Before choosing a watch for swimming, let's make a list of the requirements that the gadget will meet. For example, there are devices for professional athletes and amateurs. These types of watches differ both in the number of functions performed and in cost.

Choice of swimming watches based on pool or open water training location

Not all waterproof watches are suitable for swimming. If your device is waterproof, it means you can shower without removing your watch. These gadgets have IPX5 or IPX6 enclosure protection.

The degree of protection of the watch case intended for swimming:

• IPX7 (swimming is allowed no more than 30 minutes, no diving);
• IPX8 (long-term swimming without diving);
• IPX9 (diving).

To make it easier for the buyer to understand the parameters of the watch, the manufacturers indicate how much pressure (or immersion to what depth) the device can withstand:

• 1-3 ATM (10-30 m) - you cannot swim in such hours;
• 5 ATM (50 m) - basically a watch for the pool, you can swim in them, but not dive;
• 10 ATM (100 m) - shallow diving is allowed;
• 20 ATM (200 m) - hours for training in the pool and in open water, scuba diving at a shallow depth;
• 30 ATM (300 m) - watch for diving at considerable depth.

The watch is tested in fresh water, so the manufacturers indicate whether the gadget is suitable for swimming in the sea. The principles of distance measurement in a pool and in an open pond are fundamentally different. A watch for the sea, river or lake is usually equipped with a GPS sensor. When choosing a watch, you need to take into account that when you turn on the GPS, the battery is consumed much faster.

Professional or Amateur: Choosing a Swimming Watch

A modern swimming watch designed for the recreational athlete, it has a feature set to satisfy the needs of both beginners and pool goers. For example, the Garmin forerunner 645 watch shows a swimmer's speed, counts how many times the athlete crossed the pool (counting pools), and displays the number of strokes taken when swimming in different styles.

The device stores up to 50 workouts. There are watch models where the designers have provided an interesting algorithm that allows you to use the watch for training in open water, measuring the distance using the built-in accelerometer. True, the gadget should first be "calibrated": swim a distance of 50 m.

For professionals, the Garmin Forerunner 945 or Garmin Fenix ​​5 Plus are more suitable. Like the previous gadget, this watch can withstand pressure up to 5 ATM (50 m), but they have more functions. The device automatically detects your swimming style, calculates training parameters during exercise. Difficult interval training and various sports profiles such as running or triathlon. All data can be viewed while sailing.

On land and in water: choosing a multisport watch

It would be extremely inconvenient to use some sports watches on land and others in the water. Especially for those who lead an active lifestyle, a multisport watch is produced. The Garmin Forerunner 945 is a great option for amateur athletes, including experienced ones. This multisport watch is equipped with an accelerometer, GPS, GLONASS and Galileo sensors. The gadget determines the phases of sleep and wakefulness, the length of the distance and the time it takes to pass it, the number of calories spent, and the heart rate. Like a professional sports watch, the Garmin Forerunner 945 calculates VO2 max, strokes, pool passes and recovery time from a workout.

Professional watch for training for Ironman and other triathlon competitions - Garmin Fenix ​​5 Plus Sapphire. Featuring an extra durable sapphire crystal, this model measures a ton of performance in running, swimming, rowing, fitness, cycling and strength sports. Topographic maps of Russia have been uploaded especially for tourists. And in order not to get bored on the road, the device stores up to 500 melodies and plays them through Bluetooth headphones. With built-in GPS, the Garmin Fenix ​​5 Plus Sapphire is a good open water watch (but lacks diving functionality).

Chest heart rate monitor: pros and cons

Manufacturers often equip swimming watches with optical heart rate monitors that measure the heart rate from the wrist. Therefore, amateur athletes sometimes find chest heart rate monitors uncomfortable. But practice shows that for accurate heart rate measurement, it is better to use a chest heart rate monitor: even the best optical sensors for measuring heart rate in water work with an error of about 50% and training in open water takes place in a diving suit and the watch is worn over the sleeve, this is another reason for using a chest heart rate monitor.

It is somewhat inconvenient that the measurement results of the chest heart rate monitor can only be viewed on land, but you have to put up with this: there are no accurate built-in heart rate monitors that work in water, for the reason that water does not transmit a signal. This is not a big deal for amateurs, but professionals who want to use a heart rate watch in the pool should opt for a chest strap or purchase it separately.

