If you're an avid open water swimmer, you know the importance of having a reliable and durable watch that can handle the elements. Whether you're training for a triathlon or just enjoy swimming in the great outdoors, finding the best watch for open water swimming can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it's essential to know what to look for to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
To help you narrow down your choices, here are five key points to consider when searching for the best watch for open water swimming:
1. Water Resistance: The watch should have a high level of water resistance and be able to withstand depths of at least 50 meters.
2. GPS Tracking: A GPS-enabled watch can help you track your swimming distance, speed, and route, which can be helpful for training purposes.
3. Battery Life: Make sure the watch has a long battery life to ensure it can last through your entire swim.
4. Durability: Look for a watch that is made of durable materials and can handle exposure to saltwater and other elements.
5. Comfort: The watch should be comfortable to wear for extended periods and have a secure strap that won't slip off during your swim.
By considering these key points, you'll be well on your way to finding the best watch for open water swimming that meets your needs and enhances your swim experience.
10 Best Watch For Open Water Swimming
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1. Garmin Swim 2: Gps Swim Smartwatch For Pool & Open Water With Underwater Hr, Distance & Stroke Tracking – Slate Gray.
The Garmin Swim 2 is a GPS swimming smartwatch designed for both pool and open water activities. With a battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode, this smartwatch is perfect for tracking your swimming performance over an extended period.
In pool swim mode, the Garmin Swim 2 can record distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF, which is a metric that gauges swimming efficiency. The open-water swim mode uses the built-in GPS to track distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate, and stroke distance in lakes, oceans, or rivers. This feature is particularly useful for swimmers who prefer to swim in open water environments.
The Garmin Swim 2 offers advanced features for staying on pace, logging drills, and more. Additionally, the watch includes free online analysis, custom workout creation, storage, and sharing on Garmin Connect online community. This feature allows swimmers to monitor their progress over time and share their results with other swimmers.
When paired with a compatible smartphone, the Garmin Swim 2 offers connected features such as smart notifications and automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online community. This feature ensures that swimmers stay connected and up-to-date with their progress.
One of the most impressive features of the Garmin Swim 2 is that it can monitor underwater estimated wrist-based heart rate during swim activities. This feature is particularly useful for swimmers who want to monitor their heart rate during intense swimming sessions.
In conclusion, the Garmin Swim 2 is an excellent GPS swimming smartwatch designed for swimmers of all levels. With its advanced features, long battery life, and ability to monitor heart rate underwater, this smartwatch is a must-have for any serious swimmer.
2. Renewed Garmin Swim 2: Gps Smartwatch For Pool And Open Water With Underwater Hr, Distance, Pace, Stroke Count & Type Tracking In Slate Gray.
The Garmin Swim 2 is a GPS swimming smartwatch designed for both pool and open water activities. This renewed version of the product comes in a sleek Slate Gray color and offers a variety of advanced features to help swimmers stay on pace, log drills, and track their progress.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Swim 2 is its ability to monitor underwater estimated wrist-based heart rate during swim activities. This is a great tool for swimmers who want to keep track of their heart rate during intense workouts or races.
In pool swim mode, the watch records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF (which gauges swimming efficiency). This allows swimmers to track their performance and make adjustments to their technique as needed.
For open-water swims in lakes, oceans, or rivers, the Garmin Swim 2 uses its built-in GPS to track distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate, and stroke distance. This is a great feature for triathletes or open-water swimmers who want to accurately track their performance in different environments.
The Garmin Swim 2 also offers a variety of connected features when paired with a compatible smartphone. Users can receive smart notifications and automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online community. This allows them to easily share their progress with friends, family, or coaches.
The battery life of the Garmin Swim 2 is also impressive. It can last up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode, and 72 hours in pool and OHR mode.
Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 is a great tool for swimmers who want to take their performance to the next level. Its advanced features, accurate tracking, and long battery life make it a great investment for anyone who is serious about swimming.
