10 Sports Watches You Won’t Want to Miss

Whether you have a need for speed or just a penchant for really cool luxury sports watches, there’s something for every collector on this curated list. Explore our breakdown of the best sports watches by brand, including pieces from Rolex, IWC, and Vacheron Constantin.

Rolex

The Rolex Explorer II is the perfect wearable watch if you’re on the hunt for a versatile and durable sports piece. For a black dial option, check out the striking ref. 16570 BLK IX OYS equipped with a stainless steel Oyster bracelet, date, and GMT. Or, opt for a bright white dial with the ref. 216570-0001, complete with an Oyster bracelet, date, and GMT.

Keep in mind that the Rolex Explorer II collection holds its value well—especially when it comes to older generation references. While you’re in the Rolex catalog searching for sports watches, be sure to also browse the Oyster Perpetual collection for handsome, sleek, and functional options like this unique stainless steel ref. 116000-0010 featuring a rare red grape colored dial.

Tudor

Vintage is in, and the Tudor Submariner has come to the forefront. The old school Tudor Submariner Prince Oysterdate ref. 75090 pays homage to the Rolex Submariner, and features a stainless steel bracelet and automatic movement. You can also put it on a strap and change the bracelet with ease.

For other great Tudor sports watches, check out the Tudor Black Bay collection  featuring pieces like the Fifty-Eight ref. 79012M and Fifty-Eight ref. 79018V-0001.

Ulysse Nardin

Over the past few years, Ulysse Nardin has been gaining traction with exciting new releases, including the Maxi Diver ref. 263-92-3C. Dressed in all black with a durable rubber strap, it’s a truly unique piece with articulated inserts that provide maximum comfortability and an upside down cyclops date window.

IWC

The IWC Aquatimer Chronograph ref. IX3768-03 is a 44m stainless steel timepiece featuring a black rubber strap that’s soft, flexible, and forms to the wrist. At a reasonable price, you can enjoy its array of features including small seconds, day, date, and of course, chronograph.

For another great IWC sports watch, check out the Ingenieur Dual Time ref. IX3244-04. It boasts a 43mm stainless steel case, a silver dial, date, and GMT.

Omega

For those who love the Omega Seamaster suite, check out the Diver 300M Chronograph ref. 2225.80.00 featuring a blue wave dial, stainless steel bracelet, small-seconds, date, helium release valve, and chronograph. If you’re going for that effortless beach-to-tux look, this piece will get you there.

Oris

Known for its oversized crowns, Arabic numerals, and pointer date displays, the Oris Big Crown collection boasts an unmistakable vintage design. One of our favorite Big Crown pieces is the Pointer Date because it has a finely fluted bezel and simplistic dial that’s reminiscent of the collection’s first pieces. For other Oris options, check out the Diver suite—home to the ever popular Sixty-Five and Sixty-Five Chronograph.

Grand Seiko 

Grand Seiko’s sports watches never disappoint. For a stylish piece that’s available in a variety of dial colors and metals, check out the Heritage collection and find remarkable pieces like this ref. SBGH295 that showcases an ice blue “Kirazuri” dial.

Or, opt for nearly any timepiece in their Sport suite—this 46mm titanium Spring Drive Limited Edition watch is a great example, featuring hours, minutes, seconds, date, and a power reserve indicator.

TAG Heuer

Designed for professional drivers and sports car enthusiasts, the TAG Heuer Carrera collection offers a variety of styles and functions—from steel chronograph special editions to automatic 160th Anniversary pieces equipped with an alligator strap. With refined indices and hands, the Carrera is easy to read at full speed, and feels solid on the wrist, providing an elegant yet rugged feel.

Sinn

Sinn is a fantastic brand for sports watch enthusiasts to consider, with notable pieces like the 358 Diapal GMT/Chronograph. The 42mm stainless steel piece features a second hideaway hand for the second time zone, so it’s only there when you need it. Additionally, it has a capsule that pulls out any moisture that may leak into the case. It’s 100m water-resistance, swimmable, and very versatile.

Vacheron Constantin

From the 1960s Vacheron “Thunderbird” to the Overseas Chronograph, Vacheron Constantin sports watches have proved to be enduring and competitive with the best from Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. For a modern update to the 222, check out the Vacheron Overseas Generation III—it’s the brand’s answer to competitors like the Nautilus and Royal Oak. This 41mm Vacheron Overseas Generation III comes with a rubber strap and a crocodile strap to swap between, and boasts automatic winding with a 60-hour power reserve and 150m water-resistance. Other Vacheron Constantin sports watches worth considering include the Overseas Gray “The Deepstream” and the first generation Overseas Chronograph.

When it comes to collecting sports watches, the options are seemingly endless. To help narrow down your decision, be sure to consider a few factors like desired functionality, preferred style, and price. Also, check out our guides like “The Peculiar World of Niche Sports Watches” and “The Future of ‘Luxury Sport’” to learn more about the watch style. And if you own a sports watch that you want to sell or trade, connect with a The 1916 Company Client Advisor to receive a quote.