Watch your speed

True, most sportswatches are digital, but for watch aficionados that’s no reason to compromise on Swiss craftsmanship. There are some precision time-keepers driven by springs, cogs and levers that can do the same job as a wrist-mounted computer.

Hitting the gym in your lunch hour? “A chronograph function is always useful, as it will allow you to time aspects of your workout,” advises Graeme Goldman, CEO and founder of Lion Brands, a national distributor of Swiss watches.

Also consider how your sportswatch will look back in the workplace. “You want a watch that segues seamlessly between your club and the office,” says James Gurney, editor of watch magazine QP. “A digital watch on a rubber strap doesn’t look professional with a well-cut two-piece, so opt for an analogue watch on a metal bracelet.”

TISSOT RACING TOUCH $775

With 11 touch-activated functions plus an easy-to-use stopwatch, this is like a personal trainer on your wrist.

RADO D-STAR 200 $3900
A perfect watch for a man of action. The reason? The wearer’s movements power this self-winding automatic.

LUMINOX ATACAMA CHRONO ALARM 1844 $1099.95
Tough enough to be the brand of choice for US Navy Seals. Use the chrono alarm to keep your workout on track.

ORIS ARTIX GT CHRONOGRAPH $3650
The specially developed retrograde mechanism allows the seconds to “grow” like the RPM counter in a racing car.

TUDOR HERITAGE CHRONO $4970'
With a single push of the button, the nifty fly-back function allows you to stop, reset or restart the chronograph

BALL ENGINEER HYDROCARBON MAGNATE CHRONOGRAPH $4300
Don’t be misled by the sleek looks; this is a seriously rugged timepiece that’s shock resistant to 5000 Gs.