Features of the additional functions of the watch for swimming

Most manufacturers provide the ability to transfer information about training parameters to a computer. The software allows you to analyze data, adjust sports plans.

A useful function is to notify an athlete about messages and calls received on a smartphone. However, this service only works on land :)

It is important to know in advance how long the battery lasts. For instance,

How to choose a swimming watch?

It is known that technology does not stand still. Now this good news is available to swimmers as well. After all, specifically in order to fully concentrate on performing exercises and honing technique during training in the pool, they came up with a cool device - a swimming watch.

Such a watch reads the distance traveled during the workout, the number of strokes made, the calories lost, and much more. All that is required from the athlete is to find the model of watch needed for his request. What should you consider when choosing a training invention? Read in our article.

Swimming pool clock. Kinds

Water sports devices are labeled according to their degree of impermeability, which is measured in ATM (atmosphere) or WR (depth in meters). There is the following classification of devices:

• 3 ATM (30 meters) - in such models you can walk in light rain or wash your hands;
• 5 ATM (50 meters) - in this model it is not scary to get caught in a heavy downpour or to be in the water for a short time;
• 10 ATM (100 meters) - this type of watch for a long stay in the water, recommended for swimming and other water sports;
• 20 ATM (200 meters) - and with such a watch you can safely dive with scuba diving.

Not all watches will be suitable for extended pool sessions. For this purpose, the most suitable are models marked with 10 ATM (100 meters) or 20 ATM (200 meters). Consider this information when purchasing a watch for your workouts.

Of all the water sports, swimming is the easiest and most affordable way to keep fit. Someone prefers to visit the nearest pool, and someone - to arrange long swims in open water. Both amateurs and professionals in this sport always want to evaluate how effective the lesson was. The swimming watch is a special device that allows the user to make training in the pool or in the open water more effective.

Work in water

Swimming wristwatches must of course be waterproof. However, few people know that the market today offers models for professional water sports. Such a device can withstand not only a long stay in the water, but also immersion to a fairly impressive depth. If deep dives are planned during training, it is better to purchase a gadget with enhanced protection so as not to worry about the safety of the mechanism.

The pulse rate is the main parameter for assessing the load on the body. A waterproof swimming watch with heart rate monitor is a must for anyone who takes their workout seriously. Periodic heart rate monitoring helps to gradually increase the body's endurance, while not overloading the cardiovascular system.

Almost all watches for swimming in the pool have a timer and a stopwatch, they are used to measure the time for passing a distance.

For demanding users, there are gadgets with the ability to synchronize with a smartphone. They perform specific functions, such as counting calories burned and strokes taken. In a special application, you can save these indicators and strive to increase your achievements with each swim.

Work on land

It is not necessary to take off your watch for swimming in the sea or in the pool after class. These gadgets are universal, they can serve in everyday life as well.

First of all, the device acts as a stylish accessory that can effectively complement any look. The modern market offers a variety of swimming watches; it will not be difficult to buy a suitable model.

In smart devices, as a rule, there are many additional options for physical activity and relaxation. For example, in water, the gadget will count strokes, and on land - the number of steps taken. Sleep cycle tracking helps you recover from physical activity faster. In addition, the smartwatch allows you to always stay connected with customizable notifications for incoming calls, SMS and messages on social networks.

A gadget that will serve both on land and in water can be purchased at the Watchsport store.

Until a few years ago, finding a fitness bracelet or smartwatch for swimming was quite difficult. To date, manufacturers have spoiled us with an abundance of waterproof watches, and this made the choice even more complicated.

Let's clarify right away that completely waterproof smartwatches and fitness trackers do not exist, they all have protection only up to a certain depth and pressure. Therefore, when choosing a companion for hiking in the pool, you should carefully check the level of water resistance or water resistance on the website of the manufacturer of the gadget. You can find out how water resistance differs from water resistance and find a decoding of IP and ATM classes in.

It should also be borne in mind that not all waterproof watches are designed for swim tracking. That is, you do not have to worry about their performance after taking a shower, swimming in the pool, or in the sea, but apart from timing the time it takes you to swim a certain distance, they will be unable to do anything else. And such devices are the majority. There are much fewer gadgets that allow you to get extended data, and there are even fewer devices for professional swimmers.

