10 Best Watches for Nurses | Second Hand, Digital & Smartwatch

Medical watches are an essential part of a medical professional’s daily routine. Therefore picking the best medical watches for nurses can significantly improve work performance.

These tools help healthcare professionals maintain their schedules and administer medications at the proper times.

They’re also crucial for tracking and recording patient vitals and accurately timestamping documents and lab charts.

The most reliable watches offer an excellent balance of design, features, readability, comfort, and price. The ones featured on this list are narrowed down to the ten best watches for nurses to make purchasing decisions easier.

Towards the conclusion of the review compilation, we have thoughtfully incorporated a comprehensive buyer’s guide that will assist you in selecting the most fitting timepiece for your work-related needs.

With this expert guidance, you can rest assured that your purchasing decision will be well-informed and calculated.

Moreover, the OLED display offers a full-color always-on option for those who want their screen continuously visible.

The Fitbit Versa 2 offers a variety of applications that make work a lot easier. For instance, nurses can use the timer feature to track patients on a hypoglycemic protocol, manage timed antibiotic treatments, and balance various tasks.

The alarm feature is great for those needing specific daily tasks or event reminders. Additionally, time and date are always visible for updating health records and timestamping medical papers.

The Versa FitBit 2 provides excellent health and fitness features for nurses who love fitness. For instance, it comes with a heart rate tracker, step counter, and calorie tracker, among other health focus apps.

Furthermore, it includes sleep tracking for those who want to monitor the quality of their rest.

The Fitbit 2 emphasizes a smooth rounded edge form with a polished quality in terms of design. As a result, it looks great with most scrub uniforms and is discernible without standing out.

Not to mention, If you own a watch band from the previous generation, you can use it with the Fitbit Versa 2.

Undoubtedly, this keeps costs down and makes creating a style you’ll love easy. The Versa Fitbit 2 is one of the best watches for nurses who want an affordable smartwatch for work, exercise, or personal use.

Fitbit Versa 2 Smartwatch Features:

• Bright OLED display with customizable watch faces
• Variety of applications to make work easier, including a timer and alarm feature
• Health and fitness features, including a heart rate tracker, step counter, and calorie tracker
• Sleep tracking to monitor the quality of rest
• An affordable smartwatch for work, exercise, or personal use

---

Speidel’s scrub watch is sold with numerous watch faces and watches band colors. It allows nurses to match their watches with their favorite scrubs, which look great on female and male nurses. Furthermore, the interchangeable watch bands create a truly customized appearance.

This scrub watch features a beautiful large, white display with contrasting 12 and 24-hour markings for fast and effortless viewing. In addition, the displays easily discernible 5-second increment indicators allow for more accurate readings. It’s beneficial for nurses who need to take a pulse reading.

The hour and minute hands are visible, while the red second hand allows for better time tracking. Speidel’s scrub watch comprises silicone and stainless steel materials, providing a comfortable premium feeling around the wrist.

Additionally, the airtight construction provides water-resistant up to 30M (99ft.), which is extremely important when working in specific environments.

Aside from the premium finish and water resistance, the watch construction is easy-to-clean. As a result, it’s fantastic for nurses who frequently wash their hands to minimize germs.

Speidel’s scrub watch for medical professionals is the perfect nurse watch with a second hand for those who want a durable, functional watch for work. In addition, its interchangeable design is hugely appealing among those who love fashion.

Speidel Scrub Watch Features:

• Large, white display with 12 and 24-hour markings for easy viewing
• Hour and minute hands visible, with red second hand for time tracking
• Made of silicone and stainless steel for comfort and durability
• Water-resistant up to 30M (99ft.) for specific environments
• Easy-to-clean construction minimizes germs

---

Users can also customize the watch’s face to add functionality and personality to the display. As a result, nurses can have valuable information accessible at a glance.

With the Apple Watch, nurses can receive notifications, answer phone calls, and manage calendars. Moreover, the calendar and timer features help manage multiple tasks and accurately document medical records.

Users can also use GPS and cellular (on select models) to track their runs and make phone calls. It’s beneficial when the iPhone is left at home or in a work locker.

Receiving and responding to important text messages and notifications without requiring cell phones is a must-have for nurses. It frees them from unnecessary distractions, especially in environments that don’t allow cell phones while working.

Newer models of the Apple Watch are water-resistant up to 50 meters. Consequently, this protects the device against spills, splashes, and low-level water submersion. In addition, the Apple Watch comes in two sizes with various finishes.

In addition, countless interchangeable watch bands are suitable for all occasions, whether you work, participate in sports, or go to a restaurant.

