There are tons of great watches around, many of them have lots of features, so it is just a matter to pick up the main 1 or 2 features and make your search in according to these. Otherwise you will break your head over it. Whatever features you get on top of the main ones will just be a bonus.

To give you an idea what features of a sports watch could be the most important, I made a quick list for you.

Water Resistance

The water resistance is, I would say, the most important feature of any sports watch. You do not have to be a diver per se but you still need a water proof watch. Even a regular shower can damage your watch. Your activities can differ so just pick up the watch that will have the appropriate level of water resistance. Watches for running could be water proof up to 10 meters and there are also great watches for divers that are water proof up to 500 meters. These are often also resistant against salt.

GPS

If you go tracking or hiking to remote places, then GPS really is a feature you should look for. GPS will make it easier for you to quickly find the right direction. You may feel like with GPS things are going to be too easy for you... Then get at least a watch with a built-in digital compass.

Weather Features

Features related to the weather could be things like a thermometer, altimeter, barometer, sunrise and sunset data or altitude memory. That gives you desirable information about the weather when you go hiking in the mountains or make trips to remote places or extreme conditions.

G-Shock

For more extreme sports where your watch could suffer from shock damage, the G shock watches are perfect

Features Suitable For Runners

For most of us, running requires a sports watch with a good stopwatch and a timer, but mainly and very much appreciated heart rate monitor.

Watch Bands

The right or wrong choice of watch band will affect your whole experience of wearing a sports watch. Make sure that you don't base choosing your new sports watch on how the watch band looks, as you can change the band later. A permeable watch band would be my choice, as I don't like a sweaty wrist. Titanium, for instance, is a perfect sports band material. It is super light, durable and extremely solid.

Brand

When choosing a sports watch it is important to choose a brand that guarantees you top quality and durability. Amongst the top class sports watch brands you'll find Casio, Invicta, Timex or Garmin.