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Swimming is a great form of exercise; it exercises the whole body at once without putting pressure on bones and joints, which means that it’s a sport and workout form available also to those who might be physically incapable of performing other activities.
A great way to make swimming more fun and exciting is by documenting your workouts and progress. You can easily do this with a waterproof swim tracking watch with heart rate monitoring and other exercise-based features.
These are some of the best water-resistant pool trackers and watches for swimmers. Each one offers unique features useful for anyone who wants to take their swim training to the next level.
View The Best Swim Watch Below
1. Apple Watch – Series 5
The Apple Watch is continuously renewing itself. It’s a fitness watch that’s being used by swimmers all over the world. It is excellent for the occasional swimmer who also wants to use their waterproof watch for other purposes, as this would justify the price.
When in the water, you need a watch that will collect the right type of data, and this one has a heart rate monitor, auto stroke detection, and a variety of other swimming features, which earns it its place at the top of this list. For someone who will only be using it for swimming, however, you might find a swim watch at a lower price than that of the Apple Watch.
Pros:
+ Auto stroke detection
+ For open water swimming and pools
+ Speaker water ejection function
+ Option to download third-party apps
Why We Like It – This watch is perfect for the casual swimmer, as it has so much more to offer than just swimming apps. It works as a handy extension of your iPhone.
2. Samsung Galaxy Active2 Watch
The first thing that stands out is the long battery life, but this Samsung watch is great for water activities and other types of training. You can also use to receive smartphone notifications from both iOS and Android devices (with a couple of features available only to Android users).
These products are stylish, water sealed, and packed with features like activity tracking, GPS tracking, data collection for swimmers, and training advice. While they don’t have all the features, you might find in a designated swim watch, the benefit of owning a Samsung Galaxy watch is that you can use it for all your daily activities.
Pros:
+ Detailed pace and strokes data
+ Accurate heart rate monitoring
+ Adjustable waterproof wrist band
+ Long-lasting rechargeable battery
Why We Like It – The swim settings on this watch are straightforward to use for a beginner, and you get a watch you can also use for other activities, such as hiking and running.
3. Casio Classic Sport Watch
This is the best swim timepiece if you want something a little more classic; it looks like your typical retro sports watch, and has all the features you would expect to find in a watch made for physical activity and exercise. It’s waterproof down to one 100 meters, making it safe to use for swimming both in pools and open waters.
It has buttons on the side, meaning it’s more natural to use also when in the water. The digital watch dial has LED backlight, and you get additional functions like dual time zones, options to set alarms, track your laps, and more. Wear it for all your daily activities, including swimming and water sports, to get the most out of your workout routine.
Pros:
+ Classic type sports watch
+ LED watch dial backlight
+ Dual time-zone option
+ 10 years of battery life
Why We Like It – Fitness tracking is made easy with these classic sports watches by Casio. Many swimmers prefer this product due to how simple it is to use also when in the water.
4. Timex Ironman Transit Watch
When it’s time to look for new training watches, these waterproof workout timepieces are excellent options! The Timex Ironman has an Indiglo light-up that makes it easier to see the dial when the light is dim. Design-wise, you can choose between colors such as black, blue, green, and red. It has trackers (for you to time yourself when you swim), lap trackers with memory, a large waterproof case, and easy-to-see digital numbers.
Timex is a brand known for its durable watches packed with multiple useful features, and the Ironman is just as tough as the name indicates! It’s the dream watch for anyone who’s into sports, or who wants a great-looking timepiece to take pride in.
Pros:
+ 10-lap memory and 100-hour chronograph
+ 44mm resin case with acrylic lense
+ Indiglo Light-Up watch dial
+ Five colors to choose from
Why We Like It – Whether your training consists mostly of swimming, or if you work out in other ways too, these fitness watches offer a wide range of sports features like lap memory and chronograph.
5. CakCity Digital Sports Watch
These waterproof watches have a large and round digital dial that’s perfect for physical exercise. It comes in different colors, all with a unique charm. They are durable and sturdy enough to keep up with an active lifestyle while still being available at a reasonable price.
You shouldn’t press the buttons when the watch is submerged in water, which is something worth thinking about, but it’s completely safe to swim with (water-resistant down to 50 meters), both in swimming pools, lakes and in the ocean.
It’s also a great sports piece to use when you go fishing, hiking, climbing, or backpacking. With watches like these, you don’t need much more. It will make any fitness routine feel more rewarding.
Pros:
+ Military 24-hour time mode
+ Water and shock-resistant
+ Stop-watch and alarms
+ For indoor and outdoor use
Why We Like It – Take the CakCity Digital Sports with you in the pool, when you shower, for your next beach vacation, or when you’re training on land, and enjoy the benefits of a product that is water-resistant to 50 meters.
