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Many of the watches we have today are more than mere time-telling accessories. Over the decades, advances in watchmaking technology have allowed watchmakers to design timepieces with more specific, varied purposes. For example, we now have dive watches for seafaring adventurers, sports watches for outdoor enthusiasts, digital watches for those who love greater convenience, and many more. In this article, we will be focusing on a specific type of timepiece made just for the explorers out there: the altimeter watch. Read on to find out more about what an altimeter watch is and some of the best altimeter watches in the market today. What Is An Altimeter Watch?  First and foremost, altimeter watches are essentially timepieces that can measure altitude above a fixed level. Altimeter watches are equipped with barometric altimeters which use changes in air pressure to calculate the altitude the wearer is currently at. In analog timepieces, you can find different scales for altitude (in feet) and air pressure, with indicators that will illustrate the exact measurements. These scales can usually be found on the dial or bezel of the watch. Smartwatches and digital timepieces, on the other hand, have in-built altimeter functions which can quickly calculate your current altitude for you. These watches are perfect for all the tech-savvy explorers out there. 15 Best Altimeter Watches Without further ado, let us take look at some of the best altimeter watches you can get right now. 1. Oris Big Crown ProPilot Ref. 01 733 7705 423 First up on our list, we have the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Ref. 01 733 7705 423 with its robust and powerfully-built exterior. Just one glance at its rugged all-black profile, and you can already tell that this Oris watch is made to withstand the harsh conditions of the great outdoors.  Housed in a 47mm black-plated stainless steel case, this Oris Big Crown ProPilot piece showcases a complex watch face in black and a grey textile strap that perfectly complement each other. Accentuated by indicators in white, yellow, and red, the black dial consists of luminescent white hands and Arabic numerals, a small rectangular date window, an air pressure scale, and an altitude scale (in feet). Powering all these functions is an automatic Oris 733 Caliber, which is based on an SW 200-1 movement. This caliber comes with a solid 38-hour power reserve. You can get the Oris Big Crown ProPilot Ref. 01 733 7705 423 for approximately $4,340 USD. 2. Citizen Promaster Altichron Ref. BN5055-05E The next watch on this list, the Citizen Promaster Altichron Ref. BN5055-05E serves as the perfect timepiece for those in the beginning stages of their adventurer lifestyle. It has a very sporty and rugged build, but with an added hint of a cool, vintage vibe.  This Citizen watch is presented in a 47mm black stainless steel case, paired with a black and brown Cordura strap. Fitted on top of the case is a rustic bronze-tone rotating bezel that adds to the watch’s old-school aesthetic. This bezel is marked with white indicators for the electronic compass function, which you can use to navigate yourself out of any tight spots. The busy-looking watch face is also made up of a black dial with the following components: an analog time display, a square date window, a skeletal, arrow-shaped hand for the compass, and an altimeter function with a range of up to 32,000 feet. In addition, this Citizen Promaster timepiece is equipped with Citizen’s Eco-Drive technology, so it can be charged using various light sources. Retailing at just $595 USD, this is one of the best altimeter watches you can get at such an affordable price. 3. Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-60T-7AJF Next up, we have the Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-60T-7AJF which boasts a very quintessential sports watch vibe. As part of the brand’s renowned Pro Trek collection, this watch was designed to be a multi-functional, rugged outdoor timepiece through and through.  This Casio watch comes in a 47mm stainless steel case and bezel paired with a lightweight titanium bracelet, so it does not feel too heavy on your wrist despite its sizable build. This bezel, which is engraved with the names of 29 different cities, can be used to track 29 different time zones. The dial shows off a hybrid digital-analog display with luminescent sword hands, thick hour indices, and an LCD window on the lower half of the watch face. This model is also equipped with triple sensor technology, which means it comes with an altimeter-barometer, a compass, and a thermometer. On top of that, it also has a chronograph, a perpetual calendar, and a power reserve indicator. This watch is driven by a quartz movement that runs on solar energy. If you want an altimeter watch jampacked with a bunch of other functions, you can get the Casio Pro Trek Ref. PRW-60T-7AJF for just $609 USD. 4. Suunto 9 Baro Ref. SS050149000 The Suunto 9 Baro Ref. SS050149000 serves as the perfect companion for adventurers and those with active lifestyles. It is a multi-functional smartwatch that is built to last, regardless of whatever may come its way. Aside from the impressive features offered, this Suunto 9 watch is also highly regarded for its aesthetics, having been awarded the iF Design Award in 2019.  The Suunto 9 Baro Ref. SS050149000 is presented in a glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide case with a hardy titanium bezel and a comfortable silicone strap. The dial has a fully digital display with touchscreen capabilities and an LED backlight for optimal legibility even in poor lighting conditions. As mentioned, this watch comes with a multitude of functions, including 24/7 activity tracking, a GPS, an altimeter, a weather indicator, a variety of sports modes, and more. Powering this Suunto model is a rechargeable lithium battery with a lifespan of up to 14 days in time mode, so you need not worry about having to change this watch’s batteries. Retailing at $669 USD, this is one of the best all-around altimeter watches for explorers of any level.  5. Apple Watch Series 7  Another great watch option for those who want a timepiece with more handy features than just an altimeter is the Apple Watch Series 7. This is a great choice for novice adventurers who are not really looking for a professional outdoor watch, as it can be used for both active and casual days. The Apple Watch Series 7 comes in either a 41mm or 45mm case and is made from materials that you can customize to your liking. You can choose between titanium, aluminum, or stainless steel for the case and silicone, leather, stainless steel, or fluoroelastomer for the strap. In addition, on the rectangular retina dial display, you get access to the following: detailed health functions including blood oxygen tracking and ECG apps, music players, activity tracking, map functions, an altimeter, and lots more. Priced at $799 USD, this is recommended for those who want a customizable lifestyle watch that makes for a good companion outdoors as well. 6. Alpina AlpinerX Black/Orange For something that caters more to younger audiences, take a look at the Alpina AlpinerX Black/Orange. Our favorite thing about this piece is that it is something new from such a well-established Swiss brand, with its robust and highly modern design. With this timekeeper, Alpina has proven that Swiss watchmaking remains as resilient and innovative as ever. The AlpinerX is presented in a 45mm black-tone case and bi-directional compass bezel, both made out of stainless steel. This is paired with a vibrant orange strap of your choice, which can be made from either leather, rubber, or fabric. The dial has a hybrid display that showcases an analog layout, with luminous orange hands, white indices and hour markers, and a digital screen on the lower half of the dial. The outer rim of the dial is also colored bright orange, matching the AlpinerX Black/Orange’s strap and adding to its quirky, playful vibe. This watch also boasts a multitude of features, such as an altimeter-barometer, a compass, a connected GPS, a UV indicator, alarms, timers, and the like. It runs on a Horological Smartwatch MMT-283-1 movement, which has an impressive battery life of a little over 2 years. If you want a contemporary, Swiss-made altimeter watch to accompany you on your next adventure, you can get this piece for approximately $895 USD. 7. Garmin Fenix 6 Ref. 010-02410-23 The Garmin Fenix 6 Ref. 010-02410-23 is the go-to timepiece of many individuals who love staying fit both indoors and outdoors. It shows off a very cool, robust, and monochromatic design that is sure to complement virtually any type of attire.  This Garmin watch comes in a 47mm black case made of durable carbon fiber and is paired with either a silicone or titanium band. The dial has a touchscreen memory-in-pixel display with a resolution of 260 x 260 pixels. Performance-wise, it comes with excellent functions, from health monitoring and fitness tracking to environmental sensors and outdoor recreation. Of course, it would not be on this list if it did not have a barometric altimeter as well. This Garmin Fenix 6 timepiece is powered by a lithium-ion battery that you can charge using either electricity or solar energy. The Garmin Fenix 6 Ref. 010-02410-23 retails at around $729 USD. 8. Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar Ref. T121.420.47.051.04 Another great watch for the contemporary explorer is the Tissot T-Touch Connect Solar Ref. T121.420.47.051.04. This is yet another top-notch Swiss watch made for any and every kind of outdoor adventure. The best thing about this model is that it is the perfect combination of classic, sleek, and stylish. This Tissot T-Touch watch comes in a 47mm lightweight titanium case with anti-magnetic properties, a scratch-resistant black ceramic bezel, and a smooth rubber strap. Its compass bezel and dial are peppered with bright white and orange indicators, contrasting delightfully against the black exterior of the watch and enhancing its stylishness. The dial also shows off a hybrid digital-analog display, with luminous hands and a touchscreen feature. Outside of its time-telling capabilities, this watch is equipped with a perpetual calendar, an altimeter, a compass, a barometer, mobile connectivity, and more. This Tissot watch is powered by a quartz solar tactile movement that boasts Swiss craftsmanship. If you are interested, you can get this suave altimeter watch for $1,150 USD. 9. Casio Pro Trek Camper Line Ref. PRG-30-5  Next, we have another model from the iconic Casio Pro Trek collection, in the form of the Casio Pro Trek Camper Line Ref. PRG-30-5. As part of a selection of timepieces specially designed for camping, this is a truly quintessential outdoor watch. This particular Casio model comes in an oversized 51mm black resin case along with a silicon band in brown. It has a fully digital dial, with bold black fonts against a white backdrop and an LED backlight for better readability. Since this watch is optimized for the wilderness, it comes with numerous features designed to make the outdoors an easier experience, such as an altimeter, a barometer, a digital compass, a sunrise/sunset display, and low-temperature specifications. Inside its tough yet casual exterior, you can find a solar-powered battery driving this whole timepiece. The Casio Pro Trek Camper Line Ref. PRG-30-5 retails at just $370 USD. 10. Polar Grit X  The Polar Grit X is another digital sports watch made for outdoorsy folks who enjoy active lifestyles. It is known to be an incredibly tough timepiece that comes with loads of features meant to guide and help its wearer in every type of situation.  This Polar watch has a 47mm stainless steel case along with a reinforced polymer caseback and a durable silicone strap. The watch face showcases an always-on touchscreen display with anti-fingerprint coating, which ensures the dial will remain clean, highly legible, and not get smudged up just from touching. This timepiece has a multitude of functions all geared towards making your outdoor excursions smoother and more enjoyable, including swimming metrics, a running guide, weather information, GPS, compass, an altimeter in training mode, and the like. Just like most of the smartwatches on this list, the Polar Grit X runs on a rechargeable battery with up to 40 hours of battery life in training mode. The best part is that you do not have to spend thousands of dollars on this powerfully-built altimeter watch. The Polar Grit X has a price tag of approximately $499 USD. 11. Suunto 7 Ref. SS050382000 Another outstanding altimeter watch from Suunto is the Suunto 7 Ref. SS050382000. Despite being one of the predecessors to the aforementioned Suunto 9 Baro, this watch has its fair share of differences compared to the previous Suunto model we recommended. One important example of this would be their battery lives, as the Suunto 7 has a 2-day lifespan when fully charged, while the Suunto 9 Baro can run for up to 14 days. The Suunto 7 Ref. SS050382000 comes in a large 50mm glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide case with a rose gold-tone stainless steel bezel and a silicone strap. The dial features an AMOLED touch display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels. This watch comes with a barometric altimeter, GPS tracking & navigation, sports mode, a 24/7 activity tracker, and more. It is also driven by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which has a 48-hour battery life in smartwatch mode.  If you felt like the Suunto 9 was a bit too complex for you, this Suunto 7 timepiece makes for a great alternative at just $429 USD.   12. Favre-Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000 The Favre-Leuba Raider Bivouac 9000 is another altimeter watch that boasts masterful Swiss craftsmanship. Unlike most of the altimeter watches mentioned on this list, this timepiece pulls off a fully analog display that pairs well with its bold, sporty design.  This Favre-Leuba watch stands out with its tonneau-shaped lightweight titanium case, paired with a bi-directional rotating bezel in black and an antelope grey leather strap. Its black dial consists of luminous silver hands and hour indices, a third hand in vibrant red for the altimeter function, a sub-dial for air pressure and altitude, a small seconds counter, a date window, and a power reserve indicator. All of these components are powered by an impressive, hand-wound FL311 caliber with a substantial 65-hour power reserve. Retailing at around $8,205 USD, this is one of the best altimeter watches that does not have a digital or touchscreen display.  13. Garmin Instinct Tundra Ref. 010-02064-01 For something a little different, check out the Garmin Instinct Tundra Ref. 010-02064-01, with its distinctive, light-colored exterior inspired by the vast tundra biome. This is one of the most highly recommended models from Garmin, a top brand for high-quality outdoor watches. The Garmin Instinct Tundra shows off a 45mm fiber case paired with a matching white silicone strap. The dial has a touchscreen display through which you can access the following features: a built-in compass and barometric altimeter, a heart rate monitor, smartphone notifications, and many sports/training functions. All these are made possible, thanks to the watch’s powerful battery which has a 14-day lifespan in smartwatch mode.  Priced at only $309 USD, this is one of the best value-for-money altimeter watches on the market. 14. Coros Apex 46mm The Coros Apex 46mm is a highly-regarded timepiece among those who love going on outdoor adventures. Whether you are on a leisure walk in the woods or a serious hiking expedition up a mountain, this watch is one of the best companions to take with you because of its multi-functionality.  This Coros Apex watch is presented in a 46mm black-tone aluminum case with a titanium bezel and a silicone strap of the same hue. The dial has an always-on memory LCD screen with a display size of 240 x 240 pixels. Rather than just being an altimeter watch, the Coros Apex 46mm ups the ante by incorporating features such as training and sports guides, health monitors (heart rate, blood oxygen, etc), and environmental sensors (GPS, compass, a barometric altimeter, etc). Lastly, it boasts a reliable battery life of up to 100 hours in UltraMax GPS mode and 30 days in regular use mode.   You can get your hands on the Coros Apex 46mm for around $350 USD. 15. Suunto Traverse Alpha Ref. SS022469000 Lastly, we have the Suunto Traverse Alpha Ref. SS022469000, which is a consistent recommendation when talking about tactile, outdoor altimeter watches. Right off the bat, it has a very cool and sleek design that will surely appeal to any explorer.  This Suunto Traverse Alpha piece is quite bulky, coming in a 50mm black composite case paired with a stocky stainless steel bezel and a textile strap in black. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it possesses a matrix display with an LED backlight for optimal legibility, no matter the circumstances. On top of that, this Suunto watch also incorporates a multitude of capabilities uniquely suited to the fervent adventurer: outdoor modes (for hiking, fishing, and hunting), sunrise/sunset time alerts, speed and distance trackers, an altimeter function through FusedAlti™, a compass, alarms, and more.  Priced at $580 USD, this is one of the most reliable companions you can bring on your different outdoor excursions.  Final Thoughts From the list above, you can tell that there is quite a wide variety available when it comes to altimeter watches in the market. Whether you want an analog piece or a highly versatile digital model, you are bound to find what you want and need. You also do not have to worry about spending thousands of dollars, since there are many outstanding models that come at affordable prices. That said, all the recommended altimeter watches listed above are indeed worth checking out!  Photo Credits: Official Watch Sites and WatchShopping  Interested in watch lists? Check out our article on the 15 Best Sailing Watches! 

