Looking for a basic watch for swimming laps

April 9, 2022 12:57 PM

I used to use an Apple Watch for this, but it died and I don’t want to replace it because the only thing i need from a smart watch is for it to count my laps, ideally know what stroke I’m swimming, and as an optional bonus, take my heart rate. I’m willing to pay for decent quality but not for endless bells and whistles I don’t need. Fantasy price is under $100 but if that’s not realistic, I’m flexible. What should I get?
posted by BuddhaInABucket to Shopping (3 answers total)

Its not under 100, but my fitbit charge 5 counts swim laps and heart rate. It doesn't know what stokes tho. I've never compared my lap count to its.
posted by aetg at 5:43 PM on April 9, 2022

I don't think it does too well with heart rate in the water.
posted by aetg at 5:45 PM on April 9, 2022

Best answer: I have had Garmin Swim 2 for about two years.

The watch works great in the pool for counting laps and heart rate. It definitely can tell the difference between strokes (though I rarely do anything but freestyle anymore). You can enter into drill mode and record your distance on things such as a kick set. And since the watch uses real buttons it is very easy to use while in the water.

The watch also supports GPS for open water, running, and cycling modes. At least as far as a Garmin watch is concerned, it is pretty basic.

Sometimes I wear the watch looser than I should and the heart rate monitor doesn't seem to be as accurate.

I have a number of other pool and open water swimming friends that also have the same watch and have really liked it.
posted by Dalton Luceria at 6:38 PM on April 9, 2022 [2 favorites]