3. Renewed Garmin Swim 2: Gps Smartwatch For Pool And Open Water With Underwater Heart Rate, Distance, Pace, Stroke Count And Type Recording (White)
The Garmin Swim 2 is a renewed GPS swimming smartwatch designed for both pool and open water activities. This advanced smartwatch is equipped with a range of features that make it an ideal companion for swimmers who want to monitor their performance and track their progress.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Swim 2 is its ability to monitor estimated wrist-based heart rate during swim activities. This feature allows swimmers to get a better understanding of their performance and helps them to optimize their training regimen.
The Garmin Swim 2 also comes with a pool swim mode that records distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type and SWOLF, which gauges swimming efficiency. This feature is particularly useful for swimmers who are looking to improve their technique and performance in the pool.
For those who prefer open water swimming, the Garmin Swim 2 comes with a built-in GPS that can be used to record distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate and stroke distance. This feature is perfect for swimmers who enjoy swimming in lakes, oceans or rivers.
In addition to its swimming-specific features, the Garmin Swim 2 also offers advanced features for staying on pace, logging drills and more. Swimmers can also take advantage of free online analysis, custom workout creation, storage and sharing on Garmin Connect online community.
For added convenience, the Garmin Swim 2 is equipped with connected features that can be paired with a compatible smartphone. This enables smart notifications and automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online community.
The Garmin Swim 2 also boasts impressive battery life, with up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (ohr) mode and 72 hours in pool and ohr mode. This makes it an excellent choice for swimmers who want to track their progress over an extended period.
Overall, the Garmin Swim 2 is an impressive GPS swimming smartwatch that offers a range of features and functionality for swimmers of all levels. Its advanced tracking capabilities, paired with its long battery life and connected features, make it a top choice for anyone looking to improve their swimming performance.
4. Garmin Forerunner 245 Music Smartwatch With Advanced Dynamics And Gps.
The Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music is a GPS running smartwatch that comes with advanced training features and music capabilities. The watch is designed with a durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens material, a fiber-reinforced polymer bezel, and a comfortable silicone strap material.
The battery life of the Garmin Forerunner 245 Music lasts up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 6 hours in GPS mode with music. This allows users to track their fitness goals and listen to their favorite songs without worrying about the watch dying mid-activity.
One of the watch's standout features is its ability to evaluate the user's current training status to indicate if they're undertraining or overdoing it. It also offers additional performance monitoring features to help users improve their fitness level. Additionally, the watch provides advanced running dynamics, such as ground contact time balance, stride length, and vertical ratio, when used with the Running Dynamics Pod or HRM Run or HRM Tri monitors (sold separately).
Garmin Coach is a free adaptive training plan that allows users to set fitness goals and receive personalized workouts. The Garmin Connect online fitness community also provides users with the ability to create their own custom workouts.
In terms of safety and tracking features, the Forerunner 245 Music comes with incident detection during select activities. This feature sends the user's real-time location to emergency contacts through their paired compatible smartphone. This provides peace of mind for users who may be engaging in outdoor activities or running in unfamiliar locations.
The watch also allows users to sync with music streaming services, such as Spotify, to easily store and play their favorite songs right from their wrist. This feature eliminates the need for users to carry their phone while running or working out.
Overall, the Garmin 010-02120-20 Forerunner 245 Music is an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts who want to track their progress, listen to music, and stay safe during their activities. It is a high-quality, durable watch that comes with a range of advanced features to help users improve their fitness level.
5. Timex Men's Ironman Classic 30 Watch With Gray/black Resin Strap, Black/gray/orange Accents, One Size.
The Timex Men's T5E901 Ironman Classic 30 Gray/Black Resin Strap Watch is a versatile timepiece that is perfect for active individuals. The watch features an adjustable black 16 millimeter resin strap that fits up to an 8-inch wrist circumference, ensuring a comfortable fit for most individuals.
