Whenever we think about participating in sports, and the sports equipment we need, we often think in terms of our sports shoes, or the kit we will be wearing.
However, we often overlook our watch, and it is important given the information it can give us in relation to timings and the like.
When our sports or activity takes place in, on, or near water, it is also vital that our sports watch can resist that water, otherwise it will be damaged beyond repair.
Our reviews of 5 of the best waterproof sports watches will help you narrow down the field if you are thinking of replacing your existing watch.
Comparison Chart
Reviews of the Best Waterproof Sports Watches
Seiko SKX007K Men’s Automatic Analogue Watch
Seiko has an illustrious history in the world of watch manufacturing, and their SKX007K sports watch is another example of the high-quality watches which they invariably produce.
Review
The first thing you should know about this Seiko watch is that there is no need to wind it, nor does it require a battery. It has an automatic movement which means as you walk, run, jump, or swim, the movement of your arm will keep the spring wound constantly.
For the face we have a classical analogue face, which instead of numbers, there are large circles at each hour point, making it easier to read the time when you underwater for example.
If all that wasn’t enough, this watch incorporates Lumi Brite which means having been exposed to light, the dial, hands, and bezel will be luminous for up to 5 hours.
Obviously, the watch is water-resistant and meets all the standards for a watch being suitable for diving. This includes the stainless steel bezel having a 60 minute marking for when you are underwater.
The bezel cannot be easily moved while underwater, which prevents it accidentally being moved, and causing your timer mark to be inaccurate.
The face cover is shock-resistant and is made from Hardlex Crystal. To add to the practicality of the watch, if not the beauty, the strap is made from rubber which should not perish when it gets wet.
Pros
- Shockproof Hardlex Crystal cover
- Luminous dial, hands, and bezel
- Markings are very easy to see
- Automatic winding
- Water-resistant to 660 feet
Cons
- Strap looks ugly
- No automatic 30/31 day month adjustment
Hamilton Men’s HML-H70575733 Khaki Field Titanium Black Dial Watch
Next, we have a waterproof sports watch from Hamilton which appears to be yet another from their range that is perfectly set up for use during activities in, and under, the water.
Review
If we check out the case first, we find that it is made from titanium so not only will it stand up to any bumps or knocks, you know it will never suffer from corrosion, no matter how long you wear it in the water.
Speaking of water, this watch is water-resistant to 300 feet so you can wear it, not just for water sports, but for scuba diving and snorkeling too. The cover of the watch is scratch-resistant, due to being made from sapphire crystal.
In terms of functions, it has seconds, minutes, hours, and date, with markers around the face showing each of the 24 hours, plus seconds markers from 1 to 60, around the outside.
The hands are sword-shaped. and with them and the markers being luminous, even when you are diving with little light, you will still be able to see them.
The watch movement is automatic so there is no winding of springs or the need for a battery. As long as your arm is moving, the watch is being rewound.
Lastly, we come to the strap, which is a tough khaki type material so it should be strong enough for any type of activity, whether on the water or dry land.
Pros
- Sapphire crystal cover
- Automatic winding
- Water-resistant to 330 feet
- Titanium case
- Tough strap material
Cons
- Some might find luminous glare excessive
- Strap width is too narrow
Apple Watch Series 5 With White Sport Band
You just know that any product which comes with the name ‘Apple’ is going to be somewhat different from any other, and the Apple Watch Series 5 keeps up that tradition.
Review
With any Apple product, there are plenty of high-tech features but let us start with a more practical one, such as it being water-resistant to 160 feet. This may not be as deep as some other watches, but it is still some way down when you are scuba diving, and certainly good enough for normal water sports.
As for the strap, it is interchangeable, with a multitude of color options as well as being able to switch between plastic and fabric straps.
Incidentally, you also have a choice of case colors which are gold, silver, and space gray.
When it comes to the face, this is like no other, as what you literally have is display more akin to what you would expect to find on mobile devices rather than a watch.
It is an ‘always on’ display which means whenever you look at it, it will be active. As for functions, some do require additional apps to be downloaded.
Examples of these functions include a compass, monitoring your heartbeat/rhythm, fitness goals, online payments, you can make calls from it, and it can stream music.
Incidentally, in case you were wondering it does tell you time too.
Pros
- ‘Always on’ display
- Lots of color/strap choices
- Built-in compass
- Heart rate sensors
- Multiple app options
Cons
- Battery life isn’t great
- Cover may scratch easily
Timex Ironman Essential 10 Mid-Size Watch
If you are someone who is very particular about the colors and designs of anything you wear, then you will love this Timex watch as you have an absolute kaleidoscope of colors to choose from.
Review
While the watch may be called ‘Ironman,’ in all honesty, this is suitable for men and women, and that’s reflected in the choice of colors and straps. These range from floral pink, to black, and everything in between, so hopefully there is one to suit everyone.
The display is digital, so there is no winding mechanism, but a quartz movement instead, which requires a battery. It has a backlight that is activated using a button on the side of the watch.
The display has the time, date, and day as the default, and other functions include an alarm, a stopwatch, countdown times, and a 10 lap memory.
These functions obviously prove that this watch is designed for sports activities, and these extend to the water. While the manufacturer states it is not suitable for deep-sea diving, it is water-resistant to 330 feet, so most other sports, including snorkeling, are fine.
Unlike many watches that are designed for use in water, this is not bulky or heavy. In fact, it is one of the thinnest and most lightweight watches of its type.
Pros
- Thin and lightweight
- Stopwatch and countdown timer
- 10 lap memory
- Water-resistant to 330 feet
- Multiple color/design choices
Cons
- Only one timer/alarm
- Replacement bands are hard to come by
Armitron Sport Women’s 45/7012 Digital Chronograph Watch
Our final review is for this Armitron watch which is another offering a multitude of color options, and once again we have a watch which is ideal for sports due to its very low weight.
Review
With regards to the low weight we mentioned in the intro, the actual number is 0.8 ounces, meaning regardless of which sports you play, and how much that involves moving your arm, this watch is never going to hinder you.
If any of those sporting activities involve water, this one is water-resistant to 330 feet, so unless you plan to dive to the ocean floor, it is fine to wear for all of them.
This watch is digital so no moving parts inside and it is powered by a battery which is included. The main display is LCD and shows hours, minutes, seconds, am/pm, day, and date. Although that is six different functions, the display is clear and very easy to read.
Additional functions include a stopwatch so you can time your sports performances, It has an alarm, and dual time, in case you move between time zones. There is also a backlight for when you need to illuminate the display in dark conditions.
Finally, for those that like to color coordinate their sporting gear, there is a choice of no fewer than 20 color combinations for the case and the strap.
Pros
- Very clear design
- Large time digits
- Dual time function
- Thin and lightweight
- 20 color/design options
Cons
- No countdown timer
- Only one strap holder
Final Verdict
We hope our reviews have given you a clearer view of what the best waterproof watches have to offer, and you are closer to choosing one.
Although every watch we have reviewed has its merits, the one which stands out for us is the Apple Watch Series 5. It looks stunning, and the multiple functions and apps it offers put it in a class of its own.