Best Sport Watches Reviewed & Rated for Quality

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
 Fitbit Charge 2
Test Winner: Fitbit Charge 2
Amazon Link
Say what you will about the tyranny of time, a watch comes in handy. And these days who has just a watch, today telling time is becoming a side feature to an instrument that's a calculator, pacer, alarm, step counter, mailbox, and phone. With the number of watches on the market, it is important to narrow down exactly what you are looking for if you're looking for one that's going to accompany whatever sport you need help monitoring. Each watch serves a purpose and it is important to figure out why a watch. Doing this will allow you to pair yourself with the best sports watch that is most beneficial to you.

Standout Picks

 Fitbit Charge 2
If you are looking for a sports watch that has it all, this is the watch for you. Not only does this watch offer pure style, but it also has great benefits to help track fitness while participating in sporting events or workouts. Nothing is better than being able to track progress with this sports watch. Comfortable and water resistant, this product offers it all for the buyer.
Amazon Link
$131.35
 Casio Sport Analog Dive
Ideal for water sports, this watch allows you a lot of opportunities. Even though it is the traditional watch, it is both stylish and offers just what you need to get through the day. Full display of time with the old school analog face, this is just the watch you need for your everyday sports and life. Comfortable and in style, you will not be disappointed.
Amazon Link
$21.92
 Casio W800H-1AV Classic
If you are looking for a classic and digital style, this is the product for you. Offering plenty of great benefits, this is an ideal purchase for both athletes and sportsman alike. Comfortable, stylish, and affordable, you don't want to miss out on this fabulous watch.
Amazon Link
$21.92
 Samsung Gear S2
Here is another popular item that offers more than just everything! If you are looking for something that can track times, health, and access your texts and phone, this is what you are looking for. Both attractive and useful, you will get what you are looking for out of this watch, time and time again. Take a look at what this product offers you, and this just may be your choice.
Amazon Link
$99.60
 Armitron Sport 45/7012
This attractive option offers the wearer several options while on the wrist. Although it isn't a smartwatch, it has an attractive style and plenty of added benefits to wow anyone. Being that it is water resistant up to a certain depth of 100M, you have the ability to wear it swimming and surfing, but not going down to deep depths. A great option for the swimming athlete.
Amazon Link
$14.00
 SKMEI Digital
This rugged watch has a lot of options to offer. A sleek design and built tough, you can submerge with no problems up to 50M. If you are planning on participating in water sports, this may just be the watch for you. Easy to wear and read, this is lightweight, comfortable wear. You can't go wrong with this choice!
Amazon Link
 Timex Full-Size Ironman Classic
If you are looking for a durable watch that will work as hard as you, this is the watch that you want to get. Equipped with plenty of features, the most notable is the durability that it has and the buckle strap, made to withstand all kinds of wear and tear. Both smooth and comfortable, this is a watch that you can wear all day.
Amazon Link
$40.40
 Aposon Digital
Easy to read and safe in almost any situation, this digital watch has it all for the athlete and the sportsman. Being that this watch has a large face, it is incredibly easy to read and offers you everything that you will need in the event of sports performance. With all that this watch has to offer, you will not be disappointed.
Amazon Link
 Apple Watch 42mm
If you are looking for a downright, great product, then here it is! This watch is one of a kind and offers almost complete access to your cell phone while also serving the purpose of a wristwatch and fitness tracker. Incredibly stylish, this wrist watch will even send text messages and make phone calls!
Amazon Link
 Fanmis Military Multifunction
This option is great for the all-around outdoorsmen. With all of the features that this watch has to offer, you can say goodbye to some of the gear that you use while out in the wilderness, and minimize it down to just one option. Ideal comfort and great style, this watch will definitely be noticed.
Amazon Link
$19.99

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

When purchasing a sports watch, you cannot purchase it purely on looks. Reason being, while many of these products may look appealing, they might be incredibly uncomfortable. So, it’s important to look at the material that a company utilizes in constructing their bands and faces. Additionally, it’s important to look at what previous customers have said about the sizing of the watch. This plays a major role in the comfortability. Many sports watches are one-size fit all, which can make it frustrating for some people who have larger wrists, or smaller wrists.

