The 28 best surf watch brands
Casio, RIP CURL and Nixon lead our ranking of 28 surf watch brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Surf Watch brands, ranked
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1
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2
RIP CURL
Australian surf brand whose surf watches pair tide and GPS tracking with tough, water-rated bodies.
Top products: Search GPS Series 2· Stomp· Atom Digital
Website: ripcurl.com |Brands like RIP CURL
Popularity 5.6/10
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3
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4
G-SHOCK
Tough resin watches with tide graphs and Bluetooth sync, built to take heavy surf and knocks.
Top products: GLX-5600
Website: gshock.com |Brands like G-SHOCK
Popularity 4.5/10
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5
Freestyle
Clip-on quartz surf watches in bright neon colourways with chunky 1980s-style cases and affordable prices.
Top products: Shark Clip· Tide 660· El Toro
Website: freestyleusa.com |Brands like Freestyle
Popularity 3.6/10
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6
Zenith
Zenith designs television remote controls, with the Space Command clicker as an early model. That remote used ultrasonic sound waves rather than batteries to change channels, a notable design for its time. Zenith also offers remote and headphone products for home entertainment setups.
Popularity 3.3/10
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7
Orient
Mechanical Japanese divers with automatic movements, popular for surf-themed dials at moderate prices.
Top products: Surfing Diver
Popularity 3.1/10
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8
Swatch
Swiss brand whose plastic quartz watches have printed surf dials, often released in small themed runs.
Top products: Hawaii Nei Aloha· Endless Ride
Website: swatch.com |Brands like Swatch
Popularity 2.3/10
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9
Bulova
Manual-wind classics with snap-in cases and tritium dials, prized by collectors of 1960s surf watches.
Top products: Surf King
Website: bulova.com |Brands like Bulova
Popularity 2.1/10
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10
Fossil
American fashion label whose leather-strapped quartz surf watches often pair stainless cases with vintage-style dial lettering.
Top products: Big Tic· Davis Cup
Website: fossil.com |Brands like Fossil
Popularity 2.1/10
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11
TIME FORCE
Italian-designed quartz watches with rip-stop nylon bands and multi-function digital surf models.
Top products: Surf 9000
Website: timeforcewatch.com |Brands like TIME FORCE
Popularity 2.0/10
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12
Quiksilver
Tide and moon-phase quartz watches with dial graphics suited to casual beach wear.
Top products: Addictiv Pro Tide· M0107AL
Website: quiksilver.my |Brands like Quiksilver
Popularity 1.9/10
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13
Movado
Swiss watchmaking since 1881 shapes Movado's timepieces, which range from vintage-inspired to bold modern designs. Jewelry and watch bands to match complete the range.
Website: movado.com |Brands like Movado
Popularity 1.7/10
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14
Panama Jack
Panama Jack represents a time or place where life was supposed to be experienced. Since 1974, their things have been made with love, care, and pride to convey this culture to people's everyday lives. There's still more to see and...
Website: panamajack.com |Brands like Panama Jack
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Seiko
Seiko Holding Group is a company that has been creating big ideas in small packages for some time. The company ultimately believes in pursuing innovation, and they inspire people to look towards a brighter and better future. Seiko believes that...
Popularity 1.3/10
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16
ROXY
Women with active lifestyles are catered to by the international lifestyle brand ROXY. Since 1991, the company has provided items that support busy lifestyles like yours and inspired women like you. You may utilize the stylish, premium-quality clothes and accessories...
Website: roxy.com |Brands like ROXY
Popularity 1.2/10
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17
Nautica
Urban surf watches with bright silicone or steel bracelets, sitting between casual and dress styles.
Top products: N-83 Urban Surf
Website: nautica.com |Brands like Nautica
Popularity 1.1/10
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18
Vestal
Vestal’s watches and clothing hone expressiveness and fashion for anyone with a musical bent. People from all over the world belonging to various cultures like the music groups, skating, and several surf groups all promote and support Vestal. The playlist...
Popularity 1.0/10
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19
Invicta
Leading Swiss watchmaker Invicta provides some of the most stunning and finely crafted watches for both men and women. They are sure to have something for everyone with their extensive assortment. Skilled hands have painstakingly made every Invicta watch. Here...