Many athletes could not stress enough about the convenience of having a reliable, high-tech sports watch. Apart from telling you the time, sports watches are designed with numerous helpful applications to aid you during your activities and workout routines. On top of that, they are designed to be strong and stylish, so that you can bring them to all sorts of occasions, whether it is the wild outdoors or a casual party. Today, there are loads of sports watches being offered in the market, with many showcasing a wide variety of functions and sports modes. However, if you are looking for a simple and affordable timepiece that is not jampacked with too many overwhelming features, there aren’t many that can do the job as well as the Suunto Core. Join us as we familiarize ourselves with this practical and well-known Suunto sports wristwatch. Suunto Core All Black Since its release in 2007, the Suunto Core has been one of the brand’s most iconic timepieces. Officially, it is categorized as an ABC watch; this means that it features altimeter, barometer, and compass functions. As such, the Suunto Core is a brilliant digital timepiece to bring with you when you are exploring the outdoors. Presently, the brand offers the Suunto Core in a variety of sleek designs — around 30, to be exact. However, the main focus of our article today will be on the classic Suunto Core in all black. We will be taking a detailed look at all the different qualities and characteristics of the Suunto Core, from its composite case and elastomer strap to its multiple handy outdoor functions. Image By: Suunto Black Composite Case and Caseback With a case diameter of 49.1mm and a thickness of 14.5mm, the Suunto Core is a pretty sizable watch, weighing it around the size of most Suunto 7 smartwatches. With its large composition, the Suunto Core is ideal for wearers who have larger wrist sizes. Of course, that should not stop anyone who is fond of wearing oversized watches, either. When strapped to the wrist, the Suunto timepiece stands out prominently, thanks to its size and its eye-catching all-black build. Despite its substantial size, the Suunto Core weighs only 64g. For the sake of comparison, 64g is equivalent to nearly two slices of bread, which is not very heavy at all. As such, wearers will not find it too cumbersome to tote the Suunto Core around on their wrists all day. The case of the Suunto Core is made entirely out of a black carbon composite. This material is what gives the Suunto Core its lightweight profile, while also providing it with exceptional durability and resistance to scratches and impacts. In addition, the Suunto Core also has a depth rating of 30m. This is somewhat lackluster for a sports timepiece, but it is enough to protect the Suunto Core from raindrops and light water splashes. Located on the left and right sides of the cases are pushers that give wearers easy access to the Suunto Core’s different functions. The pushers are designed with jagged textures, so wearers can easily feel for and locate them, without even looking at the watch. On the underside of the watch, you can find a stainless steel caseback that protects the CR2032 battery of the Suunto Core. When used regularly, this battery can last for up to an incredible 12 months. Fitted on top of the front case is a black aluminum compass bezel. This bezel is marked with navigational directions and degrees, printed in white to provide wearers with optimal readability and contrast against the black background. Though this bezel is designed for practical purposes, it also serves to enhance the Suunto Core’s masculine and robust look. Mineral Glass Suunto uses a flat layer of mineral glass to protect the digital dial of the Suunto Core. Considering its very budget-friendly price range, it is within expectations that the Suunto Core would use a mineral crystal rather than a hardier sapphire crystal. When measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, mineral crystals typically have a hardness rating of “5” or “6.” Although it is not as scratch-resistant as sapphire, mineral crystal is still able to fend off scratches better than acrylic glass. In addition, mineral glass is also less susceptible to impacts or shattering than sapphire. If you notice your Suunto Core’s mineral crystal has accumulated a noticeable amount of scratch marks, it is easy enough to have the crystal buffed to clear out its surface. Digital Suunto Dial The watch face of the Suunto Core shows off a simple negative display with a black background and lighter gray text. As an ABC watch, the Suunto Core gathers data with built-in triple sensors that detect and analyze the local environment. Its highly-legible dial is split into two sections to present different data at once, so you can get all the information you need with just a quick glance at the Suunto Core. Printed on the lower half of the dial are labels that indicate which mode the Suunto Core is currently in so that even new users will not get confused. By pressing and holding the center pusher on the right side of the Suunto Core, its dial will redirect you back to the main menu. When using this timepiece in the dark, the Suunto Core has an electro-luminescent backlight that brightly illuminates its digital dial. As an all-around outdoors watch, the Suunto Core is also equipped with numerous features that are very convenient to have when out in the wilderness. Apart from the traditional timekeeping functions, this watch also has an altimeter, a barometer, a digital compass, a temperature reader, a storm alarm, and more. When using its altimeter and barometer modes, the Suunto displays the air pressure and altitude level of the wearer’s current position. It also shows a graph that keeps track of the different altitude levels the watch has gone through. Before using the altimeter and barometer functions, it is crucial to set a reference level for the air pressure and altitude so that the watch will be less susceptible to gathering the wrong data. The temperature data is also presented on the lower half screen. Some wearers recommend keeping the timepiece on a pack strap while trekking for more accurate temperature readings. When in compass mode, the Suunto Core’s digital compass displays the directional degrees on its main screen while indicating the cardinal direction the watch is facing on the lower screen. Wearers can calibrate the compass to ensure its navigation is precise.  Going back to the main menu, wearers can access the time and date functions to set alarms, a countdown timer, the time, dual time, and the date. The watch also has a sunrise and sunset alarm, which can be customized by inputting your general location as well as the region and city you are nearest to. One of the Suunto Core’s most unique features is its exclusive and handy storm alarm feature. With this, you will be able to keep track of whether a storm is approaching your area, making it an indispensable application for wearers camping, trekking, and mountaineering. Lastly, the Suunto Core also features a stopwatch, which can be useful for various purposes. For wearers who want to keep track of all the data gathered above, you can access it through the Suunto Core’s extensive logbook. The Suunto timepiece supports four different languages, namely English, Spanish, French, and Danish. Black Elastomer Strap The Suunto Core is usually paired with an exclusive black elastomer strap, completing its rugged all-black look. With its unusual dimensions and elongated adjustment holes, the design of this watch bracelet is quite unique, and it fits comfortably on the wrist. However, some users have complained about this elastomer strap breaking after a few years. While the strap quality is not the best, Suunto does provide wearers with a selection of replacement straps. Each band is made from either elastomer, rubber, or silicone and comes in a variety of different colors and styles. Having so many options for your watch strap allows you to choose one that matches your specific design tastes and preferences. Each new strap can cost between $50 USD to $61 USD. Price of the Suunto Core You can purchase a brand-new Suunto Core at a very accessible price of $220 USD. If you plan to buy a pre-owned version from the second-hand market, it can cost you between $125 USD to $145 USD, depending on the seller and the condition the watch is in. Other Popular Versions of the Suunto Core As stated previously, the Suunto Core comes in multiple variants. Let us take a look at some of the brand’s other takes on its coveted outdoor ABC watch. 1. Suunto Core in Brushed Steel Image By: Suunto This model of the Suunto Core showcases a 49.1mm stainless steel case topped with a stainless steel bezel. The case and bezel are both masterfully brushed, giving the watch’s exterior a gleaming, luxurious luster. In addition to that, this edition of the Suunto Core replaces its protective mineral crystal with sapphire glass. As most watch enthusiasts know, sapphire tends to be the favored material for watch crystals due to its luxury and unparalleled scratch resistance. As such, aside from looking sleeker and more professional, this Suunto Core design is also more durable. Due to the upgrades on its case and watch glass, this version of the Suunto Core fetches a higher price of approximately $530 USD. 2. Suunto Core Dusk Gray Image By: Suunto Not a fan of the Suunto Core in all black? How about something a tad bit lighter? The Suunto Core Dusk Gray shows off the same capabilities as the standard black Suunto Core but comes in a 49.1mm muted gray composite case instead. Complemented by a gray aluminum bezel and a matching silicone strap, its all-gray design is quite appealing and gives the watch a very unified appearance. This version of the Suunto Core also costs around $220 USD. 3. Suunto Core Lime Crush Image By: Suunto Another attractive edition of the Suunto Core, this particular variant showcases a 49.1mm composite black case with a blackened steel top ring. Suunto pairs the Core Lime Crush with a supple lime silicone watch strap, which gives the timepiece a more perky aesthetic. Because of the thick steel bezel, the watch weighs slightly more than the original black Suunto Core, but it is still quite easy to carry around. You can get your hands on this playful Suunto Core piece for an estimated price of $220 USD. Alternatives to the Suunto Core Now, if you are a tech-savvy sports enthusiast who loves having a multitude of sports modes, GPS navigation, and fitness tracking, then the Suunto Core might not be the best option for you. Not to worry, however, for there are other sports watch manufacturers out there who might just have what you’ve been searching for. Take a look at some of these state-of-the-art timepieces that work as great, high-tech alternatives to the Suunto Core. 1. Suunto 9 G1 Baro (SS050087000) Image By: Watch Shopping If you want a more advanced timekeeper that possesses greater technological capabilities than the Suunto Core, then you might want to consider the Suunto 9 G1 Baro. Hailing from the brand’s Suunto 9 collection, the G1 Baro features a diverse set of innovations that is sure to astound any modern sports enthusiast. Coupled with a black silicone strap, the Suunto G1 Baro is housed in a 50mm glass-fiber-reinforced polyamide case. With its thickness of 16.8mm, the Suunto 9 G1 Baro is even larger and has more presence than the Suunto Core. The G1 Baro is topped with a layer of sapphire glass and a black-tone stainless steel bezel, both of which serve to protect the dial from any scratches while also giving the watch a smarter look. Located at the back of the G1 Baro is a wrist-based heart monitor that logs in data every second. The case is water-resistant up to depths of 100m, so the watch can function efficiently even in harsh stormy weather or in the pool.  The dial of the Suunto 9 features handy touchscreen capabilities, allowing wearers to access all its functions through the touch of a finger. Apart from having all the digital applications of the Suunto Core, the G1 Baro is also equipped with GPS tracking and navigation, fitness and health monitoring, and a wide selection of sports modes that cater to running, cycling, swimming, and more. As you wear this watch, it quietly gathers information about your calories burnt, sleep quality, daily resource levels, and stress and recovery statistics, making the G1 Baro both an excellent sports watch and the perfect health tracker. The Suunto G1 Baro has a battery life that can last between 25 to 170 hours, depending on its usage and the modes it is in. This timepiece uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you will not have to worry about changing its batteries. Furthermore, it has four intelligent battery modes, which you can use to keep the watch up and running for longer. The Suunto 9 G1 Baro supports a total of 22 languages. This intuitive and multifunctional sports watch is available on our website for $659 USD. 2. Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar (010-02158-17) Image By: Watch Shopping Much like the Rolex vs. Omega subject, many sports watch aficionados love to compare Suunto models with Garmin timepieces, and rightfully so. Garmin has been manufacturing watches since late-1989 and has provided many athletes with top-of-the-line sports watches since then. One especially popular model from Garmin is the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar. This gorgeous Garmin smartwatch simply breathes elegance, ruggedness, and a sense of luxury. It comes in a 42mm gold-tone fiber-reinforced polymer case fitted with a matching gold stainless steel bezel, making it slimmer and easier to wear than the Suunto Core. It is also typically paired with a silicone band, but wearers can also opt for a suede, fabric, or metal strap. The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar has a depth rating of 100m, so you can bring it with you to numerous water-based outdoor adventures like swimming or water skiing. Like the Suunto 9 G1 Baro, the Fenix 6S Pro Solar also has a wrist-based heart rate monitor that tracks data every second. In addition to that, this timepiece is also capable of monitoring blood oxygen saturation levels and alerts the wearer if it detects an irregular heart rate.  The Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar is loaded with several outdoor features to help you in all sorts of circumstances. It has a barometric altimeter, a compass, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a thermometer, and access to GPS, GLONASS, and GALILEO satellite navigation systems. This high-tech timepiece is built to ensure that you always know what is going on. But that is not all, either. The Fenix 6S Pro Solar is also Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ANT+ compatible, allowing wearers to connect their watches to their smartphones. For fitness enthusiasts who love exercising with a workout playlist, this watch has a memory capacity that can fit up to a whopping 2,000 songs. The Fenix 6S Pro incorporates multiple sports and fitness modes for running, cycling, swimming, golfing, the gym, and outdoor recreational activities. Powering the Garmin Fenix 6S Pro Solar is a solar-chargeable battery that energizes itself through the Power Glass lens on top of the front case. When on battery saver mode, this timepiece can run for up to 59 days. You can purchase this Garmin timepiece for around $819 USD. Final Thoughts Without overwhelming its wearers with too many complex functions, the Suunto Core is easily one of the best value-for-money sports watches in the market. Weather functions, temperature indicators, and a digital compass — it pretty much has everything you need to survive the great outdoors, although it is a little lacking in terms of the sports modes it offers. Ultimately, the Suunto Core is affordable, reliable, robust, and very easy to use. It even comes in a variety of attractive colors and case designs that are sure to appeal to everyone’s preferences. Featured Image By: Suunto Need a reliable yet affordable dive watch to stick by your side? Have a look at the Orient Mako II and see if it’s the watch you’re looking for.