Durability

When we purchase any watch, we want it to last. Sports watches are actually the one type of watch in the industry that is designed and built to last longer than any other typical watch. With that being said, it’s important to gauge the durability of the product. This includes not only the materials but also the battery life. Now, when it comes to typical consumerism, many people believe that the cheaper the product, the worse-off the product is. However, this is not always true in the watch industry. The best indicator of understanding the durability of a watch is observing the materials used in constructing the product and the battery. Take the time to look and do proper research.

Features

When it comes to evaluating different sports watches, it’s important to know what type of sports watch you are looking at. The reality is, there are dozens of different types of sports watches; however, they can all be categorized into 5 different categories. Each watch that falls under the umbrella of “Sports Watch” must be carefully reviewed and researched based on the type of watch it is. Here is a collection of the different types of sports watches:

Diving Watches: As you might imagine, diving watches are going to be designed with heavy duty waterproof-based materials. Any sports watch that is marketed with 300 meters of water resistance is most likely a diving-based watch. Typically, these watches are made of high-quality titanium or stainless steel. When looking at these types of watches, it’s important to evaluate the durability of the material. Typically, these types of sports watches are naturally costlier.

Fishing Watches: These types of sports watches are more attuned to track what is happening with mother nature and the weather. Typically, fishing watches come built with a typical GPS system to help with tracking and geolocation services. Additionally, in looking at these types of watches, it’s important to look at some of the extra features that come with them. Are they water resistant? Do they track sunrise and sunset?

Interval Watches: This is one of the standard sports watch that many people are on the lookout for. An interval watch is a sports watch that can handle high-intensity workouts. Typically, an interval watch is digital and gives the consumer an opportunity to track their performance and sync it with their smartphone.

Mountain Climbing: Another type of sports watch that exists is a mountain climber watch. These types of sports watches include important features that typical climbers are looking for, including altitude trackers, barometers, compasses, and even weather trackers. These watches are typically costlier than standard sports watches.

Running: The other type of standard sports watch that many consumers are seeking is a running watch. Many companies that have made it big in the sports watch industry have done so through creating highly innovative running watches. These watches are typically designed with heart rate monitors, temperature trackers, and many other features. When evaluating a running watch, it’s important to look at the technology included to track and find this information.

Materials

In researching different sports watches, it’s essential to look at the build quality of the watch. In truth, there are so many different products that a manufacturer may choose from. Depending on the materials they picked, it will impact the price and the longevity of the product. As you will note in the review, many of the top-quality sports watches are designed from only the best of the best materials.

Stainless Steel: This is the single most common material utilized by watch companies, regardless of the type of watch. Reason being, stainless steel can be a durable material, if it’s taken care of properly. Stainless steel performs well when a runner is sweating and can be water resistant, depending on the manufacturer. However, stainless steel is prone to be scratched and damaged easily if dropped, making it a difficult material to use in sports watches.

Ceramic: You might not often see any sports watches made from ceramic material. Only top-notch and luxurious sports watches are built from this type of material. Not only is it durable, but this material can also resist heat. These watches are rare and are more expensive than many other watches on the market.

Titanium: Like ceramic, you might not find many sports watches at cost-friendly prices made from titanium. This material is incredibly light-weight and it’s nearly resistant to damage. It’s much stronger than stainless steel and much more effective. As a result, you can expect to pay a pretty penny for a titanium watch.

Carbon Fiber: In evaluating sports watches, some of the best products are made from carbon fiber. This is a great material that has been proven to be strong, durable and used by many different sport equipment providers. Carbon Fiber is also a stylish material, giving manufacturers an opportunity to create an even sleeker sports watch.

Silicone: Silicone is another common material that is utilized in the sports watch industry. Typically, you'll find this type of material in cheaper sports watches because it’s less expensive to manufacture. However, silicone does provide consumers with added comfortability and it lasts incredibly long.