What is the difference between a swimming pool clock and an open water clock?

Swimming pool smart watch... These gadgets determine what style you swim, as well as how you swim: time, pace, distance, stroke rate and number of strokes during a swim, as well as the number of pools. Moreover, they not only monitor, but also analyze: the SWOLF parameter will show how effective your swimming is. In such watches, the pool length is usually set manually.

Open water watch... Such watches are needed for those who like to swim across rivers, bays, and just long swims in open water. There is no side like in a pool, the push from which a fitness bracelet or watch can fix, and there is no way to manually specify the distance. Therefore, devices for swimming in open water must have a built-in GPS receiver. He will track the coordinates of the swimmer, and then overlay the received data on the map. As a result, you can get your swim route, distance, average and maximum stroke rate.

The best smartwatches for swimming

• Weight: 44g
• Battery life: up to 18 hours
• Water resistance: up to 50 meters (5 ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: Yes
• GPS: Yes
• Price: 329 $ -400 $

With each generation, the Apple Watch is becoming an increasingly serious fitness device. Along with improved tracking of activity and heart rate, we have improved opportunities for swimming enthusiasts. But for professional swimmers, they are not suitable, only for obtaining general data.

With built-in GPS, Apple Watch 3 is perfect for both pools and open water. They can automatically determine the start and end of the swim, its route and intensity. Also among the possibilities is the automatic detection of the swimming style, and the division of the distance into 25m, 50m and 100m in the Workout application.

If the basic functionality of the Workout app isn't enough, you can install an add-on app from a third party, such as Let’s Go Swim or Swim.com. They have much more possibilities and settings.

Apple Watch can also track your heart rate while swimming, but water greatly affects the accuracy of heart rate measurements, so you should not rely on these indicators.

• Weight: 45-47 g depending on the strap
• Battery life: up to 10 hours with GPS on.
• Heart rate sensor: Yes
• GPS: Yes
• Price: From $ 299.95

The Fitbit Ionic is the manufacturer's first smartwatch, and the second waterproof after the Fitbit Flex 2. Like most watches on this list, the Ionic can accurately measure pool length, distance traveled and swim duration. But, he does not know how to automatically determine the beginning of the swim, the pace and type of swimming, just as he does not know how to calculate the SWOLF parameter.

But it is possible to install additional applications from third-party developers, such as MySwimPro. It allows you to customize your individual swimming workouts for each day and set the length of your pool.

Like the Apple Watch, an underwater heart rate sensor does not guarantee accurate readings. In addition to swimming mode, this watch can track 14 other different sport modes. All information is displayed on a 1.43-inch color touchscreen with brightness up to 1000 nits.

• Battery life: up to 4 days of use.
• Water resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: Yes
• GPS: No
• Price: From $ 199.95

Fitbit Versa is the third waterproof gadget from Fitbit. Basically, this watch takes all the best from the Fitbit Ionic, with the exception of the GPS module, plus it all comes out in a new design. Versa can track about 20 types of activity, including swimming.

Due to the lack of GPS, for open water this is not the best option, and they can record not so many indicators for the pool: the number of pools, the duration of the swim, and the number of calories consumed during this time. The heart rate sensor turns off under water, all for the same reason - a large measurement error under water.

The Fitbit Versa has plenty of other features. Here and built-in storage for music, and notifications from a smartphone and support for contactless payments, and even tracking "women's health".

• Weight: 49 g
• Battery life: up to 24 hours in GPS mode
• Water resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
• GPS: Yes.
• Price: Approximately $ 500.

Although the Garmin Forerunner 935 appeared late last year, it is still relevant and can be a serious tool not only for swimming enthusiasts, but also for fans of all other sports.

This watch offers the most comprehensive feature set for triathletes. When swimming, it automatically detects style, length, distance, pace and stroke rate, and measures SWOLF. Suitable for swimming, both in open water and in the pool.

Although the Garmin Forerunner 935 is equipped with its own heart rate sensor, it does not work during swimming, but it is possible to connect an external heart rate sensor, and thus get the most accurate data about the swim. Forerunner 935 is suitable not only for amateurs, but also for professional swimmers. The main disadvantage of this gadget is its relatively high price.

• Weight: 43g
• Battery life: up to 14 hours in GPS mode
• Water resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: Yes, but does not work during swimming.
• GPS: Yes.
• Price: Approximately $ 300.

