What kind of watches do doctors or medical professionals need?
There’s no need for crowdsourcing because today, we will show you 10 of the best timekeeping companions for a medical professional’s daily routine.
These watches are perfect for an accurate pulse reading, measuring patient vitals, or just being stylish while at work.
But don’t get us wrong; while these high-quality watches are perfect for yourself, they can also serve as an excellent timepiece gift for your husband or boyfriend, who is in the profession.
For us, the Cartier Tank Solo White Dial is the best overall timepiece on the list, known for its elegance, quality, and functionality.
But let’s discuss it in more detail later.
So, if you’re eager to know the best watches for doctors, check our detailed review below.
Want to see what watches investment bankers like to wear? Check out the best watches for bankers here.
The Best Watches For Doctors And Medical Students Recommended In 2023
Here is a table summarizing the top watches medical professionals recommend in 2023. If you want more details on what doctors think about a specific watch, keep reading along!
Best Watches For Doctors | Best For |
#1. Cartier Tank Solo White Dial | Best Watch For Doctors Overall |
#2. Rolex Yellow Gold & Steel Datejust | Best Watch For Private Practice |
#3. Omega Speedmaster Chronograph | Best Watch For Hospitalists |
#4. Omega Seamaster Automatic | Best Tool Watch |
#5. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 | Best Watch For Medical Students |
#6. Rolex GMT-Master II Batman | Best Watch For Enthusiasts |
#7. Apple Watch Ultra | Best Watch For Runners |
#8. Mido Ocean Star | Best Watch For Residents |
#9. Casio Men’s W800H-1AV Classic | Best Watch For Fellows |
#10. Doctor Watch Lapel Clip | Best Watch For Minimalists |
How To Choose The Right Watch – Key Factors Doctors To Rely On

Watches are essential in many different professions.
And that includes men in the medical industry, such as doctors, nurses, and others.
To understand the essential features these men seek in a perfect watch, here’s a short list to consider.
Comfort
Comfort is an essential factor to consider for medical professionals.
They often wear watches for extended periods while on duty. That is why a comfortable timepiece is necessary to ensure it doesn’t become a distraction or impede their movements.
Digital or Analog
Both analog and digital watches can both serve as ideal medical watches.
However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
But for us, a digital watch or smartwatch seems to align particularly well with the needs of medical professionals. They offer more advanced features that can make their job in the medical field more convenient.
Size
Like comfortability, the size of the timepiece is also a crucial factor to consider.
In fact, it goes hand-in-hand with comfort. If the doctor’s watch is too loose or too tight, it could be uncomfortable and hinder his concentration during busy shifts.
Backlight and Luminescence
Legibility is necessary for watches, especially for medical professionals, as some work in dim and dark environments, especially on night shifts.
For a digital timepiece, find a model with a good backlit screen. If you prefer having an analog watch, choose a model with hands and hour markers coated with luminescent materials.
Legibility
Again, legibility is crucial. So besides the backlit or luminescence, the watch’s dial should also be uncluttered and can be easy to read.
That is why watches with complex movements are not necessarily important for medical professionals.
As long as their timepiece can help them administer medications on schedule and monitor vital signs, then it’s good to go.
Lapel Or Wristwatch
You might also consider what works for you.
Is it a wristwatch, or can a lapel watch be better? This depends on your personal preferences, of course.
Aesthetically speaking, a wristwatch is much better than a lapel watch.
However, for convenience, some doctors and male nurses that we know prefer using a lapel watch, as they can easily clip them to their coat or pocket for ease of access.
Battery Life
Like others above, the battery life of a medical watch should also be considered.
Choosing a watch with high battery life or power reserve will always be a good choice unless you want to worry about constantly recharging or replacing the battery during your demanding work shifts.
Water Resistance
Although the jobs of medical professionals do not necessarily mean that they need to be submerged in water, the water resistance ability of their watch is still important.
Due to their job description, men in the healthcare industry are required to disinfect and sanitize their hands, wrist, and even their wristwatch, as they are often exposed to dirt, bacteria, and viruses.
This means your hands and wrist will be constantly exposed to water.
Price
Lastly, the price of the watch you want should always be considered.
If you are looking for a relatively affordable timepiece, you can always opt for a simple analog quartz watch, such as the Blekon Original Nurse Watch.
But if you want to work in style, wearing a Rolex or Cartier watch would be much better.
Watch Vocabulary You Should Know