Website: invictawatch.com |Brands like Invicta
Popularity 1.0/10
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20
Charriol
Charriol is an elevated luxury brand with a diverse product line that includes watches, fine jewelry, accessories, perfumes, and eyewear. Some of the world's most potent ladies wear the company's excellent goods. Its mission is to create timeless, quality items...
Website: charriol.com |Brands like Charriol
Popularity 1.0/10
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21
Ice-Watch
Ice-Watch has a watch design for every kind of customer. The company started back in 2007. They have focused on creating watches that are easy on the eyes and efficient. The watches show off their chic design and elegant appeal....
Website: icewatch.co.za |Brands like Ice-Watch
Popularity 0.9/10
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22
Timex
Simple, dependable quartz and digital watches, including retro surf models from the 1980s and 1990s.
Top products: K-28 Surf
Website: timex.com |Brands like Timex
Popularity 0.9/10
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23
Nike
Blue Ribbon Sports was a sportswear company founded in 1964. After launching the Nike shoe brand, the company was rebranded as Nike in 1978. Its popularity exploded in the late 80s when it started acquiring numerous shoe companies and including...
Website: nike.com |Brands like Nike
Popularity 0.9/10
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24
Garmin
Garmin provides premium-quality goods and services that you may use to monitor people's athletic and fitness pursuits. Athletes use their gadgets, for instance, running, swimming, or cycling, to gather real-time performance data. On Garmin's online platform, the data is then...
Website: garmin.com |Brands like Garmin
Popularity 0.9/10
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25
Ulysse Nardin
Ulysse Nardin creates the most creative and trustworthy gadgets as a wristwatch manufacturer. The ocean race is a best-selling wireless pair used in the ocean sea sailing race; this product has a distinctive dual X dial with a satin finish,...
Website: ulysse-nardin.com |Brands like Ulysse Nardin
Popularity 0.8/10
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26
Neff
Neff builds men's shirts, clothing and hats, with beanies and caps among its most popular styles. The California-based brand is rooted in action sports and streetwear, and its designs reflect that casual, outdoor look. Its shirts and headwear are made...
Website: neff.run |Brands like Neff
Popularity 0.7/10
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27
Hamilton
Hamilton Beach develops, markets, and sells a variety of tiny electric home gadgets that may be seen on kitchen countertops throughout the country. Hamilton Beach is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and employs over 700 people worldwide. Slow cookers, coffee machines,...
Popularity 0.7/10
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28
Citizen
Light-powered Eco-Drive movements shape much of the Citizen watch range, from the Japanese maker's dress models to rugged work watches. Shoppers can choose men's and women's watches as well as replacement watch bands. Each model is built to keep accurate...
Popularity 0.7/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | casio.com | – | – | @Casio_USA | – |
| RIP CURL | ripcurl.com | /ripcurl | ripcurl_usa | @ripcurl_usa | – |
| Nixon | nixon.com | /nixon | nixon | @nixon_now | – |
| G-SHOCK | gshock.com | /CASIOGSHOCKUS | gshock_us | @GShock_US | gshockus |
| Freestyle | freestyleusa.com | – | freestylewatches | @freestyle_watch | freestylewatchusa |
| Swatch | swatch.com | /SwatchUS | swatch_us | @SwatchUS | swatch |
| Bulova | bulova.com | /bulova | bulova | @bulova | Bulova |
| Fossil | fossil.com | /Fossil.IN | fossil.in | @fossil | – |
Surf Watch Buying Guide
Whether you are an amateur or a professional surfer, a surf watch is an essential accessory that can improve your performance and enhance your experience on the water. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right surf watch can be a daunting task. In this buying guide, we will discuss the important features to consider when looking for a surf watch.
Water Resistance
The most important feature to consider when buying a surf watch is its water resistance rating. A good surf watch should be able to withstand the rough conditions of the water, including exposure to saltwater, sand, and waves. Most surf watches on the market are water-resistant up to a certain depth, usually ranging from 50 to 200 meters. If you are a recreational surfer, a watch with a water resistance rating of 100 meters should be sufficient. However, if you are a professional surfer or an avid water sports enthusiast, you may need a watch with a higher water resistance rating.
