timer’s features include extra-large, easy-press silicon buttons, a highlighted start/stop button, oversized 16 mm digits set in a 65mm rotating face and a double line display simultaneously showing the race countdown and time.

In addition, the ClearStart Race Timer offers ‘5-4-1-0’ and Match Racing start sequence programmes, making it a great choice for competitive sailors. Ruggedly constructed and built to last, this sailing watch weighs in at 92 grammes and is water-resistant to 50 metres.

Garmin MARQ Captain

Best premium sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Smart | Size: 46mm

Reasons to buy: Weather and tidal data | MOB and GPS functions | Stream boat data to your wrist Reasons to avoid: Full extent of capabilities is governed by the onboard technology it’s connected to | Premium price

Tested by: MBY Editor, Hugo Andreae

Our top priced pick comes from wearable tech-specialists, Garmin. The MARQ Captain sailing watch comes packed with marine-relevant features.

Functions include weather and tidal data for your home port, a regatta timer to pinpoint starting times, a ‘tack assist’ function to determine whether you’re on lift or a header, a man overboard button and GPS.

The full extent of its capabilities is governed by the onboard technology to which it is connected, but possibilities include streaming boat data direct to your wrist wherever you are on the boat and controlling products from the Garmin-owned Fusion range of audio systems.

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Best big screen countdown race sailing watches.

Optimum Time Series 3 sailing watch

One of the most popular sailing watches on the market

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 65mm

Reasons to buy: Great price | Highly functional | Easy to read Reasons to avoid: It’s really big

The popular ‘big yellow’ Optimum Time Series 3 is a lower-priced, yet highly functional racing watch. And it truly is big – far too large for my wrist at a gigantic 65mm (2.56” in) diameter and 16mm (0.62” in) thick. It’s also available in colours other than yellow – including white, blue and pink.

An advantage for racing is that this watch is easy to read at a distance thanks to its huge 16mm digits. A bracket is supplied to fix it to a mast. It also has a sync button if you miss the start gun, and can then run a repeat sequence or race timer for handicap competitions.

Robust, and water resistant to 5 ATM, with a wide elasticated strap.

Optimum Time Series 14 Rechargeable sailing watch

Best racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 68mm

Reasons to buy: Rechargeable battery | Packed with features | Suitable for mounting Reasons to avoid: Basic design

Optimum Time’s bold coloured watches are popular among racing sailors from dinghies upwards, and the new rechargeable design makes it more sustainable for anyone who uses theirs frequently.

Featuring a 36mm diameter LCD display mounted within a bright red and black 68mm ABS case, Optimum Time’s Series 14 watch is a substantial device that is equally suited to being mounted on a mast or boom as your wrist, while the digits are large enough to allow crew to see the same timer as the skipper.

Waterproof to 5 ATM (i.e. capable of withstanding a pressure of 5 bar), the sailing watch is packed with useful features and comes complete with a bespoke USB charger clamp for convenient charging.

Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer watch

Best for Analogue race sailing watch fans

Specifications: Type: Analogue | Size 46mm

Reasons to buy: Striking analogue display | Countdown timers Reasons to avoid: Larger than average design | Complex to set up | lacks reset button | Expensive

This is a very striking analogue watch, designed to appeal specifically to racing sailors who don’t want a digital display. It features a racing countdown timers (from 5 mins, 3 mins or 1 minute), then after the start the chronometer automatically starts a race timer for up to one hour.

This is a larger than average design, at 46 mm (1.81” in) diameter and 14mm (0.55” in) thick.

However, this watch is complex to set up, as some functions require three buttons to be pressed in sequence. There is also no ‘reset’ button for anyone who misses their start sequence timer.

Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 sailing watch

Best specialist racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 50mm

Reasons to buy: Multiple start sequence options | Match racing timer | Can sync for early/late start Reasons to avoid: Larger than average design

This sailing watch is another specialist racing design. Race mode features include multiple start sequence options, match racing timer and the ability to sync for an early or late start.

The Clearstart RF4055 is unusual in that it has a fibreglass case, which is available in striking yellow and red as well as the more subtle black. It has a 50mm (2″) diameter face, which is larger than most watches, with a 13mm (0.5″ in) digital display, and the weight is 74gm (2.61oz), though the buttons have a lower profile than some other race watches making it neater to wear on shore.

Optimum Time Series 12 sailing watch

Best audible racing sailing watch

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size: 26mm

Reasons to buy: Audible warning features | Many colour choices Reasons to avoid: No GPS or interconnectivity | Small display is hard to read in hectic moments

Another race timer with countdown time and pre-programmed start and audible warnings. Despite its more smart watch-style appearance, there is no GPS or interconnectivity, but you do get a countdown repeat option, World Sailing 5-4-1-0 start sequence pre-programmed with audible warning signals, and a sync button.

The Optimum Time Series 12 is available in many colours, but has a small 26mm (1.02” in) display, with 10mm (0.34” in) figures, which will make it hard to read in the middle of a hectic race start.

Gill Race Watch Timer

Best racing sailing watch for watersports

Specifications: Type: Digital | Size 44mm

Reasons to buy: Water-resistant to 30 metres | Carbon housing | The sleep feature preserves battery life Reasons to avoid: Basic design and functions

This striking red and black Race Watch Timer is a sailing-specific watch developed exclusively for watersports apparel company Gill. It’s water-resistant to an impressive 30 metres, with the timepiece unit encased in a reinforced carbon ABS plastic housing with a stainless steel back.

As well as telling the time, the sailing watch’s functions include a countdown with synchro, day, date and alarm. There’s a keyboard lock feature to you don’t accidentally change the settings and an electro-luminescent backlight allows the wearer to check the data day or night.

A neat sleep feature preserves and prolongs battery life in a ruggedly constructed unit designed for durability and years of trouble-free service.

