Suunto Ambit 3 A full-function GPS computer on your wrist. The just-released Suunto Ambit 3 takes outdoor performance watches to the next-level. Capable of recording your tracks, heart rate, elevation, speed and more. It’s just as perfect for 4X4 touring as it is for trail running or mountaineering. It’ll also pair with your smartphone.
$TBA
suunto.com/en-AU/
TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch Runners, cyclists, and swimmers rejoice. The TomTom Multi-Sport GPS Watch brings you the statistics you want to know right to your wrist. It features a high-resolution, easy-to-use interface that’s great for those on the go. It also includes a bike mount and a desk dock.
$249
tomtom.com/en_au/
SMART:
Remember the good-old-days when watches just told you what time it was? Now if your watch doesn’t check your email and order you a latté while doing it, it’s old news.
Samsung Gear 2 Smart Watch
The Samsung Gear 2 gives you the power to make and receive calls, check your email, and even take a picture. The built-in heart rate monitor is a plus for active people, and the ability to sync with apps on your Galaxy smartphone gives the watch massive room to expand.
$369
samsung.com.au
Timex Ironman One GPS Watch The just-released Ironman One GPS Watch from Timex has a built-in cellular data connection, so it doesn’t require a tethered cell phone to work. It’s also waterproof, Bluetooth-equipped, and has a GPS to measure speed and distance. As it is brand-new, we’re still waiting to hear if it’ll be available in Australia.
$TBA
timex.com/one
Garmin Fenix 2
The Garmin Fenix 2 is the do-it-all GPS watch that has more features than we could possibly hope to list. Waterproof to 50m, it’s capable of creating a “bread crumb trail” that’ll give you all the information you need to get home – or download to Garmin’s BaseCamp software so you can repeat the track later.
$499
garmin.com/en-AU/
CLASSIC LUXURY:
They’re iconic, they’re luxurious, they’re seriously proven, and they’re all made in Switzerland – just don’t ask how much they cost.
Omega Speedmaster
The first watch worn on the Moon and choice of astronauts, pilots, and others who depend on accurate performance in extreme conditions. In production since 1957, the Omega Speedmaster sets the standard for exploration to parts unknown. It’s the only watch certified for spacewalks, so it should prove sufficient for your jaunt through the bush.
Rolex Submariner
For an adventurer exploring the depths of the deep blue ocean, there is only one watch that will suffice, the iconic Rolex Submariner. Capable of diving to 300m, the simple reality is that this watch is more capable at diving than you are. It’s a Rolex – the name and quality speak for themselves.
Breitling Emergency II
The Emergency II from Breitling is perfect if you’re looking for the modern-day equivalent of a secret spy watch. With a built-in
COSPAS-SARSAT radio and satellite emergency beacon, no matter where you are in the world someone will be able to find you. It’s all housed in a virtually indestructible titanium housing that’s covered in sapphire crystal.
ACTIVE:
Looking for a watch that’s dedicated to your outdoor lifestyle? We take a quick look at some of the coolest watches for catching a wave or taking a quick run.
Freestyle Killer Shark Tide
The Killer Shark Tide from Freestyle gives you the information you need to get out there and hit the waves. In addition to telling the time, it gives you sunrise and sunset times along with tide tables for over 150 of the most popular beaches around the world.
$140
freestyleusa.com
Soleus GPS Fit
Looking for an affordable, simple watch that tells the time and happens to track your pace and distance by GPS? The Soleus GPS Fit is your solution. The “bare-bones” watch has a four-button user interface that’s easy to use, and includes a cable for downloading your training data.
$150
soleusrunning.com.au
Rip Curl
SearchGPS Watch
Every other sport has a performance tracker watch, so why not surfing? Rip Curl’s SearchGPS watch records your wave count, distance traveled, top speed, and GPS location so you can upload it to the iOS App later via Bluetooth for viewing. It even gives you access-to-point tide data.
$499
ripcurl.com/searchgps
SIMPLE AND DURABLE:
Sometimes you don’t need a high-tech smart watch, you need a good-looking workhorse watch that won’t complain when it gets run over by a LandCruiser.
Timex Expedition Military Field
Styled after World War II aviation equipment, the simple Timex Expedition Military Field watch is perfect for the minimalist that demands serious performance and classic looks. It’s waterproof to 100m and has a reputation for being able to survive a serious beating without issue.
$139
timex.com.au
Casio G-Shock
It might not be the fanciest, but the G-Shock has a habit of always working, and that’s earned it a reputation you can’t put a price tag on. These days, there are more models and colours than you could know what to do with, and most still have the G-Shock’s legendary 10-year battery life.
Starting at $159
gshock.shriro.com.au
Traser H3
P6600 Shade
Durable, simple, and understated. The Traser H3 Shade is the choice for professionals who need an accurate, easy-to-read watch that’ll handle extreme environments without complaint. It’s manufactured in Switzerland with Traser’s own seriously bright trigalite® illumination and it’s also waterproof to about 200m. I’ve been wearing mine without issue for three years.
$320
traserh3watches.com
Luminox Navy SEAL 3000 Series
Luminox built their brand on the fact that their watches were so tough that they were issued to the US Navy SEALs. They continue this with their 3000 Series watch, which is Swiss-made and features a battery life of 60 months with dial illumination that’ll last a solid 25 years.
$300+ luminox.com