Advanced Features

The last section for consideration when evaluating sports watches is the features that come with the watch. With that being said, in this industry, there are an immense amount of features that watch providers may choose from or include in their products.

Chronograph or Stopwatch: Anyone seeking a true sports watch needs to ensure the product comes with a chronograph or stopwatch. This will help in measuring time during any physical activity.

Heart Rate Monitor: One important feature to look out for in a sports watch is whether it includes a heart rate monitor. Additionally, it’s important to look at the quality of the monitor, how it functions, and what previous consumers are saying about it. Additionally, this feature is incredibly important for tracking your performance.

Water Resistance: If you are planning on integrating a watch into your everyday life, you will want a sport watch that is water resistant. Whether it’s the rain, swimming, boating, or even a shower, having a sports watch that is water resistant will relieve unwanted stress.

Calories Burned: If you are looking to lose weight or gain weight, it’s important to have a sports watch that can track calories burned.

Large and Bright Display: One of the most important features to look at is the display of the watch. A watch with a large and bright display is much easy to use and read, making it a favorable feature.

Extended Battery Life: If you have a watch that dies quickly or needs to be charged every few hours, it’s not worth the hassle. It’s important to look at the average battery life given a typical day.

Different Sports Modes: Another notable feature to look out for in sports watches is something called “Different Sports Modes”. This is where a brand or company has included specific sports modes for activities. This may include, but not limited to, cycling, swimming, running, walking, or even training.

Pedometer: Any high-quality sports watch should have an integrated pedometer that can be linked to one’s smartphone.

Top 10 Picks

1. Fitbit Charge 2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$131.35
 Fitbit Charge 2
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a sports watch that has it all, this is the watch for you. Not only does this watch offer pure style, but it also has great benefits to help track fitness while participating in sporting events or workouts. Nothing is better than being able to track progress with this sports watch. Comfortable and water resistant, this product offers it all for the buyer.

Heart Monitor
This watch allows you to increase and monitor all functions of heart rate on a day to day basis. This comes in handy for those who are looking to burn fat. The higher your heart rate, the longer you're in a cardio state, which is the best way to burn fat.

Sleep Monitor
Sleep is incredibly important! If you are trying to track your sleep patterns, this is the way to go. Sleeping is important, especially when you are an athlete. Athletes want to maintain a good sleep pattern, allowing for maximized performance. This is a good way to start that tracking and monitoring.

Cost and Value
At an attractive rate, this watch gives it all. There are several reasons that this watch rates incredibly high. Satisfying tracking systems, as well as the ability to link to your phone to check texts and more, this watch is the administrative assistant to all of your health and sport tracking needs.

Amazon Link
$131.35

2. Casio Sport Analog Dive

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$21.92
 Casio Sport Analog Dive
Amazon Link

Ideal for water sports, this watch allows you a lot of opportunities. Even though it is the traditional watch, it is both stylish and offers just what you need to get through the day. Full display of time with the old school analog face, this is just the watch you need for your everyday sports and life. Comfortable and in style, you will not be disappointed.

Water Resistant
With great depths, this watch has the capability to sink well below the surface level. It's ideal for water recreation, you will be able to keep track of your times and schedule using this attractive band.

Display
This traditional style features an attractive analog face that offers you the date, hour, minute, and second. Being able to monitor time on the water has never been easier using this product.

Cost and Value
Both stylish and water resistant, this watch is ideal for the athlete on or in the water. Wear this watch to monitor swim times and more. The band features a comfortable style that is also waterproof, meaning the band will offer up no odor. Being that you can get the basics from this watch, it is a great value for the asking price!

Amazon Link
$21.92

3. Casio W800H-1AV Classic

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$21.92
 Casio W800H-1AV Classic
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a classic and digital style, this is the product for you. Offering plenty of great benefits, this is an ideal purchase for both athletes and sportsman alike. Comfortable, stylish, and affordable, you don't want to miss out on this fabulous watch.

10 Year Battery Life
Offering a long lifespan, the battery in this watch is built rugged and made to last. With everything that you can put your wristwatch through on a day to day basis, this battery is made to withstand it all.

