Something for everyone
The U.K.-based Optimum Time offers a range of sailing-specific wristwatches designed with a “simple is good” philosophy. Their watches have different shapes (round or square), materials (stainless steel or plastic), and wrist straps (Velcro or rubber).

Similar to other Optimum Time models, the OS224 that I tried has large digits and features a countdown and an alarm. The countdown is intuitive and gives you the option to roll into the next start afterwards or start a stopwatch. The sync feature drops the clock down to the next full minute with the push of a button. It was the loudest of the group. I silenced the countdown because there was a bit too much beeping involved for my liking (two beeps every second when you were 10 seconds from the start, and then three beeps every second from 5 seconds to the gun—on top of the normal warnings throughout the sequence). I liked the style and simplicity of this one, and as the smallest watch I tried, it fit me the best of the group. $75 (OS224) and $55-$125 (OS Series). optimumtime.com