For most of us, watches are more than just mere accessories that tell time. Today, timepieces are also frequently used as tools to guide people through various activities in their daily lives. This is largely because, over the decades, technological innovations have introduced countless functions and features into the watchmaking world. This has allowed the purpose of watches to broaden and branch out as well. A perfect representation of this would be the existence of watches specifically used in industries and activities such as aviation, motorsports, diving, and even sailing. In fact, the last of those industries is actually related to our main topic for today. In this article, we will delve into what sailing watches are, how they can help us carry out nautical activities and some of the best sailing watches that are worth checking out today. What is a Sailing Watch?  Sailing watches, also referred to as yachting watches, are a specific type of timepiece best suited for maritime-related conditions. For a timekeeper to be considered a sailing watch, it needs to have certain specifications, like high accuracy and an impressive water resistance rating. There are also some models with additional functions meant to aid seafarers and yachtsmen in their tasks. That being said, when it comes to aesthetics and design, sailing watches are not necessarily limited to a typical nautical style. While some sailing pieces are specifically marine-inspired, the majority of these models simply boast sporty-looking exteriors.  15 Best Sailing Watches  Without further ado, here are some of the best sailing watches available in the market right now.  1. Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph Starting off this list with a bang is the Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta Chronograph, which is one of the best models for professional sailors out there. Just with a single glance at its robust build, you can tell that it is a powerful timepiece packed with impressive capabilities. This Omega Speedmaster watch is presented in a 45mm lightweight, scratch-resistant titanium case along with an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and a black nylon fabric strap with blue stitching. The black watch face has a hybrid layout, featuring both digital and analog displays. This includes a bezel with a minute track scale, luminous hands and hour indices, three LED windows, and cool blue, red, and white accents. Driven by a quartz OMEGA 5620 caliber, this limited edition model also comes with the following: an alarm, a date function, a countdown timer, a race timer, a logbook, and more.  You can get this watch for approximately $5,900 USD. 2. Garmin quatix® 6 The Garmin quatix® 6 is one of the best digital sailing watches you can invest in. It is a must-have for all the tech-savvy folks out there who enjoy timepieces with utmost functionality both on land and at sea. This Garmin model has a fiber-reinforced polymer case paired with a comfortable silicone strap in blue. The watch face consists of a screwed-in stainless steel bezel and a transflective memory-in-pixel (MIP) display. Aside from the usual timekeeping abilities, some of its other main functions include health monitoring, GPS tracking, smartphone connectivity, various sports modes, boat data streaming, a built-in barometer, tide tables, and lots more. Lastly, it has a battery life of around 14 days, so you do not have to worry about bringing this timepiece with you on long boat trips. With a substantial depth rating of around 100 meters, this smartwatch retails at just $699 USD and is an ideal companion for all your ocean adventures. 3. Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 Ref. A13313161C1S1  Next up, we have the Breitling Superocean Heritage Chronograph 44 Ref. A13313161C1S1, with its sporty and highly-functional exterior. Everything about this model screams nautical-inspired, which makes sense because it belongs to Breitling’s iconic diving collection. This Breitling Superocean piece comes in a 44mm stainless steel case paired with a mesh-patterned rubber bracelet and a unidirectional rotating bezel in blue. The matching sunray blue dial follows a classic analog layout featuring oversized arrow hands, applied indices, day-date windows, and a chronograph display with 3 sub-dials. Lastly, this watch is powered by a COSC-certified Breitling Caliber 13, which has a 48-hour power reserve and a water resistance rating of 200 meters.  This is one of the more classic sailing watches on this list and is priced at around $6,100 USD. 4. Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Chrono Flyback Ref. PAM00526  The Panerai Luminor 1950 Regatta Chrono Flyback is one of those sailing watches made especially for professional seafarers out there. It has a distinct and robust exterior — thanks to its unusual, bulky cushion-shaped case and durable titanium build. This is paired with an oversized crown and semi-circle crown guard, and caoutchouc strap in black. The dial of this Panerai Luminor 1950 piece features a black backdrop, with thin sword-shaped hands, luminous hour indices and Arabic numerals, and a chronograph layout with 2 sub-dials for the small seconds and flyback counters. As per its name, this watch also comes with a regatta countdown function and is powered by an automatic P.9100/R caliber. It has an impressive 72 hour-power reserve and a water resistance capacity of 100 meters. This is a great sailing watch for all the serious regatta racers out there and you can purchase it for around $17,200 USD.  5. Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Ref. 98B301  The Bulova Marine Star Chronograph Ref. 98B301 is yet another nautical-inspired piece with a stunning blue dial and bezel that is reminiscent of the ocean. The case, bezel, bracelet, and crown guards of this Bulova Marine Star watch are all made of scratch-resistant stainless steel. The rotating bezel, however, has a blue insert marked with an elapsed time scale in rose gold that blends perfectly with the watch’s rose gold pushers and crown. Like the bezel, the dial of this Bulova piece also comes in deep blue. It is furnished with bold luminous indices, sword-shaped hands, a date window at 6 o’clock, and a chronograph layout with 3 sub-dials. In addition, this 6-hand model is powered by a quartz movement and has a 200-meter depth rating. This is one of the more affordable sailing watches on the market with a price tag of just $575 USD. 6. Alpina Sailing Yachttimer Countdown The Alpina Sailing Yachttimer Countdown is one of the most rugged, sporty sailing watches on this list. It has a 44mm stainless steel case paired with a robust black rubber strap and a handy rotating compass bezel in black. The matching black dial is furnished with countdown windows for the regatta timer, along with luminous hands and hour markers in red and white for greater contrast and legibility. This watch is powered by a self-winding movement and has an impressive 300-meter water resistance rating. This Alpina watch is no longer part of the brand’s current catalogue. However, you can still find it going for around $3,060 USD on the second-hand market, depending on the seller and the condition of the watch. 7. Rolex Yacht-Master 2 Ref. 116680  Of course, this list of best sailing watches would not be complete without a model from the Rolex Yacht-Master 2 collection. The Yacht-Master 2 Ref. 116680 is one of the most popular sailing watches ever released. It has a classic, sporty exterior that goes really well with the complexity of its watch face. This Rolex model comes in a 44mm case and bracelet made from Oystersteel, which is a robust, shock- and corrosion-resistant material developed by the Swiss brand. Fitted on top of the case is a matching Oystersteel bezel with a bright blue insert. The white dial of this watch follows a unique layout with thin luminous hands and compact hour markers, a stop-seconds sub-dial, and a regatta countdown timer in the form of an elongated arch. All of these features are powered by the brand’s in-house, self-winding Caliber 4161. If you are a sailing professional, this is a great luxury sailing watch to invest in for around $23,600 USD. 8. Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBEX005  The Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBEX005 is a beautiful timepiece that draws inspiration from the ocean. It is the perfect sailing watch for those who are completely enamored with both the marine sport and the sea itself. This Seiko Prospex watch is presented in a hardy 48mm titanium case and bracelet with a rotating bezel in metallic blue. With its larger build, this piece is best suited for those with average-to-big wrists. Its exquisite wave-patterned blue dial consists of large luminous markers, sword-shaped hands, and a small date window between the 4 and 5 o’clock positions. Powered by a Japanese automatic movement, this Seiko watch packs a punch with its incredible 1000-meter water resistance rating. The Seiko Prospex Marine Master Ref. SBEX005 retails at approximately $5,089 USD. 9. Panerai Luminor Marina Ref. PAM00778  The Panerai Luminor Marina Ref. PAM00778 is one of the most versatile and classy sailing watches you can get. Although it is frequently used for nautical activities, this watch does not have a marine-inspired design or super sporty exterior. Thus, you can pair it with just about any attire and bring it with you to all sorts of events, including dinner parties and even the office. This Panerai watch has a cushion-shaped stainless steel case paired with a leather strap in light brown. Like the other Panerai Luminor models, it has an oversized crown that is easy to grip and turn and the signature semi-circle crown guard. Meanwhile, its exquisite white dial is adorned with luminous sword-shaped hands, small circular hour markers, neat Arabic numerals, and a small-seconds counter. This three-hand watch is equipped with a hand-wound P.6000 caliber and has a 100-meter water resistance capacity. If you want a versatile, classy sailing watch that you can use every day, you simply have to fork out around $5,400 USD for this Panerai Luminor Marina Ref. PAM00778. 10. Bremont Regatta AC Next up, we have the Bremont Regatta AC, which is one of the best models from the brand’s selection of sailing and nautical-inspired watches. It comes with impressive functions that will surely appeal to both casual and professional sailors out there. This Bremont timepiece is presented in a 43mm lightweight titanium case along with a Temple Island rubber strap in black and a sleek rotating bezel. The white dial has luminescent hands and indices, a date window, and a chronograph display with three sub-dials, including a countdown timer. This dial is also peppered with red and blue accents, giving it a more colorful, vibrant look. Powering the watch is an in-house Bremont self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve and a 100-meter water resistance rating.   Retailing at around $15,900 USD, this is a must-have timepiece for yachtsmen who prefer complex yet playful timepieces.  11. Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta Ref. 1553-155-3/43 The Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta Ref. 1553-155-3/43 is a model with very modern, nautical-inspired aesthetics and an array of handy abilities. This Ulysse Nardin Marine watch has an exceptionally advanced-looking design, with its gear-like bezel, patterned sector dial, and sleek metallic blue and silver accents. The Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta Ref. 1553-155-3/43 comes in a 44mm stainless steel case paired with a sporty rubber strap in blue. The sunray blue sector dial consists of a smooth outer ring, a chapter ring marked with a bright yellow regatta countdown timer, and a patterned inner dial. On the outer ring, you can find silver hour indices, stylized Roman numeral markers, and a date window, while the inner dial is furnished with luminous lozenge hands. A small seconds counter straddles all three sections of the dial, enhancing its sophisticated, high-tech look. These complications are all driven by a UN-155 Manufacture movement with a 60-hour power reserve.  With a price tag of approximately $19,420 USD, this is the perfect modern watch to wear on your open water sails. 12. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.41.21.03.001 Next up, we have another model from Omega, but one from its iconic Seamaster Aqua Terra collection instead. The sporty and professional Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.41.21.03.001 is a watch that can complete any nautical task, both above and underwater. This Seamaster watch comes in a 41mm stainless steel case paired with a bracelet made of the same material. Its striking blue dial features a horizontal teak pattern, inspired by the look of luxury sailing boats. It is also furnished with luminous triangular indices, hands, a date window at 6 o’clock, and a minute track scale on the rim of the dial. The Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ref. 220.10.41.21.03.001 is powered by a self-winding Caliber 8900 movement, which is certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology. It possesses impressive technical specifications, including a 150-meter depth rating, a 60-hour power reserve, and a resistance to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss. You can get your hands on this Aqua Terra model for around $5,700 USD. 13. Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown Ref. FC-380GT4H6B The Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown is probably one of the most elegant modern sailing watches you can purchase. Everything about its design screams simple sophistication, making it a great accessory to wear to lavish yacht parties or high-profile regatta races. This Frederique Constant model comes in a 42mm brushed stainless steel case and three-link bracelet that gives off a chic, professional vibe. Its suave dark grey dial boasts a guilloché pattern, luminous dauphine hands, silver indices, and 5 circular windows at the 10 to 12 o’clock position for the countdown timer. Underneath this refined exterior, you can find an automatic FC-380 caliber with a 48-hour power reserve and a 100-meter depth rating.   If you are willing to shell out around $4,025 USD, you should definitely consider getting this watch for your next yacht race!  14. Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale Ref. YMNGMT39-GMS The Yema Navygraf Marine Nationale Ref. YMNGMT39-GMS is the only model on this list that was designed by a professional from the French Navy. It is a military-grade sailing watch that is built to survive the harshest circumstances. This Yema sailing watch is presented in a slim 39mm stainless steel case paired with a blue and yellow fabric strap and a rotating GMT bezel. The matching blue dial features large hands and hour indices that are coated in Super-LumiNova for improved visibility even on dark stormy sailing trips, and a date window in white next to the 3 o’clock marker. Aside from that, it also has an impressive 300-meter water resistance capacity and is equipped with an in-house YEMA3000 caliber. If you are looking for a tried and tested sailing watch, make sure to check this piece for around $1,049 USD.  15. Tissot Sailing-Touch Ref. T056.420.27.051.01 Lastly, we have the Tissot Sailing-Touch Ref. T056.420.27.051.01, which is another digital sailing watch packed with countless useful features. One of the best things about this particular Tissot model is that it caters specifically to those who enjoy sailing, be it casually or professionally. The Tissot Sailing-Touch Ref. T056.420.27.051.01 comes in an anti-magnetic 45mm stainless steel case paired with a bi-material bracelet in black made of rubber and steel. The dial has a sleek hybrid layout with luminous indices and a touch-screen tactile display that cleverly mimics the radar system of a boat. Some of its functions include a compass, alarms, a perpetual calendar, a tide indicator, a regatta timer, multiple time zones, and more — all of which are powered by a powerful Renata CR 2032-N quartz movement.  With a price tag of just $1,220 USD, this is one of the best multi-functional watches you can invest in, especially for serious sailors. Features of a Sailing Watch  The list of 15 sailing watches we have curated above are some of the best models in the market, but it is by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other excellent sailing watches out there, and you simply have to do the research to find out which is best suited to your taste. To help you along the way, here are some of the key characteristics that you can find in sailing watches, although it should be noted that these are not necessarily present in every single sailing watch. Superior Water Resistance  Even though yachtsmen do not necessarily go swimming or diving when sailing, having a watch with an excellent depth rating is still very important, given the nature of the environment they are in. The ocean is known to be a volatile, unstable domain so there is always a possibility of you and your watch getting dunked into water, whether you like it or not. While there are no official criteria, a water resistance capacity of at least 100 meters should suffice.  Excellent Durability  Another essential characteristic of a sailing watch is its excellent durability. Due to the changes in the environment that may occur, sailors need a well-built timepiece made from quality materials that can take any kind of damage, be it scratches, hard impacts, or corrosion. With that in mind, it is best to look for timepieces made of materials with scratch, shock, and corrosion-resistant properties, like stainless steel steel, aluminum, copper, soft rubber, and more.  Utmost Functionality Telling time is the bare minimum when it comes to sailing watches. While not all nautical-inspired models come with additional complications, multi-functionality is always a welcomed bonus. Some of these features may include a compass, a barometer, a GMT display, and many more. Many sailing watches today are also equipped with a regatta timer, which is a crucial complication in yacht racing. A regatta timer allows the wearer to track how much time is left before the competitors in the regatta can start the cross line. This function is essential in sailing competitions because boats and yachts are in constant motion, which means the countdown is necessary as sailors maneuver the waters before the official start of the race. Ultimately, all these complications help make the sailing process easier to handle for wearers, which is the essence of a true sailing watch. Final Thoughts We hope that this list of 15 sailing watches has helped you to get more familiar with some of the numerous sailing watches out there. Each and every piece has its own share of strengths and weaknesses, so it is understandable if you are a little confused about which model to get. At the end of the day, it all depends on your personal criteria and preferences but rest assured that you will find the perfect watch for your sailing adventures.  Photo Credits: WatchShopping and Official Watch Sites If you are hooked on listless, check out our piece on the 15 Best Retro Watches Worth Your Time!

