Boat watches: 13 allies to have on your wrist when on board
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The link between clocks and the sea stems from the practical need of boaters for accurate and durable instruments to orient themselves and keep track of the weather in often difficult conditions. Today there are highly advanced technological instruments to do this, which have replaced boat clocks in their primary function. These objects, however, still remain a valuable wrist ally, and a travel companion that never leaves your side, designed for heavy use, with specific technical features: high water resistance (usually at least 100 meters), rugged cases resistant to shock, salt water and UV rays, dials that can be read even in bright light or in the dark thanks to luminescent markers and hands, and often ancillary functions such as chronographs, countdowns, tide indications and connection with onboard electronics.
Watches to have on your wrist while on a boat need to be reliable in stressful situations, easy to use, and have great durability, but without sacrificing an elegant design that allows for use on land or on formal occasions. The range of models available today ranges from classic diver’s watches to smart watches equipped with GPS, performance measurements, and integrated communications. In these four pages we bring you thirteen selected models that meet these needs and represent the top in terms of accuracy, durability, and versatility.
From sporty sailing icons to sleekly styled chronographs to modern digital watches, this review is designed for those who want to combine technical functionality and style on the wrist, on the boat as well as in the city.
Hamilton – Khaki Navy GMT
This variant of the Khaki Navy GMT features a stainless steel case (43 mm) with a brushed bracelet and a matte white dial, enhanced by indexes with light green Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility, even in the dark. The crystal? A synthetic anti-reflective, tough, scratch-resistant sapphire that is virtually unscratchable (only diamonds can do that!).
Yacht-Master 42 – Rolex
The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is a sporty timepiece of the highest caliber, crafted in 18K yellow gold with a 42 mm case. The Oysterflex bracelet combines the strength of a metal with the flexibility of an elastomer, ensuring comfort and durability.
Diver [AIR] – Ulysse Nardin
The Ulysse Nardin Diver Air is a refined and lightweight dive watch with a 42 mm titanium case and water resistance to 300 meters. The skeletonized dial with luminous details features a unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel.
Ocean Star World Timer – Mido
The Mido Ocean Star World Timer is a versatile watch designed for the modern traveler and ocean enthusiast. With a 44mm steel case, it features a silver dial and indications for 24 time zones on the crown, perfect for those who sail between different latitudes.
SUB750 Clive Cussler – DOXA
The SUB750 Clive Cussler is a professional dive watch inspired by adventurer and writer Clive Cussler. 40mm steel case and unidirectional rotating bezel, water resistant to 750m.
Luminor Marina PAM01653 Panerai
The Luminor Marina PAM01653 is an iconic model from the Italian house, with a 44mm steel case and the famous crown-protector bridge that ensures water resistance to 300 meters.
Prospex Marinemaster SLA081J1 – Seiko
The Seiko SLA081J1 celebrates the 60th anniversary of Seiko’s historic Diver’s line with a model that blends vintage design and modern technology. The 40.5 mm steel case houses a high-precision 8L35 automatic movement with a power reserve of about 50 hours.
Divers Sixty-Five – Oris
Iconic dive watch that reinterprets the classic 1960s design with a modern twist. With a 40mm steel case, it is water-resistant to 100 meters and available with a steel or rubber strap.
Seamaster Diver 300M – Omega
Automatic 42mm stainless steel dive watch with rubber strap, a symbol of style. Equipped with domed anti-reflective sapphire crystal and the famous unidirectional rotating ceramic bezel.
Contodat Automatic – Eberhard & Co.
The Eberhard Contodat Automatic is a sporty mechanical chronograph with a 39mm steel case with a vintage racing look. Equipped with Contodat Automatic movement and date display, water resistant to 100 m.
Big Bang Unico Summer 2025 Hublot
Hublot’s Big Bang Unico Summer 2025 is a 42mm automatic chronograph made of orange and blue microbead-blasted ceramic, a color combination that captures the essence of the Mediterranean and summer.
Riviera 10827 – Baume & Mercier
The Baume & Mercier Riviera 10827 is an elegant 41 mm automatic chronograph that recalls the glamour of the 1950s with its black-and-white contrast. Water resistant to 10 ATM.
quatix 8 – Garmin
Advanced marine smartwatch designed for lovers of the sea and outdoor adventures. Available in 47 and 51 mm versions, it features a brilliant 1.4-inch AMOLED display and is water-resistant to 10 ATM.
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