Limit ProXR Countdown sailing watch

Best value racing sailing watch

Reasons to buy: Large, clear, easy to read display | Multiple design options | Dual time, stopwatch, countdown and pacer functions Reasons to avoid: Lacks features/functions of more premium competitors | Chunky

Limit has been producing watches for more than 110 years and specialises in offering a wide variety of styles at great value prices.

For a budget-friendly sailing watch option, the Limit ProXR Countdown comes with a large, clear and easily readable display and is backed by a two-year guarantee.

It also has a dual time display and stopwatch, countdown and pacer functionality. No fewer than five alarms can be set and there’s a night time illumination facility.

Available in a choice of orange/black or blue/black, the looks of this chunky 50 mm case diameter sailing watch certainly belie its low price tag.

Best Smart sailing watches

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar

Specifications: Type: Smart | Size: 40mm / 45mm / 50mm, weight 53g(2oz)

Reasons to buy: GPS positioning on charts | barometric pressure and compass | Smartphone connectivity | An incredible amount of styles and colours | A single charge lasts 14 days Reasons to avoid: Premium price without a premium design

The Instinct 2, launched in February 2022 is Garmin’s all-round watch, which they call their outdoors watch. Features that are particularly relevant to sailors include GPS positioning on charts; barometric pressure and a compass.

It has smartphone connectivity, receives emails and texts, and can control music via a phone. This watch also has an inbuilt thermometer and heart rate monitor.

The Garmin Instinct is available in no fewer than 20 different styles and colours. It’s actual diameter is 47mm (1 13/16” in) but the viewable face is 32mm (1 1/4”). The Instinct is 16mm (5/8” in) thick and weighs 53g (2 oz).

For racing sailors, it also has multiple start sequence options. We have an indepth review from long term testing of this watch coming soon.

The Garmin Instinct watch is a good alternative for anyone seeking a more moderately priced alternative to the Quatix 6.

Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Specifications: Apple or android smart phone compatible,  Sizes: 47mm / 51mm, weight 82g, Battery life: up to 16 days with screen always visible, GPS tracking, waterproof to 10 ATM

Reasons to buy: Suits a multitude of water activity | Highly customisable | An incredible amount of data available on your wrist | A single charge lasts 14 days Reasons to avoid: High level of functionality is not for the technologically phobic

This watch I tested comprehensively for several weeks/months – it is a very smart design, with functions for every type of pastime on the water and off it.

Garmin is well known for superior boating instruments and they have now managed to squeeze all the data of a ten-inch chartplotter into a 1.3” inch round sailing watch. Bluetooth functionality means you can connect it to a Garmin chartplotter using the free Garmin Connect app, and to other makes of plotter using the Garmin transceiver (a $150 extra).

This allows all the features of a chartplotter to be displayed on the watch, including charts and even autopilot control to allow you to change heading or follow a GPS route – provided it is also connected through the chartplotter.

The Quatix 6 also offers more typical smartwatch functions including the ability to receive email and texts, can be used to control music on board, and monitors the user’s heart-rate.

It’s simple to switch between ‘boat display’ and ‘stylish watch’ modes, as hundreds of different watch faces that can be downloaded to customise it to the wearer’s preference, including an antique style face and even a copy of Big Ben. The Quatix 6 can also be switched between analogue and digital.

It’s overall diameter is 51mm (2” in) with a 36mm (1 5/8” in) viewable face, and it is 17mm (11/16”) thick. The Quatix 6’s weight is 83g (3oz) with the plastic strap or 156g (5.5oz) with the stainless band, which is quite a bit heavier than a conventional watch.

Best Analogue Sailing watches

Ulysse-Nardin The Ocean Race Diver

Specifications: Type: Analogue | Size: 44mm

Reasons to buy: manufacturer with a strong history in watch making | ‘green’ credentials | classy and collectible Reasons to avoid: Lacks features/functions of more sailing-specific watches | you’ll need deep pockets

Swiss watchmaker Ulysse Nardin sourced discarded fishing nets to upcycle into the base material for this watch, highlighting the 640,000 tonnes of nets that are discarded at sea each year.

In addition, 95% of components for the mechanical movement are sourced from within 30km of Ulysse Nardin’s site.

Buy The Ocean Race Diver now on ulysse-nardin.com

Spinnaker Haas Automatic

Specifications: Type: Analogue | Size: 43mm

Reasons to buy: S mart styling | easy to read day and night | electronics free | self winding Reasons to avoid: Due to self winding mechanism the watch is not as slim as a quartz movement watch which might mean that cuffs on shirts and foulies are tight.

Tested by: Professional TopSail Schooner Skipper, Phil Pryor

The joy of a traditional analogue watch is right here in this stylish all metal timepiece from Spinnaker.

Spinnaker Watches collaborated with the Marine Conservation Society to produce this limited edition model that’s a tribute to marine biologist and pioneering diver Hans Hass.

If you want to ditch the computers and keep it simple then this is definitely worth a look.

It feels reassuringly sturdy with it’s all metal band and easy to read rating bezel.

It’s waterproof to 300m and requires no batteries as this watch self winds from the motion of your hand through every day movement.

The winder unscrews to allow time, day and date adjustment and that my friends is all there is to this gorgeous watch. At least as far as the wearer is concerned. Behind that metal back is the smooth Japanese workings of a self winding watch. When it arrived in the box the watch was still and inactive. But the moment I removed it from the box it started to self wind. With just a small amount of movement, the second hand was moving.

For sailors who want to a sleek non electric time piece and for those divers who like to go under the water as well as on it.

I love this safety yellow colourway as it really stands out and is easy to read. This might not be to everyone’s taste though which is fine because the Spinnaker Hass comes in 9 different colourways.

FAQ: What makes the best sailing watch?