Basically, almost any Garmin watch is well suited for use in the pool. These are the Fenix ​​5 and Forerunner 935, which we wrote about above. But if you choose something in between a very sporty watch, and more versatile, which will look equally good in the pool and in the office, then the Vivoactive 3 is one of the ideal options.

Like the Garmin Vivoactive HR, the Vivoactive 3 can track most swimming metrics. The watch is water resistant to a depth of 50 meters, and can collect distance, time, pace, water temperature, speed, etc., and also provides a SWOLF indicator. The display allows you to view data directly underwater in real time. Open water swimming isn't supported, but if you're mainly into the pool then the Vivoactive 3 is a great option, as is their music player option.

• Weight: 79 g
• Battery life: up to 13 hours in GPS mode
• Heart rate sensor: Yes (does not work during swimming)
• GPS: Yes
• Price: $ 300

The Polar V800 is the direct answer to the Forerunner 935, only at a significantly lower price point. Like the 935, the V800 uses an accelerometer and GPS to track swimming in both pool and open water. It also automatically recognizes swimming style, stroke rate, pace and distance, and rests.

Polar V800 is not only suitable for swimming, but also for most mainstream sports. The built-in heart rate sensor does not work underwater, but it is possible to connect an additional heart rate sensor, for example, such as the Polar H10. In terms of design, the V800 can hardly be called the prettiest of this list, the manufacturer preferred sporting features over style. Also, it cannot be called the newest gadget from this list, because it appeared back in 2014.

• Battery life: up to 11 hours in GPS mode
• Water resistance: 40 meters (4ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: Yes
• GPS: Yes
• Price: 130 dollars

The Spark 3 is a multifunctional watch that combines multiple sport modes, 24/7 activity tracking with heart rate measurement, GPS, and built-in storage for 500 music tracks.

Among other things, the TomTom Spark 3 is easy to use and has excellent swimming data. It provides detailed information on speed, pace, laps, and calories burned while swimming.

Spark 3 also allows you to split your workout into sets. During the swim, the gadget will prompt by vibration when you need to slow down, or vice versa, to swim more actively. There is also a Target mode that will give an estimate of the entire swimming session.

In fact, this is not a complete list of smartwatches for swimming. You can also safely include devices such as the Speedo Aquacoach, Suunto Ambit2, Finis Swimsense Live and probably a dozen more swimming watches in this list.

Best Waterproof Swimming Fitness Bracelets

Fitness bracelets that can collect swimming statistics in much less than hours, but still there are plenty to choose from.

Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

• Weight: 34g
• Battery life: up to 4 days
• Water resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: Yes
• GPS: Yes (also GLONASS)
• Price: $ 200

The Samsung Gear Fit Pro 2 is the most functional and attractive fitness band on this list. It is equipped with a 1.5-inch color AMOLED screen, which is perfectly readable even under water. He knows how to determine the type of swim, measure lap time and distance, as well as the SWOLF indicator.

For a more detailed analysis, the data is loaded into the Speedo On app. Like the Apple Watch, the Fit Pro 2 also has a screen lock mode to keep the screen from being triggered while swimming.

• Battery life: up to 5 days
• Water resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: No
• GPS: No
• Price: 60 dollars

Misfit Shine 2 / Misfit Speedo Shine 2

• Weight: 18g
• Battery life: up to 6 months
• Water resistance: 50 meters (5ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: No
• GPS: No
• Price: $ 100

The Misfit Shine 2 also does not have a screen, so all information can only be viewed in the app. But he can record the number of laps and the distance that you have swum. Workout progress and time are shown with a colored highlight on the front panel of the gadget.

If you set a workout target, the bracelet will vibrate as you complete it. The Misfit Shine 2 has been developed in collaboration with Speedo, so you can get the most accurate swimming data possible with this device.

• Weight: 6g
• Battery life: 6 months
• Water resistance: 30 meters (3ATM)
• Heart rate sensor: No
• GPS: No
• Price: About $ 60

Moov Now is another non-display fitness tracker designed specifically for swimming, although it can also track other sports modes like running, cycling and even boxing.

Since Moov Now was developed specifically for swimmers in the pool, in order to get accurate data, you just need to enter the length of the pool, and the number and frequency of strokes, distance, number of calories burned, as well as swim time and rest time, the tracker will calculate itself.