The Apple Watch is one of the best watches for nurses who want a multi-functional device for managing daily tasks. It’s terrific to receive notifications and phone calls, track health, obtain essential reminders, and much more.

Read the full Apple Watch Review if you want a detailed review of this device.

Apple Watch Series 8 Features:

• Always-on retina display for easy viewability
• Customizable watch face for added functionality and personality
• Notifications, phone call management, and calendar features
• GPS and cellular (on specific models) for navigation and phone calls
• Ability to receive and respond to important text messages and notifications
• Water-resistant up to 50 meters and interchangeable watch bands for different situations

---

The watch time markers show 12 and 24-hour increments for standard and military time readings. Depending on your style, the time markers can be multicolored, contrasting, or blended with the watch’s color.

The watch bands are swappable for nurses who want to switch their style. You can easily swap the bands to provide a fresh and unique appearance. In addition, the nylon straps are washable using a mild detergent for easy cleaning when needed.

Regarding water resistance, Timex’s watch offers water-resistant up to 30 M (99 ft.). It’s beneficial for those who work in environments where hand washing and medical chemicals are commonplace.

In conclusion, Timex’s Weekender Watch is another excellent nurse watch with a second hand that offers a large display and military time.

Timex Weekender Watch Features:

• Bright easy to read watch face with a protective mineral crystal dial window
• Indigo light-up watch dial for viewing in dark environments
• Time markers show 12 and 24-hour increments
• Swappable watch bands for a fresh and unique appearance
• Nylon straps are washable using mild detergent and watch is water-resistant up to 30M (99ft.)

---

Nurses can track time with 12 hours and 24-hour indicators for those who need to use the watch with military time. There’s also a second hand that provides accurate readings for specific tasks. For example, it’s useful for nurses that need to track heart pulse rates and perform other vital measurements.

This watch has a white background display with colorful numbers and luminescent hands to ensure an easy reading experience. Moreover, the watch face comprises a mineral crystal dial window that prevents liquids from leaking into the display.

As a result, the watch offers an excellent water-resistant depth of up to 330 ft. (100 m).

Lastly, the watchband and buckle incorporate resin and plastic to provide an easy cleaning experience. It’s valuable for nurses who spend a lot of time washing their hands.

In short, Casio Women’s Dive Series Sports Watch is one of the best watches for nurses on a tight budget.

Casio Dive Series Watch Features:

• White background display with colorful numbers and luminescent hands for easy reading
• Multi-color hour marker design with a separate date window for tracking monthly cycle
• 12-hour and 24-hour indicators for tracking time in military time
• Second hand for accurate readings during specific tasks
• Resin and plastic watchband and buckle for easy cleaning experience

---

Moreover, the durable materials provide a rugged design suitable for various activities. It includes outdoor lifestyles, water sports, and medical use, which is valuable for nurses.

This watch features a built-in Indiglo light-up dial that’s viewable in dark environments to improve night-time viewability. In fact, with a bit of light exposure, this watch offers high-grade luminescence in dark settings.

The display comes with large, easy-to-read numbers, a second hand, and a date window to track the time and date. The white hour/minute hands and red seconds indicators also provide convenient pulse rate and vital tracking visuals.

As a rugged watch with resin construction, this device is water-resistant up to 50m (165 ft.). It makes cleaning your hands and dealing with splashes a non-issue.

Finally, don’t overlook the rugged watch’s durability, easy-to-read display, and night-time readability. Timex’s Expedition Rugged Core Analog Watch is perfect for nurses that need a heavy-duty design.

Therefore, this watch is ideal whether you work in hectic environments or prefer the style.

Timex Expedition Analog Watch Features:

• Sturdy resin case and strap offer protection from collisions
• Built-in Indiglo light-up dial improves night-time view-ability
• White hour/minute hands and red seconds indicators provide pulse rate and vital tracking visuals
• Water-resistant up to 50m (165 ft.)
• Ideal for nurses who need a heavy-duty design

---

In addition, the crisp OLED display can present widgets that allow you to see essential information. It also offers an optional always-on function for those who prefer visual aesthetics.

Design-wise, the Samsung Galaxy Watch comes in a beautiful aluminum or stainless steel case with various colorful watchbands. Furthermore, the straps can be purchased separately and offer different materials to accommodate your style and situation.

In this case, the silicone sports band provides busy nurses with the best cleanability and water resistance.

You can expect various health and fitness tracking applications as with other smartwatches. Moreover, nurses can monitor heart rate, manage their calendars, set timers, and track sleep, among other features.

So it’s convenient for those who want to maximize their health and recovery.