The ability to read the time, countdown or data in a hurry or at an angle is key, so look out for digital readouts with large numbers – some sailing watches have the ability to switch from digital to analogue readouts – and screens that can be viewed in different qualities of daylight. Backlit functions are essential for anyone heading offshore, whether racing or cruising.

A well-fitting wristband or strap with a secure clasp is vital to keep the watch on your arm. Most sailing watches have soft rubber or synthetic wristbands, which are more durable in a marine environment, and safer than steel. Rubber straps are also lighter and easier to adjust.

If you plan to use your watch for race start timing, look for programmable start sequence options, a sync button, countdowns that switch to seconds in the final stages. A loud, clear alarm or ‘beep’ function that tells you time to the gun is particularly useful, so you can keep watching your course, trim and other boats around you during the final approach to the line rather than having to glance at your wrist.

You can read more about other types of GPS enabled and waterproof fitness trackers and smart watches at YBW.com

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

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An Omega Seamaster Diver 300M for the 37th America’s Cup

As the official timekeeper of the 37 th America’s Cup soon taking place in Barcelona, Omega is marking the occasion with the Seamaster Diver 300M America’s Cup . A time-only version of the brand’s signature dive watch, the latest Seamaster features most of Omega’s material and movement innovations, including a laser-engraved ceramic dial and METAS-certified Master Chronometer movement.

The special edition also sports yachting-specific elements, including a blue ceramic bezel with a regatta countdown scale and a seconds hand counterweight in the form of the America’s Cup trophy.

Initial thoughts

As a special or limited edition, the new Seamaster is not especially interesting since Omega does a lot of them, with several commemorative editions for each sporting events it’s part of. And it’s not just for sports but also the James Bond film franchise.

But as a new Seamaster, the America’s Cup edition works well. For one it’s a good value proposition at US$6,500 on a bracelet, particularly given the specs and features. At the same time, the blue-and-white aesthetic is appealing, especially with the clean, no-date look. And there’s the subtle detail on the minute hand with a gradual colour fade finish that is novel and so far unique in the Omega catalogue.

So leaving aside that it’s yet another commemorative watch – it could do without the large logo on the sapphire back – the America’s Cup edition stands out as of the more appealing Seamaster models.

A regatta diver

Design tweaks aside, the latest edition sticks to the standard Seamaster template, with a stainless steel case that’s 42 mm in diameter and 13.8 mm in thickness.

Water resistant to 300 m, the case features a helium escape valve and a screw-down crown. The unidirectional bezel has a blue ceramic insert that’s unique to this watch. It’s engraved with 10-minute countdown for the start of a regatta.

The dial is also ceramic, a matte white ceramic that’s been laser engraved to create a relief wave pattern. The dial markings, hands, and markers are in blue, but the minute hand has a twist: it goes from blue to red towards the tip.

The blue seconds hand counterweight is in the silhouette of the America’s Cup

The 37th America’s Cup emblem is printed on the sapphire back, with a “B” for Barcelona, the host city for this year’s race. Visible through the back is the cal. 8806, which is METAS certified and thus a Master Chronometer.

Like all of Omega’s new-generation movements, the cal. 8806 is resistant to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss, boasts 55 hours of power reserve. Because of its silicon hairspring, it runs at an unusual 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz).

Key facts and price

Omega Seamaster Diver 300 m America’s Cup Ref. 210.30.42.20.04.002

Diameter : 42 mm Height : 13.8 mm Material : Stainless steel Crystal: Sapphire Water resistance : 3 00 m

Movement:  Cal. 8806 Functions: Hours, minutes and seconds Winding: Automatic Frequency: 25,200 beats per hour (3.5 Hz) Power reserve: 55  hours

Strap : Matching steel bracelet or blue rubber strap

Limited edition: No Availability: Now at Omega boutiques and retailers Price : US$6,200 on strap; US$6,500 on bracelet. 

For more, visit omegawatches.com

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Best Sailing Watches: Nautical Options For Sailors

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Sailing watches are enormously helpful for navigation, planning, and numerous other tasks.

In this article, we'll cover why every sailboat owner should consider investing in a high-quality sailing watch. We'll also go over the qualities and features of the best sailing watches, along with a few of the best sailing watches on the market today.

Sailing watches fall into two categories: mechanical and electronic. The best mechanical sailing watches are the Rolex Yachtmaster and the Omega Seamaster. The best electronic sailing watches are the Garmin Instinct and the Garmin Quantix 6. The Vostok Komandirskie is the best budget sailing watch.

We based this article on information from sailing watchmakers along with the experience of expert sailors. We also source information from the owners of these watches, along with their opinions about the products.

Table of contents

Types of Sailing Watches

There are numerous kinds of sailing watches that range in style and functionality. Due to the proliferation of smartwatches, the market is now overflowing with feature-laden devices that are ideal for sailing. Traditional sailing watches are analog and waterproof, so they'll work in all conditions. Here are the most common kinds of sailing watches.

Mechanical Sailing Watches

Mechanical sailing watches are classic waterproof timepieces that don't have a battery. Instead, they rely on compact wind-up or automatic (self-winding) movements. The finest mechanical sailing watches are produced in Switzerland.

Fine mechanical sailing watches are produced by names you may recognize. These companies include Rolex, TCG, Breitling, and others. Many people use mechanical dive watches such as the Rolex Submariner for sailing, as it's highly accurate and waterproof to 1,000 ft.

Many sailing watches are mechanical chronometers. A chronometer is a marine clock or watch certified to be accurate within 0.1 seconds per day. The chronometer is often confused with the chronograph, which is a mechanical watch that also includes a stopwatch.

Chronographs are useful for timing sailing races and calculating your speed, and some chronographs are also chronometers. These watches command the highest prices in the industry.

Mechanical sailing watches are generally much more expensive than digital sailing watches. Prices for these premium watches start around the $2,000 mark, though most examples cost about $8,000 to $15,000.