Added Features
With the number of features added to this product, you will be amazed. LED lighting, comfort band, alarm clock, and time measurements are all in place to make the best product for your needs. You have the ability to go down to 100M, underwater, and maintain the life of this watch.

Cost and Value
Searching for a great watch to offer you everything you need for your next sports adventure? Well, you found it! Great features give you plenty of options to track and monitor times, while maintaining an incredibly long life, for the rugged lifestyle. All priced at an attractive rate, you will not be disappointed with this purchase.

Amazon Link
$21.92

4. Samsung Gear S2

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$99.60
 Samsung Gear S2
Amazon Link

Here is another popular item that offers more than just everything! If you are looking for something that can track times, health, and access your texts and phone, this is what you are looking for. Both attractive and useful, you will get what you are looking for out of this watch, time and time again. Take a look at what this product offers you, and this just may be your choice.

Smart Feature
Cell phones have become incredibly popular, to the point home phones will be phased out in years to come! This product offers you the opportunity to access your cellular device while you are working out or participating in sporting events. Read texts and check the time, all in one.

Style
If you ever get bored and are sick of the same old look, this watch allows you to change out the style, over and over again. Many bands are available for this watch, as well as thousands of clock faces that you can download, right off the watch itself. Talk about amazing. No need for several watches for style, this one has you covered.

Cost and Value
Each and every feature that this product carries is a benefit to the athlete and sportsman. There is an option on this watch for everyone! With the ability to be able to access your phone, right from your wrist, it has become incredibly popular. All priced right, this may be the option for you and your wallet.

Amazon Link
$99.60

5. Armitron Sport 45/7012

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$14.00
 Armitron Sport 45/7012
Amazon Link

This attractive option offers the wearer several options while on the wrist. Although it isn't a smartwatch, it has an attractive style and plenty of added benefits to wow anyone. Being that it is water resistant up to a certain depth of 100M, you have the ability to wear it swimming and surfing, but not going down to deep depths. A great option for the swimming athlete.

Digital Face
With a digital face, this is a great watch and incredibly easy to read. Use the digital face to record times, tell time, and check the date. Not only is this digital face easy to read, but it also offers a backlight, for the late night sports.

Water Resistant
Whether you are surfing, snorkeling, or swimming, this watch will back you for record times. This product has the ability to reach up to 350ft, without failing you. Being that this watch is incredibly water resistant, there is no need to look any further.

Cost and Value
Both attractive and comfortable, this product is suitable as a sports watch for most athletes. Being that this product offers an easy read, digital face, water resistant and resin band, no odor, and much more, it has been highly recommended. If you are looking for a basic watch with an attractive style, this is the watch for you.

Amazon Link
$14.00

6. SKMEI Digital

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 SKMEI Digital
Amazon Link

This rugged watch has a lot of options to offer. A sleek design and built tough, you can submerge with no problems up to 50M. If you are planning on participating in water sports, this may just be the watch for you. Easy to wear and read, this is lightweight, comfortable wear. You can't go wrong with this choice!

Shock Resistant
If you are hardcore while exercising or participating in sporting events, this may be the watch for you. Made for wear and tear, the design is made to withstand the hardest of shocks during running, hunting, swimming, etc.

Digital Face
The digital face of this product is a great design that is easy to read and offers a lot for sporting. Being that this watch has a timer, a clock for minutes and seconds, and a stopwatch feature. Topped with a backlight option, this watch is wearable all day and night.

Cost and Value
The rugged style is highly liked as well as incredibly attractive. Featuring water-resistant options, digital face, backlighting, and much more, this product is well worth the cost. Easy on the pocket and easy to wear, you can't go wrong.

Amazon Link

7. Timex Full-Size Ironman Classic

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$40.40
 Timex Full-Size Ironman Classic
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a durable watch that will work as hard as you, this is the watch that you want to get. Equipped with plenty of features, the most notable is the durability that it has and the buckle strap, made to withstand all kinds of wear and tear. Both smooth and comfortable, this is a watch that you can wear all day.