Advanced sensors, GPS tracking, and Bluetooth support allow you to remain connected wherever you go. So whether you need to respond to an important message, make a phone call, or pay for a coffee, this smartwatch covers you.

In short, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active 2 is one of the best watches for nurses who own a Samsung phone.

Samsung Galaxy Smartwatch Features:

• Customizable rounded watch face with crisp OLED display
• Advanced sensors, GPS tracking, and Bluetooth support
• Offers health and fitness tracking applications, heart rate monitoring, calendar management, timers, and sleep tracking
• Comes in aluminum or stainless steel case with various colorful watchbands
• Silicone sports band provides cleanability and water resistance

---

Furthermore, the black watch hands and number markers contrast beautifully with the white dial background. As a result, the numerals are more apparent for reading and improve night-time viewability.

When you’re in a dark setting, the luminescent display glows so you can read the time easily.

Another helpful feature is the calendar window that provides users with the current day and date. Consequently, this is particularly helpful for accurately documenting medical records and charts.

Swatch’s Casual Watch is an excellent choice for nurses who want a classic design to keep track of time. Therefore, try this one if you’re in the market for an affordable and sleek watch.

Swatch Casual Watch Features:

• Luminescent display for easy reading in dark settings
• Black watch hands and number markers with white dial background for improved readability
• Calendar window for current day and date
• Black silicone watch band for easy cleaning
• Water-resistant case with rain and splash protection

---

As a result, it gives the steel watch a nice premium feel and ensures durable, long-lasting performance. Moreover, it provides a heftier feel for nurses who like high-quality watches.

Although Fossil’s watch works with various leather and steel straps, the silicone band is best for nurses. In addition, the silicone band allows for easy cleaning and sanitation when needed.

As a result, you can feel more comfortable wearing this watch in specific healthcare settings.

Fossil’s watch display utilizes a numberless dial with a second hand to make it immaculate and uniform. Consequently, this improves the watch hour, minute, and secondhand visibility, essential for nursing.

With that said, a numberless design isn’t for every nurse. If you struggle to read numberless faces, it may be best to wear a different watch.

Fossil Chronograph Watch Features:

• Stainless steel chassis for long-lasting performance
• Numberless dial with a second hand improves the watch hour, minute, and secondhand visibility
• Silicone band for easy cleaning and sanitation
• Water resistant up to 50M (165ft.)
• Comes in different designs for nurses who prefer a contrasting watch face

---

Moreover, the indicators of luminous hour, minute, and seconds provide visibility in low-light settings. Lastly, there’s a mineral dial window for improved durability and accuracy regarding the display.

This watch comes with 12 and 24-hour numerical increments that allow standard and military time tracking. There’s also a bi-directional rotating bezel that provides extra functionality.

In addition to tracking time, this watch has a date window that displays the day of the week and the current date. You’ll love this feature if you have difficulty remembering the day.

Because the Casio sport analog watch is designed for sports, it’s ideal for various activities. It includes work, nursing, and recreational activities such as diving, swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.

It has a water-resistance rating of up to 330 ft (110 M) when underwater.

The Casio sport analog watch is made from sturdy resin and mineral components. As a result, it can be easily cleaned and maintained, even after constant use. So if you’re a nurse who prefers a dark design, the Casio Sport Analog Watch may be your choice.

Casio Sport Analog Watch Features:

• Contrasting black background and white numbers and hands for quick timekeeping
• Luminous hour, minute, and second indicators for visibility in low-light settings
• 12 and 24-hour numerical increments for standard and military time tracking
• Date window displays the day of the week and current date
• Made from sturdy resin and mineral components for easy cleaning and maintenance

What to Look for When Buying a Watch for Nursing

When it comes to selecting the optimal watches for nursing, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of the key features that hold the most value. After all, the watch you choose can have a significant impact on your daily activities and job performance.

A top-quality watch should enable healthcare professionals to keep track of time, monitor vital signs, set alarms and schedules, and manage tasks with ease and efficiency. It should also possess a clear display with durable, lightweight, and hygienic materials that are easy to sanitize and maintain.

While there are a plethora of watches available for medical purposes, it is essential to consider the following factors to ensure that you purchase the most advantageous watch for your needs. The following section will provide a detailed breakdown of the critical factors that can influence the daily performance of your medical watch.

The Watch Face

When searching for the perfect medical watch, it’s essential to consider various features to ensure you make the right choice. First and foremost, you’ll need to decide on the watch face you want and which dial features are most important to you.