The 21st century marked the beginning of a new era in watchmaking. More and more people are being drawn into the charms of smaller manufacturers. Of course, that is not to say that horology giants Rolex, Omega, or Audemars Piguet have no place in the industry anymore. It is, however, truly satisfying to see fresh names and even fresher designs emerge in the watch industry. Making a mark in the industry are Gorilla watches, an up-and-coming microbrand. Gorilla watches are sensible, artful, and — most especially — modern. The hype around the Gorilla brand is truly fascinating. However, the question remains: are Gorilla watches worth it? Get to Know Gorilla Watches Gorilla is a relatively new brand, and by that we mean it is practically a toddler in the industry. But it is also more than just that. In the past few years since its foundation, many people have raved about Gorilla, largely due to its impressive performance and stylishly contemporary designs inspired by motorsports. Gorilla watches truly know what it is like to be a leader in modern watchmaking. You will find Gorilla watches on the list of brands to look out for. They are solidly made and have a very innovative philosophy in technology and design. The brand uses automatic mechanical movements from Miyota to power its watches. It also employs the use of state-of-the-art, high-tech materials such as forged carbon and ceramic. All these, you can get for a price that is well worth the overall value of a Gorilla timepiece. Gorilla Watch Collections: Top Picks What makes Gorilla watches truly relevant to the market is that they cite its automobile inspirations even at first glance. For instance, the Gorilla Truffelhunter is the watch incarnate of the Porsche 917/20 Pink Livery, which raced in LeMans during 1971. On the other hand, the Gorilla Fastback GT Mirage will definitely remind you of the Ford GT 40 in Gulf livery. All Gorilla watches are distinct and innovative, and any piece can immediately be identified as being from the Gorilla brand. To better understand what I’m saying, let us take a look at the top collections from Gorilla watches that you should check out. Gorilla Complications Collection The Gorilla Complications collection is exactly what you think it is. It comprises watches with numerous complications, and do more than just tell the hours, minutes, and seconds. That includes watches with chronographs and sweeping seconds. Gorilla Fastback Thunderbolt Chronograph Made in collaboration with Vallée de Joux manufacture Dubois Dépraz, the Gorilla Fastback Thunderbolt Chronograph has, as its name suggests, a chronograph complication. It also features a grade 5 titanium case, which gives the watch a very lightweight build. This case comes with a brushed and bead-blasted finish with a sleek black DLC coating. It easily contrasts the bright orange aluminum part-line, while also complimenting the ceramic cushion-shaped bezel of the watch. It is a durable watch with wide crown guards also made from grade 5 titanium. The Dubois Dépraz DD-268 skeletonized chronograph module sits at the base of the dial alongside the three-spoke claw design. It is powered by the ETA 2892-A2 automatic caliber, which works hand in hand with the chronograph module, thanks to the Stem Transmission System (STS) from Dubois Dépraz. This caliber has a bi-directional winding mechanism and 42 hours of power reserve. This 44mm watch is 13.1mm thick and measures 57mm lug to lug. It has 100 meters of water resistance, so it easily withstand some contact with water. The strap of the watch is made from FKM rubber with Alcantara™ lining and is secured with a grade 5 titanium pin buckle. This Gorilla watch is limited to only 99 pieces and it is not even available in the market yet! The Gorilla Fastback Thunderbolt Chronograph costs around $8,500 USD in retail. Gorilla Outlaw Drift The Gorilla Outlay Drift will take you back to the 1970s with its retro-inspired design. It features a dynamic aesthetic with a mirror-polished concave bezel. The case has a radial brush finish, and is made from grade 5 titanium. You can find a pacific-blue anodized aluminum flange on the watch for some color contrast. On the dial, you will appreciate the luminescent numerals and subdivision, all hand-laid by artisans. This watch also carries the classic tonneau shape of Gorilla watches. This Gorilla watch has a sweeping seconds complication, thanks to its G-5238 module from VAUCHER Manufacture. It runs on a base caliber ETA 2824-2 movement, which has a PVD-coated oscillation weight. At the back of the watch, you will find the model’s specific reference number engraved. There are only 250 editions of this watch, each individually engraved with their appropriate numerals. The strap is made from FKM rubber with a Cordura™ lining and a grade 5 titanium pin buckle. This watch measures 44mm in diameter and is 13.8mm thick. It also has a 100 meter water resistance rating, true to its sporty appeal. In retail, it costs around $3,950 USD. Another sweeping seconds watch you may also opt for is the Drift Mirage. This Gorilla watch is reminiscent of the powder blue and orange racing livery that emerged victorious at LeMans in 1968. This piece is a bit bigger, weighing in at 44mm or 48.5mm in diameter with large crown guards. The case is made from forged carbon, anodized aluminum, titanium, and ceramic. You can cop this Gorilla piece for just $3,750 USD. Like the Gorilla Outlay Drift, the Drift Mirage is also limited to 250 editions. Gorilla Drift Elise If you are more into British Racing liveries, the Gorilla Drift Elise is for you. It is a monochromatic gem with a wandering hours complication. Thanks to its G-5238 module from Vaucher Manufacture Fleurier, this watch is as beautiful as it sounds. It is powered by an ETA 2824-2 base caliber with 38 hours of power reserve. This Gorilla watch’s case measures around 44mm, 48.5mm with a crown guard. It costs around $3,250 to $3,270 in retail. There are only 350 editions of this watch available. Gorilla Fastback GT Collection You can easily spot a Gorilla Fastback GT piece with its gorgeous openwork dial. There are a lot of watches in this collection and they are all incredibly stunning and sophisticated with their partially skeletonized dials. Gorilla watches from this series have very bold colors matched with atypical materials used in watchmaking. The dials of the watches from this collection also show off dimensions, as they are layered and three-dimensional. As usual, the Gorilla watches in this range all have exhibition casebacks. Here are some of our favorites from this collection. Gorilla Fastback GT Modena Luxurious, sporty all at the same time, the Gorilla Fastback GT Modena is everything you need in a sports watch. It boasts a gleaming black ceramic exterior. The dial, on the other hand, comes in sporty yellow aluminum and is radially brushed for a more lustrous appeal. On the whole, this Gorilla watch is a homage to the rev counters of Italian sports cars. Even the strap of this Gorilla piece feels luxurious, with an Alcantara™ insert of the hybrid FKM rubber strap often seen on other Gorilla watches. At the heart of the watch is the self-winding Miyota 90S5 caliber. You can see its exposed balance wheel through the aperture on the dial. Plus, Gorilla also offers buyers a personalized oscillation weight. This watch costs $1,350 USD in retail. Gorilla Fastback GT Truffelhunter The Fastback GT Truffelhunter takes inspiration from the outlandish livery of the 917/20. This prototype was an aerodynamics test car at the 24 hours of LeMans in 1971. You can see a reflection of this car in the Fastback GT Truffelhunter’s wide width, butcher cuts graphics, and soft pink color. The car that inspired this Gorilla watch was nicknamed the Truffelhunter, or the Pink Pig, and Gorilla later adopted these names for this modern watch icon. With only 500 pieces available, you can get this Gorilla watch for just $1,350 USD. It features a woven forged carbon case, a pink ceramic bezel, and anodized aluminum pinstripe. Thanks to the titanium crown of the watch, it also has an improved water resistance capacity. Gorilla Fastback GT Espionage Just like the Fastback GT Truffelhunter, there are only 500 pieces of this watch available. The Gorilla Fastback GT Espionage brings the idea of restomod to watchmaking. A restomod refers to a vintage automobile that has been restored with modern technology and parts. It is one of the most popular customizations in automotive sports, as it requires attention to detail and the use of appropriate materials. The great thing about restomod is that at the heart of the car, it is still a vintage ride, but it has been revamped for improved performance. The Gorilla Fastback GT Espionage got its name and colors from the 1965 Ford Mustang, which was customized by the Ring brothers. This Gorilla watch boasts sporty and cool hues of green, orange, and black, and would look perfect on the racetrack. It can be yours for $1,350 USD! Gorilla Fastback Collection Do not be confused. The Gorilla Fastback Collection is quite different from the Fastback GT, although the two collections do share some similarities. For instance, the Gorilla Fastback line lacks the open-work dial design, giving it a more casual, everyday look. These Gorilla watches boast polished ceramic bezels and anodized aluminum pinstripes. They also have a 44mm forged carbon case which measures only 13mm thick. All the watches in the Fastback range also have 100-meter water resistance ratings. Powering these Gorilla watches is the Miyota 8215 caliber, a self-winding movement that beats at 21,600 vibrations per hour. The models Galaxy Blue, Hugger Orange, and Stinger Yellow all come from the limited production Fastback Titanium Collection, and each model boasts a colorway that perfectly fits its name. The brand also offers the Phantom Black model, which features a sleek, scratch-resistant bead-blasted ceramic bezel. This is paired with a hybrid strap, which gives it a very rugged look. Meanwhile, RS While features a semi-glossy white ceramic exterior for a more stunning everyday look. All these Gorilla watches cost around $880 USD in retail. A Brief History of Gorilla Watches The Gorilla brand was launched in 2016. Like many watch manufacturers such as TAG Heuer, Richard Mille, and Breitling, Gorilla created watches inspired by motorsports. Indeed, the link between horology and racing has resulted in some of the most iconic models that exist today. These include the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph and TAG Heuer Monaco. That said, although it is easy for a watch brand to identify itself with motorsports, but not every model that races this track succeeds. Lucky for Gorilla watches, they gained traction almost immediately, quickly becoming one of the next big things in the watchmaking industry. Gorilla Watches is the brainchild of Octavio Garcia and Lukas Gopp. Garcia, a watchmaker, and Gopp, an industrial designer, have both had extensive careers in the horology industry, serving stints at big names such Omega, Audemars Piguet, and IWC Schaffhausen. It was through the expertise of these two designers that the brand and its innovative, ultra-modern designs were born. Gorilla Watches: Made for the Modern Collector As you might have noticed, nearly all Gorilla watches are limited edition. This can be a bit of a hassle for most consumers. That said, Gorilla’s focus on quality over quantity ensures that each and every one of its products is high-performing and very reliable. There are only about 30 to 40 watch pieces made every month within their facility. This is in part because certain components of Gorilla watches are also painstakingly hand-made, making them practically modern works of art. With engraved Gorilla watches typically only running at 250 pieces per drop, this makes them great collectible pieces. Think of people lining up to get a watch that says “1/250”. That is quite some flex! Ultimately, there are thousands of people waiting for Gorilla to drop new watches, and their pre-releases are always incredibly sought-after. Gorilla continues to develop truly inventive, sophisticated designs, and we look forward to seeing where they will be in a few years. Young brands are beginning to dominate the market. Check out our review of the Baltic Aquascaphe and why it is one of the most underrated divers today. All photos courtesy of Gorilla.

It’s just a few months before winter (at least for those residing in the northern hemisphere), and that means it won’t be long until we see snow again. If you’re worried about not being able to jog and enjoy your favorite outdoor exercises because of the weather, why not make the most of what you’ve got? Snowboarding, skiing, and ski flying for instance are just a few activities you can enjoy in the snow. And apart from staying fit, you also get to have fun! But before going to the nearest ski resort, it is important to have the right gear. Accordingly, some of the most overlooked tools are ski watches. Yes, just like how TAG Heuer excels in motorsports and Seiko in diving, brands like Suunto and Garmin shine when it comes to skiing. Can I wear basic waterproof watches instead? The answer is yes — you can. However, there certainly are a lot of features that you will miss out on. Depending on the model, some reliable ski watches can even show you maps of ski resorts from all around the globe!  No doubt, a ski watch is not just another accessory but also a tool that you can maximize to help improve your skills faster. Recommended Best Ski Watches for Winter Sports Enthusiasts 1. Casio Pro Trek Climber Line PRW-60-2AJF The Climber Line PRW-60-2AJF watch from the Casio Pro Trek collection is a robust choice for ski enthusiasts. For one, it is geared towards outdoor activities, and that includes skiing. With that said, it features the basic functions that every skier will need, whether a beginner or an expert. Among those features is an altimeter that can take measurements every second. Apart from that, the watch also has a barometer or thermometer with a built-in alarm for sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. Lastly, this robust watch from Casio has a digital compass that can show 16 directions (e.g. NW, N, SW) and the direction angles for a more accurate reading. All of these functions are all determined by a Triple Sensor for accurate readings. In addition to being accurate, it also detects changes in natural phenomena instantly, thus allowing the wearer to make the appropriate responses in time. This is why you can feel safer when skiing in the mountains with the Casio Pro Trek Climber Line PRW-60-2AJF. 2. Suunto 9 Baro Let’s get one thing straight — the Suunto 9 watches are made to last long, and the Suunto 9 Baro is one of the most durable ski watches you can get in the market. Apart from its solidly-built body, its battery is optimized so that it can survive even during your longest training session. Thankfully, its durability is paired with a good set of features. It has a fitness tracker that you will find useful even after your ski training sessions. When you’re done skiing, it can show you your recommended recovery time. Apart from that, it also has an extensive weather tracking list, which you can consult before scheduling a ski. Most importantly, Suunto boasts this timepiece’s GPS accuracy. It uses the U.S.’s GPS, the Russian’s GLONASS, and Japan’s QZSS satellites. This means its accuracy is far superior to other ski watches. It also uses the Fusedtrack technology which retains the GPS’ accuracy in locations where satellite signals are hard to find. That being said, you don’t have to worry about losing the GPS function in case your ski location is full of trees. Lastly, the Suunto 9 Baro is easy to use. Its screen is large and the touch screen is guaranteed to be flawless even when it’s wet with snow. 3. TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 The TAG Heuer Connected Modular is a premium collection for people who love brands with a good pedigree. While TAG Heuer is mainly known for motorsports, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45, in particular, is also a good ski or snowboarding watch. One of the most obvious things that you’ll notice about this watch is that it feels premium. Indeed, it uses a premium metal body and metal backplate. Apart from that, it mimics the look of the famous TAG Heuer Carrera. Inside, the watch features a lot of functions that you will need for your sport. It comes pre-installed with a Google Fit Workout app that includes a variety of challenges and sports modes. Apart from that, you can install other fitness apps that complement your routine. It also has a GPS tracker to help you monitor where you’re going. Overall, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 is a great timepiece for hardcore watch enthusiasts who love skiing as well. Its features and brand history are sure to be a conversation starter. 4. Tissot T-Touch If there’s one thing the Tissot T-Touch line is good at, it is sports. Whether it’s ski flying, weight lifting, or cycling, this watch can meet your demands, thanks to the Tissot Touch Technology and professional sports instruments. When it comes to an athlete’s timing needs, this watch nails it. In particular, it has six functional areas on the dial — The meteo (Barometer and weather forecaster), altimeter, thermo (ambient temperature), chrono (stopwatch and countdown timer), compass, and alarm. These features are a must-have when looking for the best ski watches. Furthermore, the Tissot T-Touch has a water resistance rating of 100m. This will give you confidence that it can survive even after you’ve fallen a lot of times in the snow. If functionality is your top priority, look no further than this watch. 5. Tudor Heritage Chrono  As a brand, Tudor needs no introduction. This particular collection, however, is not as popular as the other collections. With that said, the Tudor Heritage Chrono is the brand’s iconic chronograph watch that is suitable for sports. While it is a traditional mechanical watch, it packs a few functions that can help you during a ski session. For the features, the Tudor Heritage Chrono 70330B-Steel model sports a chronograph and a date indication. To expound, its elapsed time is shown on the 45-minute counter instead of the typical 30-minute counter. In addition, its pushers are also screw-down, meaning you have to unlock it before you can use it. This means you can avoid accidentally resetting the timer in case you bump the watch while skiing. If you’re an enthusiast, you’d be delighted to hear that this watch uses a reliable workhorse movement. To be specific, it runs on the ETA 2892. This movement runs at a frequency of 28,800 vph and has 55 jewels to ensure that pivots rotate without friction. Additionally, it has a power reserve of up to 42 hours. All things considered, you can never go wrong with the Tudor Heritage Chrono. Being part of the Rolex group, Tudor is sure to deliver the right specs and features for your skiing essentials. 