For nurses, a watch is far more than a timepiece; it’s an essential tool for the job. From timing vital signs and medication administration to tracking shifts and handwashing, the right watch needs to be durable, easy to clean, and highly legible at a glance. The fast-paced, often messy environment of healthcare demands a timepiece that can withstand frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals and accidental splashes, all while being comfortable for long hours on your feet.
With so many styles available, from classic analog to feature-rich smartwatches, finding the perfect one can be a challenge. This roundup is designed to simplify your search. We’ve curated a list of the best watches for nurses in 2025, considering factors like water resistance, readability, strap material, and specialized features that cater specifically to the unique demands of the nursing profession.
Our Recommended Watches for Nurses
- Timex Women’s T2P370 Weekender 31mm Blue Floral Nylon Strap Watch
- Casio MDV106 Series Unisex Analog Watch with White Resin Band
- Casio Ladies Digital with Stainless Steel Wrist Watch LA670W
- Timex Weekender Chrono Quartz Analog Watch with Leather Strap
- Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular 45mm) Midnight Aluminum Case
- Garmin Venu Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch, Slate and Shadow Gray
- Fossil Women’s Carlie Mini Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Watch
- SEIKO SNKK27 Automatic Watch for Men with Blue Dial
- Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Strap
- Fitbit Versa 4 Health & Fitness Smartwatch
Timex Women’s T2P370 Weekender 31mm Blue Floral Nylon Strap Watch
The Timex Weekender is a fantastic choice for nurses seeking a lightweight, comfortable, and easy-to-clean timepiece. Its standout feature is the 16mm blue floral nylon slip-thru strap. This style of strap is ideal for the clinical setting as it allows for a secure fit without metal buckles that can harbor germs, and the nylon material can be easily wiped down after a shift. The 31mm case is a modest size that won’t get in the way during patient care.
Functionality is key with the white dial featuring full, easy-to-read Arabic numerals and 24-hour military time markings. The mineral glass crystal offers scratch resistance, ensuring the face stays legible. Perhaps its most useful feature for nurses working night shifts or in low-light conditions is the legendary Timex Indiglo back-light, which illuminates the entire dial with a press of the crown.
Casio MDV106 Series Unisex Analog Watch with White Resin Band
For nurses who need a watch that can handle rigorous cleaning and the occasional heavy splash, the Casio MDV106 offers exceptional durability and water resistance. With a rating of 100 meters, it is more than suitable for the demands of a hospital environment, including frequent handwashing. The white resin band and case are not only stylish but also easy to sanitize, resisting damage from cleaning agents.
The bold analog dial is designed for quick and easy reading, a must-have when timing pulses or procedures. A useful date window is positioned at 3 o’clock for added convenience. The unidirectional rotating bezel, a feature borrowed from dive watches, can be repurposed in a medical context to track elapsed time for things like medication intervals or dressing changes, making it a highly practical tool on your wrist.
Casio Ladies Digital with Stainless Steel Wrist Watch LA670W
This Casio digital watch combines a sleek, professional look with the ultimate in no-nonsense timekeeping. The stainless steel bracelet offers a classic aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from the hospital to everyday life. For nurses who prefer a digital display, this model provides a clear, unambiguous readout of the time, eliminating any potential for misreading analog hands during a busy moment.
The quartz movement ensures reliable and accurate timekeeping, which is non-negotiable in a field where precision matters. The compact and streamlined design prevents it from catching on gloves or clothing. The metal construction is also easier to wipe clean and disinfect thoroughly compared to porous materials, supporting good infection control practices.
Timex Weekender Chrono Quartz Analog Watch with Leather Strap
If your nursing duties require frequent timing of vital signs or procedures, the Timex Weekender Chrono is an excellent functional choice. This watch includes a 30-minute chronograph that can measure time to 1/20th of a second, providing a precise tool right on your wrist. The blue dial with full Arabic numerals and a date window maintains the high standard of readability that nurses require.