Durability
Durability is also an important factor to consider when buying a surf watch. Your watch should be able to withstand the wear and tear of the water and the elements. A good surf watch should be made of sturdy and durable materials such as stainless steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. It should also have a scratch-resistant and shatterproof glass display to protect it from damage. Additionally, a watch with a durable strap that can withstand exposure to saltwater and sand is an added advantage.
Tide Data
Tide data is another important feature to consider when buying a surf watch. Knowing the tide information can help you plan your surfing sessions and make the most out of the waves. Most surf watches come with a tide graph that displays the high and low tide times, as well as the current tide level. Some surf watches also have a feature that allows you to set the watch to a specific tide location, making it easier to track the tide data.
Wave Data
Wave data is another feature to consider when buying a surf watch. A watch that can measure wave data can provide you with essential information such as the wave height, wave frequency, and wave period. This information can help you determine the best time to catch the waves and improve your surfing performance. Some surf watches also have a feature that allows you to track your wave count and speed, giving you a better understanding of your surfing skills.
GPS and Navigation
GPS and navigation is another feature to consider when buying a surf watch. A watch with GPS capabilities can help you track your location, distance, and speed while surfing. It can also help you navigate through unfamiliar waters and ensure that you do not get lost. Additionally, a watch with a compass and barometer can help you determine the wind direction, air pressure, and temperature, providing you with valuable information to plan your surfing sessions.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential factor to consider when buying a surf watch. A good surf watch should have a long battery life that can last for several days, especially if you are going on a multi-day surfing trip. Additionally, a watch with a rechargeable battery is an added advantage as it can save you the hassle and cost of constantly replacing the battery.
Style and Design
Lastly, the style and design of the surf watch are subjective and depend on personal preferences. Some surf watches are designed for a specific gender or age group, while others are unisex. The style and design of the watch should also complement your surfing gear and personal style. Additionally, some watches come with interchangeable straps and bezels, allowing you to customize the look of your watch according to your preference.
In conclusion, buying a surf watch requires careful consideration of several factors. A good surf watch should be water-resistant, durable, and have features such as tide data, wave data, GPS, and navigation. Additionally, the battery life and style of the watch are also essential factors to consider. By taking these factors into account, you can find a surf watch that fits your needs, enhances your surfing experience, and helps you improve your skills.
Surf-Specific Functions
While all of the features mentioned above can be found in some surf watches, there are some surf-specific functions that may be important to you depending on your level of surfing experience. Some surf watches offer features such as a session log, GPS tracking of wave performance, wind speed and direction data, and more. These functions are designed specifically with surfers in mind and can help you improve your technique and skills over time.
Compatibility
Another important consideration is compatibility with other devices. Many surf watches now come with Bluetooth or other connectivity features that allow you to sync the watch with your smartphone or other devices. This can be very useful for tracking surf data, monitoring performance, and more. However, it's important to make sure that the watch you choose is compatible with the devices that you want to use it with.
Brand Reputation
Finally, it's always a good idea to research the reputation of the brand before making a purchase. Some brands have a long history and a reputation for producing high-quality surf watches, while others are relatively new to the market. Look for reviews from other surfers and check out forums and online groups to get a sense of what other users think about different brands and models. You may also want to consider factors such as warranty and customer service, as these can be important in the event that you have any issues or problems with your watch.
Price Range
Surf watches can vary greatly in price, with some models costing less than $50 and others costing several hundred dollars. While it's important to stay within your budget, it's also worth considering the long-term value of the watch. Investing in a higher-end surf watch can save you money in the long run by providing you with features and durability that will last for years to come. On the other hand, cheaper options may be a good choice if you are just starting out and not yet sure how much you will use the watch.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, the most important factor to consider when buying a surf watch is your personal preference. Choose a watch that fits your style, meets your needs, and feels comfortable to wear. After all, the watch you choose will be with you through countless surf sessions, and that's something that's worth taking the time to get right!