6. Oris Williams Chronograph Carbon While the Oris Williams Chronograph Carbon was originally made for motorsports, you cannot deny its usefulness in skiing too. To add, its carbon fibre-themed design is also a nice addition that will appeal to many people. Moving on to the dial, this Oris Williams watch features a chronograph that has three sub-dials. It has an hour counter, a running seconds tracker, and a minute counter. Furthermore, it has a tachymeter bezel for measuring distance based on speed. To add, its chronograph function runs on the Valjoux 7750, which is dubbed as the “world’s most iconic chronograph movement”. That being said, this watch from Oris is in great hands as it bears a reliable calibre that can perform its job really well. Lastly, people overlook comfort when looking for ski watches. Fortunately, the Oris Williams Chronograph Carbon features a rubber bracelet that fits nicely on different wrists. Apart from that, it has a deployant clasp that makes the watch more premium. It’s a guarantee that you’ll be able to ski for hours without feeling uncomfortable. 7. Citizen Bluetooth Citizen Bluetooth is an analogue watch that you can connect to your phone. It combines the smart functionality of technology and the charm of an analogue timepiece. This is why it’s the perfect ski watch for people who love novel features but can’t go fully digital. As for the features, the Citizen Bluetooth BZ1045-05E model has a chronograph that can measure up to 60 minutes. Apart from that, you can also set-up an alarm. This can be useful when you want to remind yourself that it’s time for skiing practice. Another useful feature that you will appreciate from this watch is its Smartphone Search. In case you drop your phone in the snow while skiing, the watch will warn you by vibrating.  In terms of performance, its Calibre W770 (Eco-Drive) movement can run up to 4 years when fully charged and especially when you maximize its power save function. It is also light-powered so you don’t have to change its battery every now and then. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about recharging this Citizen watch as it charges from any kind of light, from sunlight to dim light. 8. Seiko Astron 5X Series The Seiko Astron 5X Series is perfect for every type of lifestyle and situation. That includes demanding sports like skiing, snowboarding, and the like. Apart from being durable, this watch delivers enhanced comfort on the wrist. In terms of accuracy, the Seiko Astron line is one of the best, if not the best. It connects to one or more GPS satellites and automatically adjusts to the exact time, up to the second. When it comes to comfort, this iconic timepiece from Seiko can also deliver. In particular, it is one of the world’s slimmest GPS watch with a depth of only 12.2mm. You don’t have to worry about fitting it under your skiing jacket. In addition, it has a new buckle adjustment system to let you do minor adjustments at the touch of a button. This is extremely important when you’re out in the snow as a change in temperature can make the wrist expand or contract. 9. Garmin Fenix 6 Garmin is one of the most famous names when it comes to sports watches. They are known for producing durable and feature-rich timepieces that can survive the outdoors. With that said, their models are also fit for skiing as they boast features needed by most skiers, novice or pro. Photo from Ski MagazineOne particular model you should check out is the Garmin Fenix. It has preloaded TOPO and ski maps that feature over 2,000 ski resorts globally. To add, it also indicates the difficulty so you can choose the right venue appropriate for your skill level. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to go on a long backcountry skiing sesh, the Expedition Mode can give you up to 56 days of GPS track points. It also has a Pulse Ox Acclimation feature which keeps track of your oxygen saturation levels. This is an important feature if you’re often skiing at a high altitude. The bottom line is that the Garmin Fenix 6 has everything you will need for your skiing sessions. In fact, it was made with skiers in mind, that’s why you can never go wrong with this model if you want to be serious in the sport. 10. Apple Watch Series 3 If you’re already a proud owner of an iPhone, you should consider getting the Apple Watch Series 3. After all, using Apple devices together works really well due to the efficiency of the Apple Ecosystem. It will also let you track your data easier as it syncs perfectly with your phone. The smartwatch is available in two versions — one with GPS only and one with both GPS and cellular connectivity. Both versions have a water-resistant casing and a heart rate monitor, which Apple improved on. In fact, it doesn’t only count your heartbeats per minute, but it also records your resting heart rate and workout ranges. Additionally, it has a dedicated workout mode where you can track the calories you’ve burned while skiing. And with 50m water resistance, your watch is safe in case you fall into melted snow while practising your skills. To conclude, the Apple Watch Series 3 is one of the best you can get for your money if you’re an Apple user. No matter what sport, whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or swimming, you will find its features extremely helpful in achieving your goals. Photo from DC RainmakerHow to Choose the Right Ski Watch? 1. Know what you need. Depending on your experience level, you’ll need different sets of features for your ski watch. So for an easier time finding the right model, ask yourself what you want from the timepiece. Make a list of features that are must-haves and what you can do without. This will make it easier for people to recommend what kind of watch you need. 2. Try it on for fit and comfort. Ski watches come in different shapes and sizes. Some are heavy, some are light, while some are too big. Not to mention, each watch is also made with different materials that have different levels of comfort. So with that said, it is important to test it first on your wrist to know if it is comfortable on you. Get a feel if it’s light enough for you to not feel tired after wearing it for hours. 3. Set a budget. Ski watches come in a large range of price tags so before going to the store, it is important to set a budget that works for you. Knowing and staying in your price range can narrow down your choices, thus making it easier for you to find the perfect model. What to Look for in Ski Watches? Image by Simon Steinberger from Pixabay1. GPS Just like in any other sport, GPS is one of the most important things you should look for in a ski watch. Knowing your location and finding your coordinates on a map is extremely useful when climbing mountains for a quick ski. With GPS on your ski watch, such as the Suunto 9 or Seiko Astron, you can have peace of mind that you won’t get lost when trying to reach the bottom of the slopes. 2. ABC If your budget won’t permit you to get a GPS, the next thing you should look for is the ABC — altimeter, barometer, and compass. To expound, an altimeter measures how high you are on a mountain, giving you an idea of your skiing location. Meanwhile, a barometer can detect atmospheric pressure readings and changes. And lastly, the compass can help you get in the right direction.  3. Durability When skiing, it is inevitable that your watch will be exposed to snow and other harsh elements. With that in mind, it is important to look for ski watches that are durable enough to survive such conditions. A few things you should look out for in the specs sheet are shock-resistance, resistance to cold temperature, and the material of the case itself. 4. Water resistance When learning how to ski, it is expected of you to fall down a lot in the snow (and there’s no shame in that!) That being said, water-resistance in a watch is a must-have as melted snow can leak inside some watches’ cases. To be sure, choose watches that are at least resistant to 50m of water, such as the Tissot T-Touch. This level allows you to dip waterproof watches in shallow depths with no problem. Image by Apichit Yutithammanurak from Pixabay5. Heart rate monitor For people who want to track their fitness status, a heart rate monitor is a must. This feature will allow you to see how hard you’ve been exercising and if you’re in the fat-burning zone. With that said, this is a handy feature for people who are skiing not just for fun but also to lose weight. Tips for Ski Beginners Starting a new sport like skiing might be scary at first. But don’t worry, here are a few tips that will get you on the right track! 1. Find a good ski teacher. One of the fastest ways to progress is to find a good ski teacher. Finding someone who knows what they’re doing can make a lot of difference than trying to figure things out on your own. For one, they can watch every bit of your form and tell you which parts you should improve on. Apart from that, they can also help you avoid bad habits that you are likely prone to do. Moreover, a good ski teacher can help you discover and guide you to other terrains that you wouldn’t be able to see on your own. Image by tookapic from Pixabay2. Wear the right clothes and equipment. Unlike other sports, skiing requires you to face harsh environments. With that said, it is crucial for you to wear waterproof clothing as you are expected to fall a lot in the snow. You should consider getting snow pants to help keep you dry and warm. Apart from that, you should also wear a helmet and a pair of goggles. The former to keep your head safe and the latter to keep things from hitting your eyes. Wearing a ski watch like a TAG Heuer Connected Modular or a Suunto can also do wonders for your progress as some of those have ski maps preloaded in them. Remember that the more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll be able to stand practice sessions. If you’re hesitant to shell out money for gear as a beginner, you can always rent. Believe me when I say that wearing proper-fitting clothes can make learning a lot easier and fun. And not to mention, a whole lot safer. 3. Don’t skip leg day. Skiing is a sport where you’ll be thankful you didn’t skip leg days during gym sessions. In case you didn’t know, this activity requires a lot of leg power. To be specific, your quads and calves will do a lot of work while skiing. That being said, having stronger legs will give you the endurance to make more runs in the mountain. And being able to practice more means the faster you improve your skills. Image by Oleksandr Pyrohov from Pixabay4. Bend your knees. Not bending your knees is one of the most common mistakes beginners make when skiing. By bending your knees, it centres your body above your legs to keep you balanced. Thus, it is easier to gain control of your ski. Apart from that, you will also get more prepared for small jumps and uneven terrain. Other Winter Sports to Try Besides Skiing There are a lot of other things you can do to make the best out of winter. So if you’re not too keen on skiing or if you’re adventurous enough to explore more, here are other snow sports that you can try. Image by Martin Rulsch from Wikimedia Commons1. Snowboarding If you’re a skater who’s frustrated about not being able to skate because of the snow, why not give snowboarding a try? In fact, this sport was inspired by a mix of skateboarding, skiing, and even surfing. There are a lot of snowboarding styles, but the main gist is that you glide down a snow-covered slope while standing on a snowboard that’s attached to your feet. Compared to skiing, a lot of people would argue that snowboarding is harder to learn. However, once you’ve overcome that steep learning curve, it becomes a lot easier to master tricks in snowboarding. While the sport is fairly new (snowboarding was only developed in the 1960s), it is now considered a part of the Winter Olympics. Image by invisiblepower from Pixabay2. Ski jumping If you want to take skiing to the next level, then check out ski jumping. Simply put, the goal in this sport is to make the longest jump after descending from a ramp on your skis. In this sport, participants make two jumps and their score depends partly on the distance jumped and their form. As for the latter, points are deducted for errors like touching the ground with a hand after landing, etc. It is also important to note that ski jumping has been included in the Winter Olympics since the 1924 games in France. Image by Guido Kamm from Pixabay3. Ski flying Much like ski jumping, ski flying is a sport where athletes jump from a much bigger ramp than ski jumping. In fact, it is considered an extreme form of ski jumping. The rules and scoring in ski flying are similar to ski jumping. However, the difference lies in the hills where contestants jump off. In particular, the ramps for the former are constructed so that athletes can jump 66% longer in distance. Image by Gipfelsturm69 from Pixabay4. Ice climbing For people who have overflowing adrenaline, ice climbing may be the best for you. It is a lot like rock climbing, however, instead of climbing on rocky surfaces, you climb on ice using picks, ropes, and crampons. There are a lot of ice climbing venues but the most popular are glaciers and waterfalls. Other adventurous climbers can be flexible and practice mixed climbing which is climbing a combination of rock, ice, and snow. Due to the conditions involved in ice climbing, it is considered an extreme sport and should be done only by people who know what they’re doing. photo from Adrenaline Hunter Blog5. Ski paragliding Have you ever wondered how it feels like to fly? Ski paragliding can quench your curiosity! Ski paragliding is an extreme sport where you launch yourself with ski and use skydiving parachutes to descend from mountaintops. For this sport, experience in both skiing and paragliding are essential. It is not suitable for beginners as the activity can be extremely dangerous. Final Notes Although it is not often mentioned by enthusiasts, ski watches are extremely helpful when going on a ski session. Apart from telling you the time, a lot of those timepieces have life-saving features, whether you opt for a high-end watch from Tudor or a reliable one from Casio. A few of those are the compass, the weather forecaster, and the GPS. Yes, skiing can be dangerous at times, but wearing a ski watch might help lessen your worries.

A lot of fitness coaches will say that if you’re serious about improving your physical fitness, it is necessary to track your progress and count your calories. This is especially true if you have a time limit for reaching your fitness goal. These tasks may be tedious to do, but thankfully, fitness watches — such as the Suunto 9 and Casio G-Shock — are here to solve that problem. Simply put, these fitness trackers are like digital coaches on your wrist. They keep track of the calories you’ve burned, your heart rate, and even count the steps you’ve taken. In fact, depending on the model, some sports watches give out motivational quotes for you to keep on going when workouts get tough. That being said, having a fitness watch is a great tool to maximise your workout routine. Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels What to Look for in a Fitness Watch Before swiping that credit card for that new fitness tracker, ask yourself first if it’s the perfect fitness watch for you. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for the best fitness watch for your physical fitness goals. Design A lot of people overlook this factor when deciding on a watch. Apart from the features, it is also important to like how your watch looks. If you’re not feeling the aesthetic of a watch, chances are you won’t wear it despite its high-tech functions. Conversely, if you get a watch that you can’t stop looking at, it can act as a motivation for you to get off that couch and exercise. Reliability and accuracy When it comes to sports and fitness, reliable timing is important. A few instances are when you have to count your calories or when you have to time a sprint for practice. There are a few times when miscalculating can lead to undesirable results. To ensure your fitness tracker is accurate, take note of which movement it is using. There are a lot of sources on the Internet where they state the accuracy rating of the calibre. Photo by mali maeder from Pexels Water-resistance Even if you’re not a swimmer, a water-resistance rating is important in sports watches. There may be times when you can get caught in the rain while jogging or cycling on an open road. Apart from that, the watch also has to be resistant enough to combat excessive sweating. For those kinds of conditions, a water-resistance rating of 50m is sufficient. However, if you’re more on water-based activities, a higher rating should be considered. Particularly, you should get watches with a rating of at least 100m. A good example is the Seiko Prospex with a solid 200m water-resistance. Smart features Perhaps the most important question to ask is, “does it have what I need?” Indeed, a fitness watch might have all the cool tech, but it might be useless to you if it doesn’t have the one thing you want. To make things easier, list down all your fitness goals. Compare it with the specs of the watch and see if it fits all of your needs. A few basic things to look out for are a stopwatch feature, heart monitor, fitness tracker, and a sleep monitor. These are the most common things that you will need to get your physical fitness goals on track. Price Like mechanical timepieces, the price of sports watches can range from under $100 to above $1000. With that said, it is important to set a budget and stick to it. Prioritise all your must-have features if you have a limited budget. We suggest estimating the ratio of performance to price so you can get the most value from the fitness watch. Image by skeeze from Pixabay Durability Last but not least, you have to consider the durability of the watch. It is a given that while exercising, your watch will be subject to harsh conditions. If you love exercising outdoors (e.g. cycling, trekking), you should get a watch that has a scratch-resistant dial such as the TAG Heuer Connected Modular with scratch-proof sapphire crystal, as there’s a chance you will accidentally scratch it against a rough surface. Do remember that you can get more value from your watch the longer it survives. Apart from that, you wouldn’t want to lose important features in the middle of a workout. Useful Fitness Apps and Features You May Need The perfect fitness watch varies from person to person. What the other person needs may be different from yours. With that in mind, here are a few useful fitness apps or features that you should take note of when researching about the best fitness watches. Image by Apichit Yutithammanurak from Pixabay Heart rate monitor A heart rate monitor is one of the most important features of a fitness tracker. In fact, a lot of data can be derived from this number. With it, you can calculate if you’re in the ‘fat-burning’ zone. Apart from that, knowing your heart rate also gives you a more accurate count of burned calories. Furthermore, this feature will also let you know if you’ve been overworking yourself. Some watches allow you to set an alarm in case you go over your limit, thus keeping you extra safe. Steps tracker As its name suggests, a steps tracker counts all the steps you’ve taken throughout the day. This is one of the most basic features a fitness tracker should have. It is extremely useful as a lot of people use walking as a way to exercise due to its convenience and effectiveness. Sleep tracker Getting enough rest or sleep is necessary to meet your physical fitness goals. A watch with a sleep tracker, such as the Suunto 3, lets you know how much sleep you’ve been getting. If your sleep tracker is more advanced, it can even analyse your snooze and break it down into a chart that shows your deep sleep, REM, and light sleep. This lets you figure out which habits to improve on when it comes to recovering from a training session. Image by Ian Wakefield from Pixabay Stopwatch Many exercise routines are time-sensitive. For instance, HIIT requires participants to do intensive exercise and rest for a particular number of seconds. Apart from that, a stopwatch is also used when testing your abilities like balance and endurance. Activities log Having an activities log is useful when you want to be meticulous about tracking your progress. This feature allows you to view all the data you’ve gathered from previous days. A few of that information are the calories burned, steps made, and even your sleeping patterns. This feature can let you pin-point where you started making progress and when to increase the intensity of your workouts. Learn How to Get Into the ‘Fat Burning’ Zone Sometimes, burning fat is not just as simple as sweating. If you want to take your fitness to the next level, you also have to measure the intensity of the exercises. In other words, you have to get into the ‘fat-burning’ zone. Getting into the fat-burning zone is a way to maximise your weight loss and physical fitness. Why do you burn more when you’re in the fat-burning zone? When working out, you get into one of the four different heart rate zones depending on your intensity. These zones determine where your body will get the energy from (e.g. sugar, basic carbohydrates, fat). And this often affects the number of calories you burn from a workout session. Here are some of the steps to take if you want to get as much as you can from your exercise routine: Image by tomwieden from Pixabay 1. Find your maximum heart rate. The first thing to do is to calculate your maximum heart rate. A lot of fitness trackers can calculate this for you. But if you do not have a fitness watch or a heart rate monitor, the formula to getting it is quite simple. You only have to subtract your age from 220. So for example, you’re currently 30 years old. If you subtract 30 from 220, you get 190 which is your estimated maximum heart rate. Easy peasy, right? Take note of this number as it is the average maximum number of times that your heart should beat per minute when exercising. You should also remember that going above your maximum heart rate for long periods of time can be dangerous to your health. 2. Find out your sweet spot. Now that you know your maximum heart rate, the next step is to find your sweet spot or your ‘fat-burning’ zone. Take note that this varies per person as it is dependent on your maximum heart rate. With that said, the fat-burning zone is around 70% of your MHR. But if you want something more specific, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends staying in the range of 64% to 76% of your maximum heart rate. Again, using a heart rate monitor or fitness tracker will be a lot more convenient in determining whether you’re staying in the zone. But if you do not have one of those, you can use what fitness enthusiasts call the “talk test”. A way to estimate if you’re in the fat-burning zone is when you are slightly out of breath but can still hold a conversation. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay 3. Choose a workout that suits you. Finding the best workout for you depends on a lot of things. One of the most important things to consider is your fitness level. For example, if you bike regularly, then chances are you’re already used to that workout. Thus, you have to pedal more intensely than someone who is just starting out. Here are a few examples of workouts that can help you reach the fat burning zone: Cycling under a speed of 15 km/hour Brisk walking Water aerobics Slow, long-distance jogging Ballroom dancing Remember that there is no one way to break a sweat and we all have our different ways to workout. Some sports may be more boring to you than others and that’s okay. The most important thing is to choose the workout routine that is the most convenient for you and most importantly, the most fun! 10 Best Fitness Watches To Help You Achieve Your Fitness Goals More than just a fitness ally, you want your fitness watch to look great and feel good. You want something that will not only help you with your physical fitness journey but also you can wear fashionably outside of the gym. In that regard, here are 10 of our highly-recommended fitness watches you should check out: 1. Suunto 9 G1 ZH Baro Lime  If your workouts can get intense at times, look at the Suunto 9 G1 ZH Baro Lime. One of the robust watches from Suunto, this sports watch is built to last. Among the key features of this fitness watch is its long-lasting battery. The Suunto 9 can deliver up to 120 hours of recording time with GPS tracking on. With that said, you don’t have to worry about running out of battery when you’re out for a long-distance run. You will also appreciate the built-in weather function that will alert you if there’s an incoming storm. This allows you to set a more feasible outdoor workout schedule in advance. Apart from that, it uses Suunto’s own FusedTrack algorithm to improve the accuracy of calculating track and distance. Meanwhile, its training functions include heart rate, training recovery, and training load. It also has various dedicated sports modes to better calculate your heart rate when working out. Whether you’re a swimmer or a cyclist, you will appreciate the technology of the Suunto 9. It will serve as an excellent alternative to a coach as it has almost everything you need to keep track of your workouts. 2. Seiko Prospex Land Fieldmaster If you’re looking for reliable watches, Seiko should be on top of your list, particularly the Seiko Prospex Land Fieldmaster. With its rugged exterior, this digital watch is made to handle harsh environments that you might send on its way. Like any other fitness tracker, the Seiko Prospex has the basic timing features that you will need while running or even cycling. It has a stopwatch that can even show you the elapsed time. Apart from that, it has a diving bezel that can act as a timer. Speaking of water activities, this is where the watch truly shines. While it doesn’t have an ISO 6425 certification, it has a water resistance rating of 200m. That means you can use it to swim laps at the pool or even use it while jet skiing. Overall, this watch is more than capable of being your triathlon companion. Apart from the basic timing features and water resistance rating, it is indestructible. Thanks to its silicone rubber strap and rugged case, you wouldn’t have to worry about pushing it to its limits while training or while in the middle of a competition. 3. Suunto 3 ZH Slate Grey Copper The ZH Slate Grey Copper watch from the Suunto 3 collection was inspired by Nordic nature. Indeed, its design is minimalistic and uncluttered and its user interface is easy to use and tinker with. One of the watch’s highlights is the adaptive training guide which comes in three different modes. These modes allow you to maintain your fitness level, improve your fitness moderately (default), or improve it intensely. Each mode comes with a 7-day training plan that also states the optimal duration and intensity for the exercises. Fitness coaches would say that getting proper rest is just as important as exercising. So with that said, this watch tracks your sleeping pattern, too. It can analyse how long you’ve slept and how well your sleeping pattern affects your recovery. All in all, the Suunto 3 ZH Slate Grey Copper is a practical watch for those who need help in tracking their physical fitness journey. A bonus is that it comes in a simple design that you can easily pair with your casual wardrobe.   4. Tag Heuer Connected Modular Processor  Tag Heuer has always been a master when it comes to mechanical watches. This time, they also tried their hands at making the best fitness watches in the market. Staying true to their word, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular Processor is something worth checking out. Impressively enough, the brand has even designed its own fitness tracking app. That application can support various sports like golf, cycling, or running. Additionally, the data collected from your workouts can be synced to popular apps like Strava, Apple Health, or Google Fit. In terms of durability, the engineers designed the watch with high-intensity activities in mind. The dial is protected with sapphire glass to combat scratches and cracks. Meanwhile, its rubber strap is made for optimum breathability, comfort, and grip. In conclusion, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular is perfect for fitness junkies who are watch enthusiasts at the same time. This model will still let you enjoy wearing a luxury watch while working out and without worrying about damaging it. 5. Casio G-Shock Rangeman Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping  When it comes to rugged watches, the Casio G-Shock line is a staple. Just one look at the Rangeman Multi-Band 6 Atomic Timekeeping watch and you know that it takes its job seriously. This is why it’s a good watch to wear while doing intense physical activities. Its black resin case is bulky and can resist a few bumps and scratches. Apart from that, it uses a scratch-resistant mineral crystal to protect the dial. Meanwhile, its water resistance rating can handle up to 200m of water pressure. That is enough to handle a dip in the pool or lake. In terms of performance, this robust watch from Casio features a digital compass, thermometer, altimeter, sunrise, and sunset data. Additionally, it has a 1/100 second stopwatch with Direct Access. It can also measure elapsed time, split time, and 1st to 2nd place times. With its durability, this watch is perfect for outdoorsy people like hikers and mountain climbers who will inevitably hit their watches against rocks or rough surfaces. Apart from land explorers, this is also ideal for recreational scuba divers due to its ample water-resistance rating. 6. Apple Watch Nike Series 5 If you’re deep into the Apple ecosystem, you might want to get the Apple Watch Nike Series 5. As its name suggests, it is the 5th iteration of Apple’s famous smartwatch and it has a few fitness updates built into it. In case you didn’t know, Apple partnered up with giant sports brand Nike to create the perfect fitness companion. The watch is connected with the Nike Running Club app, which features various workouts and coaching. It also has most of the things you need in a fitness watch like a heart rate sensor, GPS, and a built-in compass. Just like a fitness coach, the Apple Watch can also motivate you by reminding you if you’ve been on the couch for too long. It also features an achievements system where you get awards for completing basic goals. And if you’re the competitive type, you can also challenge friends or even strangers who are also in the Apple community. All things considered, the Apple Watch Nike Series 5 will help you crush your fitness goals in style. It is available in different bands that are optimal for working out. Apart from that, you can also customise your watch using exclusive watch faces, including one that is inspired by classic Nike Windrunner jackets. 7. Casio G-Shock Origin Tough Solar Another Casio G-Shock watch to add to your list is the Casio G-Shock Origin Tough Solar. While it has the same durability as the previous one, this one has a more refined look. Indeed, its rectangular case shape has caught the attention of many people. The highlight of this watch is its durability. And in case its tough exterior hasn’t gotten the message across, this watch is shock-resistant as well. Additionally, it has an above-average water resistance rating of 200m. This is more than enough for recreational diving and swimming. Apart from durability, this watch also takes pride in its accuracy and precision. This is thanks to its atomic timekeeping abilities. With it, it has an hourly time signal and a 1/100 second stopwatch. You can also set 5 alarms and 2 timers. Overall, the Casio G-Shock Origin Tough Solar is mighty fine for an outdoor watch. It is best suited for cross-country cyclists, spelunkers, and trekkers. In addition to its super strength ability, it is also an attractive watch that you can wear casually if you’re not training or doing sports. 8. Garmin Forerunner 645 Music For the person who has included running in their lifestyle, the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music is a perfect match. Based on its name, it is specially made for runners who love blasting music through their headphones while on a run. As for the basic running needs, this watch has a GPS and a wrist-based heart monitor. It can track the intensity of your training and your recovery so you can prepare for an upcoming race. Apart from that, it has a feature that evaluates your exercise to indicate if you are training productively. Lastly, it can get your biomechanical measurements like stride length, ground contact time, and cadence. These data will help you understand and correct your running form. Apart from those features, the Garmin Forerunner 645 Music also makes running a lot more fun for you. For instance, you can save up to 500 songs right into your watch so you can listen to your favourite workout playlists for motivation. Furthermore, it provides a more convenient running experience. As long as your watch is paired with your smartphone, you are connected with your friends. You no longer have to bring out your phone in the middle of the workout just to check on messages and notifications. Apart from that, it features Garmin Pay, a contactless paying solution that lets you pay with your watch. That’s handy in case you need to buy a bottle of water in the gym and you left your wallet at home. 9. Casio G-Shock DW-5750E-1JF Another Casio model to consider is the Casio G-Shock DW-5750E-1JF. Like the previous watch on this list, this one has a less aggressive design compared with the Rangeman. However, it still shares the iconic black resin case that gives the watch a monochrome look. For your timing needs, it has a stopwatch with a split time feature. Apart from that, it has a countdown timer and a multiple alarm option. This is extremely useful if your exercise routine involves a set of burpees or lunges for a specified amount of time. It is also helpful for HIIT exercises where timing is important. Swimmers and divers will also appreciate its water resistance rating of 200m. This watch is tough enough to go on a few freestyle laps in the pool or even a scuba diving session. In addition to its water resistance, it is also shock-resistant and can handle a lot of bumps while doing your exercises. This watch is ideal for people who love a monochrome look that can handle tough situations. It is a no-frills watch that has the basic timing capabilities that you will need for an improved workout session. At the same time, it is simple enough to use, even for non-tech savvy people. 10. Polar Vantage M Fitness Watch The Polar Vantage M Fitness Watch is perfect for people who love setting new records. This practical watch features a lot of things that you need to improve your training and performance. Indeed, it is one of the most value-packed fitness watches that you should check out. When it comes to fitness features, this model has all the basics and the extras. It has an onboard GPS and a heart rate monitor that uses the Precision Prime sensor fusion technology. This new tech provides more reliable readings by combining optical heart rate measurement with other sensor technologies. Apart from that, it features over 130 different sports modes for you to choose from. You can also customise these modes to better suit your needs. With this watch, you also have access to Polar Flow, a free online training, and workout log. This is a program that helps you plan your workouts and get personalised feedback. It can give you a detailed analysis of things like training sessions, test results, activity, sleep, and recovery data. You can also doze well knowing that all of these training programs are backed by scientific research and validation for you to achieve more. To conclude, any person who is serious about stepping up their game should check out the Polar Vantage M Fitness Watch. It is like having your own personal coach on your wrist. Final Notes Whether you’re already a gym rat or just starting out, the benefits of having a fitness watch are undeniable. It is like keeping a personal assistant on your wrist that tracks all your activities and sleeping patterns. Whether you like it or not, nitpicking these details can help you reach your goals a lot faster.

