The sports watch – a watch for sport. Or is it? It seems that just about any timepiece with a stop watch or alarm is generally considered to be a ‘sports’ watch. Yet this means that so many watches fall into the ‘sports’ category that purchasing a decent one can be pretty tricky.
If you’re looking for something that will genuinely assist you when training or competing in a specific sport such as marathon running or sailing then at least you’ve got some idea of what type of watch will best suit what you are looking for. But if you’re just looking for a big meaty chronograph or a solid all rounder that looks as good at the gym as it does in the office then finding something suitable could be a problem.
With such choice available and with so many great ‘sport’ watches around today, here are a selection of watches suitable for all budgets that could help you make that all important decision.
Graham Titanium Chronofighter Oversize Referee
The Chronofighter Oversize Referee from Graham is limited to 250 pieces and is powered by a G1735 automatic chronograph movement, which includes 25 jewels and a two day power reserve. The titanium case measures 47mm in diameter and features a sapphire crystal on the front and back, as well as an engraved serial number.
The white dial displays centrally positioned seconds with a 12hr sub dial at 12 o’clock and a 30 minute sub dial at 6 o’clock. The watch was originally launched in 2012 to be used by the RBS Six Nations rugby tournament referees. £5,900.00
Garmin Forerunner 910XT
Packed with features, the Garmin Forerunner 910XT is a sports watch in the truest sense of the term. An excellent choice for those training for a triathlon, the watch is capable of recording your distance, speed and stroke when swimming. Garmin is well known for making great sports watches and are a big favourite amongst many in the running community.
The Garmin Forerunner 910XT includes many of the features associated with Garmin watches, with some handy extras including a heart rate monitor, bike sensor, GPS and foot pod. You can even program your own workout intervals. £360.00
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms
In 1953, Blancpain created the first Fifty Fathoms watch, a specialist diving watch for the frogmen of the French army. Today, the brand continues the Fifty Fathoms collection with a series of robust, contemporary and stylish timepieces built for extreme sport, be it in the air, on the ground or underwater. The watches are famous for being water resistant depths of 1000m.
The version pictured above is the Blancpain X Fathoms (model no 5018-1230-64A), a specialist diving watch that includes a self winding Calibre 9918B movement, which has 48 jewels and a power reserve of 120 hours. The case is made from satin brushed titanium and measures a whopping 55.65mm in diameter and is 24mm thick.
The Blancpain X Fathoms also includes a whole host of other impressive diving specific features, which makes it arguably one of the most complicated diving watches ever made. Features includes a decompression valve, depth guage indicator, amphorpous metal membrane for added protection and a retrograde 5 minute counter. Approx £25,000.00
Tissot Men’s Sailing Touch Alarm Chronograph
This sailing watch from Tissot (model no T0564202704100) includes a number of features specific to the world of sailing. For example, the watch has a really useful countdown timer that can be synched with the timing signal from a race committee and then used to accurately time a specific race. It also displays barometric pressure and indicates any changes in the weather by the location of its hands via a histogram display. An incredibly useful tide function means that high and low tide is easily displayed on the watch.
Aside from its technical specs, the Tissot Men’s Sailing Touch Alarm Chronograph also looks great. The stainless steel case with blue bezel measures 45mm in diameter and houses a Swiss ETA E48.331 movement. The watch is water resistant to 100m and presented on a black rubber strap with folding clasp. You could do much worse for under £1000. From £650.00
Alpina Adventure Avalanche Extreme
The super sleek Adventure Avalanche watch from Alpina is designed to be put through its paces and would be the perfect accompaniment for those who are planning to take part in their own adventure. The watch (model no AL-525LBS5AE6) features a 48mm stainless steel case and sapphire glass, which provides water resistance to 200m.
The rubber strap is durable yet stylish and the simple but effective dial offers great readability in even the harshest of conditions. The Alpina Adventure Avalanche Extreme is driven by a Swiss made automatic movement, which is visible through the see through case back. £1,280.00
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