6. Casio LRW-200H-2BVCF Watch Band
Now, this is not your average fitness watch, as these watches come in two unique colors – white and blue, and pink with colored numerals. They are playful and fun, easy to use, and you can fully submerge them in water during your workout or while practicing a water sport. The luminous hands are excellent for visibility, and there is a convenient date window at 3 o’clock.
Time your laps while swimming in the pool, set alarms, and make use of a variety of functions, or wear it as a fun fashion accessory bound to stand out. The price is low and budget-friendly, yet the watch meets all expectations in terms of quality and durability.
Pros:
+ Round dial with luminous hands
+ Designed to make an impact
+ Count laps and time yourself
+ Great to track pace and speed
Why We Like It – Go swimming with style by wearing one of these unique and colorful swim workout watches. They’re just as great for swimmers as they are for someone with a great fashion sense.
7. Garmin Forerunner Running GPS Unit
You may have heard about the ‘Garmin Swim’ watch, which probably has you wondering why we chose to feature the Garmin Forerunner instead of the Garmin Swim watch, but this has to do with it being more versatile for other sports and activities. This means you can use it also when hiking, running, and participating in other workouts.
This is a waterproof swimming watch equipped with GPS, a heart rate monitor, a tracker for burning calories, data concerning laps, distance, pace, and more, and it’s compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows Smartphones. The silicone strap is perfect for workouts as it’s easy to keep clean and dry during and after training.
Pros:
+ Trackers for distance, calories burned and pace
+ Ideal for running, swimming and workouts
+ Waterproof silicone wristband
+ Compatible with iOS and Android devices
Why We Like It – It’s compatible with apps like the swim.com app to help you get the most out of your water workouts. It also collects and stores data during a workout on land, which sets it apart from the Garmin Swim watch.
8. Fitbit Versa 2 Health & Fitness Smartwatch
This Fitbit waterproof swim watch has all the fitness features you can imagine! It was made for individuals who want to be active, and the benefit of a waterproof Fitbit is that you never have to worry when diving into the water or practicing watersports. The Fitbit is lightweight, packed with smart functions like lap tracking, heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and pre-set exercise modes, and it’s well worth its somewhat elevated price.
Time yourself, set alarms, track your progress, and receive essential data in regards to your exercise routine. You can take your fitness lifestyle to a whole new level! It’s lightweight and comfortable to use, and the Fitbit has numerous additional accessories, such as wristbands, which allow you to change things up. You don’t have to get tired of having your Fitbit always look the same.
Pros:
+ Easy to keep clean
+ Over 15 preloaded exercise modes
+ Track your laps and times
+ Fitbit accessories available
Why We Like It – The revolutionary technology that goes into this small fitness watch makes it a top product for swimmers and other athletes. It has some of the most developed and sophisticated fitness trackers that currently exist.
9. Timex Unisex Expedition Classic Digital Watch
These have a nylon strap instead of the resin strap often found on swim watches. It takes a little longer to dry after you’ve been in the water, but it’s also very lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. It features lap and split time, and three daily alarms with a snooze function.
This is a fitness watch that may look simple on the outside but holds a variety of useful features you can use both when you swim and when you participate in other sports, as well as outdoor or indoor activities.
There are different designs to choose from, all similar but with small color differences. It’s the perfect addition to your swimming gear, and not only for beginners – it caters to advanced swimmers, too.
Pros:
+ 24-hour countdown timer
+ 33-millimeter resin case with digital display
+ Secure hook-and-loop closure
+ Comfortable and adjustable nylon strap
Why We Like It – Swim away with these sporty watches for swimmers and athletes. Use the trackers and other functions to document your achievements and to improve your results further.
10. Armitron Sport Digital Chronograph Watch
The gunmetal grey case and the digital dial makes this timepiece look like it would come at quite a high price. It seems expensive, but it’s, surprisingly enough, quite affordable. Swimmers frequently use the Armitron Sport Digital watch when working to improve their records, as it makes it easy to track things like lap times, pace, and more.
If you’re looking for a durable fitness watch that can be submerged in water without any problems, this is the device for you. Set up goals and let the watch show you the steps to achieving them, with a battery duration that’ll impress you.
Pros:
+ Digital Chinese movement
+ Military time and lap-timer
+ 330ft water-resistance
+ Alarms and stopwatch
Why We Like It – This watch looks high-quality, and it comes as a surprise to many how little it costs, compared to other similar watches. This makes it a great budget option.
Swim Watch Buyers Guide
Before you set out to buy your first watch for water activities, there are a few things to read through, to get a better idea of what a watch for swimming is, what it can be used for, and what functions you might want to keep an eye out for when you start looking around. These types of sports watches will often have different kinds of trackers, with each one developed to take your swimming to the next level.
You are likely to find trackers that measure your speed, how many strokes you take in the pool, the time spent there, and more. This data will then be analyzed to present you with an easily readable report. Here are a few tips for how to find the right watch for you when both swimming occasionally or at a professional level.
