The 7 best sailing watches to wear on the open seas

Russell Sheldrake

Whenever I think of sailing, I automatically get images of JFK standing aboard a handsome sailboat in a well-fitted polo and a Cartier Tank on the wrist. However, his choice in wristwear probably wasn’t the most practical for his chosen past time. While I would never dream of trying to give someone like JFK sartorial advice, I think I can offer a few better options when it comes to sailing watches for the average Joe. Although, of course, sailing isn’t your average hobby, and often thought of as a rather exclusive pursuit. As such, many of the watches built for this purpose are aimed at high earners, whether they own a boat or wish they did.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some great value options out there. Just like diving watches, most who sail regularly or compete in regattas will typically use digital timers strapped to their wrists. Not only will these be cheaper than mechanical timepieces, but far more accurate, but they are far less romantic than the watches on this list. These archaic analogue artefacts speak to the tradition of sailing, as well as the aesthetics of this ancient mode of transportation that has now become a hobby and a competitive sport.

Yema Yachtingraf Croisière

It’s no secret that we’re fans of Yema here at Time+Tide. The brand’s combination of in-house movements with a strong French design ethos leads to watches with a unique point of difference. The brand manages to achieve this at an extremely accessible price point, too. I should point out that the mechaquartz movement used here is not one of Yema’s own designs, but rather a Seiko VK63 – but that’s no bad thing, as it helps bring the price down. Beyond the accurate movement, this watch has a lovely, retro-styled design, with both its blue and white-dialled versions being reminiscent of the Abercrombie & Fitch Seafarer and Solunar with its multicoloured sub-dials. With 100 metres of water resistance, and available on both a steel Milanese bracelet and a leather strap, the Yachtingraf Croisière is a fantastic value proposition in a market dominated by high-end brands. Price: US$369

Tissot Sideral

One of the most-run releases of last year, the Tissot Sideral brought a pop of retro colour to the Swiss brand. While it may not be the most conventional companion when entering a regatta, thanks to the countdown timing indication on the dial, it would still be fit for purpose if you were to ever find yourself about to race on the open seas. The forged carbon case and bright colour options make this an incredibly modern take on a model that has quietly sat in Tissot’s back catalogue since the ’70s. Even better, this watch is available from the Time+Tide Shop. Price: US$1,090

Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition

We know how much Tudor has been aligning itself with sports teams as of late. This collaborative piece with the Alinghi Red Bull Racing sailing team is indicative of Tudor’s aquatic ambitions: with a lightweight carbon composite case, it lives up to the definition of an active, sports-first watch. Add in the functionality of a chronograph, 70-hour power reserve, and 200 metres of water-resistance, the Pelagos FXD is ready for the America’s Cup. Price: US$5,275 

Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium

The titanium Rolex Yacht-Master could be the first watch many think of when sailing or yachting watches are brought up, in part thanks to the mass recognition of Rolex but also the model name itself. The Yacht-Master is synonymous with luxury sea travel, and while we have seen many variations of this watch over the years (including its sibling, the more racing-focused Yacht-Master II), the new RLX Titanium model seems to be a real winner lately. The matte ceramic bezel insert plays perfectly off the fully brushed bracelet and case – it feels rather stealthy for a Rolex. Price: US$14,050

TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Skipper Rose Gold

If you’ve met our founder Andrew McUtchen in the last couple of months, it’s likely he’s told you just how much he loves this watch. A precious metal take on the Glassbox Skipper that came out last year, this rose gold Carrera has something about it that captures that magical, nautical essence that all sailing watches are reaching for. With the heritage of the original Skipper as its blueprint, featuring colourful regatta countdown indicators on its 3 o’clock subdial, the Glassbox design has helped to elevate it into the modern era. While the steel version might be more practical for those taking part in a regatta, I think this rose gold example is perfect for the highly invested owner of the boat, watching from the safety of the yacht club. Price: US$21,500

Breguet Marine Chronographe ref. 5527TI

While Breguet might not be the first brand that comes to mind when you are envisioning your life aboard a sailing vessel, the brand has more history in the naval world than nearly all others. Thanks to the marine chronometers created in the 18th century by the brand, there is plenty of heritage to pull from, but the modern incarnation of the Marine line shows the forward-thinking side of this historic brand, as it embraces titanium and bold aesthetics to bring a brand that many feel is strictly for formal occasions to the sea. Price: US$27,000

IWC Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide

At sea, there is one thing you are always going to be at the mercy of, and that is of course the tide – so having something on your wrist to tell you exactly what it is doing is a rather useful tool to have. Enter the Portugieser Yacht Club Moon & Tide from IWC. Released in 2020, this watch treads the line between functional and fancy nicely. With a solid rose gold case and highly technical moon phase and tide indicators paired with the practicality of a rubber strap and a highly legible dial, this large (44.6mm) watch packs all you might want when deciding the perfect time to take one of your boats out on the water. Price: US$34,100

Time+Tide Timeless Pick: Lemania Regatta

There are quite a few lists online of outdated, or quirky watch complications, and these old-school regatta timers are often a part of those lists. The five dots that change colour, acting as a countdown timer to the start of a regatta offer a wonderful pop of personality to these vintage watches, and the ones made by Lemania always add to this point of difference. This one, for example, has a wonderful, angled case and a “lobster” bracelet that really plays into the 70s design era. You can find these fun complications from other brands at extremely low prices all over the internet these days, and I would personally vouch for a brand bringing this look back. Price: around US$3,500