Every referee needs a watch but not all watches are made equal. Smartwatches are becoming an ever more popular solution on the field, especially with tools like REFSIX making life in the middle easier.  Our team have spent years developing smartwatch apps for referees, so we decided to put them through their paces and find which watch was best suited for a referee. 

Referees have unique requirements for their smartwatch, from timing the game to ensuring it works in the rain. We’ve created a ranking system to make sure we take these requirements into account.

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What we look for in our smart referee watches

In our list of watches, we have looked at a few factors:

• Durability - performance in any of the conditions the game throws at you

• Style - first impressions last and if you have all the latest and greatest gear the players and staff will know you mean business

• Reliability - it is important to know what watches are going to last not only the game but last you a few seasons

• Accuracy - we have looked at the GPS of all the major watches to see which watch is the most accurate

• Advanced features - A watch doesn't just tell the time anymore. It can tell you when the best time to workout is, if you are fully recovered, as well as the ability to track multiple sports

• Ability to work with REFSIX :)

Any watch that meets all the criteria is bound to be a great watch for referees, so we’ve picked our top 4 that match up to our high standards. These are also our top picks for watches that work with REFSIX, so download the app today to get started.

Apple Watch Series 8

Who doesn't like an Apple smartwatch? Not only is this a popular choice among referees but it is also a popular choice within the office - both Jon and Hassan using this watch for match days!

Its seamless pairing allows the watch to stay connected to the phone at all times. With basic functions such as GPS tracking, a bright screen, different sizes, and lots more. As a referee you need something you can rely on in any scenario and the Apple Watch Series 8 ticks that box. It works well for football matches because the watch is easy to read and robust. (PS: it also works well with REFSIX…)

Pros

• Seamless syncing with any phone and the REFSIX app meaning you can set the app in no time at all

• Longest Apple watch battery life ever (and the new low power mode) meaning you can get more than one game in a single charge 

• Super smooth watch face, meaning you are able to use the REFSIX app with no lag! Never miss a big moment in the game 

Cons

• Can only be used with Apple Phones 

• Some of the sensors can be a little bit temperamental such as the temperature sensor and the blood oxygen 

• Very similar to the Apple watch 7 with a price increase

REFSIX Score 4.5/5 

Price = refurbished from £299 

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire

The Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire smartwatch is a great watch for anyone, not just for referees. 

Its long-life battery is perfect for daily use, but even better if you have multiple matches in a day. It is one of the most functional smartwatches out there. With a bigger dial and grade-adjusted metrics and guidance, it is easy to read in the bright sunlight or under the flood lights. The water-resistant face means that neither rain nor sweat fazes it. With the use of both buttons and touch screen you can get the most out of the watch in any weather!

It also comes loaded with tonnes of advanced features to help you with your training and recovery, Meaning you can be at your peak for game day. 

For these reasons, we have listed the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire as the number one smartwatch for referees. It also works perfectly with the REFSIX app, so no need for pen and paper anymore. 

Pros 

• Long battery life means you can do multiple games in a day without the worry that your watch will die on you

• The advanced features allow you to get more out of every game with the recovery feature on the watch

• The use of both buttons and touch screen means that you are able to get the best out of the watch in whatever conditions 

Cons 

• This is one of the most expensive watches on the market setting you back £799.99

• The companion app that it comes with is not the easiest to use meaning setting up the watch can be tricky 

• some functions need a lot of power to run; such as the optical heart rate monitor

REFSIX score 4.8/5

For more detail on the Fenix 7, and a few other Garmin devices, we covered them in a comprehensive

Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Much like Samsung smartphones, Samsung watches are known for their advanced features and user-friendliness. Not only is the Samsung Galaxy Watch functional, but also very stylish. Its bright screen and long battery life allows you to use the watch in whatever mother nature throws at you. 

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 does not overcomplicate the basic features of a smartwatch. Heart rate and GPS data are just some of the functions that you get with the watch. 

What’s even better is that the basic functionality of this watch can be improved for referees using the REFSIX app, which will aid timing, recording match incidents and more. It is one of the best smartwatches in the market and also one of the best smartwatches for referees. 

Pros 

• Bigger and much brighter touchscreen - meaning you will be able to see the watch on a sunny day or under the floodlights!

• Fastest watch Samsung have produced meaning there will be little to no lag when using the REFSIX app 

• the Galaxy Watch 6 and the Watch 6 Classic are compatible with devices running Android 10 or higher 

Cons 

• Battery life is not as good as the Galaxy Watch 5

• Heart rate sensor can be temperamental 

• Slightly heavier than the standard model so could take some getting used to 

REFSIX score 4.4/ 5 

Price = from £349

Garmin Forerunner 245

Looking at getting into the smartwatch game but don't want to break the bank?

Well then, the Garmin Forerunner 245 is the watch for you. Ranking among the best Garmin smartwatches for all kinds of outdoor people. That makes it a perfect watch for referees.

Among things such as a larger battery life for referees that have multiple games in a day, the Garmin Forerunner 245 has advanced features like training readiness, VO2 max, and so on. However, referees would not be using these features during matches. All you would need is the REFSIX app, the world's best referee timer. Get the Garmin Forerunner 245 to help you both on and off the field. 

Pros 

• Long-lasting battery life meaning you can do multiple matches in a day 

• Bone of the best value watch on the market 

• Very accurate GPS 

Cons 

• No touch screen just button navigation 

• feels a little cheap when wearing the watch 

• The light on the watch is dull. The watch is great during the day but the night light is just not bright enough for quick looks in dark conditions.

REFSIX Score 4/5

Price = from £209

We also reviewed a Forerunner device in our Youtube Garmin review.

Conclusion

There are lots of different watches to pick from but we hope this list will help you find the smartwatch that works for you. There are many things you can do with a smartwatch both on-field and off-field, from tracking performance to keeping fit. If you’d like a full list of the smartwatches our app works with, have a look at this comprehensive list. 

Check out our other watch reviews on YouTube and make sure you subscribe to our channel.