This may be surprising to a lot of people, but cycling and horology have a lot in common. Yes, enthusiasts from both communities spend a lot of time admiring gears and machinery — the crankset or full-carbon frame for the cyclists, and the manual movement for the watch fans. Apart from that, both camps put a lot of value in tracking time as accurate as possible. With that said, it is inevitable that these two worlds merge and create a useful tool — cycling watches. When it comes to professional cycling, timing is important. In fact, a lot of people say that timing is everything in events like Tour de France. As we all know, the cyclists who participate in these competitions are highly competitive that even a split-second difference counts. That is why it is necessary to be equipped with the most reliable cycling watch. The same goes for beginners who want to take cycling seriously. It is recommended for them to use these sports watches to aid them during practice as they have a lot of features aimed at making your cycling session more efficient. Let’s take a look at a few reasons why a reliable sports watch is important in cycling. The Importance of a Reliable Watch in Cycling Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time rider, a cycling watch is something that you must consider adding to your biking checklist. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth investing in one. Photo by RF._.studio from Pexels 1. It tracks your progress. When you want to improve your game or if you want to get into professional cycling, training is important. In fact, you’ll have to keep track of your speed, time, and distance so you’ll know which aspects of your training you have to improve on. Fortunately, a lot of cycling watches offer a built-in fitness tracker. Apart from being aware of the weaknesses that you have to work on, your fitness tracker can also serve as a motivation. In fact, depending on the software used, some display motivational quotes or even let you share your progress with your friends online. 2. A cycling watch is more convenient to use than a smartphone. Some people might argue that smartphones can now do whatever cycling watches can do. However, tracking your time with your wrist is easier than getting your phone out of your pocket and unlocking it. And if you have to check your timer while on-the-go, you risk keeping your eyes off the road. With that, simply taking a peek at your wrist will help you save both time and energy. Famous Cyclists and their Favourite Luxury Sports Watches When you say cycling watches, however, it doesn’t mean you only opt for beater or affordable watches. Some luxury sports watches prove to be the best cycling buddy. Let’s take a look at these famous cyclists and their favourite luxury cycling watches. Photo from IWC 1. Fabian Cancellara and his IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘Galapagos Islands’ If you’re a fan of Fabian Cancellara, you might have noticed his fondness for luxury watches, particularly IWC models. In fact, he has been spotted numerous times wearing those watches in events like the Tour de France. One of those models is the IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition ‘Galapagos Islands’. Apart from that chronograph, Fabian Cancellara also enjoys sporting a few other timepieces. A few of those are the Big Pilot Perpetual Calendar and the Ingenieur Double Chronograph. As its name suggests, the Chronograph Edition ‘Galapagos Islands’ from the IWC Aquatimer collection has a chronograph function that features minutes and seconds trackers. Apart from that, it has a SafeDive system which gives it enough water-resistance rating in case it ends up raining during a cycling tour. The watch is also durable, as evident in the materials used. For the case, IWC used stainless steel with vulcanised rubber coating. Apart from that, it has a screw-down crown and a sapphire glass for added durability. Lastly, it comes with a black rubber strap to keep Fabian Cancellara comfortable during his cycling tours. Photo from Sigma Sports 2. Richie Porte and his TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 Richie Porte, a famous Australian road bike racer, is also known for strapping on luxury watches on his wrist. And his partner in crime is the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45. This watch is a combination of TAG Heuer’s signature design and the benefits of a high-tech smartwatch. The famous cyclist has been seen numerous times wearing the watch with different straps. For instance, he was spotted wearing an orange strap during the Tour Down Under. Another example is when he sported a yellow one for the Criterium du Dauphine. Indeed, the watch’s Strava app helps professional cyclists track their training. Apart from that, the touch screen is a breeze to use, especially if you want to toggle the chronograph and stopwatch functions. When it comes to comfort, the TAG Heuer Connected Modular comes with a titanium finish and a fully-perforated rubber strap. This is easily adjustable and breathable so Richie stays comfortable even during a hot ride. Photo from @alafpolak on Instagram 3. Julian Alaphilippe and his Richard Mille RM 67-02 Going on a tour using expensive bikes is not uncommon. In fact, it is normal to see professional cyclists who use all-carbon bike frames that cost at least $2000. But Cyclist Julian Alaphilippe took flexing to the next level as he was spotted spinning with a $120,500 luxury watch at the Critérium du Dauphiné in France. The watch spotted on his wrist was a Richard Mille RM 67-02. According to the brand’s website, that particular model is “thin, lightweight, coloured, elegant and athletic”. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a smartwatch like a heart rate monitor and fitness tracker, it is durable and light. In fact, it only weighs 32 grams and is made with carbon composite and titanium components. Apart from that, the model was designed so that it can be adapted to various sporting disciplines. That is why the brand made various RM 67-02 units in the colours of various athletes’ countries. A few examples are Alexis Pinturault for skiing and Mutaz Essa Barshim for high jumping. Requirements of a Good Cycling Watch Cycling is a physically demanding activity. With that said, you will need more than just a regular watch. You will most likely need a few features that aren’t found in a time-only watch. Here are some of the few important things that you should consider when out shopping for sports watches. 1. It should be durable. Perhaps durability is the most important thing to look for when shopping for cycling watches. Indeed, bike watches should be synonymous with tough watches. Whether you’re just going out for a sprint in the city or a long ride in the mountains, it is inevitable that you come across rough roads. Also, add the possibility that you might drop the watch or rub it against a rough surface. With that, we recommend looking for bike watches made with durable material. A few things you should consider for your case are stainless steel and titanium. Apart from the case, you should also mind the crystal used for the dial. Sapphire crystals, for instance, are shatter-proof and can resist scratches. Moving on to the inside of the watch, some brands offer shock-resistant calibres. With that said, it is important to watch out for words like “Parashock” when looking at the watch’s spec sheet. This will help it keep time more accurately even after being subjected to shocks. 2. It should be lightweight. There’s a good reason why people opt for lightweight materials when it comes to bike parts. Enthusiasts won’t second guess spending all the extra money for carbon materials, etc. And it is for aerodynamics. The same thing can go for your equipment. With that said, it is important to prioritise lightweight watches when looking for your next sports watch. A timepiece’s weight might seem unimportant, and people might overlook it. However, it is important to note that having a lightweight watch on your wrist can minimize fatigue. Photo from Suunto 3. It should be GPS-enabled. One of the most useful things that bike watches offer is GPS functionality. With this feature, it would be easier for cyclists to check their speed and distance travelled. This is extremely important if you’re setting cycling goals or tracking your progress and looking to break your record. Apart from that, it can also provide navigation when you’re going through an unfamiliar trail. And depending on the device you’re using, some maps show the condition of the route. This allows you to avoid damaging your tires in case you are riding a road bike instead of a mountain bike. 4. It should be waterproof. As mentioned above, you will be wearing your cycling watch while doing intense physical activities. That means apart from having durable materials, it must have the correct water-resistance rating as well. But why would you need a watch with a good water-resistance rating if you’re not going to swim with it? Remember that when you’re out doing exercises, your sweat can drench your timepiece especially when you’re cycling intensely. Apart from that, there is also a chance that you get caught in a rain. We recommend looking at sports watches that have at least a 50m water-resistance rating. What this means is that your timepiece can be used to swim with. Additionally, having a watch with a high water resistance rating can be extremely useful if you’re a triathlete who needs to alternate between swimming and cycling. Photo from IWC 5. It should come with a rubber strap. Last but not least, you should be comfortable wearing your bike watch for hours. Believe us when we say that the ergonomics of your watch strap can play a big role when it comes to performance. You wouldn’t want to compromise a workout by getting distracted with an uncomfortable bike watch. One of the most recommended straps to get for sports watches are rubber straps. In fact, this is the most common material used for dive watches and other sports watches. Unlike leather or metal bracelets, rubber can handle sweat and dirt better. Additionally, it is easier to clean in case you drive through muddy trails. Apart from the material of the strap, you should also look at how it’s built. For instance, some straps offer better breathability. You should also look for straps that have a secure lock system so you don’t have to worry about it falling while riding. 10 Best Cycling Watches — From High-End to Affordable Now that we have all the requirements and introductions covered, we go to the best part of this article — the list of our recommended best cycling watches, from luxury to budget-friendly. 1. IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Laureus Sport For Good The IWC Aquatimer is one of the brand’s sportiest collections. In fact, it was intentionally made for professionals who need a robust and durable timepiece. With that said, you should check out the model called “IWC Aquatimer Chronograph Edition Laureus Sport For Good.” Specs: Case material: Stainless steel Case dimension: 45mm Movement: Automatic Power reserve: 68 hours Water resistance: 300m Performance-wise, it uses the IWC-manufactured 89365 Calibre. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 BPH, has a total of 35 jewels, and can power the watch for up to 68 hours. Furthermore, it is a chronograph movement with a flyback function. Overall, this watch from IWC is considered a reliable and accurate movement. Among its features are a water-resistance rating of 300m and a chronograph function with minutes and seconds. The sub-dial at the 12 o’clock position shows the stopped minutes. Apart from that, it has an external/internal rotating bezel which guarantees accurate setting of times. The stainless steel case of the watch is covered with vulcanized rubber. This can protect it from a few bumps and scratches that you may encounter during a ride. Moreover, it comes with a navy blue rubber strap that matches the shade of the dial. And looking closely, it features a basket weave-like pattern. This bracelet is both comfortable and attractive at the same time. 2. Tag Heuer Connected Modular Quartz Tag Heuer has always been known for its connection with motorsports. This time, they have also caught the attention of the cycling community with the Tag Heuer Connected Modular Quartz. With their experience in making sports watches paired with new technology, Tag Heuer has made a smartwatch that has computerised and mechanical modules that can be useful in various sports. Specs: Case material: Fine Brushed and Polished Titanium Case dimension: 45mm Movement: Quartz Water resistance: 50m From afar, it is easy to mistake the display for a mechanical one. But the truth is, it’s made with Amoled Touch Screen Display that features various watch faces. And on top of the screen is a sapphire crystal that directly blends into the bezel. Apart from protecting the touchscreen, it also makes it easy and comfortable to use. When it comes to software, the Tag Heuer Connected Modular Quartz runs on Google’s Wear OS. Among its features include a fitness tracker and Google Assistant. The fitness tracker also includes a special cycling mode that displays the time, calories, and heart rate data. In my opinion, this is a very useful feature if you want to meticulously track your progress. Overall, this Tag Heuer Connected Modular is a handy watch for cycling. Apart from offering various features and even a dedicated cycling mode, it also sports an attractive design that is ergonomic. 3. Tissot T-Sport T-Race Cycling Chronograph Like the previous brand, Tissot is also known for its passion for motorsports. But from four-wheeled vehicles, they also ventured into two-wheeled with the Tissot T-Sport T-Race Cycling Chronograph. Indeed, this watch was driven by the brand’s passion for cycling. Specs: Case material: Stainless Steel Case dimension: 44.5mm Movement: Quartz Water resistance: 100m Judging by its design, the watch’s details were clearly inspired by racing bikes. To demonstrate, the pushers at the right side look and act like brake levers. Furthermore, its strap and lugs imitate the fork of the bike. Lastly, the icing on the cake is the engraving on the caseback as it depicts a bike cassette. In terms of performance, it uses a Swiss quartz movement called the ETA G10.212. A few of its functions are the central 60-seconds chronograph hand, EOL (battery end-of-life indicator), ADD, and SPLIT functions. These functions are very nice to have when cycling especially with the quartz movement’s accuracy. To conclude, this Tissot T-Sport watch is a must-have for serious cyclists. Apart from the plethora of features and the design cues, the watch can handle enough stress. Its sapphire crystal and silicone strap will surely put your mind at ease when the going gets tough. 4. Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph The Breitling Superocean was created with athletic people in mind. Whether you love swimming, surfing, or even cycling, you should check out the Breitling Superocean Heritage II Chronograph. It is rugged yet modern – perfect for those who are looking for something they can have an adventure with and bring to formal occasions at the same time. Specs: Case material: Stainless Steel Case dimension: 44mm Movement: Automatic Power reserve: 48 hours Water resistance: 200m Its blue dial contains three sub-dials — one for the small seconds, one for the chrono minutes, and another for the chrono hours. This chronograph movement is called the Breitling Calibre 13, which is based on the ETA 7750 Valjoux. Furthermore, it is certified by the COSC and it beats at a frequency of 28,800 BPH. This movement is considered a reliable workhorse due to its high accuracy. In the durability department, this model stands out as well. For one, it has an ample water-resistance rating in case you get caught in the rain while biking. Apart from that, the round hour markers are applied with lume. This will come in handy if you’re cycling through a tunnel or if you decided to go on a night ride. Lastly, it comes with a dark blue rubber strap that will keep you comfortable even for hours. This watch from Breitling is a very versatile timepiece. It has a lot of the timing features that you will find handy during a cycling session. Apart from providing the features you need, this watch is also nice to wear on a casual day. 5. Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Chronograph Titanium Undoubtedly, the Omega Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Chronograph Titanium is one of Omega’s most advanced watches. In fact, it was made with aerospace and aviation in mind. However, cyclists can also find its features useful when training for the next ride. Specs: Case material: Titanium Case dimension: 45mm Movement: Quartz Water resistance: 30m Just one look at this particular Omega Speedmaster model and you’ll know that it’s made for sports. Apart from the playful blue and green colourway, its materials are made to handle tough elements. The case, for instance, is made of grade 2 titanium that provides a lightweight feel. To add, its dial is covered with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that has an anti-reflective treatment on both sides. Under the hood, it is powered by a multi-functional quartz chronograph movement called the Omega calibre 5619. It has special functions like chronograph, timer, MET (Mission Elapsed Time), PET (Phase Elapsed Time), three alarms, and perpetual calendar among others. All of these features have been tested by the European Space Agency (ESA). As expected of Omega, the Speedmaster Skywalker X-33 Chronograph Titanium is a capable watch for professional cycling. It has a lot of the bells and whistles that you will need while on a tour. Apart from that, it sports a unique design that will surely catch the attention of fellow cyclists. 6. Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition Named after one of the most prestigious racing events, the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition was made to conquer sporting events. And while the Chopard Classic Racing collection was particularly inspired by car racing, cyclists can also find its timing features useful. Specs: Case material: Titanium Case dimension: 44.5mm Movement: Automatic Power reserve: 46 hours Water resistance: 100m Undoubtedly, this model is one of the most attractive cycling watches around. Its case and tachymeter bezel both come in two different hues of grey. This colour scheme seems to continue on the three subdials which display the tracker for 60 seconds, 30 minutes, and 12 hours. These timers are useful for recording your speed when doing a few laps. This watch from Chopard is powered by the ETA-Valgranges Caliber A07.211. It is based on the ETA 7750 and is certified by the COSC for guaranteed accuracy. This allows you to get the correct numbers when tracking your cycling progress. Additionally, it beats at 4 Hz and can power the watch up to 46 hours when fully wound. Lastly, the nylon strap is something to write home about with its attractive grey and orange combination. With its automatic chronograph function, the Chopard Grand Prix de Monaco Historique 2016 Race Edition will surely be in the spotlight the next time you go on a cycling club fun run. 7. Seiko Astron 5X Series Dual Time GPS Solar Of course, this list of cycling watches will not be complete without mentioning the Seiko Astron 5X Series Dual Time GPS Solar. In fact, the Seiko Astron collection has gone down in history as the world’s first quartz watch. And now, the Japanese brand has upgraded that watch into something more impressive. They even call the 5X series “the most advanced ever” on their website. Specs: Case material: Stainless Steel Case dimension: 42.9mm Movement: Quartz Water resistance: 100m Speaking of advanced features, this watch from Seiko is one of the most accurate timers that you’ll ever encounter. Like the previous Seiko Astron models, it has a GPS feature that connects to different satellites around the globe in order to adjust the time to the dot. This is particularly useful for people who participate in cycling races and need a very accurate timing device. Apart from the features, this watch also excels when it comes to looks. It comes in a classy black and gold colourway that will definitely blend with most of your wardrobe. Apart from that, the three inner dials and a small date window are placed strategically to avoid looking cluttered. The three pusher buttons on the right side are all coated with black to complete the look and make it more unique. Furthermore, this watch is both durable and comfortable to wear during extended periods of cycling. The case’s finishing and materials feel premium and solidly built, offering a water resistance rating of 100m. This allows you to cycle through the rain without worrying about ruining the watch. Lastly, its dial is protected by a dual-curved sapphire crystal so you don’t have to worry about scratching it. 8. Suunto 7 Graphite Copper The Suunto 7 Graphite Copper is popular with people who are into professional cycling for a good reason. In case you didn’t know, Suunto’s strong suit is in making sports watches and dive computers. And that forte in sports is evident in this model. Specs: Case material: Glass Fibre Reinforced Polyamide Case dimension: 50mm Movement: Digital Water resistance: 50m Features-wise, this timepiece has everything you need to make your fitness experience better. It has a built-in GPS so you can track your cycling route and how far you’ve pedalled. Apart from that, it has a barometric altimeter and an optical heart rate sensor which lets you determine your activity’s intensity. A bonus feature is that the watch supports offline outdoor maps. This means that you can still view the maps even when you’re cycling in a place with a poor signal. Additionally, the maps are detailed and show trails, terrain info, and even contour lines. This can be very useful when you’re using your road bike instead of a mountain bike and want to avoid the rocky paths. Apart from cycling, the Suunto 7 also features around 70 sports modes including running, swimming, and hiking among others. As someone who is serious about improving their cycling skills, training in a different sport like weightlifting can be beneficial especially if you’re targeting specific muscle groups. With that said, there is no doubt that the Suunto 7 Graphite Copper is a great fitness companion. 