Digital Sailing Watches

Digital sailing watches run on batteries and usually include a display. These watches vary widely in cost, design, and functionality. If you're looking for features, a digital sailing watch is definitely the way to go.

Today, many of these watches are highly affordable, considering what they do. The most basic digital sailing watches have a simple LCD display that shows the time, date, temperature, and possibly your heading. These watches aren't connected, which means they don't display much active real-time data. That said, they're robust and an excellent choice for pure functionality.

Features like temperature, heart rate monitoring and direction (compass) don't require any internet connectivity, which means they work everywhere in the world.

The more advanced members of the digital sailing watch family are connected, meaning they pull data from the internet and communicate with other devices. Examples of connected features include GPS mapping, live weather forecasts and data, messaging, and speed tracking.

Like mechanical sailing watches, digital sailing watches are waterproof and stand up well to harsh conditions. Standard smartwatches, while often used for similar purposes, are generally not up to the task. This is because many smartwatches are only marginally water-resistant (up to 50 feet), which is simply insufficient for offshore sailing and racing.

Understanding Water Resistance Ratings

Water-resistant watches are rated using either feet, meters, or atmospheres. However, these ratings can be deceptive, as a watch rated to 50 meters or less may not be waterproof enough to use as a sailing watch.

The lowest water resistance rating you'll find is 3 ATM or 30 meters. Technically, this watch is rated to submerge in up to 100 feet of water. But in reality, a 3 ATM watch is barely water-resistant enough to shower with. A 3 ATM watch is not well suited for sailing.

The next level of water resistance is 5 ATM or 50 meters. This watch is certified for 160 feet, and it is marginally waterproof. You can use a 5 ATM watch for brief periods underwater and in the shower, so it's suitable for coastal cruising and calm weather sailing.

Next up the scale is the 10 ATM watch, which is certified for depths up to 100 meters or 300 feet. These watches are much more reliable sailing watches, as they're waterproof enough for extended underwater use at shallow depths. That means that a 10 ATM watch will stand up very well to rain and ocean spray.

You may want to consider a 20 ATM watch if you intend to do any extended underwater activities such as snorkeling or if you anticipate an extended voyage. A 10 ATM watch is sufficient for many of these tasks, though a 20 ATM watch is a safer bet. These watches are water-resistant to 200 meters or 660 feet and are the most waterproof.

The most water-resistant watches in the 20 ATM category are dive watches such as the Zodiac Aerospace GMT automatic. Some watches are rated even higher and fall into the 30 ATM category or higher. One of the most well-known 30 ATM dive watches is the Omega Seamaster, which is water-resistant up to 300 meters or 1,000 feet.

Best Mechanical Watches for Sailing

Mechanical sailing watches are still extremely popular due to their reliability and intrinsic value. These watches can be passed down for generations and never become obsolete, and they've been used aboard boats in some form for hundreds of years. Here are two iconic and respected waterproof mechanical sailing watches.

1. Omega Seamaster Diver Chronometer

The Omega Seamaster  is one of those classic, quintessential yacht watches that's a fantastic combination of looks, quality, and functionality. This premium watch is a mechanical self-winding dive watch with a water resistance rating of 30 ATM or 300 meters. That means that it will withstand the roughest conditions encountered by sailors.

Omega watches use Swiss-made movements that are on par with other luxury brands such as Rolex. This watch has a bit of a cult following similar to other yachting watches like the Rolex Yachtmaster. A watch like this can be passed down for generations, and it’s also durable enough for hard use aboard a sailboat.

As far as quality is concerned, the Omega Seamaster is just about as good as it gets. But it's not just appearances and quality that make the Omega Seamaster an excellent sailing watch. The Omega Seamaster features a superbly accurate movement, complete water resistance, and a stopwatch chronometer feature.

The Omega Seamaster is a fantastic 'luxury' sailing watch that's robust enough to take out to sea. It's also great for wearing to business or formal events, as the Omega name carries quite a bit of weight.

2. Rolex Yachtmaster II

Here's another legendary mechanical watch with a unique history and practical functionality. This watch is on the high end of sailing watches, and it represents the top quality available. In other words, the Rolex Yachtmaster II  is one of the finest sailing watches you can buy.

The Rolex Yachtmaster series can cost more than twice the price of an Omega Seamaster. Mechanically, these watches aren't significantly different, at least according to some collectors and watchmakers. Both the Omega Seamaster and the Rolex Yachtmaster are extremely high-quality Swiss watches, so what's with the price difference? It comes down to branding, style, and features.

Rolex is one of the most well-known luxury watchmakers, and their products demand a premium. And when it comes to features, this classic Rolex watch has some of the most precise in its class.

The most noticeable feature of the Rolex Yachtmaster II is its bezel. The bezel features large-print numbers, and it rotates to help the wearer keep track of elapsed time. Some Yachtmasters feature a precision stopwatch and a separate second hand, allowing you to precisely time regattas and accurately measure speed.

The Yachtmaster II also features a programmable countdown feature, which is extremely rare on mechanical watches. Additionally, Rolex watches are some of the most accurate mechanical timepieces ever built. The company uses proprietary technology to ensure that each watch meets the superlative chronometer qualification.

Best Digital Sailing Watches

Digital sailing watches don't hold value like mechanical watches. That said, they're significantly more affordable. Digital sailing watches are 'smart' watches, and they pack an enormous amount of functionality in a small package. Here are two of the highest-rated and most popular digital watches used for sailing.

3. Garmin Instinct Marine Watch

Garmin is the industry leader for digital sailing watches. The Garmin Instinct  is their entry-level marine smartwatch, and it also functions well for other outdoor sports. Unlike many smartwatches, the Garmin Instinct is waterproof to 10 ATM (100 meters), which makes it suitable for almost all sailing activities. It's not for diving, but this watch stands up to rain and spray well.

