Richard Nelsson
Sports watches used to be simple things: they contained a stopwatch and they glowed in the dark. Now they come equipped with altimeters, barometers, help signal transmitters and some are water resistant to a depth of more than 200m.
Along with the fleece jacket and Timberland boots, the sports watch is now seen by some as an essential part of the outdoor look. Of course, many of the watches bought will never encounter anything more challenging than the inside of a champagne ice-bucket.
Whether they are worn in the city, a nightclub or outdoors, the defining characteristic of sports watches is that theyre robust, if not indestructible. Theyre usually chunky affairs on account of the glass (at least 1,5mm thick) as well as housing the many functions. Some have a bezel that rotates around the face.
All are water resistant and, ideally, should have a screw-lock crown to protect against dirt and moisture. The strap is usually a steel bracelet or made from rubber and Velcro.
A popular all-round watch and one, reportedly, seen on the wrist of Bill Clinton, is the Timex Ironman Triathlon. Part of a series of watches that include lap counters, training data log and five programmable alarms, they also come in a mid-size for women.
The Adidas Runner Programmable Trainer is, as the name suggests, for runners and is very light owing to its polycarbonate case. Football fans may prefer the Casio Footballer which includes a 45-minute countdown timer.
Most manufacturers say that their watches are water-resistant. But for serious water sports, especially diving, it should be resistant to a depth of at least 100m. Anything less and it will be unable to withstand the pressure.
Casios range of dive watches allow water temperature, depth and data from up to 20 dives to be stored.
Gul provides a serious, yet fashionable range of watches, mostly with traditional faces, but some combining digital and analogue. The Gul Dive has a uni-directional bezel and is resistant to 200m.
If something a bit more sleek is required, look to the Sector 650 that has a stainless steel strap and is water resistant to 300m.
A surfers watch may have a facility for storing moon/tide information. To resist corrosion in salt water, watches such as the Gul Edge have a solid brass case. Design plays a big part in the choice of surf watches such as the Animal Range.
Watches for climbers and orienteers will often include an altimeter. This instrument reveals exactly how high the person is above sea level essential if stuck in the mist.
The Casio Pro Trek series of watches also include a barometer and thermometer while their ATC1000 includes a digital compass.
There are cheaper imitations of these watches available that may look the part, but will not perform in extreme conditions.
For many, though, the brand name is the deciding factor when it comes to making a purchase. Swatch produces sports-type watches such as the Roughneck or Fluo in Water. The G-Shock range of watches are chunky, durable time machines that wont look out of place in a nightclub. If something to match the boots is required, try the Timberland watch or the Cat; if its the penknife, theres the Swiss Army Brands range of watches.
At the really expensive end of the market there are many sophisticated sports watches that can be worn with a suit or less formal clothes for example, the Tag Chronograph 6000 and the new Kirium.
The ultimate in serious, yet fashionable watch wear is the Breitling Emergency. It includes an emergency pin which, if removed, triggers off a signal for the emergency services. Beware though if the code of conduct is not followed there are heavy penalties to pay.
Still, with a R28 000-plus price tag this shouldnt pose too much of a problem for those who can afford it.
ENDS