9. Garmin Forerunner 920XT It seems that the brand Garmin is a staple for triathletes. So if you’re in the market for cycling watches, don’t forget to take a look at the Garmin Forerunner 920XT in particular. This multisport watch has almost everything you need for your next workout session. Specs: Case material: TPU Case dimension: 45mm Movement: Digital Water resistance: 50m The watch is jam-packed with advanced features. One of those is the heart rate monitor which helps you dial in your recovery status and your racing potential. To further explain, it provides a recovery time to let you know how long before you should attempt another intense workout to avoid passing out. Furthermore, you can also connect this watch to your smartphone via Bluetooth. This enables a live tracking feature where your friends can monitor your stats and location on a map in real-time. With this, you can see how you rank compared to other cyclists in your age group. In my opinion, this is a nice touch because a sense of competition can motivate you to complete your workout. All things considered, there is no doubt that the Garmin Forerunner 920XT is an effective training tool. Being from a sports-oriented brand, this watch contains a lot of features that you certainly cannot get from other watches. 10. Casio Edifice Bluetooth Compatible Solar The Casio Edifice Bluetooth Compatible Solar has a very futuristic design. But this watch is not just for show, its modernity is also evident in its specs and high-tech features. In fact, this smartwatch can compete with other luxury watches in the market when it comes to functionality. Specs: Case material: Stainless Steel Case dimension: 43mm Movement: Quartz Water resistance: 100m In terms of power, it gets its source from the sun through a solar panel on the dial. What this means is that you don’t have to change its battery every now and then. That’s a very convenient way to keep your watch ticking. Meanwhile, its dial contains various subdials and gauges that tell the day, date, and timers. One of its highlights is its Bluetooth feature. Casio released its own mobile application that can synchronize your timepiece with your phone. Apart from the World Time function, the app allows you to set alarms. It also has various timer functions and stopwatches which you can find handy when calculating your speed while cycling. And most importantly, it includes a range of race tracks that you can check out. Lastly, this watch from the Casio Edifice collection can handle all the stress you put it through. It is made with stainless steel and has a screw-down crown that protects it from water ingress. Apart from that, its indexes and hands are all applied with lume to aid you even when you’re cycling in the dark. Final Notes It should be clear by now that cycling watches are extremely helpful for people who are into cycling. Indeed, it is a tool that when maximised, can bring you a lot of benefits. For one, it helps you track your strengths and weaknesses in the sport. Additionally, it gives you the tools to navigate unfamiliar roads in case you want to spice up your workout. On top of that, a lot of these sports watches are considered luxury watches, too. These have evolved into something more durable and suitable for athletic environments. If you’re a watch lover, it’s like hitting two birds with one stone as you have an excuse to show off your timepiece during a cycling session. Photo Credit: Featured photo from Garmin

If you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle in fashion, then you need a proper, functional, and versatile sports watch. A good sports watch can help you stay in shape and reduce your chances of getting ill. And luckily, this is just the article for you. As the years go by, humanity continues to evolve in a variety of ways, especially in terms of technology. And it just so happens that sports watches aren’t that far behind. The sports watches of today are equipped with a wide range of features that are crucial for sporting and outdoor activities. These days, the most talked-about brands when it comes to sport include Apple, Garmin, Suunto, Fitbit, and Samsung. In this article, we’re going to be covering each of them and reveal why sports athletes and fans alike prefer their wearables. So, without further ado, here are the most popular sports watch brands that athletes, competitors, and fans appreciate the most: 1: Casio There’s probably nobody in the world who hasn’t heard of a Casio watch in their lifetime. The brand has honestly got everything going for them: being cool, durable, stylish and most of all, affordable. But let’s have a look at where it all began. In 1946, a factory worker by the name of Tadao Kashio, founded a small subcontractor company known as Kashio Seisakujo In Mitaka, Tokyo. The very first major product for the brand was a successful finger ring pipe that allowed smokers to smoke hands-free. In 1949, Tadao and his brothers used the profits they generated to make electric calculators, which were later introduced in 1954. It took a couple of years until 1957 to refine that calculator until it was known as Casio 14-A. In the later years, the company would be known as Casio Computer Co., Ltd. Then, in October 1974, they decided to enter the watchmaking market by introducing their first-ever digital quartz watch, the Casiotron. This is where it all started. As far as sports watches go, the company leans mostly on the G-Shock series. It has a number of amazing features designed for outdoor activity and workouts. Some of the features include shock, gravity, vibration, low temperature, and water-resistance of 200m. The series utilizes Multiband 6 Radio Technology, GPS Hybrid Technology, and energy-efficient GPS to display accurate time around the world. 2: Samsung Another top-of-the-line watch brand for sportsmen and athletes alike is none other than Samsung. Samsung is always duking it out with other sports watch brands like Fitbit, Apple, and Garmin. Source: Samsung Official Website One of the coolest and stylish Samsung watches for sports fans is without a doubt the Galaxy Watch. It comes in either 46 mm or 42 mm. Both come with a rotating bezel that can be spun to help users navigate through various menus and features. The design for this watch is also waterproof so that it can be used for swimming sessions. And the fitness features that come with it are actually very impressive. Besides, this is the Gear Sport model. For just $299, this fashionable looking sports watch is extremely fitness-focused. It enables users to comfortably answer calls from their wrists while they workout inside the gym or outdoors. The watch automatically keeps track of your activities whether you’re walking or running, with a manual GPS tracking feature that is activated upon starting an exercise. And by using the brand’s proprietary Health app, users can choose between walking, running, swimming, and cycling. Users can also alternate between three screens showing information regarding heart rate, cadence, pace, the time elapsed, and more. 3: Suunto Suunto has established a solid reputation for designing a plethora of timepieces specifically for outdoor activities and sporting events. This is thanks to its mass array of attractive designs, long battery life customizable battery management options, and heavy-duty features. This multi-sport Finnish smartwatch producer is widely known for its Suunto 9 model. In case you ever decide to go try for an ultramarathon, the Suunto watch should be at the top of your head. You can also use it for walking or running in the park or even working out at the gym as well. Source: Suunto Official Website If it’s the finest Suunto watch you’re looking for, you can’t get any better than the Traverse Alpha model. This incredible gem stands out among other sports watches due to its scratch-resistant crystal glass exterior and rugged stainless-steel bezel.  This makes the watch the most ideal for withstanding the forces of outdoor elements. So, whether you’re going out for a trek, a dive, or anything else, this is the watch that can go the distance. 4: Fitbit Fitness tracking is a thing that is available in virtually any smartwatch in the market. But Fitbit is all about fitness tracking and more. On top of that, it is also one of the best fitness tracking wearable brands available today. It offers a wide assortment of trackers, weather standards, or advanced, at a variety of price rates. In addition, Fitbit also makes its own line of smartwatches. Source: Fitbit Official Website You can choose the basic Fitbit Inspire, opt for the feature-laden Fitbit Charge 3, or seek out a multifunctional experience with the Fitbit Versa 2 smartwatch. And these are just the select few among many other excellent fitness trackers and smartwatches that Fitbit has to offer. 5: Garmin If there’s ever a time when choosing a sports watch becomes a challenge, it would be picking out a Garmin model. This brand has a growing list of running and fitness watches, making it even more difficult to pick the best one. Fortunately, we took our time making hefty comparisons between other Garmin watches before settling for the Forerunner 45 model. This watch does everything that the 35 model does and introduces a slew of other features, even at a reasonably good price. Source: Garmin Official Website It features a transflective display screen like other Garmin watches, offers 50m-deep water-resistance, and a heart rate monitor. In addition, its tracking capabilities focus largely on cycling and running. It also offers complete satellite mapping support and core metrics.

Have you been looking for sports watches that are stylish, sophisticated, and designed with sporty people in mind but don’t want to break the bank trying to get your hands on one? Then look no further than Adidas watches that have been designed with the modern-day sportsman and woman in mind. Remember that these watches aren’t luxury Swiss sports watches nor are they often spotted on the wrists of sports celebrities. Rather, these sports watches are stylish, sporty and accessible to almost everyone. Let’s take a look at them. Adidas Sports Watches Adidas AG, formerly known as the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory, was founded back in July of 1924 in Herzogenaurach, Germany, by Adolf Dassler and his brother Rudolph. In 1949, the two brothers had a falling out and Rudolph left the company, starting Puma almost immediately after leaving. As soon as Rudolph had left the company in 1949, Adolf—whose childhood nickname was Adi—renamed the company by combining the first three letters of his nickname with the first three letters of his surname. Today, Adidas is the world’s second largest sportswear manufacturer after Nike. Puma is the third largest. Adidas ARCHIVE_M1 Released way back in 2017, the Adidas ARCHIVE_M1 is a nod to the 70s style and its retro-like design pays homage to the dawning of the digital era. Its features include a built-in calendar, a light, dual time, and a stopwatch. Its case is constructed from stainless steel and hardened mineral crystal while its strap is a 5-link 24mm stainless steel bracelet. Photo by Adidas It is water-resistant up to 50 meters and comes in an assortment of colors. Take your pick from the stainless steel and black color option as pictured below, a black & rose gold option, or a black on black option. Adidas DISTRICT_M1 Another 2017 release, the Adidas DISTRICT_M1 takes a Bauhaus-inspired design approach to a classic yet modern sports watches. It has a round silhouette and oozes elegance. It has a three-hand movement that displays seconds, minutes and hours. Photo by Adidas Crafted from stainless steel and hardened mineral crystal, the DISTRICT_M1’s case was designed to last. It has a Milanese 20mm stainless steel bracelet for a strap. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters and is available in: The gorgeous gold color option as shown above A suave silver with navy gray color A beautiful color combo of black & copper Adidas DISTRICT_LX2 The latest version of the massively successful DISTRICT line of Adidas watches is the _LX2. It was released in celebration of the M1’s success and enduring style. Only 250 have ever been made, making this one of the most exclusive Adidas watches on the market. It has all the same features as its muse, the M1, with the addition of a date indicator. Photo by Adidas These sports watches have a stainless steel case, a Japanese quartz movement, and a leather strap produced by the Horween tannery. The back of each case is engraved with the production run number. It’s available in the simple yet striking silver, black and tan color palette as pictured below as well as in a brown, olive green & rose gold option. Adidas PROCESS_L1 The focus of the Adidas PROCESS_L1 is clearly on wearability, comfort, stylishness, and sensibility. It has a Japanese quartz movement and hands to display hours, minutes & seconds. It consists of a 20mm genuine leather watch strap, a stainless steel case with hardened mineral crystal, and a feeling of laid-back luxury. Photo by Adidas It’s water-resistant up to 100 meters – making this one of the top sports watches on the market. In terms of colors, it’s available in the collegiate navy, dark brown and silver color option as pictured below as well as the following color options: Gun metal, stone and bone option Blue, dark brown and gold Black and gold Rose gold, collegiate navy and black Adidas PROCESS_M1 Similar in design and principle to the L1 mentioned above, the Adidas PROCESS_M1 is one of the most popular Adidas sports watches. They’re also one of the top sports watches too. The M1 is inspired by simple yet sophisticated designs that can be worn everyday—for all activities. Photo by Adidas It consists of a Japanese quartz movement and has hands for seconds, minutes & hours. Its case is stainless steel with hardened mineral crustal while its strap is made from a 6-link 20mm stainless steel bracelet. It’s available in navy blue and silver, rose gold, black & white, as well as the black & copper color combo pictured below. Final Thoughts on Sports Watches If one thing is for certain, it’s that Adidas watches sure are stylish! While they aren’t designed with luxury and elegance in mind by any stretch of the imagination, these sports watches look good and are practical.

For quite some time now, sports and watches have been intricately laced together like a pair of sports sneakers. It seems that every type of athlete appreciates beautiful sports watches, from NFL stars to baseball players and every athlete in between. But beyond a celebrity accessory, sport watches can aid you in your fitness journey and help you become a better athlete. The sports watch market is flooded with different options from different brands. One such brand is the one we all know and adore: Nike. We all know that Nike has long been producing essential sports gear. But did you know that the brand also produces sports watches? Granted, they haven’t made many nor is this likely to become something the brand focuses on in the future. But here’s a look at the very best of them because one of these may be your dream watch? A Bit About the Brand Just in case you aren’t familiar with Nike as a brand, here’s what you need to know. Nike was established in Oregon, United States, by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman at the beginning of 1964 under the name of Blue Ribbon Sports. In 1971, it adopted the name Nike in reference to the Greek Goddess of Victory and the rest is history. Along the way, it bought many other companies and employs over 73,100 employees. Today, Nike sponsors some of the biggest sports stars on the planet and is the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes & apparel. So, what do they know about making sports watches? Let’s find out. Nike Sports Watches The Apple Watch Nike Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) Nike teamed up with Apple to create the ultimate fitness wearable. The Apple Watch Nike Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) is incredibly smart and enables users to track their workout data. They can also stream music or listen to Nike Run Club’s Audio Guided Runs. Source from Nike It features a silver aluminum case as well as a 40mm case with Nike watch band. It also has an Always-On Retina display, swim-proof properties and elevation detection. This watch is filled with safety features including electrical and optical heart sensors, fall detection, internal emergency calling, an ECG app, a built-in compass & even an emergency SOS feature. The Apple Watch Nike Series 5 (GPS + Cellular) is available in two color options being anthracite and black or pure platinum & black as pictured below. There is also a GPS only watch that retails for slightly less than the GPS and Cellular combo. The Apple Watch Nike Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) Though this watch came long before the Series 5 just discussed, and even though there have been two other watches in between, the Apple Watch Nike Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) remains a firm favorite amongst fans of Nike watches. Source from Nike The Apple Watch Nike Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) has built-in GPS and GLONASS, a barometric altimeter, a heart rate sensor, accelerometer and gyroscope & is water-resistant up to 50 meters. It is built to last as it has a ceramic black build, includes Ion-X strengthened glass and boasts an 18-hour battery life. The Apple Watch Nike Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) comes in the anthracite black design as pictured below and features a space gray aluminum case. You can pick between a black Nike band or a bright crimson Nike band. The Nike+ Sport Watch The next Nike watch is powered by TomTom GPS. While it’s not as impressive as the results of Nike’s collaboration with Apple the Nike+ Sport Watch, it does have quite a lot going for it. Perhaps its most impressive feature is that the band of the watch doubles as a USB plug for easy charging and data viewing. Source from Amazon This nifty device has been created with runners in mind. The watch tracks your pace, distance, calories burned, and heart rate. It also has extensive data tracking capabilities such as elevation detection and routes ran. It’s waterproof for up to 50 meters so swimmers can also wear this watch without worry. On top of the black and volt color combo, the Nike+ Sport Watch is available in: A white & silver color combo Black & anthracite Black & blue Final Thoughts on Nike Sports Watches As you can see, though they be few, Nike sports watches sure do bring a lot to the party. They might not be dominating the world of sports watches just yet, but they sure are giving their competitors a run for their money. Are you thinking of buying any of the Nike watches we introduced you to today? Our advice to you would be this: just do it!