Let's summarize

There are a lot of criteria for choosing smart watches or fitness bracelets. First, a lot depends on how accurate and detailed the data you need. With the Garmin Forerunner 935, Polar V800 and TomTom Spark 3, you can get the most out of your swimming data, both in the pool and in the open water. If only the most basic indicators are enough, then you can even opt for the Honor Band 3 or Fitbit Flex 2.

Secondly, the design and style of the gadget plays a significant role. If Apple Watch Series 3 looks equally harmonious in the pool and in the office, then Moov Now won't fit a business suit very well.

And thirdly, price plays a significant role when choosing any gadget. Which of these gadgets would you choose?

Which tracker to choose for swimming? This question is being asked by many. The development of wearable electronics has made a big leap forward, and now professional and amateur sports, and just physical activity, are accompanied by the monitoring of various parameters and the accumulation of a large amount of data collected by various gadgets. This is now the norm. However, today there are a large number of different manufacturers on the market for smartwatches and fitness trackers. Which gadget to choose? This is not the first time we have talked about pool trackers, and we try to do it every year by updating the data. Our previous reviews can be found on the links (s), and today we have the latest gadgets of 2018!

Today, for the review, we have selected several popular models of different price ranges, so that the user can choose a gadget for himself that suits him. If you still have questions about pool trackers that will not be in our review, ask questions in the comments to the article, we will try to answer them.

So, let's begin!

The best fitness tracker for swimming

Moov now

We have already talked about this and will repeat it again. We still consider the best fitness tracker for swimming viz. It's more than just a fitness tracker. Indeed, the gadget has a built-in trainer, which, according to the information received from the tracker, offers real recommendations for improving progress, and not just collects data.

The level of moisture protection of the gadget is up to 30 meters. The branded Moov app has a special swim mode that needs to be activated before you leave the locker room.

Upon your return, you will have access to information about stroke type, speed, distance and efficiency of your workout, as well as track time and overall efficiency of your swim.

The weak side of the tracker is the lack of a screen on which one could see training data without interacting with a smartphone. And it would be more convenient to manage the training parameters directly from the gadget.

If you want to understand your heart rate while swimming, you can use the Moov HR, which can be placed in a swimming cap.

Moisture protection level: 3 ATM (30m)

Overview:

Buy:

The best smartwatches for swimming

Apple Watch Series 3

The third version of Apple's smartwatch has absorbed all the best that was in the second modification, adding an improved processor and cellular communication (if you suddenly want to call your friends between swims). It also has GPS. We have to admit that Apple's open water and pool monitoring is one of the best we've tested. One of the best.

The smartwatch provides a wealth of trackable information, including distance traveled, length, average pace, and can even determine the type of strokes. While swimming, the touchscreen is inactive, but you can raise your hand to view the information you need in real time.

The data is synced to the Apple Activity app, but there are several third-party swim apps that can provide more detailed metrics.

For the most part, just about any smartwatch you choose will do a great job of tracking your swim mode. Of course, the main players in this segment are models and. However, if you want something more versatile, then of course this is a model.

After activating the mode, the following swimming data becomes available to the user: the total number of tracks and length, as well as distance and calories burned.

The second generation of the gadget can be worn on the wrist or attached to your swimsuit or shorts, which is very convenient. The gadget has a versatile round design, as well as serious moisture protection. It has a 5 ATM rating, which allows you to dive to a depth of 50 meters.

If you prefer something a little more stylish, then you can try the tracker. However, do not forget about the one-time payment in the application to activate the swimming mode.

Moisture protection level: 5 ATM (50m)

Overview:

Buy:

Fitbit Ionic

Until recently, the Fitbit Flex 2 tracker was the only gadget from the company capable of tracking swimming. But Versa also joined him. Despite the fact that both gadgets are capable of tracking swimming, we chose the Ionic for its sportier design. A sufficient number of monitored parameters, as well as an adequate display, thanks to which you can view training statistics in real time are the strengths of the gadget.

It should also be noted that the battery life of the Ionic smartwatch reaches 5 days, which is an excellent indicator. Another plus is the presence of physical buttons. With wet fingers trying to control the clock using the touch dipley, it’s still a pleasure.