It features the same beloved Indiglo night-light as other Timex models, ensuring the dial is visible in any lighting condition. The genuine leather strap offers a classic look, though some nurses may prefer a different material for easier cleaning. The slip-thru design, however, remains a practical feature for a secure and adjustable fit over a scrub sleeve.
Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular 45mm) Midnight Aluminum Case
The Apple Watch Series 9 is a powerful smartwatch that can serve as a comprehensive health and connectivity hub for a nurse. Beyond telling time, it can receive texts and calls directly on your wrist—even if your iPhone is in a locker—thanks to its cellular connectivity. This allows for better focus on patients without being completely disconnected.
Its health monitoring features are particularly relevant, with the ability to track heart rate, blood oxygen, and even set reminders for handwashing. The large, bright Always-On Retina display means you can see the time and notifications without a conspicuous wrist movement. For nurses tracking their own wellness, it provides detailed metrics on sleep, activity, and more, helping to manage the demands of a stressful job.
Garmin Venu Sq 2 GPS Smartwatch, Slate and Shadow Gray
The Garmin Venu Sq 2 is a stellar option for the health-conscious nurse who wants robust activity and wellness tracking without constant charging. Its exceptional battery life of up to 11 days means you can wear it continuously, providing a more complete picture of your sleep patterns, stress levels, and overall health without daily charging interruptions.
The bright AMOLED display with large text is easy to read during a fast-paced shift. It monitors a wide array of health metrics, including a unique Body Battery energy monitor that can help you understand your energy reserves throughout the day. This insight can be invaluable for managing shift work and avoiding burnout, making it a smart investment in your personal well-being.
Fossil Women’s Carlie Mini Quartz Stainless Steel and Leather Watch
For nurses who prefer a more elegant and minimalist timepiece, the Fossil Carlie Mini offers everyday sophistication. Its 28mm rose gold-tone case and white mother-of-pearl dial with Roman numerals create a professional and polished look that works well in any setting. The small case size is comfortable and unlikely to interfere with clinical tasks.
The hardened mineral crystal lens provides good scratch resistance, helping to maintain its pristine appearance. The accurate quartz movement ensures reliable timekeeping. While the leather strap may not be as easy to clean as nylon or metal, its classic design makes this watch a versatile accessory that easily transitions from a long shift to a day off.
SEIKO SNKK27 Automatic Watch for Men with Blue Dial
This Seiko watch is for the nurse who appreciates fine engineering and a classic automatic movement. As a self-winding watch, it is powered by the natural motion of your wrist throughout the day, eliminating the need for a battery. The 38mm stainless steel case and bracelet offer a durable and professional look that is easy to keep clean.
The striking blue dial is both stylish and functional, with luminous hands that aid with reading the time in dimly lit patient rooms. It includes a practical date window for quick reference. This watch represents a blend of traditional watchmaking and practical design, making it a reliable and handsome tool for the discerning healthcare professional.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver Quartz Watch with Stainless Steel Strap
The Invicta Pro Diver presents a robust and water-resistant design with a professional aesthetic. Its 40mm stainless steel case and two-tone bracelet are built for durability, and the metal construction allows for thorough wiping and disinfection. The watch features a secure fold-over clasp with safety, ensuring it stays put during active duties.
Legibility is a strong point, with a blue dial featuring luminous hands and hour markers, as well as a magnified date window for easy reading. Powered by a precise Japanese quartz movement, it offers dependable accuracy for timing critical tasks. This watch provides a solid, tool-like feel with the reliability needed in a clinical environment.
Fitbit Versa 4 Health & Fitness Smartwatch
The Fitbit Versa 4 is a dedicated health and fitness smartwatch that helps nurses monitor both their patients’ care timelines and their own well-being. It offers built-in GPS and a focus on activity tracking, which is great for nurses who are on their feet all day and want to quantify their movement. The interface is intuitive, making it easy to start timers or stopwatches for medical procedures.
