The Best Watches for Sailing and Boating

Come summer, all of the sailing and boating enthusiasts among us are virtually buzzing with excitement to get on the water. Now that sunshine and warm days are in full swing, it is officially time to kick off the boating season. But of course, any trip out on the boat is not complete without your favorite nautical accessories.

Whether you are keeping things classic with navy blue stripes and a red kerchief or are opting for a more modern look with yacht shoes and khakis, you are never truly ready to boat without your favorite watch. Today, we are going to take a deep dive (no pun intended) into the world of sailing and boating watches. Are there certain brands that stand out for the yachting enthusiasts among us? Are there any specifications or features that boaters should look for?

We will answer all of these questions and more as we zero in on the best watches for sailing and boating. Anchors away, mate!

When you are wearing your luxury watch out for a day on the water, you might be concerned about water resistance. Unless things go horribly wrong, however, you do not really need a diving watch while you are lounging on the upper deck of your yacht. Most luxury watches today that are rated for a minimum of 30 meters of water resistance will be sufficient for a day on the boat. These watches are made to withstand some splashing, but are not crafted for swimming or submersion.

If you are looking for a watch you can swim with, consider models with over 100 meters of water resistance. Still, during your search for the perfect wristwatch, you will likely come upon timepieces rated for hundreds of meters of exposure. Do you need these aquatically inclined watches on your yacht or sailboat? Technically speaking, no. Still, many of these diving watches were designed with ocean exploration in mind. It can be exciting to honor this nautical heritage while you travel the seas on your own watercraft.

Let us take a closer look at some of the top watches for boaters in 2025 and beyond.

When you think of a diving watch, you probably imagine the Rolex Deepsea. Created to honor James Cameron’s historic voyage to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest known point in the world’s oceans, the Rolex Deepsea is rated to 12,800 feet of water resistance (equivalent to just under 4,000 meters). It has an iconic “Deepsea blue” dial that goes from royal blue at 12 o’clock to black at 6 o’clock. The oversized 44 mm case and luminescent hour markers make it easy to read this watch even when you are leagues under the sea.

Now, you do not need to head down to the very bottom of the ocean to enjoy your Rolex Deepsea to its fullest. Any avid boater will love the nautical history associated with this timepiece. Plus, it is a perfect choice if you are going to engage in more adventurous underwater activities while wearing your watch. The Rolex Deepsea is well-suited to scuba diving and snorkeling adventures, water skiing, sailing, and so much more.

Italian watch brand Panerai might not be known for its diving watches, but perhaps it should be. This Panerai Luminor Submersible Arktos is a professional-grade diving watch that still exudes the timeless Panerai DNA from every angle. The brushed stainless steel case is light yet durable and is built to withstand even the harshest underwater environments. The luminescent markers on the dial and the skeletonized hands lead to optimal visibility, even when you are down in the depths. Another hallmark of deep-sea exploration watches? The helium release valve, which you will see on the right side of this Luminor. Rated for 300 meters of water resistance (about 1,000 feet), this watch can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle any day of the week.

When it comes to the Rolex Yacht-Master, the watch’s name says it all. This elite collection embodies the brand’s commitment to upscale craftsmanship and maritime excellence. Its roots trace back to the 1950s, where you will find unmatched nautical adventure, golden-age riches, and timeless elegance. However, it was not officially introduced into the Rolex lineup until 1992, when it immediately sank its teeth into the boating industry. The distinctly nautical aesthetics of the Yacht-Master collection make it an ideal choice for sailing or yachting enthusiasts and avid watch collectors alike. In other words, you cannot go wrong with a Yacht-Master.

We love the ritzy aesthetics of this 18K yellow gold Yacht-Master II, and we are not the only ones. Photographers have spotted Yacht-Master watches on the wrists of countless celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan, Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Tommy Hilfiger, and so many others. Now, you can embrace upscale nautical style, too.

The Rolex Submariner is another Rolex line that we would be remiss not to mention in an article about our favorite boating watches. Originally crafted for professional use as a diving watch, the Rolex Submariner has become one of the brand’s most coveted collections and yields long waitlists and seemingly endless lines. At Avi & Co., you can get your hands on the Submariner you want, when you want it. That is the power of shopping on the secondary market.

Rolex Submariner watches were first introduced in 1955 to much praise, and the watch’s world premiere at the Basel Watch Fair marked the brand’s entry into the world of diving. Since then, the Submariner has been a staple of both professional usage and pop culture. It is a celebrity favorite as well as a technical marvel. The watch is rated for 1,000 feet of water resistance (equivalent to about 300 meters) and has a distinctive, memorable design that has elevated it to true collectible status. Add in its appearances in several James Bond movies, and you have an instant classic that you will be able to pass down for generations.

Hailing from Swiss watch house Patek Philippe, the Aquanaut line is a staple of modern watchmaking. Patek Philippe introduced the Aquanaut collection in the 1990s, about 20 years after the debut of the iconic Nautilus line. The Aquanaut was meant to be a more rugged, sportier take on the classic Nautilus. It maintained the memorable cushion-shaped face of its predecessor but added an element of adventurous spirit with larger faces, bolder colors, and durable “tropical” straps.

With these aesthetic and functional changes, the Aquanaut line attracted a younger audience who wanted their own taste of Swiss luxury but was unmoved by stuffier, older editions of the classic timepieces. Nowadays, the Aquanaut is one of the hallmarks of Patek Philippe’s repertoire, and it is the perfect option for anyone looking to show off timeless taste and true opulence while onboard their yacht.

Like the Patek Philippe Aquanaut (above), the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore was a follow-up to a 1970s stainless steel watch collection. Also like the Aquanaut, the Royal Oak Offshore preserved some elements of the original Royal Oak line while bringing those aesthetics into a modern era. Many wearers find these watches bold and brilliant, with oversized faces, comfortable rubber straps, and numerous highly functional subdials.

This watch in particular has a distinctive and dynamic appearance, offering a circular date window at the 3 o’clock position as well as a mega tapisserie patterned dial and three chronograph subdials. The watch is rated to 100 meters (about 330 feet) of water resistance, meaning it is safe for swimming but not meant for deep-sea diving. For any boater seeking a watch that perfectly balances a sporty look with high-end style and luxury, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore is a no-brainer.

Are you ready to take your boating game up a notch? Adding an elite watch from globally renowned brands like Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Patek Philippe is the best way to upgrade your look in no time. At Avi & Co., we specialize in these glamorous brands and can help you find the perfect piece to augment your collection.

Plus, we have even developed our three Avi & Co. lines of luxury watches that raise the bar on gem-set decadence. Online or in our three boutiques, you can find our opulent line of fine diamond jewelry that is not afraid to showcase major carats. Visit us in Aspen, Manhattan, or Miami for a personalized shopping experience like no other.

Make an appointment today to lock in your spot.