The Best Sailing Watches for Summer

Jeremy Freed July 5, 2022

While not the most accessible sport to get into (unlike tennis or golf, it requires not just joining a club but also owning a boat) any sailor will agree that there’s no better place to be than on the water in the summertime. Like motorsports, which necessitated the invention of a whole class of chronographs for timing races, sailing requires precise timing as well, both for navigation and for regattas (aka sailing races). The watches below are all created with the needs of sailors in mind and — in addition to being highly waterproof — they come with all kinds of useful features from moon and tide indicators to countdown timers.

Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Co-Axial Chronometer Chronograph 44mm ETNZ

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The America’s Cup is one of the world’s oldest sporting events and takes place every two years at a different picturesque international destination. As a longtime supporter of Emirates Team New Zealand, Omega has created the Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ with a unique nautical-inspired design (check out the subdial hands inspired by nautical flags). The chronograph features a small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, a 12-hour recorder at 6 o’clock and a 30-minute recorder at 3 o’clock which also indicates the five-minute countdown to the start of a regatta — a critical feature for competitive sailors. Powered by the OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 3330, this certified chronometer features a sand-blasted grade 5 titanium dial and numerals that glow blue thanks to a coating of white Super-LumiNova. ($8,800)

Rolex Yacht-Master 

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While you can find sailing watches with many interesting complications, there’s much to be said for keeping things simple, and the Rolex Yacht-Master is a perfect example of this. Unlike the Yacht-Master II, which features a countdown timer, this watch offers a more pared-down (and versatile) suite of functionality in its three-handed movement, rotating Cerachrom bezel, date window, and Oysterflex bracelet. Interestingly, champion Olympic sailor Sir Ben Ainslie was spotted training in what is believed to be a prototype titanium version, leaving many to believe that a production version might not be far off. In the meantime, available in yellow gold, Everose gold and Oystersteel versions, the Yacht-Master is a sailor’s watch that is just as well suited to life on land. ($33,500 in yellow gold)

IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide

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Among the more refined choices for yachtsmen is IWC’s Yacht Club edition of its famed Portugieser. While the Portugieser is and always has been a mariner’s watch, this version ups the ante in both looks and functionality. Fun fact: in most places on earth there are two high tides per day, always precisely 12 hours and 24 minutes apart. The Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide indicates the expected times for these on a subdial at 6, while a double moon phase display at 12 shows spring and neap tides, which vary in strength and can affect a sailor’s navigation. Capping off the package is a blue rubber strap with a textile inlay reminiscent of sailing rope. ($45,100)

Panerai Submersible Quarantaquattro Luna Russa PAM1303

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After a few years’ hiatus, earlier this year Panerai announced its return as the Official Sponsor of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli America’s Cup team. In celebration of the 37th edition of the race taking place next year in Barcelona, the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa features a chronograph, tachymeter scale, and — most notably — a blue and red Luna Rossa strap featuring the team’s logo. Announced in early 2022, this watch is available as a 1,000-piece limited edition. ($11,900)

Tudor Black Bay Ceramic

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Tudor’s recent announcement of a partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, another entrant for the 37th America’s Cup, brings together three marquee brands for the first time. While Tudor hasn’t announced an official watch for this partnership, their Black Bay Ceramic is as capable a sailor’s watch as you could ask for thanks to its durable ceramic case, Master Chronometer movement and 200m water resistance. ($5,660)

Citizen Sailhawk

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Interestingly, one of the more capable watches on this list is also the most affordable. This quartz-powered Citizen comes with everything a sailor could need, from a 30-city world timer to a yacht racing timer and retractable hands for better visibility. Water-resistant up to 200 metres, this watch also features Citizen’s famous Eco-Drive solar-powered movement, meaning it will never need a new battery. ($650)