
There’s nothing better than being out on the water, with the wind in your hair, the spray of the sea in your face and that sense of freedom you rarely get anywhere else.
It’s why so many choose sailing as an escape, as a hobby and in some cases, as a career. If you’re one of the same, then it fares you know that sailing requires a good set of gear, and one piece many won’t board without is a good quality sailing watch.
A sailing watch is a timepiece built for life on the watch, often with functions like a regatta timer, tide tracking and without a doubt, a solid water resistance.
There’s definitely some crossover with dive watches, since both are built to handle wet conditions, but sailing watches have their own unique flair and functionality.
So if you’re curious about this underrated genre, about what makes a sailing watch different and whether or not a sailing watch is right for you, keep reading, as we explore the best of the best.
What to Look for in a Sailing Watch?
When it comes to sailing watches, there’s no universal formula. These timepieces vary widely depending on their intended use, from hardcore racing tools to more laid-back, sometimes simply nautical-inspired pieces.
Some are built for competitive regattas, packed with features like countdown timers, tide indicators, barometers, and GPS while others take a more aesthetic-focused approach, offering clean designs and maritime styling.
Unlike dive watches, which tend to follow a fairly consistent playbook, sailing watches span a much broader spectrum. They often still borrow from the dive world, adding sailing-specific functions to already rugged builds but can also lean more dressy, designed to transition from sea to shore.
Typically, most sailing watches will have high water resistant ratings so they can withstand any splashes from the ocean and legible dials for quick and easy readability.
They might also commonly have waterproof rubber straps, for obvious reasons, and durable well-sized cases for handling the bumps, knocks, and constant movement that come with life on deck. But as mentioned, that’s not always the case.
As you’ll see in the list below, sailing watches come in all kinds of styles, from stripped-back and sporty to elegant and understated, each bringing something different to the table.
The 20 Best Sailing Watches
With all that in mind, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best sailing watches you can wear in 2025, no matter whether you’re looking for something for racing or relaxing – or you just love the look of a nautical timepiece.
Rolex Yacht Master

The Rolex Yacht Master made its debut in 1992 as a more luxurious, sailing-focused counterpart to the iconic Submariner.
Where the Sub was built for deep-sea divers, the Yacht-Master was designed for the decks, combining sporty utility with upscale style which has made it perfect for both competitive sailors and sun-soaked cruisers.
Over the years, the collection has evolved to include a range of sizes, materials, and features, from classic Rolesor models to the cutting-edge Yacht-Master 42 in ultra-light RLX titanium.
It’s a model that holds a lot of functionality suited for sailing, including a bidirectional timing bezel, designed specifically for regatta timing, paired with exceptional water resistance, luminous hands and markers for readability, and Rolex’s rock-solid in-house automatic movements.
It’s also available with Oysterflex rubber straps or classic Oyster bracelets, depending on your preference.
Price starts from $11,500
Garmin MARQ 2 Captain

Designed with serious sailors in mind, the Garmin MARQ 2 Captain blends smart tech with proper maritime functionality.
It builds on the success of Garmin’s original MARQ Captain and Quatix series, but dials things up with a sharper AMOLED display, a lightweight titanium case, and a serious lineup of sailing-specific tools.
This watch can connect directly to your boat’s systems, display real-time data like wind and water depth, mark man-overboard positions, and even steer the boat using autopilot control.
Features like the Regatta Timer and SailAssist make it a genuine asset during race starts, while the nautical design, complete with a blue ceramic bezel and French jacquard-weave strap, keeps things looking sharp. Off the water, you get a full suite of fitness, health, and travel features, plus up to 16 days of battery life.
Price starts from $2,200
Omega Seamaster Regatta

Built to celebrate the 37th America’s Cup, the Omega Seamaster Regatta is another purpose-built sailing instrument that’s difficult to beat.
Housed in a 46.75mm Grade 5 titanium case, it combines traditional analogue hands with a high-contrast LCD display, packing an impressive range of sailing-specific functions.
There’s a programmable regatta countdown timer, sailing logbook, chronograph, moon phase display, temperature gauge, accelerometer, and three alarms, each designed with serious time on the water in mind.
Navigation is intuitive via four rubber-coated pushers and a sandblasted crown. The integrated rubber strap and 300m water resistance round out its seaworthy credentials.
Inside, Omega’s new Calibre 5701 quartz movement drives it all, offering exceptional accuracy and loud alarms, thanks to a resonance-enhancing caseback design.
Price starts from $7,800
TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper

A modern revival of a cult classic, the TAG Heuer Carrera Skipper reimagines Heuer’s legendary 1967 yachting chronograph in a sleek 39mm “glassbox” case.
Its sunray blue dial recalls the deck of the America’s Cup-winning Intrepid, with a teal 12-hour subdial and a regatta countdown timer in tri-color segments for easy race-time readability.
It ditches the tachymeter in favor of clean minute markers and subtle vintage typography and combines a discreet running seconds display and date window at 6 o’clock to modernize the layout, while orange accents on the hands and dial nod to the original’s bold styling.
Inside, the TH20-06 automatic movement offers an 80 hour power reserve, visible through the exhibition case back. It also arrives with a 100 meter water resistance and a navy sailcloth strap.
Price starts from $6,750
Boldr Odyssey Regatta

Developed in collaboration with regatta experts and inspired by solo Atlantic rower Bhavik Gandhi, the Boldr Odyssey Regatta is a 100-piece limited edition that beautifully blends storytelling, functionality, and rugged engineering into one affordable and durable package.
Its formidable 45.5mm stainless steel case, water-resistant to 500 meters, houses a Swiss-made ETA Valjoux 7750 Elaboré-grade movement, ensuring precise timekeeping in even the harshest conditions.
The textured admiral-blue dial features boat-shaped Super-LumiNova skeleton hands and a dedicated 10-minute regatta countdown subdial which is essential for race starts.
A dual-function ceramic bezel combines a 15-minute countdown track with a nautical mile tachymeter and double-domed sapphire crystal with triple-coated inner AR and a triple-lock crown to further reinforce the watch’s serious tool-watch credentials.
Price starts from $1,499
Garmin Quatix 7

A true jack-of-all-trades on and off the water, the Garmin Quatix 7 is a multisport GPS smartwatch purpose-built for sailors yet loaded with everyday versatility.
Designed to connect directly with your boat’s systems, it offers full autopilot control, waypoint marking, tide alerts, Fusion-Link™ audio, and Garmin SailAssist™ with features like virtual starting lines and tack assist. You can even view real-time wind, depth, and engine data right on your wrist.
The 100 meter water resistant Quatix 7 comes in multiple variants, including solar-powered and AMOLED-display models, offering up to 18 days of battery life and crisp, vivid visuals.
On land, it doubles as a premium fitness and lifestyle companion, packed with maps, heart rate tracking, surf and ski features, golf course data, smart notifications, and contactless payments. The list goes on.
Price starts from $599.99
IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph

For those that want some elegance with their maritime muscle, the IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph is a refined regatta companion that’s just as suited to black-tie dinners as it is to onboard duty.
The latest generation sports a large 44.6mm case with a filigree bezel and flat casing ring, offering a more streamlined look without sacrificing wrist presence.
It’s available in stainless steel or a luxe two-tone mix with 18ct rose gold and features a sunray silver or blue dial, with crisp Arabic numerals, lumed hands, and a totalizer at 12 o’clock for tracking elapsed hours and minutes at a glance.
Inside, the in-house Calibre 89361 movement delivers flyback chronograph functionality, small seconds, and a 68-hour power reserve, all visible through an exhibition case back.
It’s only water resistant to 60 meters, so if you want a watch that will survive a jump from deck into the ocean, this one isn’t for you, but it’s capped with a domed sapphire crystal and finished with a beautifully integrated bracelet so it’s perfectly durable for life on deck and land.
Price starts from $12,500
Baume et Mercier Riviera

First launched in 1973, the Riviera was Baume & Mercier’s rebellious answer to traditional watchmaking boasting an integrated case and bracelet and a sharp, twelve-sided bezel designed to capture the spirit of the French Riviera.
Nearly 50 years later, that same coastal cool style has returned bringing back bold geometry, luxurious textures, and a healthy dose of ‘70s swagger.
The collection spans refined quartz-powered 36mm pieces, classic 42mm Sellita-powered automatics, and the flagship Baumatic models equipped with in-house calibres boasting 5-day power reserves, COSC-level precision, and anti-magnetic shielding.
Some of the models feature smoked sapphire dials and unique textured displays, 100 meter water resistant ratings and a choice of rubber straps or integrated metal bracelets.
Price starts from $2,700
Grand Seiko Diver’s SBGH291

