Sailing watch recommendations — what do you wear?

Gear & Product Reviews
1

We’re looking for a good sailing watch and the options are overwhelming. We don’t need a full regatta computer — just something that’s tough, waterproof, and useful on the water.

What we’ve been looking at:

  • Garmin Instinct 2 Solar — tough, solar charging, tide info
  • Casio G-Shock Gulfmaster — classic tough watch, barometer, tide
  • Apple Watch Ultra — does everything but is it too expensive for saltwater?

Budget is up to about €400 each. Mainly want: water resistance, legibility in bright sun, countdown timer (for cooking and navigation), and something that won’t break if I whack it on a winch.

What’s on your wrist when you sail?

2

I’ve worn a Casio G-Shock for about 15 years of sailing. Different models over the years but always G-Shock. They’re practically indestructible, the battery lasts forever on the solar models, and I don’t worry about banging it on things.

For sailing specifically, the Gulfmaster is great — the barometer trend is actually useful for spotting weather changes. And at half the price of the Garmin, you can afford to replace it if the worst happens.

3

I use a Garmin Instinct Solar and I love it. The battery life with solar is incredible — I charge it maybe once a month. The built-in GPS is useful for tracking your route, and the compass function has been handy more than once.

I’d avoid the Apple Watch for sailing unless you’re happy treating it as a consumable. Saltwater and expensive electronics are not friends, no matter what the IP rating says.

4

I’ll be the contrarian: I wear a simple analogue watch (a Seiko diver). I don’t want data on my wrist when I’m sailing — I want to look at the sea, the sails, and the sky. All the information I need is on the instruments or in the cockpit.

But I appreciate I’m in the minority. If I were buying a digital watch for sailing, the Garmin Instinct is the best value in my opinion.

5

I have the Garmin Quatix 7 — it’s specifically designed for sailing and integrates with my Garmin chartplotter. It can display boat speed, wind data, and depth right on my wrist. Overkill? Maybe. But I love having autopilot control from my wrist when I’m moving around the boat.

Way over your budget though. The Instinct is the sweet spot for value.