Before jumping into the details, we think you should know some watch lingo that will be on our list. So here is a quick cheat sheet to help you understand the features better.
Automatic Watch
An automatic watch, also known as a self-winding watch, is a timepiece that winds itself through the natural motion of the wearer’s wrist.
Bezel
A bezel is a ring or outer edge that surrounds and secures the watch crystal or the dial of a watch.
Chronograph
Chronograph watches are a type of timepiece enhanced with a stopwatch function. Usually, you can use the chronograph function by using the push buttons that can be found beside the crown.
Dial
The dial or also known as the watch face. It is the part that actually displays the time. Watch dials can come in several colors, designs, and marker combinations that differ based on the watch model.
Diver’s Watch
A diver’s watch refers to a timepiece with water-resistant features and the ability to resist underwater pressure up to 200 meters deep.
This water-resistant watch is equipped with gaskets to prevent water infiltration and protect the watch’s mechanical movement.
GMT
An abbreviation for Greenwich Mean Time. It also refers to a watch that displays two different time zones simultaneously.
Mechanical Watch
A mechanical watch has a traditional movement that is not powered by a battery. The mainspring of these watches requires regular winding for it to work proficiently.
Movement
Also called caliber, the term movement refers to the entire mechanism of a timepiece that makes it work to indicate the time.
Power Reserve
The power reserve is a term used to describe the number of available power stored in the watch mainspring. Some mechanical watches have a power reserve indicator to show the remaining energy left in the watch movement.
Quartz
A watch with quartz movement uses battery-powered mechanisms to accurately tell the time of the day. Watches like this are considerably less expensive compared to mechanical watches.
Winding
Winding is the mechanism by which the tension spring is tightened to keep the watch properly functioning.
Best Watches For Doctors – Our Detailed List
Here’s the detailed version of the best watches for doctors shortlist:
#10. Doctor Watch Lapel Clip
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Minimalist

- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 86mm length
- Case Material: Stainless Steel, Silicon Rubber
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral
Our Experience With Doctor Watch Lapel Clip
As we said earlier, other healthcare workers prefer lapel watches over traditional wristwatches, which is why we included the Doctor Watch Lapel Clip on this list.
This watch features an easy-to-wash silicone case that protects the dial from damage and accidental fall. While its white dial features hour and minute hands coated with luminescent material.
Its silicon rubber housing with a security pin and soft material can keep it properly attached to a pocket or stethoscope, giving you easy access whenever you need to monitor a patient’s heart rate.
These watches are available at very affordable price points, making them the perfect medical watch for new doctors or medical students.
#9. Casio Men’s W800H-1AV Classic
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Fellows

- Dimensions: 37mm diameter, 13mm thickness
- Case Material: Resin
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Quartz
- Crystal: Mineral
Our Experience With Casio Men’s W800H-1AV Classic
Next up is the Casio Men’s W800H-1AV Classic.
This is a very simple and functional watch that will fit your basic needs perfectly.
The watch itself is a digital watch made with a resin case and synthetic rubber strap. The dial of the watch displays the day, date, and time digitally.
We think this watch perfect for all doctors but especially those that are preparing for their fellowship.
The reason being this is a cheap and classic watch to wear. It shows that you are not ready to show off, but also that you mean business.
Casio’s are considered elite in the watch community, so definitely don’t brush this timepiece off.
#8. Mido Ocean Star
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Residents

- Dimensions: 42.5mm diameter, 12.3mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 200m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire Crystal
Our Experience With Mido Ocean Star
The Mido Ocean Star watches were originally designed as classic diver’s watches.
However, due to their highly legible watch faces featuring large and luminous hour markers and hands, it’s safe to say that they make elegant watches for doctors or nurses.
Besides its dial, it has easy-to-read numbers on its bezel, which may help medical professionals track the time easily to help them in their daily routines inside the hospital.
Great for both new and experienced healthcare workers, it is also an entry-level stylish watch that we are sure a resident can afford.
#7. Apple Watch Ultra
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Runners

- Dimensions: 49mm diameter, 14mm thickness
- Case Material: Titanium
- Water resistance: 100m
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Apple Watch Ultra
Next in line is the Apple Watch Ultra, a new addition to the Apple Watch series.
This is one of the advanced models from the Apple Watch series that showcases customizable watch faces with digital fitness tracking and heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and general health tracking features, making it a beneficial timepiece for health professionals.
You can even answer phone calls, read messages, integrate with medical apps, and provide reminders for appointments or medications without doing much.
It also comes with a silicone band to give extra comfort and versatility to the watch to withstand exposure even in water.
Although it might carry a slightly higher price tag, the array of key features makes it a truly worthwhile investment.
#6. Rolex GMT-Master II Batman
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Watch Enthusiasts

- Dimensions: 30mm diameter, 12.1mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rolex GMT-Master II Batman
Who says you can’t use a Rolex watch as a doctor?
While Rolex is often associated with luxury, certain Rolex models, such as the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman, offer practicality and elegance for medical professionals.
This watch features a 40mm stainless steel case and an easy-to-read dial with silver-tone hands and hour markers. And besides its water-resistant case, it also has steel watch bands, so you don’t have to worry whenever you need to wash and sanitize your timepiece.
It also has a bi-directional rotating bezel that can be used for various medical procedures or to monitor pulse rates over a specific duration.
However, this stylish watch has a price that is not for everyone.
But if you are now a specialist and well-experienced healthcare worker, maybe it’s time to treat yourself by adding the Rolex GMT-Master II Batman to your collection.
#5. Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Medical Students

