Not every watch can go in the ocean. Plenty of people have found that out the hard way — a splash, a duck dive, or a full wipeout and suddenly a perfectly good watch is full of water and reading the wrong time. So what can you actually wear surfing? And what should you look for when buying a surf watch in Australia? Here's everything you need to know.
Water Resistance Ratings — What They Actually Mean
The single most important spec for any surf watch is water resistance — but the rating numbers are often misunderstood. Here's a quick guide to what each level actually means in the surf:
| Rating | What It Means | Safe to Surf? |
|---|---|---|
| 30m | Splash resistant only — rain, hand washing | ✕ No |
| 50m | Swimming in still water only | ✕ No |
| 100m | Recreational swimming, snorkelling, light surf | ✓ Surf |
| 200m | Active water sports, surfing, diving | ✓ Yes — built for it |
Important Note: Water resistance ratings are tested under static conditions — meaning the pressure of a wave hitting your wrist in the surf is significantly greater than still water at the same depth. For regular surfing, 100m is the minimum and 200m is what we'd recommend. Also check for a screw-down crown — this seals the watch properly and is essential for serious water exposure.
What Else Makes a Good Surf Watch?
- Silicone or resin strap — dries fast, doesn't absorb salt water, won't irritate skin after a long session
- Screw-down crown — seals the watch against water intrusion under pressure
- Lightweight case — you don't want something heavy pulling at your wrist mid-paddle
- Easy-to-read display — digital or bold analogue, readable in bright sun and white water
- Tide tracking — genuinely useful for timing your session around optimal conditions
- Chronograph / lap timer — useful for timed training sessions or tracking time in the water
Rinse After Every Session: Even with 200m water resistance, always rinse your watch in fresh water after surfing in the ocean. Salt water is corrosive over time and can degrade seals and straps. A quick rinse keeps your watch in top condition for years.
Best Surf Watches from Maxum — Our Top Picks
Here's our breakdown of the best Maxum watches for surfing in 2026, split across the range so there's something for every surfer and every budget.
The One Built for the Ocean
Raglan Tide Watch Collection
From $175 on sale — $349
The Raglan is Maxum's most surf-specific watch — and nothing else in the range comes close for pure ocean functionality. It features real tide tracking so you can plan your session around the best conditions, a chronograph with lap mode for timing, and a bold digital square case that's built to take a beating and 200m water resistant. Multiple colour-ways across black, gun metal and gold cases with silicone and bracelet options.
Worn by Maxum ambassador Kyuss King — professional surfer, musician, and the person who actually uses this watch in the conditions it was designed for. As worn by Jaleesa Vincent too, with new pink, white and beige strap options now available. Currently heavily discounted on selected variants — gun metal with blue silicone from $175.
200m Water Resistant |Tide Tracking |Heat Mapping | Digital Display |Silicone Strap | Stainless Steel Strap | Chronograph + Lap
Best Men's Surf Analogue
Prince Analogue Date Watch — Silver Case, Black Dial & Black Silicone
$199If you want something that looks more like a traditional watch but can still handle serious surf, the Prince is the answer. 200m water resistance, screw-down crown, analogue face with date display, and a silicone strap that handles salt water without complaint. The silver case with black dial and black silicone is sharp enough to wear off the beach too. Also worn by Kyuss King — available from $145 across multiple colourways.
Best Budget Men's Surf Watch
Basalt Black Digital Watch
Under $100For surfers who want a reliable, no-fuss digital watch at a lower price point, the Basalt is the pick. 100m water resistance, chronograph with lap mode, digital display — everything you need in the surf without breaking the bank. Durable resin strap, lightweight, and built to take knocks. The right watch if your board hits your wrist more often than you'd like to admit.
Best Women's Surf Watch — Value Pick
Endurance Opaque and Gold Digital Watch
On SaleThe Endurance is one of the most capable surf watches in the range at under $100 — 100m water resistance, chronograph with lap and split-time functions, clear resin case with rose gold accents that looks as good out of the water as in it. If you want a proper surf watch without the premium price, this is the one. Also available in Black.
Best Women's Analogue for Surf
Liberty Ladies Analogue Date Watch — Silver Case, Black Dial & Black Silicone
On Sale — $99 (Was $199)The Liberty punches well above its current price point. 200m water resistance, screw-down crown, date display, analogue face with silicone strap — genuinely surf-ready in a watch that looks elegant doing it. On sale now at $99, down from $199. The best value surf-ready analogue women's watch in the Maxum range right now. Also available in rose gold case from $125.
Best Under $50
Surfari Black and Red Digital Watch
On Sale — $49 (Was $99)The name says it all. The Surfari is a no-frills digital surf watch built for people who want something that works in the water without worrying about it. Lightweight resin case and strap, digital display, 100m water resistance and currently 51% off at $49. The ideal secondary watch, kids' surf watch, or entry-level pick for someone just getting into the water. Also available in blue via the Swing from $45.
Quick Guide — Which Watch for Which Surfer?
- Serious surfer who wants tide data — Raglan Tide, no question. It's built specifically for this
- Men wanting analogue in the surf — Prince with silicone strap. 200m rated, screw-down crown, looks great off the beach too
- Women wanting performance + style — Raglan Tide in pink/gold, or Liberty analogue at the $99 sale price
- Budget conscious — under $100 — Endurance ($59 sale) or Surfari ($49 sale). Both 100m rated and properly built for water
- Kids or beginner surfers — Candy range from $45, or Surfari from $49. Durable, lightweight, easy to read
- Gifting a surfer — Raglan gift sets from $269 with two interchangeable straps, presented in a quality gift box
Check the Water Resistance Guide: Not sure about the water resistance specs for a specific Maxum watch? Our Water Resistance Guide explains exactly what each rating means and what activities each watch is suitable for.
The Bottom Line
The best surf watch is one that can actually handle the ocean — not just look like it can. For serious surfing, 200m water resistance and a screw-down crown are non-negotiable. For lighter use, 100m will do the job. And if you want the full ocean experience — tide tracking, chronograph, and a watch built from the ground up for people who live near the water — the Raglan Tide is in a class of its own.
With current sale prices across the Endurance, Liberty, Surfari and selected Raglan variants, there's never been a better time to find the right surf watch for your wrist and your budget.
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