The design is simple and functional. Garmin designed the display with readability in mind, as it features high-contrast letters, numbers, and dials. The watchband is made of durable rubber, and the case is rated to U.S. Military shock and thermal standard 810G. In other words, it's certified and durable enough to meet strict military standards.

For the price, the Garmin Instinct has a remarkable number of high-tech features. It's a GPS watch that can help you find your location and plot a course. It also features a precision compass for navigation and a backtrack map feature, which helps you retrace your location. The watch also allows you to check your heading with the touch of a button and plot your course along the way.

It has a 14-hour battery life while running GPS and other features, and you can connect it to a smartphone for notifications. For the price, it's tough to beat the durability and functionality of the Garmin Instinct. It's the perfect entry-level tech watch for sailing, and you can also take it along on other outdoor adventures.

4. Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Fundamentally, the Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport  does to smartwatches what the Apple Watch did to watches. It's the ultimate sailing smartwatch, and unlike the Garmin Instinct, it's specifically designed with sailors in mind. This watch is available in multiple casings and trims, and it's loaded with features to make navigation safer and easier.

What makes the Garmin Quatrix 6 stand out is both its range of features and the seamless execution of them. This watch features the basics such as time, date, and outside temperature. The default screen resembles a traditional analog chronograph, but it's customizable to include data such as heading and the weather.

However, what really makes the Garmin Quatrix 6 stand out is its superb navigation features. The watch displays full-color marine charts through Bluechart, and it displays your live heading and course. The chart feature also includes waypoint marking, speed, depth, and navigational hazards. You can do virtually all of your daytime navigation with your wristwatch.

This watch also includes several sailing-specific features. It connects seamlessly with onboard autopilot systems to keep you on course and helps you achieve target speeds with real-time monitoring. This watch features Sailassist, which is useful for aligning and timing regattas.

Other features include sea temperature monitoring, live weather data, smartphone alerts, Garmin Chartplotter integration, and even boat audio controls. It's essentially an all-in-one marine technology command center for your wrist.

Overall, the Garmin Quatrix 6 easily earns the top spot for digital smart sailing watches. If you're looking for features, there's no better option on the market in this price category. And for less than $700 for the base models, it still costs about the same as a medium-tier standard smartwatch.

Best Bargain Sailing Watch: Vostok Komandirskie

The most bang-for-your-buck depends on what features you're after. But if you're looking for an accurate and reliable watch that's tough enough for bluewater sailing, it's tough to beat the value of the Vostok Komandirskie .

Vostok is a Russian watchmaker that has been producing watches for the Russian military for decades. The diver Komandirskie is an automatic (self-winding) mechanical watch that's water-resistant to 20 ATM (200 meters) thanks to an innovative seal. Unlike most dive watches, the Komandirski actually seals tighter the deeper you go.

The watch itself (along with the rest of the Vostok lineup) has remained almost completely unchanged for decades. The watch features a surprisingly accurate 32-jewel movement, a date function, along with a rotating bezel for timing regattas. It's shockproof and available in an enormous variety of band, face, and bezel options.

These watches are still used by the Russian military today due to their accuracy and durability. They've developed a significant following in the west for the same reasons. However, the most impressive aspect of the watch is its price. You can get your hands on a Vostok watch for between $70 and $120, with some less popular models available for as little as $40 brand new.

It is virtually impossible to find a sailing watch of this quality for anywhere near the price of a Vostok. But how can the price be so low for a quality watch? The reason why Vostok makes the most affordable sailing watch is that all of the development and tooling was complete and paid off by the 1960s. They never bothered making any changes, which allows them to sell these excellent mechanical dive watches for a fraction of the cost.

Other models to consider are the hand-wound Komandirski  which typically retails for around $50. This model is only suitable for very light-duty work, as it's rated to only 3 ATM. The Vostok Amphibia  is rated for 20 ATM, which makes it a slightly slimmer and more affordable option for serious sailing.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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12 Best Sailing Watches (+4 Luxury Watches)

Sporting a nice-looking sailing watch that also brings massive value can be one of those personal items that you end up keeping for years and years.

Over time, it’s not uncommon to become accustomed to a particular watch of ours that serves one function or another and ends up growing on us. Like that old-school t-shirt, hat, or wallet we’ve kept for years, a watch can stay with us for quite some time.

For a sailor, wearing a sailing watch that has multiple sensors and other functionalities we use by the minute can be extremely useful.

This is especially true if you’re in a situation that demands your attention immediately. Whether your watch has an altimeter, barometer, tide chart, temperature meter, or GPS, it’s good to know we can be in the know with a quick flip of the wrist.

The Best Sailing Watches That Are Actually Affordable

There are some sailing watches out there that can cost an arm and a leg, but I’m less interested in prestige and more interested in the functionality.

Obviously, we want our sailing watches to look good too, so I put together a list of the best sailing watches that not only look great but give a sailor just the right information they need when they need it.

1. Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch

Easily one of the best sailing watches out there is the Garmin Quatix 6 Multisport Marine Smartwatch .

If you’re looking for a digital sailing watch that’s stylish and smart, you’ve certainly found your next one. There are so many useful features built into this watch it’s difficult to summarize!

Apart from the Garmin Quatix 6 having a nice design, it comes with a number of useful features for sailing (and watersports in general).

For one, it has a built-in GPS, altimeter, barometer, and compass that allows you to more easily navigate the waters.

You can also connect it to any of your other Garmin devices via Bluetooth so you can stream any sailboat data instantly across your wrist. It also monitors your heart rate and has a number of sailing apps that can be installed on it!

2. Casio Men’s Pathfinder Triple-Sensor Watch

If you’re looking for an affordable sailing watch that’ll last you a very long time, definitely check out the Casio PRG270 Multi-Sensor Sports Watch .