With a strong emphasis on health metrics, it provides insights into sleep quality, heart rate, and active zone minutes. The battery life is designed to last for several days, reducing charging frequency. For nurses invested in a holistic view of their health and fitness, the Fitbit Versa 4 serves as a capable and motivating companion.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Watch for Nursing
Let’s be honest, our job is messy. Between hand sanitizer, bodily fluids, and constant handwashing, our gear takes a beating. That’s why the watch on your wrist needs to be more than just a timepiece; it’s a crucial tool. I’ve been through my fair share of watches that have conked out from moisture or gotten scratched beyond recognition, so I want to help you pick one that lasts. When you’re looking for the best watches for nurses, there are a few non-negotiable features you should always check for.
First up is water resistance. This is probably the most important feature. You need a watch that can survive being submerged. Look for a rating of at least 30 meters (3 ATM), but 50 meters (5 ATM) or higher is even better. This ensures it can handle accidental splashes, vigorous handwashing, and being cleaned with disinfectant wipes without a second thought. A watch that isn’t properly water-resistant will fog up and die a quick death in our line of work.
Next, consider the case and crystal material. The crystal is the clear cover over the watch face. Avoid mineral glass if you can; it scratches easily. Sapphire crystal is the most scratch-resistant, but it can be pricey. A good middle ground is hardened mineral or acrylic. For the case, stainless steel or a high-quality, durable polymer plastic is your best bet. They can take a knock against a bed rail and come out looking fine.
The type of display matters a lot for quick glances. A clear, uncluttered analog face with luminous hands and markers is a classic for a reason—it’s instantly readable in a dimly lit patient room. However, a digital watch with a large, backlit display is fantastic for counting seconds for pulse or respiration rates with absolute precision. Some nurses even prefer a watch that offers both analog and digital displays.
Finally, think about the band and overall hygiene
You absolutely can, and many nurses do! Modern smartwatches are incredibly capable. However, you need to be mindful of a few things. First, the touchscreen can be unresponsive with wet or gloved hands. Second, the battery life might not last a double shift. Most importantly, you must have a protocol for cleaning it. A smooth, non-porous band and a water-resistant rating are essential. If your smartwatch has a ceramic or glass back, it’s easier to sanitize than one with a textured plastic back. For taking a manual pulse or counting respirations, a second hand is incredibly helpful. It’s the standard tool for getting an accurate count over 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Some watches feature a pulsometer scale on the bezel, which lets you start the timer at zero and read the pulse rate directly after a set number of heartbeats. While not strictly necessary, it’s a convenient feature that speeds up a common task. For most of us, a simple, clear second hand does the job perfectly well. Fob watches are a game-changer for infection control. Instead of being on your wrist, you attach them to your uniform, usually with a clip or by threading the chain through a buttonhole. This keeps the watch completely away from direct patient contact and makes it much easier to keep your hands and wrists bare for proper hand hygiene. It also prevents the watch from getting snagged on equipment or bothering a patient when you’re taking their vitals. This is a daily must-do. After your shift, or anytime it gets soiled, clean it thoroughly. If it’s water-resistant, the best method is to rinse it under lukewarm running water with a mild, non-abrasive soap. Use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) to gently scrub the band and the case, paying attention to any crevices. Rinse it well to remove all soap residue and then dry it completely with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, as they can damage seals and discolor materials. Beyond the core durability features, the 2025 picks are leaning into specialization and convenience. We’re seeing more watches with anti-microbial bands built-in, which is a fantastic development for our field. Solar-powered movements are also becoming more popular, eliminating the worry of a dead battery mid-shift. For digital watches, features like multiple time zone displays can be useful for tracking military time alongside standard time, and countdown timers are great for medication reminders.FAQ
Why can’t I just wear my smartwatch to my nursing shift?
Is a second hand or a pulsometer actually necessary?
What’s the advantage of a fob watch for nurses?
How do I properly clean my nursing watch?
Are there any specific features that make for the best watches for nurses in 2025?