- Dimensions: 40mm diameter, 10.9 thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Tissot PRX Powermatic 80
The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 is not just a watch. It’s a timepiece that can also help medical professionals to follow their schedules and do their job on time.
This watch features a blue easy-to-read dial with luminous hands, hour markers, and a date window. It also has second indices to accurately measure seconds that can be practical in reading vital signs.
This mechanical watch is in a stainless steel case and powered by an automatic movement that has an impressive 80 hours of power reserve, equivalent to more than 3 days of use.
With its affordable price tag and elegant design, this entry-level timepiece is perfect for medical students or new doctors in the field.
Related: Rolex vs Tissot
#4. Omega Seamaster Automatic
Check Current Price | Best Tool Watch

- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13 thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 300m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Omega Seamaster Automatic
Next is the Omega Seamaster Automatic. Love it or hate it, we think that this diver watch deserves a place in the medical field.
With its highly readable blue dial that creates contrast on its silver-tone hour markers, hands, and calendar window, we believe that this timepiece offers not only a unique style but also practicality for medical professionals.
The easy-to-read dial of this analog watch with seconds markers on the outer rim makes timekeeping effortless, even in fast-paced medical environments.
A versatile companion for medical professionals who value precision, functionality, and a touch of elegance in their timepieces.
#3. Omega Speedmaster Chronograph
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Hospitalists

- Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 13.8 thickness
- Case Material: Stainless steel
- Water resistance: 50m
- Movement: Manual
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Omega Speedmaster Chronograph
Another Omega timepiece on the list is the Omega Speedmaster Chronograph.
This manual-wind mechanical watch features a water-resistant stainless steel case and bracelet that can easily be interchanged with a silicone band or leather strap, similar to the Speidel Scrub watch.
But wait, there’s more to this timepiece than meets the eye.
Its chronograph movement has stopwatch functions that are used not only by race car drivers but also by medical professionals for accurate timing during medical practices.
One of the best watches for experienced hospitalists that need accurate timekeeping due to their job, this watch has a more budget-friendly price tag than other luxury watches on this list.
#2. Rolex Yellow Gold & Steel Datejust
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Private Practice

- Dimensions: 36mm diameter, 12mm thickness
- Case material: Yellow gold & stainless steel
- Water resistance: 100m
- Movement: Automatic
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Rolex Yellow Gold & Steel Datejust
Rolex is one of our most trusted watchmaking brands.
That is why we added another Rolex piece to the list.
And based on our experience, this timepiece is poised to excel in the medical field, the Rolex Yellow Gold & Steel Datejust.
Simple yet elegant, this Rolex Datejust Ref. 16233 can be a game changer not only in the watch community but also in the field of healthcare.
One of the features this watch boasts is its clear, elegant, and easy-to-read dial.
But more than that, its COSC-certified automatic movement guarantees its wearer exceptional accuracy and precision, a priceless element in medical settings where precise timing is critical.
The Rolex Datejust offers an exceptional blend of sophistication and functionality experienced healthcare workers need.
It may not be as cheap as the Timex Ironman watch you wear. But believe us, its value goes beyond the price tag.
#1. Cartier Tank Solo White Dial
Check Current Price | Best Watch For Doctors Overall

- Dimensions: 40.85 mm x 31 mm diameter, 7.65mm thickness
- Case material: Rose gold
- Water resistance:
- Movement: 100m
- Crystal: Sapphire
Our Experience With Cartier Tank Solo White Dial
Last but not least, the best overall medical watch for us is none other than the Cartier Tank Solo White Dial.
These watches are renowned for their classiness, sophistication, and iconic rectangular cases. However, this doesn’t mean they lack practicality, particularly in the medical industry.
The clear white dial ensures effortless timekeeping at a glance. The slim, rectangular case design also contributes to its timeless charm while providing comfort during extended shifts.
Furthermore, it features a date window positioned at six o’clock, serving as a reminder of the current date and adding a functional touch to its overall elegance.
Unarguably, it is one of the best watches for doctors who value time, precision, elegance, and reputation.
Best Watches For Doctors – FAQ
Due to the nature of their work, doctors need practical, reliable, and versatile watches to adapt to their demanding schedules and professional needs.
Most of the time, doctors and healthcare workers are allowed to wear a wristwatch. But in some particular places and situations, this is not allowed, which is why some of them opt for using a lapel watch as an alternative.
Yes. In fact, there are nurse watches particularly designed for them, such as the VAVC Nurse Watch.
Best Watches For Doctors – Summary
And that’s it!
Those are some of the best watches in the market today that would surely fit the needs and requirements of the medical field.
With this guide, we hope you can choose the best timepiece that fits your style, budget, and needs.
Again, the best overall medical watch for us is the Cartier Tank Solo White Dial, not only for its elegance but also for its functionality.
And to have a short recap, here are the best watches for healthcare professionals based on our research and experience.
#1. Cartier Tank Solo White Dial
#2. Rolex Yellow Gold & Steel Datejust
#3. Omega Speedmaster Chronograph
#6. Rolex GMT-Master II Batman
#9. Casio Men’s W800H-1AV Classic
And if you have comments, questions, or suggestions, don’t forget to message us below!