I’ve owned this watch for many years and have not regretted that purchase for a second. It’s a tough watch that can take some hits and provides all the necessary functionality you’ll need on the water.

One of the best features about this men’s nautical watch is that it’s 100% solar-powered, so I’ve never had to worry about replacing the battery.

Apparently, the battery life can last up to 6 months without a charge! It also has an easy-to-use digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, backlight, world time, daily alarms, stopwatch, full calendar, and much more. I actually wear my watch literally all the time and it serves many functions in my daily routine.

3. Casio Pro Trek Men’s Stainless Steel Watch

I’d say Casio is one of the better affordable watch brands for sailing out there based on all of the watches I’ve researched.

This stainless steel Casio watch is almost exactly like the Pathfinder, but instead of having a resin strap it has a strap that’s made of titanium.

The price of this nautical men’s watch is a tab bit higher than the Pathfinder, but it probably has a heavier feel to it and it’s potentially more durable. Also, it looks more stylish than the Pathfinder, so you can probably wear it in many different settings.

4. Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Multi-Sensor Watch

The Suunto sailing watch brand is quite extensive and they make some really high-quality digital sailing watches for a reasonable price.

One of the coolest smart sailing watches is the Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Multi-Sensor Watch . This watch looks very nice and comes in a multitude of colors and strap designs.

This Suunto sailing watch is a bargain for what you get out of it. Not only does it have an altimeter, barometer, and digital compass, but it has a very intuitive and well-designed display that just makes sense.

It’s also water resistant, which is a big plus. The display is so well built that you can even display weather charts along with the other sensor inputs! Truly amazing.

5. Casio G-Shock Men’s Black Resin Sports Watch

As you’ve already probably figured out, I’m a sucker for Casio watches because they’re just so affordable and functional to the core. With that in mind, another fantastic digital sailing watch to check out is the G-Shock Men’s Black Resin Sports Watch by Casio .

As one of the most affordable sailing watches on this list, you’ll get just what you need to stay on top of the basic metrics while sailing.

From measuring the current tide and the moon phases via an intuitive graph to having a world clock at the flick of the wrist, you’ll be in the know.

It’s even water resistant down to 200 meters (600 feet), so a great watch for scuba diving as well.

6. Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer Watch

The look and feel of this nautical watch are very unique and serve as a benchmark for how a sailing watch should be presented.

Apart from the amazing design, this Timex watch is the first one on this list that’s 100% analog. Keeping it simple by never having to worry about battery life can be very handy.

It also has a Perfect Date feature that has the world date and time preprogrammed so you’ll never have to set the date and time again. Very cool!

7. Tissot Sailing-Touch Men’s Multi-Function Watch

Some of the oldest, most trusted watch brands today are Swiss-made, and the Tissot Sailing-Touch Men’s Multi-Function Watch  is a tribute to that reputation.

As an affordable, well-crafted Swiss sailing watch, it’s hard to pass up this great sailing watch for any other.

We’re all aware of the quality that comes with owning a Swiss watch. This Tissot sailing watch comes with a hybrid analog-digital display that delivers information regarding tide, speed, direction, pressure, countdown timer, and more.

Through a clear digital display, you’re able to recall this past data via a chart as well. If you’re looking for quality and functionality, you’ve found the right watch.

8. Casio Pro Trek Tough Solar Digital Watch

Yet again, the Casio watches enter the arena of best sailing watches. This one is great if you can find it in stock: the Casio Pro Trek Tough Solar Digital Watch .

While it’s a tad bit more expensive compared to the previous digital sailing watches we looked at, the reasons will become evident very soon.

Apart from being solar-powered and having all the necessary metrics you want to follow when having a sailing watch, like direction, elevation, pressure, and temperature, you also have an awesome looking display on the watch’s face.

A tide and moon graph can quickly be displayed on the screen and even has an atomic timekeeping feature. This will probably be my next sailing watch.

9. Timex Intelligent Quartz Watch

The look and functionality of this sailing watch are hard to beat and surely provide a lot of value when having it on while out sailing. It’s especially durable as well thanks to its stainless steel body.

This watch by Timex looks amazing and has the basic features that you expect with a good quality sailing watch. While having the standard digital watch features, it also comes with its patented INDIGLO night light for those low light conditions, has a racing chronograph, and is of course water resistant.

10. Nautica Men’s Quartz Resin Silicone Watch

The Nautica watch brand has a lot of really nice-looking watches and one of the more popular ones I’ve seen among those sailing is the Nautica Men’s Quartz Resin Silicone Watch .

This watch has a classic design that’s sturdy and reliable exactly as you’d expect.

While this Nautica watch doesn’t have the same fancy features that the other sailing watches do, I have to bring it up because it’s one of the more popular sailing watches out there.

It does come with a variety of designs and even comes with either a resin, leather, or metal strap.

11. Nautica Men’s Triple-Sensor Watch

This is another one that’s often out of stock. The last Nautica watch we looked at was more of a classic watch, but the Nautica Men’s Triple-Sensor Watch  is in a league of its own.

This watch is specifically tailored to sailors and comes with a sleek design that rivals many other sailing watches.

This Nautica watch comes with multiple sensors, including a compass, a tide tracker, and a thermometer. This combined with its rubber strap makes it a functionally beautiful sailing watch that can handle even the toughest of beatings.

12. Casio Men’s G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch

I promise you this will be the very last Casio watch I show you in this list of the best sailing watches.

One of the coolest Casio digital sailing watches has to got to be the Casio Men’s G-Shock Gulfmaster Watch due to its cool design and extremely useful functionality.

This Casio sets itself apart from the rest of the sailing watches on here because it’s the only one that has the ability to predict weather changes.

With its advanced sensor technology, they’re not only able to measure the standard metrics most sailing watches can measure, but it attempts to predict the future and alert you when necessary. This is a super smartwatch that can absolutely last a lifetime!