For example, do you prefer a 12-hour display cycle or one that shows military time? Is a secondhand a must-have feature, or would you rather have a second counter? Determining which watch face works best for you will help narrow your options quickly.

Another crucial characteristic to consider is the size of the watch’s numbers. Watches can display small, medium, or large numbers, and in some cases, they may be entirely numberless. If you have perfect vision, a watch with small numbers may be ideal for you.

However, if you have difficulty reading text, you may prefer a dial with more significant digits. It’s worth noting that most nurses prefer a watch face with a contrasting background, making tracking the time effortless.

For example, watches with a white dial go well with black hour, minute, and second hands and large black numbers. The background, clock hands, and watch numbers should complement each other while standing apart. This way, it will be much easier to identify the time and date on your watch quickly.

Finally, you’ll need to decide if having an illuminated watch face or backlit display is essential for your needs. If you work in poor-lighting areas, choosing a watch that can illuminate may be advantageous. This feature is also beneficial for those who work in departments with low lighting.

By considering all these factors, you’ll be able to select a medical watch that meets all your needs and preferences.

Construction and Material

When it comes to nurse-focused watches, it’s crucial to pay attention to their construction and materials to maintain a germ-free environment. In addition, selecting a watch that is easy to clean, germ-resistant, and won’t accidentally puncture or pinch your skin is essential.

In the medical industry, many watches are made of plastic, resin, silicone, rubber, and stainless steel, as they can be washed frequently without causing harm to the skin.

If you work in an environment with germs, it’s advisable to opt for a watch strap made from quality resin or silicone. These materials are ideal as they provide a better cleaning experience compared to fabric or leather straps. It’s also essential to consider any allergic reactions you may have when choosing a watch.

If you have allergies to certain materials, it’s important to check whether the watch comprises hypoallergenic components to minimize the risk of an allergic response.

Lastly, looking for water-resistant watches is beneficial, especially if you need to wash your hands regularly. A watch with decent water resistance is vital for longevity and can save you money in the long run.

So, consider investing in a quality water-resistant watch that can withstand exposure to water and soap without being damaged. By following these tips, you can keep your watch germ-free, clean, and safe for use.

Watch Design

When selecting a watch, there are several styles to choose from. These styles include analog, digital, smartwatches, and lapel or lanyard watch designs. The most suitable watch for nurses may vary depending on personal preferences.

Therefore, it is important to take some time to decide which watch style is best suited for your needs before making a purchase.

Smartwatches are an excellent option for nurses who want essential information readily available on their wrists. They allow nurses to check the time quickly, interact with smartwatch applications, set timers, and easily manage other tasks.

Alternatively, medically focused wristwatches are lightweight, easy to access, and difficult to misplace. If you opt for an analog design, ensure the watch has a second hand for monitoring time precisely.

Some nurses prefer the look and feel of a lapel or lanyard watch. These types of watches allow nurses to wash their hands frequently without getting the watch dirty, making them a practical choice. This style is also ideal for those who find wristwatches uncomfortable or have allergy sensitivities.

It is essential to note that each watch design has its own unique benefits and potential drawbacks. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for every nurse. Therefore, the most reliable watches for nurses are those that provide the appropriate format and functionality that cater to their specific needs.

Things to Consider When Buying a Medical Watch:

• Do you need a glow-in-the-dark or illuminated watch face?
• Does the watch have readable hours and minutes numbers?
• Does the nurse watch have a secondhand?
• Do you need a watch with a digital or customizable face?
• Should your watch display military time?
• Is a watch water-resistant a must-have?
• Do you prefer a wristwatch, lapel, or lanyard watch design?

Is An Analog or Smartwatch The Best Watch for Nurses?

It has become increasingly evident that nurses are opting for smartwatches in their day-to-day work. This is due to the fact that smartwatches are becoming more advanced and providing valuable information that is helpful to medical professionals.

When it comes to choosing the most appropriate smartwatch for nursing, one can narrow it down by asking some basic questions. For instance, do you require features such as notifications, watch face customization, and health tracking? If yes, then a smartwatch would be an ideal choice as it would cater to your specific needs.

Additionally, having a single device that can perform multiple functions is more convenient than having to carry several devices. However, if you don’t require these features, then a digital or analog watch would suffice. It would not only save you money, but also eliminate unnecessary distractions that come with using a smartwatch.

