Boating is supposed to make you forget about the time, but some of us can’t, really. Is there time for one more ski run? Is it time for high tide? When are you going to let me drive? Those are all compelling questions that keep boaters wearing timepieces, but one thing boaters want is to look boatey doing it and to never be caught with a dead-inthe- water soggy watch. We’ve tested these two brands in and on the water. They held up, and each has its own place in the welldressed boater’s wardrobe.
Battalion Diver Titanium
We liked the light feel of this military icon from Wenger, and the flexible polymer strap gives it a rugged, sporty look ideal for the beach or boat show. The literature says it’s water resistant to 200 meters, and though we didn’t take it down there, I did swim and shower wearing it frequently. $195; wengerna.com
Gamma TI
We’ve taken Reactor timepieces into the roughest boating conditions. This one is solid on the wrist, having survived casual wear, clunking on docks and diving for lobsters (waterproof to 300 meters). Anti-glare coated crystal is easy to read. NeverDark with Super Luminova and tritium tubes glow even without access to light to “charge” them. $550; reactorwatch.com