4 Luxury Sailing Watches for Superyachters

Now, I’m not in any place to afford any of the following luxury sailing watches, but there’s no doubt that they’re functional pieces of art that would look good on anyone and each can easily fit the category of the best sailing watch. For those superyachters out there, this next list’s for you.

1. Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Promaster Aqualand Analog Watch

There are few watch brands out there that command immediate respect and awe.

Citizen is one of such brands and it demonstrates that quite effectively with the Citizen Eco-Drive Men’s Promaster Aqualand Analog Watch .

While certainly not the cheapest watch, it’s the most affordable in our superyachters edition.

This Citizen watch is a sight to see. Along with its elegant design, it has the Eco-Drive technology that allows it to quickly charge via the sun and can last a very long time.

It’s also water resistant for up to 200 meters (600 feet) and has the ability to keep track of and record the depth when out diving.

2. Tag Heuer Aquaracer Men’s Watch

We enter the sailing watch space of yet another well-known Swiss watch brand; Tag Heuer. Among the many fancy and expensive yachting watches offered by Tag Heuer, their Aquaracer Men’s Watch  is one of the most beautiful watches on the market today.

The Aquaracer Men’s Watch by Tag Heuer comes with an amazing blue Bezel display illuminated by the luminescent hands and markers on the watch’s face.

This watch requires no charging, solar power, winding, or battery replacement since it’s designed to mechanically self-wind based on your movement.

On top of that, it’s capable of going all the way down 500 meters (1650 feet) so deep scuba sessions are more than welcome.

3. Omega Men’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Stainless Steel Watch

A fantastic watch brand that has a long reputation for quality has to go to Omega, which has come out with the attractive Omega Men’s Seamaster Aqua Terra Stainless Steel Watch  for water dwellers all over the world.

If you’re looking to splurge on a superyachters watch, surely this one won’t disappoint.

This Omega Seamaster yachting watch has an elegant design that’s fitting for any occasion, whether you’re out sailing or dining out.

Its classic stainless steel, silver design gives off a familiar look and is accompanied by a Swiss-certified chronometer to boot. It’s also powered automatically via self-winding, so there’s no need to worry about battery life ever again.

4. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea

This list of luxury sailing watches would not be complete without mentioning the most famous yachting watch brand in the world; Rolex.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea Watch  is the epitome of a high-quality sailing watch with a price tag to match.

The amazing thing about Rolexes is that they don’t really need to be explained in terms of how good they are.

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Seadweller Deepsea is one of the most famous luxury sailing watches on the market and comes with a Swiss-certified chronometer that’s self-winding.

On top of that, it’s capable of going down 3900 meters (12,800 feet) underwater! Now that’s deep.

Which Sailing Watch Is Right for You

Sailing watches (or yachting watches) have proven to be a tremendous help out on the water in navigating and planning.

When it comes to a good sailing watch, it’s up to what is best for the individual and how they plan on using it .

Each sailing watch can have its own unique features and intricate designs that set it apart from other watches. So which sailing watch is considered the best based on usefulness and quality?

Most Important Features of a Sailing Watch

Not just any watch is going to cut it when you’re out on the water. You need a timepiece that is going to stand up to the rough conditions that you’ll face, as well as provide important information when you need it.

These include durability, resistance to water, GPS capabilities, and tracking the tide, which most sailing watches have.

All are important for how you plan to sail, so you need a high-quality sailing watch that can handle any situation.

Excellent Durability

Sailing has its moments where it can be tough in the heaviest conditions. A watch that can withstand wear and tear is going to be crucial if you’re spending thousands of dollars on one.

You should consider getting a watch that’s made out of stainless steel and titanium, in particular with a stainless steel case.

The glass also needs to be somewhat shatterproof, as you will need something to handle scrapes and dings.

Superior Water Resistance

You want your watch to be protected from the elements, especially if you’re constantly getting wet while sailing. Each watch will have a different rating on its water-resistant capabilities, which can be confusing since it is measured in meters, atmospheres, or feet.

At a minimum, you need five atmospheres (ATM) or 50 meters of protection. This is equivalent to 160 feet, which is somewhat waterproof and meant for coastal cruising or brief moments in the water.

These are generally less expensive sailing watches, so it is understandable if you’re on a budget and want something to compliment your sailing experience.

If you can afford a step up in quality, you can check out sailing watches that have at least 10 ATMs, which is the same as 100 meters or 300 feet deep of water.

These are the best bang for your buck, as they cover decent depths of water and spray from the ocean.

The best water-resistant watches are 20 ATMs, which are 200 meters or 660 feet.

These are dive-worthy and are the beginning stages of the best sailing watches with high water resistance. Some go even higher to 30 ATMs or 1,000 feet, making them a part of the dive watches family.

Informative GPS

Not only do you want a fashionable and functional sailing watch, but one that has GPS capabilities. You don’t want to rely on old maps that have not been updated for years.

These watches include up-to-date marine information to travel safely along designated routes.

These sail tools alone are worth their weight in gold, especially if you have an older method of navigating the ocean. Some are well advanced to help provide tack assistance to ensure you’re sailing at optimal speeds.

Accurate Tide Tracking

Tide tracking is another useful feature to have in a good sailing watch. A tide tracker can be relatively precise to match the true state of a tide.

While some are very accurate, it is important to know that they are not always 100% correct. Some tide-tracking watches are better than others.

You want one that will give you proper information based on your location to provide the closest possible scenarios.

Types of Sailing Watches

There are a few variations of sailing watches that prove to be useful, with some that sailors absolutely cannot live without.

Each one has its own benefits, so find out what works best for you and how to utilize them in your own sailing goals.

Mechanical Sailing Watches

Mechanical sailing watches are just as they sound, as they don’t have a battery and have a classic look to them.

