Nurses need watches that survive constant handwashing, harsh sanitizers, and 12-hour shifts. A prominent seconds hand for counting pulse and respiration is essential. Leather straps are out—infection control requires easy-clean materials. This guide covers practical, durable watches that meet clinical demands.
What Nurses Need
- Seconds hand: Essential for counting pulse/respiration rates
- Easy cleaning: Silicone, rubber, or metal (no leather)
- Water resistance: 100m+ for constant handwashing
- Legibility: Clear dial readable in dim patient rooms
- Durability: Survives drops, bumps, sanitizer exposure
- Comfortable: Light enough for 12+ hour shifts
🏥 Bare Below the Elbows
Many hospitals require "bare below the elbows" during direct patient care. Consider a fob watch that clips to scrubs, or a watch you can quickly pocket. Some nurses keep a wristwatch for charting/breaks and pocket it during patient contact.
Best Budget Options: Under $100
Casio F-91W
$15 - $25
The legendary beater watch. Lightweight resin case, water resistant, and completely disposable if contaminated. Many nurses keep several as backups. The digital display includes stopwatch for timing—useful beyond vitals.
Best for: Budget-conscious, high-contamination environments
Timex Easy Reader
$30 - $45
Classic analog with prominent seconds hand and Indiglo backlight for night shifts. Available with expansion band (easy on/off) or silicone strap. The large numerals are genuinely easy to read—the name delivers.
Best for: Those wanting analog simplicity with backlight
Casio LRW-200H
$25 - $35
Dive-style watch with 100m water resistance at bargain pricing. The rotating bezel can time medications or procedures. Resin case and strap clean easily. Available in multiple colors to match scrubs or express personality.
Best for: Water resistance on a budget
Best Mid-Range: $100 - $300
Casio G-Shock GMA-S2100
$110 - $130
The "CasiOak" in smaller 42mm size. Virtually indestructible, 200m water resistant, and available in numerous colors. Carbon core case is lightweight despite toughness. This watch survives anything a hospital can throw at it.
Best for: Those wanting indestructible reliability
Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150
$200 - $250
Eco-Drive solar means never changing batteries during shifts. ISO-certified diver construction handles any water exposure. The steel bracelet or rubber strap options both clean easily. Professional appearance works beyond clinical settings.
Best for: Set-and-forget solar reliability
Seiko 5 Sports SRPD
$250 - $325
Automatic movement for those who appreciate mechanical watches. The 4R36 movement is reliable and serviceable. Available with silicone strap for easy cleaning. Day-date complication helps track shift schedules.
Best for: Those wanting mechanical watch on nursing budget
Best Premium: $300+
Apple Watch SE or Series 9
$249 - $429
Health tracking features (heart rate, blood oxygen) appeal to healthcare workers. The digital crown adjusts easily with gloves. Silicone bands clean with alcohol wipes. Notifications keep you connected during breaks. Battery life requires daily charging.
Best for: Tech-forward nurses wanting health features
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
$650 - $695
Swiss automatic that transitions from hospital to social settings. The integrated bracelet cleans easily; 80-hour power reserve survives days off. This is for nurses wanting quality that reflects professional achievement.
Best for: Experienced nurses wanting Swiss quality
Fob Watch Options
For strict infection control environments, fob watches clip to scrubs and stay off wrists entirely.
Nurse Fob Watches
$15 - $50
Purpose-built for healthcare. Inverted dial reads correctly when clipped to chest pocket. Silicone covers protect and allow cleaning. Many include pulse scale markings on the dial for quick vitals calculation.
Best for: Strict bare-below-elbows policies
Our Top Picks by Situation
- Tight Budget: Casio F-91W — disposable pricing, reliable function
- Best Value: Casio LRW-200H — 100m WR, timing bezel, ~$30
- Indestructible: G-Shock GMA-S2100 — survives everything
- Solar Reliability: Citizen Promaster — never change batteries
- Tech Features: Apple Watch — health tracking, notifications
- Swiss Quality: Tissot PRX — professional achievement piece
💡 The Two-Watch Strategy
Many nurses keep a beater (G-Shock or Casio) for clinical work and a nicer watch (Tissot, Seiko) for days off and social occasions. The beater can be replaced without heartbreak if damaged or contaminated.