Here are some simple things to think about when determining which watch you want to buy:

Go with an analog watch if:

• You don’t care about notifications/text messages
• A lightweight design is essential for you
• You frequently lose or damage your watch
• You’re budget-constrained but need a standard watch for medical purposes
• Your job discourages smartwatches
• You want a nurse watch with a secondhand
• Do you prefer an analog watch design?
• Charging batteries every day isn’t something you want to deal with

Pick a Digital Watch if:

• You have trouble reading analog watches.
• A lightweight design is essential to you.
• You don’t have a lot of money to spend.
• You’re worried about losing/damaging your watch.
• You want a watch that doesn’t require frequent charging.
• Your job doesn’t allow you to wear a smartwatch.

Choose a Smartwatch if:

• You want to receive text messages and notifications.
• Tracking your fitness and health is essential to you.
• You want customizable watch faces.
• You’d benefit from the watch applications and app store.
• You want additional features that aren’t available on analog/digital watches.

How Much Should You Spend on Your Watch?

When searching for an exceptional medical watch, cost is often a significant factor. The brand and necessary features for the user also influence the price. Typically, nurses can expect to purchase a decent medical watch for around $60, excluding smartwatches.

However, if you’re willing to spend more, watches that cost $150 and up may offer extra features, better water resistance, and more reliable battery life.

Regardless, cost should not be the only factor to consider when purchasing a medical watch. Quality, features, and lifespan are equally important. Unfortunately, the most suitable watches for nurses are not always the least expensive.

Opting for a cheap watch may seem like a good idea, but it can become a headache if the watch breaks quickly, has inaccuracies, or causes an allergic reaction. Therefore, investing in a high-quality watch that meets your needs and lasts longer is essential.

If you’re willing to spend more and want smartwatch features, go ahead and purchase a more advanced watch. But before you do, consider the specific features you need for your work. This way, you’ll get the most out of your investment.

To make your final buying decision easier, here are a few tips for purchasing a fabulous medical watch.

• Write down a list of your must-haves (not unnecessary wants)
• Read trusted reviews for essential insights and information.
• Comparison shop different watches to find the best one for your needs

1. Put Together a Must Have List

Nurses have a multitude of reasons for wearing nurse-focused watches while on the job. Nonetheless, choosing the right watch for your needs and interests can be daunting. To simplify this process, it is recommended that you first create a list of your must-have features, which will help you weed out watches that do not offer the functions you require.

Your list of must-haves may include various features, such as large numbers for easy visibility, luminescent hands for low-light environments, water resistance for protection against accidental exposure to liquids, fitness tracking to monitor your physical activity, notifications to keep you updated on important events, or other smartwatch functions.

It is important to ensure that the features you list are actual necessities rather than mere desires. This will help you avoid the mistake of dismissing a perfectly adequate watch simply because it lacks flashy add-ons. Additionally, it will prevent you from inadvertently purchasing a watch that does not meet your specific needs.

By creating a well-constructed list of must-have features, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect watch to meet your professional requirements.

2. Read Websites Trusted Reviews

If you want to purchase a watch, it’s always a good idea to check out reviews from other buyers beforehand. Reviews can provide valuable insight into the benefits and potential drawbacks of various watches.

By reading reviews, you may discover features that you didn’t even know you wanted in a watch, or you may learn about potential issues that could be deal-breakers for you. For example, a watch may have great features and high ratings, but if the numbers are difficult to read or the watch has poor visibility at night, it may not be the best choice for you.

By reading reviews, you can save yourself time, stress, and money by making a well-informed purchasing decision.

3. Do Some Comparison Shopping

Comparison shopping can be an extremely useful tool. By taking the time to compare various brands and models, you can identify watches that offer similar features at different price points. This can help you to find a high-quality watch that fits within your budget.

However, it’s important to be diligent in your research. Take the time to read reviews from other customers and only buy from reputable sources to minimize the risk of ending up with a low-quality watch. With a little bit of effort, you can find a watch that looks great, functions well, and won’t break the bank.

4. Choose a Medical Friendly Watch Strap

If you have a beloved watch that has become unusable due to its strap, don’t worry! Replacing the watch strap is often the solution. It’s a simple and affordable way to transform your watch into a more medical-friendly one.

For example, you can choose a rubber or silicone band that is easy to clean and reduces the risk of germs. Not only that, but hypoallergenic-friendly straps are also available for nurses who may have specific allergies.

One thing to remember is that the watch case should also be water-resistant, easy to clean, and not prone to collecting germs. This is especially important for healthcare professionals who need to maintain a high level of cleanliness in their work environments. By choosing the correct watch strap and case, you can ensure that your watch is functional and safe to wear.

Another benefit of replacing your watch strap is that it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Instead of worrying about damaging an expensive watch band, you can opt for a more affordable and practical option. So, if you have a watch that you love but can’t wear to work, consider replacing the strap to make it more medical-friendly and functional.