How to find the outdoor watch that suits you?

An outdoor watch is indispensable for anyone who likes to go out and about on weekends or holidays. As weather and conditions are always unpredictable, proper preparation and equipment is important. Water resistance, navigation, lighting, what else should you pay attention to? In this blog we have collected tips to find the perfect outdoor watch for you.

What is an outdoor watch?

An outdoor sports watch is a watch with functionalities that are aimed at outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, fishing, etc. Which watch suits you best depends on what you want to be able to do with it. What should you pay attention to when purchasing an outdoor watch?

Tip 1: Prepare for bad weather: pay attention to water resistance

If you usually just go for long walks and you have good rain gear, then a watch that is 5 Bar waterproof will suffice. But if you are more adventurous, it is wise to choose a watch that is water resistant at least 10 Bar. After all, you don't know whether you will unexpectedly end up in a heavy shower or have to wade through a stream. Some outdoor watches contain a barometer or weather forecast. This way you are always well prepared before you set off.

If you want to be able to canoe, surf or dive while wearing your watch, we recommend you look at watches that contain functions for these sports. On our pages about diving watches and water-resistant watches you will find many watches that are suitable for this.

Tip 2: Do you use your outdoor watch in the dark? Pay attention to readability

It is important the watch is easy to read. A high contrast between the dial, indexes, numbers and the watch itself contributes to visibility and legibility. In addition, the hands and indices of many outdoor watches are coated with a luminous layer or luminous tubes. Most digital outdoor watches are equipped with LED lighting.

Tip 3: Consider in advance which functions you really need on your outdoor watch

How you will use the watch will of course depend on the sport you will be practicing. If you are looking for a watch that should mainly indicate the time, but that must be resistant to impact and water, then a simple waterproof plastic watch may suffice. But if you really want to use the watch for specific activities such as climbing, night hikes or cycling, you probably need more. For example, an altimeter, rangefinder or compass.

It goes without saying that your outdoor watch should always indicate the correct time. Radio controlled timepiece which synchronize with the atomic clock are always accurate.

First, make a list of what you want the watch to be able to do. With the search filters on our Outdoor sports watches page  you can select the watches that contain the functions you are looking for.

Tip 4: The battery of an outdoor watch should last a long time

Proper maintenance is especially important with a functional watch. An important factor is how long the watch's battery lasts. 

Quartz watches are powered by a battery. Depending on usage, this battery lasts an average of 1.5 to 2 years. When the battery has been replaced and the case has been opened, the watch must be tested for water resistance by the watchmaker. 

A solar watch is a quartz watch that is charged by solar energy. The battery of this watch usually does not need to be replaced, which means that the water resistance can be guaranteed for longer.

Tip 5: Mind the watch strap type and material

The choice of a particular watch strap material is very personal. Some people prefer to wear sturdy steel, while others prefer flexible (silicone) rubber. Of course, every watch we sell has a matching watch strap. But you can always adjust the watch completely to your wishes with a different strap. We have a wide range of branded straps and universal watch straps.

Leather straps are less suitable for this type of watch because they cannot withstand moisture. That is why many wearers of outdoor watches opt for a nylon NATO strap. This type of strap is water resistant, easily adjustable in size and is comfortable to wear. Moreover, if you get caught on something, this strap will not come loose from the watch. To be able to attach a NATO strap, the watch must have a straight strap mount. 

Some outdoor watches are fitted with a paracord strap. A very sturdy material, which can be used in emergency situations as a fishing line or to make fire. 

Tip 6: Navigation via your watch

When you regularly make treks off the beaten track, navigation is vital. In that case, choose an outdoor watch that has at least a compass and altimeter. For example, the Casio Pro Trek and G-Shock Outdoor watches feature a triple-sensor system that includes a barometer, thermometer, and altimeter.

Accurate positioning with GPS

With an outdoor watch with a (Bluetooth) smartphone connection, you can view and save all measured data with the app on your phone. Because your place on earth is accurately known through the GPS in your phone, you can also measure your distance traveled with this watch.

But the absolute top in the outdoor segment are smartwatches with their own GPS. Download route maps, specialized sports apps (e.g. for golf, equestrian sports, etc.) and save and analyze all your results. You will find many more of these multifunctional watches on our smartwatches page.

Tip 7: Outdoor watch or smartwatch? 

What's the best choice? Smartwatches undoubtedly have a lot of extra advantages over outdoor watches. This way you are always connected, you have the most up-to-date route information and you can collect and read all collected data. On the other hand, exercising outside is the perfect time to clear your head and enjoy the silence. Really going back to nature. 
In the table below we have listed the most important advantages of outdoor watches and smartwatches.

Tip 8: What does it cost? Determine your budget

We sell outdoor watches in different price ranges. How much the watch costs depends on many factors; Use of materials, timepiece, brand, (extra) functions.

Take a moment to determine which features you need and what your budget is. Then you can make a good choice. Can't figure it out yourself? Our Customer Service team are ready to answer any questions you may have about outdoor watches.