The Grand Seiko SBGH291 is a superb choice for sailors who want precision, durability, and versatility. Crafted from high-intensity titanium, it’s lightweight and corrosion-resistant which is ideal for salty environments and has a healthy 200 meter of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and a unidirectional bezel so it’s just as capable in the water as it is onboard.
It comes with black dial with bold Lumibrite-coated hands and indices to ensure excellent legibility in all lighting conditions and is powered by the Japanese watchmaker’s Hi-Beat 9S85 movement.
And if you do want a sailing watch that’s just as capable on deck as it is underwater, it comes with a folding clasp with a built-in extension so you can make quick adjustments over a wetsuit.
Price starts from $8,800
Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge stands out as one of the most innovative dive watches available today making it another ideal watch for sailors who don’t just stay on deck.
Its patented depth gauge system uses a unique milled channel in the sapphire crystal to visibly track how deep you are underwater. Built with a robust 45.8mm stainless steel case, 500m water resistance, and a unidirectional ceramic bezel, it’s more than tough enough for any sailing or diving adventure.
The black dial with bold yellow accents ensures superb readability, while the screw-down crown and luminous markers add to its underwater credentials.
It also has a really handy Quick Strap Change system so when the rubber strap feels too casual you can easily swap it out for something dressier to suit your adventures on land.
Price starts from $4,100
Panerai Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback

Built with high-seas performance in mind, the Panerai Luminor Regatta Chrono Flyback is a bold, 47mm sailing chronograph that blends Italian styling with serious regatta timing functionality.
Housed in lightweight brushed titanium and rated to 100 metres of water resistance, it’s just as ready for a race on deck as it is for a swim alongside the hull.
The clear blue, green or black dial with its luminous markers ensures instant legibility, while the in-house P.9100/R movement powers a clever regatta countdown system.
Simply set the orange minute hand using the four o’clock pusher, then activate the chronograph to track the countdown to race start which automatically continues into elapsed time without needing to reset.
Add in a flyback function, anti-shock protection, and a 3-day power reserve, and you’ve got a technically brilliant sailing companion with real wrist presence.
Price starts from $18,200
Timex 1995 Intrepid Reissue

The Timex 1995 Intrepid Reissue is proof you don’t have to spend thousands to get a solid sailing watch. It’s a super affordable timepiece that brings a lot of functionality, durability, and retro charm at a fraction of the price of some of the models we’ve mentioned so far.
It’s inspired by a bold ‘90s Timex with a46mm stainless steel case that brings serious presence on the wrist and a clean white dial with oversized markers, and a slide rule bezel for on-the-fly calculations.
It’s built for action with 100 metres of water resistance, a rugged black rubber strap, and Timex’s signature INDIGLO backlight, activated by a dedicated green pusher at 9 o’clock for easy night-time readability. While not purpose-built for regatta racing, it’s a great all-round sailing companion.
Price starts from $199
Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph The Ocean Race

If you’re chasing a top-tier sailing chronograph with serious regatta credibility and an environmental conscience, the Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronograph The Ocean Race delivers on all fronts.
Created to commemorate the 50th anniversary of The Ocean Race, this limited-edition piece (only 100 made) celebrates Ulysse Nardin’s role as Official Timekeeper and its deeper commitment to ocean sustainability.
Housed in a 44mm black DLC-coated titanium case with a unidirectional Carbonium® bezel made from recycled airplane fuselage offcuts, this chronograph is both high-tech and lightweight.
The dial, with its matte black, sandblasted texture, subtly incorporates recycled material, while the bright blue and white accents evoke the race’s official color scheme.
Chronograph hands and five-minute regatta markers pop for instant readability, and a domed sapphire crystal and 300m water resistance make it regatta-ready in any conditions.
Price starts from $15,700
Bell & Ross BR 03 Diver

If you’re after a sailing-ready timepiece that breaks the mold of traditional watch design, the Bell & Ross BR 03 Diver fits the bill.
Its bold square case, available in stainless steel or matte black ceramic, is directly inspired by cockpit instruments and brings a modern, industrial edge to traditional nautical watches.
While it doesn’t feature a regatta timer like some others on this list, it meets ISO 6425 standards for dive watches, making it more than capable for life on deck.
With 300 meters of water resistance, a ceramic bezel, and ultra-legible Super-LumiNova® markers and skeletonised hands, it’s a model that thrives in bright sun or stormy seas.
In 2024, Bell & Ross refined the design with a cleaner dial layout, new rubber strap, and upgraded BR-CAL.302-1 movement offering a 54-hour power reserve. It’s another great one for boaters that want straight forward water resistance and durability.
Prices start from $3,990
Hamilton American Classic Pan Europ

Originally inspired by 1970s motorsport, the Hamilton Pan Europ brings the same precision, resilience, and clarity that make it just as well-suited for timing cars on the racetrack to being on the water.
Its robust stainless steel case and rotating bezel offer practical functionality when tracking elapsed time on deck, while the 50 meter water resistance gives peace of mind around splashes and spray.
The vibrant blue dial remains highly legible in shifting light, and luminous hands and markers ensure visibility even at dusk.
It has an impressive automatic winding movement with an 80-hour power reserve, something that’s rare with a watch at this price point, and comes with a comfortable NATO strap striped in navy and red which feels undeniably nautical.
Price starts from $1,245
Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown

The Frederique Constant Yacht Timer Regatta Countdown is a true sailor’s companion, built not just for the sea, but for the high-pressure start of every regatta.
The watch features a rare and specialized complication designed to help skippers time their approach to the starting line, a critical moment where strategy and timing intersect.
As the five-minute countdown begins, the dial’s porthole-style indicators gradually fill with color, offering a clear, intuitive view of the remaining time.
With a nautical-inspired guilloché dial, robust 42mm case, and 100m water resistance, it combines visual elegance with real-world utility. This is definitely one of the coolest sailing watches on this list.
Price starts from $2,795
G-Shock MR-G Frogman

Next is the G-Shock MR-G Frogman, an unapologetically bold tool watch built from the ground up with extreme maritime environments in mind. While its diver’s credentials are front and center, its robust spec sheet and feature-rich functionality make it just as well-suited to the demands of sailing.
From the titanium case and band, engineered for lightness, corrosion resistance, and durability, to the ISO-certified 200-meter water resistance, every detail is tuned for uncompromising performance at sea.
Sailing demands rapid data access, shock resilience, and water-safe reliability and the MR-G Frogman delivers with analog tide graphs, dive and surface interval timers, Bluetooth syncing, solar power, and radio-controlled precision.
All of these features are displayed with clarity even in harsh light or deep darkness, thanks to a sapphire crystal and Super Illuminator LED.
It’s big, yes, at almost 50mm wide, but purposefully so: the large case houses a suite of smart features without sacrificing durability or legibility. This is a serious instrument for serious sailors.
Price starts from $5,000
Seiko 5 Sports SRPK13K1

The Seiko 5 Sports SRPK13K1 is a modern reimagining of a cult classic: the 6119-6050 “Regatta Timer” from the late 1960s. While its origins lie in motorsport timing, this Special Edition feels perfectly at home on the water.
Its unidirectional bezel and luminous detailing offer practical tools for timing tacks or countdowns to race starts, and its heritage design echoes an era when wristwatches were purpose-built instruments.
At 42.5mm, the stainless steel case, based on Seiko’s SKX series, offers a robust yet wearable presence, with a 100 meter water resistance rating suitable for active sailing.
The clear dial and strong hands maintain legibility in changing light, while the automatic 4R36 movement ensures durability and convenience with hacking seconds and manual winding.
Price starts from $350
Bulova Marine Star

Designed to thrive in dynamic environments, the Bulova Marine Star is famously known as a nautically inspired timepiece that blends rugged design with everyday precision.
From its angular, 43mm stainless steel case to its bold wave-patterned dial, every element reflects a deep connection to the sea but with styling that easily transitions to city life.
A ceramic bezel insert, screw-down crown, and anti-reflective sapphire crystal ensure it’s ready for action, rated to 200 metres of water resistance. But for me, the real standout is what powers it: Bulova’s proprietary Precisionist movement.
This is one the most accurate quartz mechanisms on the market at this price, delivering ultra-smooth seconds and exceptional accuracy of just 10 seconds of deviation per year. It also has lume filled hands and indices and a striking red tipped seconds hand for a quick readability.
Price starts from $400
Farer Freshwater

And finally, we have a sailing watch that takes the sport a little less seriously and has a bit of fun with the nautical aesthetic. The Farer Freshwater is a playful take on a clean, colourful dive watch that plays with tones of aqua blue, soft grey, and crisp white to deliver something quietly bold.
Its white dial features a gentle wave texture and is surrounded by a mirrored rehaut that gives the illusion of added depth. Blue metal markers and hands, filled with aqua Super-LumiNova, glow brightly in the dark, while the matching rotating bezel with lumed markers ensures underwater legibility.
Housed inside beats the reliable Sellita SW220-1 automatic movement with 41 hours of power reserve, all protected by a 38.5mm stainless steel case that’s water resistant to 200 meters.
A sapphire crystal with double-sided AR coating keeps the view clear, while a trio of quick-change straps, steel, rubber and NATO, adds genuine versatility.
Price starts from $957
Conclusion
A good sailing watch does more than keep out splashes of water. It earns its keep when you check tide at dawn, time a tack, or just need to watch the seconds slip by while waiting for wind. The best ones feel built for your rhythm on the water.
They don’t get in the way. They’re easy to read, easy to trust, and tough enough to take a knock or two without complaint.
Some lean into the sport, with bold regatta timers and chunky bezels that demand attention. Others are more understated, comfortable enough to wear all day, even when you’re nowhere near a dock and a few walk that fine line between tool and timepiece.
The sailing watch you choose will depend on you, and how you sail. Maybe that’s racing, maybe it’s cruising, or maybe it’s just keeping time on the deck with bare feet and a beer in hand. The right sailing watch for you just does what you need, without argument.