Some have solar-powered capabilities so you don’t have to worry about changing batteries. They have wind-up or self-winding features to operate and often time are accompanied by a countdown timer.

The best mechanical sailing watches come from Sweden and are manufactured by the top names in the business.

In addition, they have some of the best waterproof capabilities for divers that want to go around 1,000 feet down.

Digital Sailing Watches

Digital sailing watches operate on battery life, while typically having a display to read. They vary considerably depending on how much they cost and the features they provide.

A digital sailing watch is generally affordable for any budget, but only if they are simple in its functionality.

They usually have an LCD screen in the form of a digital display showing the date, time, and temperature. They can even have a countdown timer, multiple time zones, a dual time display, a date window, and much more

One of the best sailing watches is the Garmin Quatix 6  which has an altimeter, barometer, and compass.

It also has Bluetooth, which you could argue makes it a sailing smartwatch too. Definitely one of the more popular sailing watches out there.

Sailing Smartwatches

Sailing smartwatches are very similar to digital sailing watches. They typically have an LCD screen displaying basic information, but their waterproof capabilities are slightly higher.

They have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options to connect to charts, GPS, and other crucial data.

They are even used in competitive sailing races to offer sail racing assistance to track important data for the team or the individual racer.

The Suunto Core Wrist-Top Computer Watch  is one of the best sailing smartwatches out on the water.

It allows you to save navigation data, track boat speed and heading through GPS, and offers multiple pages of information through Wi-Fi. This is a sailing smartwatch powerhouse.

Final Thoughts

Sailing watches are an innovative tool that offers sailors the ability to process information in real-time.

Each sailor can find their own unique function in a sailing watch, whether it be mechanical, smartwatch, or digital.

Since they offer GPS, tide tracking, or a stylish stainless-steel watch that will last for years, a great sailing watch is worth the investment.

There are plenty of affordable sailing watches to fit any budget, so finding one should be simple if you narrow down your criteria.

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Buyer's Guide: The Best Sailing Watches For Every Yachtie's Collection

Whether you're speeding around a regatta course or just checking the time until dinner, no superyacht owner's wardrobe is complete without a sailing or dive watch . But with so many great yachting timepieces to choose from, how do you pick? We've rounded up the classics that every yacht lover should know about. We've also rounded up a selection of the best modern sailing watches here .

What is a sailing watch?

Varied in style, sailing watches are predominantly racing watches, used to calculate speed and distance when racing boats. Traditionally, they featured chronographs and countdown timers to measure said speed and distance, encased in a durable, water resistant case to withstand harsher elements. Sometimes sailing, or yachting watches feature compasses, barometers and tachymeters.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II

Designed specifically for professional sailors, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II is an icon of regatta racing. Incorporating the Oyster’s classic steel and rose gold bracelet, the world’s first programmable countdown for that crucial race starting sequence and a marine-themed Ring Command bezel which works in conjunction with the internal mechanism, this is the quintessential nautical timepiece.

Case:  Steel, 44mm Bracelet:  Steel and 18ct Everose gold Movement:  Self-winding calibre 4161 Complications:  Regatta chronograph with programmable countdown, synchronisation and stop-seconds dial at 6 o’clock Waterproof:  100 metres

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Chronograph

Perhaps best known as one of the  best James Bond watches,  the Omega Seamaster Diver has been relied upon by divers for accurate timing both above and below the water for decades. First launched in 1948 for the French Navy Seals, the current models have been upgraded with Co-Axial calibres, bold colours and new functions to create timepieces that offer both style and substance.

Case:  Steel, 44mm Bracelet:  Steel Movement:  Self-winding calibre Omega 3330 Complications:  30 minute recorder, 12 hour recorder, small seconds dial, date Waterproof:  300 metres

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique

Released before either of its Rolex or Omega rivals, the  Blancpain Fifty Fathoms  is one of the oldest diving watches still available. It is now offered in no fewer than 30 models – including one of the  best women's diving watches  – but it is the Automatique version with its black barrenia strap reminiscent of the early 1950s models that remains a classic.

Case:  18ct red gold, 45mm Strap:  Sail canvas Movement:  Self-winding calibre 1315 Complications:  Date Waterproof:  300 metres

Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300M Chronograph

Launched in 1982, the Tag Heuer Aquaracer may not boast the extensive heritage of other classic sailing watches but, thanks to its slightly less daunting price tag, is still one of the most popular timepieces on the regatta circuit. An understated aesthetic with either black or navy dials, and a no nonsense approach to functions that work effectively without unnecessary complication, make the Aquaracer ideal for the yacht owner who’s all business when on board.

Case:  Steel, 43mm Bracelet:  Steel Movement:  Quartz Complications:  Date, small seconds dials, counters for split seconds, minutes and hours Waterproof:  300 metres

**Breitling Superocean **Heritage Chronometer 44mm

Better known as a maker of pilot’s watches, the Superocean may be the only sailing watch in Breitling’s stable but that does not mean it should be overlooked. Water-resistant up to a seriously impressive 500 metres, the latest additions to the line include models with smaller 36mm case sizes, brightly coloured dials and bold retro-styling - the Automatic 36 is one of the best.

Case:  Steel, 44mm Strap:  NATO Movement:  Breitling 13 automatic chronograph movement Complications:  Date Waterproof:  200 metres

Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Chrono Flyback

At 44mm, the Panerai Luminor 1950 is certainly one of the largest classic diving watches around. Sporting the retro shape and design of its mid-century ancestors, this timepiece may only be water resistant to 100 metre but what it lacks in air tightness it certainly makes up for in style. The large dial means room for oversized numerals with impressive luminosity as well as small seconds and chronograph hour counter sub dials.

Case:  Titanium, 44mm Strap:  Black leather Movement:  P.9100 calibre Complications:  Small seconds, chronograph flyback, seconds reset Waterproof:  100 metres

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