Cruisers Wrist Watch Recommendations

[Roy M]

Whenever my cheap and cheerful watch gets too much epoxy, paint, or whatever, Or the crystal gets badly enough whacked, I replace with the latest cheapo from WM. It becomes yet another deductible tool purchase. It also doesn't reassure my customers that I'm ripping them off to supply my ego needs. Then again, they can get the same message from the rusting lumber rack on my old Tundra. Then, also, my collection of black work coveralls, individually decorated with various finishes and stains. The chisels are sharp, though.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by tinpusher

Thanks but lets try to keep it under $1,000.

If you shop around, you can get a plain-stainless-steel Tag Heuer Aquaracer for right around a boat buck.

Nice to have a watch good to 500 meters.

[S/V Alchemy]

I've had a Suunto Vector for the last few years. I change the battery about every 10 months ($7). The price (circa $200) was right, and I like the "weak light" that preserves my night vision, and the barometer and barometer tendency screens I look at every day.

Lastly, the internal compass is fairly accurate and is good enough to take bearings.

I had to buy a new strap this year and I wish the crystal was more scratch-resistant, but considering I came from a "I don't wear watches" history, it must be doing something right!

[tinpusher]

Originally Posted by Captain Jeffry

Love my Casio Sea Patfinder/Barometer/Moon Phase/Yacht timer/Tide graph/alarms/Compass

Barometer is excellent!! n Great Compass


Casio SeaPathFinder Tide Graph SPF40T-7V SPF-40T-7VDR Moon Age Watch

Nice looking watch. What's the difference between 7V and 7DVR?

[SurferShane]

Originally Posted by Vasco

Citizen eco-drive. Titanium, light weight. Never needs a battery. Changed to this after my watch battery always dying in places where no batteries were available.

For a good deal on these and Seiko Google "Creation Watches".

Personally, I have had chronographs etc, and I have never used the extras. I am also not sure if you can get a reasonable priced watch with a barometer. What I would be looking for is a good quality 200 m diver's watch that charges by some other means than battery. Something like the Citizen Eco Drive or Seiko Kinetic.

I would avoid ordinary automatic watches. If you take them off for any length of time they tend to stop.

[zeehag]

if one cannot afford the tag-heuer, which is one i wanted for many years, then buy a timex indiglo. i donot wear a watch on board or ever anymore--i ditched it when i got hurt and unable to work. now i have a cheap bot clock. uses batteries.

[azsailor12]

I also like the Casio GShock- compass, barometer, altimeter and multiple stop watches. Very little exposed metal with a soft black band. Batteries last at least two years.

[speciald@ocens.]

I use the Casio Eco Drive Stars and Stripes version. Bought it for about $100 in Phillipsburg, Sint Maarten. It is solar powered and doen't need replacement batteries. I keep my expensive, titanium Breitling below when off-shore.

[SurferShane]

Originally Posted by Sailorman375

If you want a watch with a barometer I'd look at Casio Pathfinder models if I didn't want to fool with batteries. Suunto if you don't mind batteries. I don't really care for digital watches though. Under a grand...... various Tissot models are the most bang for the buck. Over a grand.....you have to go way over to get my attention..Panerai would be my first choice, but that's around 10K for what I like. Rolex is the most expensive 300 watch ever made, but they hold their value as others still lust for them. I've had my share of Rolexes over the years, but they just don't do it for me anymore. Especially since everyone thinks you're wearing a fake these days. If I could only afford one watch for sailing and wanted digital Casio Pathfinder with solar and atomic at around $300 is going to be very hard to beat.

Wow, thanks, I did not realise you could get barometer models so cheap and even with solar.

Oh, the other reason I like a big rugged plain divers watch is that I need reading glasses. They are the only ones I can read easily without my glasses on. A serious consideration!

[Cheechako]

Casio digital stainless steel, $23. Last forever. Diving, snorkeling etc. Not too elegant though! Used one for many years and finally bought another fancier watch, and another and another... they either eat batteries, can see the date function or keep bad time... recently went back to the cheap casio.

[Boracay]

I never have the use for a watch on Boracay. If I need the time I look at the GPS.

The ships' chronometer, on the other hand, is checked several times a day, particularly when the times for my favorite TV programs near. Runs on an AA battery and keeps very good time.

Defender has a good range.

[bill352]

If you're going the cheap route, avoid the Casio W-96H. Nice little watch, but the band won't last more than a year or two, and replacing it costs almost as much as the watch.

[Sailorman375]

Originally Posted by SurferShane

Wow, thanks, I did not realise you could get barometer models so cheap and even with solar.

Oh, the other reason I like a big rugged plain divers watch is that I need reading glasses. They are the only ones I can read easily without my glasses on. A serious consideration!

I feel your pain. My old eyes can't read a digital very well. I always have a black dial with large white hands, so I can at least tell the time. You said you wanted a barometer though and digital is the only option. I suggest going to look at some to make sure you can read easily.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by jannw

Have you considered the Casio Gshock.
...

+1. Back when I still wore watches and did a lot of diving. I owned a few Casio G-Shocks. Great watches, bullet proof, inexpensive, lasted for many years of hard use.

However, I think the last thing you want for cruising is a watch. Why?

[Bash]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

However, I think the last thing you want for cruising is a watch. Why?

Navigation? Diving? Keeping a logbook?