The best summer job I ever had was leading young men on canoeing trips in Canada. I’d take them out for weeks, even a month at a time. Like my fellow guides, I did my best to keep it simple, old-school. We navigated by map and compass; no electronic gadgets of any kind were allowed. At the start of each trip, I’d make a point of stuffing all the kids’ watches into a drybag. I remember saying things like “We’ll eat when we’re hungry, sleep when we’re tired!” But I kept my watch permanently affixed to my wrist via The Band, those foul-smelling nylon-and-Velcro wraparound watch straps. My watch wasn’t fancy, but since I didn’t have a co-leader, it became my crutch, gently reminding me it was time to get up. Or giving me a better idea of how fast we were paddling. I miss a lot of things about those summers鈥攅ven (and I have no explanation for this) the godawful stench emanating from that slimy watchband.
Expedition E-Compass

Timex Expedition E-Compass
The new Timex Expedition E-Compass ($140; ) is the same staple watch that’s been in their line for years–with water resistance to 100 meters–but with a new stainless-steel casing and sleeker design.
Victorinox Summit XLT
Introducing the Victorinox Summit XLT.
Victorinox Summit XLT

Fossil Analog Black Dial
Introducing the Fossil Analog Black Dial.
Fossil Analog Black Dial

Casio Pathfinder Paw5000
Introducing the Casio Pathfinder Paw5000.
Casio Pathfinder Paw5000

Suunto M5
Introducing the Suunto M5.
Suunto M5

Adidas Galaxy
Introducing the Adidas Galaxy.
Adidas Galaxy

Freestyle Mariner
Introducing the Freestyle Mariner.
Freestyle Mariner

Highgear Axio Max Steel
Introducing the Highgear Axio Max Steel.
Highgear Axio Max Steel