This watch is equipped with a 100-hour chronograph with 30-lap memory, allowing users to easily keep track of their workouts and progress. The 24-hour countdown timer is also a useful feature for athletes who need to time their workouts or rest periods. On-screen prompts make setting the watch easy, whether you need to set it forward or backward.
In addition to its fitness-focused features, the Timex Men's T5E901 Ironman Classic 30 also includes three daily, weekday or weekend alarms, a 24-hour military time mode, and three time zones. The day, date, and month calendar is also a handy feature for those who need to keep track of appointments and deadlines.
The watch has a gray and black 38 millimeter resin case with an acrylic lens, giving it a sleek and durable design. The gray digital display is easy to read, and the Indiglo light-up watch dial ensures that the watch can be read even in low-light conditions.
The Timex Men's T5E901 Ironman Classic 30 is water-resistant to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, it should not be used for diving.
Overall, the Timex Men's T5E901 Ironman Classic 30 Gray/Black Resin Strap Watch is a reliable and functional watch that is perfect for athletes and active individuals who need a durable and versatile timepiece.
6. Garmin Vivoactive 3 Gps Smartwatch With Contactless Payments And Built-In Sports Apps, Black/silver.
The Garmin 010-01769-01 Vivoactive 3 is a GPS smartwatch designed for the active individual. With its contactless payment feature, users can make purchases with their watch, provided they are using a supported card from a participating bank. This feature allows for quick and easy transactions without the need for a physical wallet.
Users can also personalize their watch with thousands of free watch faces, apps, and widgets from the Connect IQ store. The watch comes with over 15 preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, including yoga, running, swimming, and more. This allows users to track their fitness goals and monitor their progress.
The Vivoactive 3 also has features that monitor the user's fitness level, including VO2 max and fitness made estimates. Additionally, the watch tracks stress levels, providing users with an understanding of how they handle stress and offering insights on how to manage it.
The watch is also equipped with connected features, such as smart notifications, automatic uploads to Garmin Connect, and Live Track. These features require the watch to be paired with a compatible smartphone, allowing users to stay connected even while on the go.
Battery life on the Vivoactive 3 is impressive, with up to 7 days in smartwatch mode and 13 hours in GPS mode. The watch's display size is 1.2 inches in diameter, making it easy to read and use during physical activity.
Overall, the Garmin 010-01769-01 Vivoactive 3 is an excellent choice for those who lead an active lifestyle and want a watch that can keep up with them. With its contactless payment feature, personalized watch faces and apps, and fitness monitoring capabilities, this watch is a versatile and useful tool for anyone looking to improve their fitness and stay connected.
7. Wearable4u Garmin Swim 2 Gps Swimming Smartwatch Power Pack Bundle (Slate) 549
The Wearable4U Garmin Swim 2 GPS Swimming Smartwatch Power Pack Bundle is the perfect companion for any swimmer looking for a smartwatch that is designed specifically for the pool and open water. With an impressive battery life of up to 7 days in smartwatch mode, 13 hours in GPS and optical heart rate (OHR) mode, and 72 hours in pool and OHR mode, this smartwatch is built to keep up with even the most demanding swimmer's training regime.
The Garmin Swim 2 GPS Swimming Smartwatch offers a variety of features for swimmers of all levels. In pool swim mode, the watch can record distance, pace, stroke count, stroke type, and SWOLF (a measure of swimming efficiency). For open water swims in lakes, oceans, or rivers, the watch uses built-in GPS to record distance, pace, stroke count, SWOLF, stroke rate, and stroke distance.
The watch also offers advanced features for staying on pace, logging drills, and more. With free online analysis, custom workout creation, storage, and sharing on Garmin Connect online community, swimmers can track their progress and receive personalized training plans.
Additionally, the watch offers connected features when paired with a compatible smartphone, including smart notifications and automatic uploads to the Garmin Connect online community. This allows swimmers to stay connected even while they are in the water.
One of the most important features of the Garmin Swim 2 GPS Swimming Smartwatch is its ability to monitor underwater estimated wrist-based heart rate during swim activities. This allows swimmers to track their heart rate in real-time and make adjustments to their training as needed.
