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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
For a nurse, the right watch is the one that lets you count a pulse without breaking your stride. You need a clear dial, a second hand you can actually see, and a band that survives constant handwashing. This guide breaks down the best options by what matters on the floor: readability, durability, and comfort.
I’m Mohammad — the founder and writer behind Calories Fit. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Find the wrist watch with second hand for nurses that fits your shift, your wrist, and your budget with honest, no-nonsense comparisons.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Wrist Watch With Second Hand for Nurses
Nursing is tough on watches. Constant handwashing, sanitizer, and the need to glance at your wrist mid-task mean you need something specific, not just any timepiece. Focus on the features that keep you accurate and comfortable through a full shift.
The Second Hand is Everything
This isn’t just a decorative feature. A clear, visible second hand is your primary tool for counting a patient’s pulse or respirations. Look for a watch with a contrasting hand color—like a red second hand on a white face—so you can track it instantly without squinting.
Water Resistance vs. Handwashing
You will wash your hands dozens of times a day, so your watch needs to survive splashes and handwashing. Look for a rating of at least 3ATM (a water-resistance level that handles splashes, not full submersion). But be careful: a 3ATM rating does not mean it is safe for swimming or showering. If you want more confidence, consider a 5ATM or higher rating for actual water immersion.
Band Material: Comfort Meets Hygiene
Silicone is the standard for a reason. It is easy to wipe clean, doesn’t absorb sweat or fluids, and is generally comfortable for long wear. Make sure the band isn’t too stiff or too long, as a poor fit can become a distraction during a busy shift.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Case Size | Water Resistance | Band Material | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOFAN Nurse Watch★ Best Overall | Budget-friendly style | — | 3ATM | Silicone | Amazon |
| Asan Ge 40MMAlso Great | Overall durability and readability | 40mm | 3ATM | Silicone | Amazon |
| Speidel Glow ScrubNight Shift Pick | Visibility in low light | — | 3ATM | Silicone | Amazon |
| Speidel Pulsometer 30 | A built-in pulse timer | — | Water Resistant | Silicone | Amazon |
| ManChDa Nurse Watch | Glow-in-the-dark visibility | — | Waterproof | Silicone | Amazon |
| BUREI Nurse Watch | A comfortable, mid-range pick | 38mm | 3ATM | Silicone | Amazon |
| F.ZEGAO Nurse Watch | Swim-proof durability | 40mm | 5ATM | Silicone | Amazon |
| RioFoior Nurse Watch | A larger, easy-to-read face | 1.65 inch | Water Resistant | Silicone | Amazon |
| TICCI Petite Watch | Petite wrists | 28mm | 3ATM | Silicone | Amazon |
In-Depth Reviews
1. BOFAN Nurse Watch
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 600+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
Cute, functional, and light on the wallet, this is a budget-friendly shift staple.
This watch leads with its appearance—buyers call it beautiful and cute, with a large face that’s easy to read at a glance. It’s comfortable and lightweight, and the adjustable silicone band fits well for daily wear. The red second hand is easy to spot, and the military time markers are a bonus for charting.
At just 3.53 ounces, it’s noticeably lighter than the BUREI’s 2.0 ounces, making it feel nearly weightless on the wrist. The 3ATM water resistance is perfect for handwashing. The battery comes pre-installed, so it works right from the start.
The recurring gripe is durability. Some owners mention the band falls off or the needle pops out, and it may need frequent time adjustments. For a budget pick, it’s a great value for students, but you might be replacing it sooner than a premium option.
Durable silicone band
- Lightweight and comfortable silicone band.
- Easy-to-read large face with a visible red second hand.
- Great value for nursing school.
plain design
- Band durability is a concern—some report it breaking within a week.
- Timekeeping may require frequent adjustment.
best for: Nursing students or those needing a cute, low-cost watch for basic clinicals.
pass on it if: You need a watch that will survive a year of heavy daily wear without issue.
2. Asan Ge 40MM 3ATM Waterproof Nurse Watch
A durable, readable workhorse built for the busiest clinical days.
It wins on reliability and legibility, with a large face and glow-in-the-dark dial. The 40mm case gives you a large face with numbers you can read from across a patient’s room, and the glow-in-the-dark feature means those 4 a.m. vitals checks don’t require fumbling for a light. The 3ATM rating handles the constant handwashing that defines a nursing shift.
