Sailing Watches

A barometer is a scientific instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure, and can be used to make short-term weather predictions. For example, a drop in atmospheric pressure usually indicates bad weather. A barometer watch function can be a handy feature of a sailing watch to help you keep track of the short-term weather forecast.

A useful function if sailing long distances, a GMT watch is designed to show two timezones simultaneously.

GMT (which stands for Greenwich Mean Time) is the zero point on the 24 hours scale of international timezones. From here, all other timezones are either plus or minus GMT.

Whilst all sports are defined by precision timekeeping, nothing quite compares to the timing challenges presented by the world of sailing.

At the mercy of the winds and the elements, the start of a regatta can be a nerve-wracking experience. From the time the first horn signals the countdown to the start of the race (normally 10-15 minutes), the skipper must maintain control of the sailboat behind an invisible starting line or risk a severe penalty.