The year is 1924. A mere century ago. Traffic lights and hair dryers have only been around for a few years. Last year saw the invention of the Q-Tip and the bulldozer. TV and sunglasses aren’t even a thing yet, and automatic watches have just hit the scene.
It’s crazy what a century can do, isn’t it? Today’s technology-seeped societies would be quite the shock to a 20th century time traveler. Not only has technology advanced at an incredible rate, it has also inserted itself into nearly every aspect of our daily lives. And while some might bemoan our tech-saturated society, there’s no doubt that a great deal of the advancements we see have been of tremendous aid and value to our lives.
With the rise of technological advancements came a greater need for time telling tools that could do more than simply tell the time. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike have come to depend on the innovative variety of features and functions that set sports watches ahead of the pack. From distance tracking to health monitoring, sports watches have become a necessary tool for many.
And it’s no wonder. With an unmatched variety of uses and functions, the sports watch’s power and versatility have made it a titan of time telling. If you’re dying to know just what a sports watch is truly capable of, keep reading. We’ll break it down.
Why We Love the Sports Watch
1. Tracking Features
Tracking features are what make a sports watch a sports watch. Unlike their automatic counterparts, they have the ability to analyze and monitor a wide variety of performance-related metrics. Features can include distance and step tracking, speed and pace, heart rate and calories burned. Whether you’re an Olympic athlete or new to the fitness game, a sports watch is an invaluable tool that will help you stay on track and boost motivation.
2. Health and Wellness Support
Not only can many sports watches track things like heart rate and calories burned, some are even designed to monitor stress, track sleep patterns, and measure blood oxygen saturation. Functions like these allow the wearer to make more conscious, informed choices as they go about their daily life and better monitor health-related concerns.
3. GPS Mapping
If you’ve got a knack for adventure and a penchant for getting lost, first off, you’re in good company. Second, a sports watch may just be your new best friend. Some sports watches come with GPS mapping and navigation functions that can measure altitude, let you know what time the sun is setting, help you plan your route, and provide topographical maps.
4. Durability
Fitness junkies and hardcore adventurers know that not just any flimsy time-teller will do. You need something that is tough as nails--ready to work hard and play harder. Sports watches are designed to take above-average levels of wear and tear. Constructed with premium materials like titanium and stainless steel, these watches boast increased scratch, shock, water, and temperature resistance for wherever your wild adventures may take you.
5. Smart Features
From smartphones to smart houses, things today are just, well, smarter. For many, finding a watch with smart features is a bonus. That’s why more and more watchmakers are going smart with their sports watches. Features like Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, the ability to send and receive messages and alerts, and options to connect to other existing devices.
Are there Different Kinds of Sports Watches?
You betcha! Each sports watch is designed with a specific person and lifestyle in mind. Some of the most popular types of sport watches for men and women include:
Running Watches
Runners need specific features that will allow them to accurately monitor progress. Running watches can boast a variety of features, including step counting, heart rate monitoring, and GPS mapping. Many sports watches designed for runners also include innovative technology that can track distance, pace, stride length, and even cadence.
Outdoor Watches
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you might want some of the features of a running watch but need something designed with adventuring in mind. Outdoor sports watches are the perfect tag-along for all your wild wandering. These accessories can feature things like GPS navigation, barometer and altimeter, compass, and weather forecasting. In addition, these watches are built with added durability to withstand more hands-on activities.
Swimming Watches
Swimming watches typically feature stronger water and pressure resistance and are crafted with materials that are less likely to rust. These sports watches can come in especially handy for water rats with their lap timing, stroke count and rate, and SWOLF scoring capabilities.
Multisport Watches
Perfect for the jack-of-all-trades, Ironman-aspiring kind of fitness junkies, multisport watches host a variety of features for a variety of activities. Whether you’re running a marathon, going for the gold in your local bike classic, or showing off your butterfly stroke, these bad boys can track it all and transition from one mode to another with ease.
Is a Sports Watch Right for Me?
We understand that every person has different needs and desires when it comes to the watch they wear. And the same watch you wear during your hardcore workout may not be the best choice for a night out on the town. However, sports watches can offer both form and function in a reliable and durable package. Whether you already enjoy an active lifestyle or are just dipping a toe into the fitness world, a sports watch can be an invaluable tool and accessory that is sure to set you up for success.
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Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and professionals depend on sports watches' innovative features and functions, which make them powerful time-telling tools. Check out this infographic to discover more about their capabilities.