The easiest way to find the right product is to know what you plan to be using it for and how often, as this will make it easier to customize your search.
Why You Should Have a Swim Watch
Having a watch for swimming can be a great motivation, but it can also help you learn more about your exercise routine and see what needs to be changed. The more we understand about our bodies and our habits, the easier it is to make a change. The trackers your timepiece comes with will make it easy to see what works and what doesn’t.
This will give you a unique chance to change things if you don’t seem to be doing them right. Watches for swimming are made so that no water can get into the product and ruin it. This means you can also shower with it, or walk through pouring rain without having to worry, which many people consider being a massive benefit.
Multiple Sports Modes
If swimming isn’t the only sport you tend to participate in, keep your eye out for a timepiece with multiple sport modes. These allow you to set your product to the sport or physical activity you’re participating in to get customized functions related to that specific activity.
Once you realize how useful it is to have one of these while swimming around in the pool, it won’t take long until you wish you could take it with you everywhere so you can register how many calories you burn, how far you’ve moved, etc. There is definitely a point in purchasing a product with multi-sport modes already from the start. Why limit yourself when you know you could easily have it all?
If you’re certain you only want to use it for pool and water activities then, by all means, go with a water sports tracker or a timepiece made for swimming, as it might end up being cheaper than other trackers that can do it all. We’ve all been in a situation where we start out thinking we want one thing, only to discover that we actually wanted something completely different.
This is often the case with swimmers’ watches, so be open-minded. Consider multi-sport trackers, too, as it can be great to have access to all this fitness data when you’re running, working out at the gym, or when you’re walking through the halls at work.
Sleep Monitoring
Why would you need sleep monitoring when you want trackers for swim-related activities? This is a simple question to answer. To perform well in our everyday life and during workout sessions, our body needs proper rest. Having a sleep tracker can help you get the best possible information about what you do when you’re supposed to be sleeping.
They can often tell you how deep you’ve slept and how long for, and if you woke up at night. All this is relevant if you want to get the most out of your training, so even if most of your planned activity is water-based, it could still be worth investing in the best tracker with sleep monitoring.
Heart Rate Monitor
These types of monitors will alert you if your heart-rate drops or rises suddenly or unexpectedly. This is another health-related function you could benefit greatly from, and especially if you’re training on a professional level, or if you’ve had health problems in the past. The sleep tracker analyses the data it receives and presents you with conclusions, facts, and tips.
This is highly related to your swimming and the advances you’ll be making with your exercise routines. Health should always be the main concern no matter what activities you engage in, and one of the best things you can do for your heart is to keep track of its beats and overall rates.
Smart Notifications
When you’re in the pool, you can’t exactly take your smartphone with you, as much as you might want to. This isn’t an issue for most people, but others may struggle when being away from their smartphones. They could be expecting an important phone call or text, or be in a situation where they need to check incoming social media notifications in real-time and more.
This becomes possible if you choose a smartwatch instead of a standard sports timepiece. A product like this can also be a lot of fun to use when out of the water, and it’s a great way to stay connected when you’re not holding your phone in your hand.
Battery Time
If you have never had a wristwatch before, then perhaps the battery isn’t something you would have thought to worry about. It’s relevant, however, and it will affect how you use it and how much you will get out of using it. In general, the more functions a product has, the less its battery will last before needing to be changed or recharged. But this depends on the product in the end.
You charge smartwatches just like you would charge up your smartphone, while traditional sports products run on batteries that need to be exchanged every few years. Pay special attention to what type of battery a product uses and how long it will take to charge or how often it needs to be changed to get a better idea of whether it’s right for you.
There is not necessarily an option that’s better than the other, as some prefer rechargeable timepieces. In contrast, others are more interested in having a product with a battery that only needs changing once you have already used it for a few years. Consider what works best for you, and use that as an argument when choosing your ideal product.
Conclusion
The selection of watches made specifically for swimming is still small and limited, but several high-quality sports watches can be used in the water. Many of these will include functions directly related to swimming and water sports. If you opt for a smartwatch, you can always download all the best swim apps to track your pool activity and fitness advances. Many of these multi-sport products will be just as good for a swimmer as a swimmers’ watch.
The plus is that you can use them also for other things, hence not limiting yourself in your workout routines. A popular model isn’t always good, and this guide will hopefully have helped steer you towards the brands and products that meet the requirements of both a hobby swimmer and a professional athlete. You don’t have to be a professional to enjoy the many benefits of a timepiece like this.
Expert Tip
Keep in mind that water-resistance does not always mean waterproof, so always double-check that the watch you plan to get is deemed safe to use in the water.
Did You Know
Swimming a great form of exercise when trying to get in shape after, for example, surgery or a serious injury, and it’s often used for rehabilitation purposes.
