Top 10 Swim Watches
for June 2023

Swim watches have come a long way since their inception in the early 2000s. At first, they were mainly used by professional swimmers and triathletes but as technology improved, they became more accessible to the general public.

Before the advent of swim watches, swimmers would have to manually track their laps and times using a stopwatch or a poolside clock. This was not only inconvenient but also prone to human error. Swim watches changed all of that by automating the process and providing swimmers with accurate, real-time data about their swims.

The first swim watch was introduced in 2004 by the company Swimovate. It was called the Pool Mate and it featured a simple design with basic functions such as lap counting, stroke counting, and time tracking. It was a groundbreaking device at the time, but it had some limitations in terms of accuracy and functionality.

Over the years, swim watches have evolved to become more sophisticated and feature-packed. Companies like Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple have all entered the market, each offering their own take on the swim watch.

One of the biggest challenges in developing a swim watch is creating a device that can withstand the harsh conditions of the water. Water-resistant watches were common, but true waterproofing was rare. It wasn't until the development of the IP68 waterproof rating that true waterproofing became possible.

Today's swim watches offer a plethora of features such as GPS tracking, heart rate monitoring, and automatic stroke recognition. They are not only useful for tracking laps and times but also for improving technique and overall fitness. Swim watches have become an indispensable tool for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

In conclusion, swim watches have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the early 2000s. They have gone from simple lap counters to sophisticated devices with GPS tracking and heart rate monitoring. They have revolutionized the way swimmers train and compete, providing them with accurate and real-time data about their swims. As technology continues to improve, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for this innovative and essential tool for swimmers.

There are several key choices in the design of the activity tracker described above that influence the user experience beyond what the manufacturer claims:

1. IP68 Waterproof: The decision to make the activity tracker waterproof up to a certain level is an important design choice that affects the user's ability to wear the tracker during various activities, including swimming and showering. This gives the user more freedom to wear the tracker without worrying about it getting damaged by water, and it enhances the overall durability and usability of the product.

2. Call & Messages Reminder: The inclusion of call and message notifications on the activity tracker is another important design choice that can have a significant impact on the user experience. By providing easy access to incoming calls and messages, the tracker enables users to stay connected and informed without having to check their phone constantly. However, some users may find this feature distracting or overwhelming if they receive a large volume of notifications.

3. Connected GPS & 14 Activity Modes: The decision to include GPS connectivity and multiple activity modes is a design choice that provides users with more detailed tracking and analysis of their fitness and exercise. By connecting to the user's phone GPS, the tracker is able to provide more precise data on speed, distance, and route. The inclusion of 14 activity modes also allows the tracker to cater to a wide range of users with different fitness goals and preferences.

Overall, the design choices of the activity tracker impact the user's experience in terms of convenience, functionality, and usability. While the manufacturer may advertise certain features and benefits, the actual user experience may vary depending on how the product is designed and implemented.

FAQ About swim watches

Q: What kind of watch do swimmers wear?

A: Swimmers usually wear watches that are waterproof and can track their swimming activities. Some popular options include the Apple Watch Series 6, Garmin Forerunner 945, and the Suunto 7.

Q: What is the best watch for open water and pool swimming?

A: The best watch for open water and pool swimming depends on personal preference and needs. For open water swimming, watches with GPS capabilities such as the Garmin Forerunner 945 or the Polar Grit X are good options. For pool swimming, watches with advanced swim metrics such as the Garmin Swim 2 or the Apple Watch Series 6 are recommended.

Q: Is swimming better on Apple Watch or Garmin?

A: Both the Apple Watch and Garmin watches have advanced swim tracking capabilities. The Apple Watch Series 6 has advanced swim metrics and easily syncs with the Apple Health app, while Garmin watches have more advanced GPS capabilities and a longer battery life. It ultimately depends on personal preference and needs.