John Harrison invented the chronometer 300 years ago, which made long-distance sea travel substantially safer. The original ‘sea watches’ have been transformed into state-of-the-art wristwatches available to those who need in-depth information at their fingertips.
Any serious sailor will tell you a sailing watch is a must-have accessory with the cost of GPS models varying from below £100 ($120) to in excess of £100,000 for the Rolls-Royce varieties.
Here is a list of the top five most affordable (but high-quality Premium Class) sailing watches with GPS:
The Gill Regatta Master Watch (£110)
The Gill Regatta Master Watch is a popular choice and and the perfect companion for any sailing trip. The premium sailing watch is packed with innovative GPS technology, impact resistant and water resistant up to 50m. This affordable sailing watch with GPS combines practicality with modern styling and is available at marinesuperstore.
The Quatix 5 Sapphire Marine Watch (£599.95)
The sailing watch Quatix 5 Sapphire connects with compatible Garmin chartplotters and other devices to stream all the data you need to your wrist. It includes speed, depth, temperature, wind speed and direction. This marine watch also provides sports advanced fitness features and a wrist-based heart monitor, with remote waypoint marking and sail racing assistance among its many features. You can find out more about it at force4.
The Casio Sea Pathfinder Watch (£122)
The Casio Sea Pathfinder is reassuringly heavy with a host of functions including a barometer, countdown and split-timer stopwatch, and digital compass. The functions are easy to get to grips with and is a popular choice at the watchshop.
The Optimum Time Series 14R Rechargeable Sailing Watch & Timer (£89.95)
The Optimum Time Series 14R offers audible as well as vibrational alarm, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and convenient USB charging. More details about this premium sailing watch with GPS can be found at purplemarine.
Suunto Elementum Ventus sailing watch (£649)
If you want to spend a little more you could opt for a Suunto Elementum Ventus. The Finnish brand has been a hit among more serious sailors for many years. Features include a barometer trend graph, a storm alarm, and the face has an anti-reflective coating so that it’s always clear. You can buy this perfect sailing watch with GPS at jurawatches.
