Eight Classic Sport Watches

The best summer job I ever had was leading young men on canoeing trips in Canada. I’d take them out for weeks, even a month at a time. Like my fellow guides, I did my best to keep it simple, old-school. We navigated by map and compass; no electronic gadgets of any kind were allowed. At the start of each trip, I’d make a point of stuffing all the kids’ watches into a drybag. I remember saying things like “We’ll eat when we’re hungry, sleep when we’re tired!” But I kept my watch permanently affixed to my wrist via The Band, those foul-smelling nylon-and-Velcro wraparound watch straps. My watch wasn’t fancy, but since I didn’t have a co-leader, it became my crutch, gently reminding me it was time to get up. Or giving me a better idea of how fast we were paddling. I miss a lot of things about those summers—even (and I have no explanation for this) the godawful stench emanating from that slimy watchband.

Timex Expedition E-Compass
The new Timex Expedition E-Compass ($140; timex.com) is the same staple watch that’s been in their line for years–with water resistance to 100 meters–but with a new stainless-steel casing and sleeker design.

Victorinox Summit XLT

Introducing the Victorinox Summit XLT.

Victorinox‘s water-resistant Summit XLT ($325; swissarmy.com) is constructed with hardened mineral crystal, stainless steel, and a burly synthetic strap for extra durability.

Fossil Analog Black Dial

Introducing the Fossil Analog Black Dial.

The classic and uncluttered style of Fossil‘s Analog Black Dial ($75; fossil.com) makes this the quintessential everyday watch.

Casio Pathfinder Paw5000

Introducing the Casio Pathfinder Paw5000.

Casio‘s solar-powered Pathfinder Paw5000 ($450; pathfinder.casio.com) is a workhorse, with an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer.

Suunto M5

Introducing the Suunto M5.

Think of Suunto‘s M5 ($209; suunto.com) as the next best thing to a personal trainer: You input your body type, heart rate, and exercise intensity and it creates customized workout plans.

Adidas Galaxy

Introducing the Adidas Galaxy.

The lap memory, chronograph, and interval timer make Adidas‘s running-specific Galaxy perfect for distance and speed training ($65; shopadidas.com).

Freestyle Mariner

Introducing the Freestyle Mariner.

Freestyle‘s waterproof Mariner ($70; freestyleusa.com) was built for surf, with a silicone strap, buttons you can push underwater, and an alarm so you don’t sleep through dawn-patrol sessions.

Highgear Axio Max Steel

Introducing the Highgear Axio Max Steel.

Highgear‘s Axio Max Steel ($210; highgear.com) is much more than a timepiece. Because it’s equipped with a thermometer, compass, and altimeter (among other features), it’s really an essential piece of backcountry gear.