Lap Memory
If you run track or do any sort of foot race and or lap race, then this is the watch you will want to get. This watch records up to 30 whole laps, without losing data. Perfect for the track coach too!

Timer and Alarm
If you are forgetful or have goals to meet, this may be the right choice. This watch allows you to set both timers and alarms, making your life a lot easier. With the alarm and timer feature, never be late to a function again.

Cost and Value
With everything that this great product has to offer you, it is hard to say no. Made for almost any sport, this watch can get wet, record times, and is incredibly rugged, made to last. Backed by a one year warranty, you know that Timex stands behind its products.

Amazon Link
$40.40

8. Aposon Digital

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Aposon Digital
Amazon Link

Easy to read and safe in almost any situation, this digital watch has it all for the athlete and the sportsman. Being that this watch has a large face, it is incredibly easy to read and offers you everything that you will need in the event of sports performance. With all that this watch has to offer, you will not be disappointed.

Ease of Use
With the large digital face, this watch is incredibly easy to use. You can set timers, alarms, and record your own times on and off the field. You can use this watch easily on the land or in the water.

Multi-Purpose
Made for any situation, this watch is going to back you, no matter what. Being rugged in style and also shock resistant and waterproof, you can use this watch for almost any sport and it will support what you do and maintain its function, for long periods of rough activities.

Cost and Value
If you are looking for a sports watch that will fit your budget and also nicely upon your wrist, this could be the one for you. Made with maximum comfort, this watch is also stylish and will survive throughout your most active movements.

Amazon Link

9. Apple Watch 42mm

Where to buy
Amazon Link
 Apple Watch 42mm
Amazon Link

If you are looking for a downright, great product, then here it is! This watch is one of a kind and offers almost complete access to your cell phone while also serving the purpose of a wristwatch and fitness tracker. Incredibly stylish, this wrist watch will even send text messages and make phone calls!

Smart Watch
This product is a one of a kind smartwatch. Water resistant, with almost full cell phone access, as well as a fitness tracker, this product has everything that you can need, wrapped around your wrist.

Interchangeable Bands
Instead of buying multiple items for every occasion, this watch gives you the option to switch out the bands and switch up the style. There are several fitness bands available on the market for this specific watch. This gives you the ability to maintain comfort, during the toughest sports.

Cost and Value
This is the best bang for your buck if you are looking on the smart side of things. Each feature that this product has to offer is beneficial to almost anyone who carries an iPhone or Apple product. With the comfort and style, you will love wearing this on your wrist.

Amazon Link

10. Fanmis Military Multifunction

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$19.99
 Fanmis Military Multifunction
Amazon Link

This option is great for the all-around outdoorsmen. With all of the features that this watch has to offer, you can say goodbye to some of the gear that you use while out in the wilderness, and minimize it down to just one option. Ideal comfort and great style, this watch will definitely be noticed.

Compass
One of the scariest things can be getting lost in the great outdoors. If you are out on a hunt, hike, or just a walk and lose your way, this watch will have your back. Featuring a compass that has the ability to light up, you have the option to find your way home, at all times of the day.

Style and Comfort
When people choose products, they generally pick them out based off of style, comfort, and quality. With this watch, it features all of them. Offering a comfortable band, this watch also contains many different color lighting options, to suit your personality. Including a comfortable band, this is just the one that you need.

Cost and Value
Great quality and excellent comfort, this is the product for you. This watch offers so many benefits, including, a compass, timer, stopwatch, alarm, and much more, all packed into a wonderfully mounted face. At an affordable price, this is a great option to fit your needs.

Amazon Link
$19.99

Sources

  1. Run Townin, Five Most Important Features to Look for in a New Sports Watch, Website
  2. The Art of Manliness, How to Choose a Mans Wrist Watch, Website
  3. The Idle Man, How to Choose the Right Watch for You, Website
  4. Eastern Mountain Sports, How to Choose a Fitness Watch, Website
  5. Real Men, Real Style, How to Match a Watch With Your Outfit, Website