Overall, the Wearable4U Garmin Swim 2 GPS Swimming Smartwatch Power Pack Bundle is an excellent choice for any swimmer looking for a smartwatch that is designed specifically for their needs. With its advanced features, long battery life, and the ability to monitor heart rate underwater, this smartwatch is a must-have for anyone serious about their swimming training.
Best Watch For Open Water Swimming FAQs
Are there any watches that offer GPS tracking for open water swimming?
Yes, there are watches that offer GPS tracking for open water swimming. Some popular models include the Garmin Forerunner 945 and the Suunto 9 Baro. These watches use GPS technology to track your location and distance while swimming in open water, allowing you to monitor your progress and analyze your performance. They also offer additional features such as heart rate monitoring, stroke detection, and automatic lap counting to provide a comprehensive overview of your swim. However, it's important to note that GPS tracking may not be as accurate in open water as it is on land, due to factors such as waves, currents, and interference from surrounding buildings. It's also important to ensure that the watch you choose is water-resistant and able to withstand the harsh conditions of open water swimming.
Can I use a regular sports watch for open water swimming, or do I need a specialized watch?
While regular sports watches can track your swimming performance in the pool, they may not be suitable for open water swimming. Open water swimming requires specialized features that are not available in a regular sports watch. For instance, a specialized watch should have GPS capabilities to help you navigate through the open water. Additionally, the watch should be able to withstand the harsh environment of the open water, including saltwater and extreme temperatures.
A specialized watch for open water swimming should also have a long battery life to ensure that it lasts throughout your swim. It should also have features such as stroke rate monitoring, distance tracking, and heart rate monitoring. These features will help you track your performance and improve your swimming skills.
Therefore, while a regular sports watch can be useful for tracking your performance in the pool, it may not be suitable for open water swimming. A specialized watch with features designed for open water swimming is recommended for this activity.
What brands make the best watches for open water swimming?
There are several brands that produce high-quality watches suitable for open water swimming. One of the most reputable brands is Garmin, which offers a range of GPS-enabled watches specifically designed for swimming, with features such as heart rate monitoring, stroke count, and lap tracking. Another popular brand is Suunto, which offers a range of durable and water-resistant watches with GPS tracking, customizable training plans, and automatic lap recognition. Casio is also a good option, with its G-Shock series featuring tough construction and water resistance up to 200 meters. Other brands worth considering include Polar, Timex, and Seiko. When selecting a watch for open water swimming, it is important to consider features such as water resistance, GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and durability.
What features should I look for in a watch for open water swimming?
When looking for a watch for open water swimming, there are a few key features to consider. Firstly, it should be water-resistant to at least 50 meters, ideally 100 meters or more. It should also have a clear display that is easy to read in bright sunlight, and ideally have a backlight for swimming in low light conditions. GPS tracking is also useful for measuring distance and monitoring progress, while an accurate heart rate monitor can help with training and recovery. Additionally, a watch with a durable and comfortable strap is essential for long swimming sessions. Finally, it's important to consider battery life, as a watch that dies mid-swim can be frustrating and potentially dangerous. Overall, a watch designed specifically for open water swimming will have all these features and more, making it a worthwhile investment for serious swimmers.
Which watches are designed specifically for open water swimming?
There are several watches that are specifically designed for open water swimming. The Garmin Swim 2 is one of the best options, as it has GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and can track stroke type and count. The Suunto 9 Baro is another popular choice, as it has a long battery life and can track open water swimming, as well as triathlons and other activities. The Polar Vantage V2 is also a great option, as it has advanced swimming metrics and can track distance, pace, stroke rate and more. Other watches that are designed for open water swimming include the Apple Watch Series 6, the Coros Apex Pro, and the Garmin Forerunner 945. When choosing a watch for open water swimming, it's important to consider factors such as GPS accuracy, heart rate monitoring, battery life, and water resistance.