What wins people over is the build quality. The band is soft and comfortable, and buyers mention it feels well-made and perfect for small wrists. It’s a watch that gets noticed—people receive compliments on it. While the data shows fit is mixed and a tight wear can get uncomfortable, the consensus is clear: this is a solid, professional tool that performs.
Active nurses favor it for its swim-proof build and easy readability. It’s waterproof enough for swimming, easy to read, and comfortable for all-day wear. If you want one reliable watch for work and play, this is the strongest candidate on the list. It holds the highest rating among the top contenders, backed by a large base of satisfied owners.
Slim waterproof casing
- Large 40mm face for quick, at-a-glance reading.
- Glow-in-the-dark dial for night shifts.
- Quality build praised by owners.
small face size
- Some find a snug fit can be tight on the wrist.
- It is heavier than the Asan Ge at 2.4 ounces vs 3.53, so you’ll feel it more.
best for: If you want a high-quality, readable watch that can handle a swim after your shift.
skip it if: You have an extremely sensitive wrist that dislikes any snug pressure.
3. Speidel Glow Scrub Watch
Its electroluminescent backlight illuminates the dial on demand for dark-room accuracy.
This is the specialist for low-light environments. The electroluminescent dial isn’t just a glow-in-the-dark paint—it’s a backlight that illuminates the whole crisp white face on command, making pulse readings accurate even in a darkened patient room. The highly-visible red second hand and 24-hour markers are built for clinical accuracy.
Owners consistently praise the quality and readability, noting it’s perfect for hospital settings. The adjustable strap fits a wide range of wrists from 5 inches to 7.48 inches, and it can handle the constant handwashing between patients. The band is comfortable and water-resistant, though one owner notes the band loop can slip.
The main caveat is that some units have had issues with the light-up feature, and durability is mixed. But for the nurse who works nights, the backlight feature alone is a standout that few others on this list offer. Its backlight and clinical features have earned it a loyal following among night-shift nurses.
Glow-in-dark dial: The backlight is the standout feature here, making it the definitive choice for night shifts and dark rooms.
bulky band feel: Some buyers report the backlight can flicker as the battery ages, and the band loop can slip.
4. Speidel Scrub Watch Pulsometer 30
The only watch here with a built-in timer dedicated to counting a pulse.
Its pulsometer is purpose-built for clinical pulse counting. The pulsometer feature is a 30-beat timer designed specifically for counting a patient’s pulse—you start it at the 12 o’clock position, count 30 beats, and the BPM is displayed. Buyers who’ve tried other pulsometer watches call it the best of the bunch.
Beyond the timer, it’s a solid daily wear watch with an easy-to-read dial and military time. Owners love that it’s comfortable—the silicone band is barely noticeable—and it holds up to handwashing and the occasional dog bath. It looks great and is easy to wash, which is a huge plus for hygiene-conscious healthcare workers.
The honest downside is mixed timekeeping reliability, with some reporting it stops working after a few months. It’s also priced at a premium tier. But if a pulsometer is a feature you know you’ll use, this is the most functional option available.
reach for this if: You want a dedicated tool for pulse-taking without mental math.
look elsewhere if: You need a watch that is guaranteed reliable past a few months, as some report failures.
5. ManChDa Nurse Watch
A glow-in-the-dark dial with a tuck-away band tip, built for fast-paced urgent care.
This watch is designed with the active medical professional in mind. The glow-in-the-dark dial makes it readable in low light, and the fold-in strap design keeps the band out of the way. It includes a 15-second red-marked segment on the dial, which makes counting reps and pulses easier. Owners say it works great for urgent care settings.
Despite being “made on the smaller side,” this watch earns praise for durability—one owner notes it “still works after a year!” The band is easy to manage, even for those with grip issues, and the clear, large dial is easy to read. It also measures pulse and respiration with its marked second hand, so you can track vitals at a glance.
The main trade-off is water resistance. While the listing says waterproof, several customers note the face fogs up with brief wetness, so it’s not truly for immersion. It’s also slightly heavier than some competitors at 3.53 ounces vs the Asan Ge’s 2.4 ounces. But for comfort and glow, it’s a strong mid-range pick.
Affordable basic option: The glow dial is a huge plus for night shifts, and the band is comfortable with a smart tuck-away design.
thin strap: Treat it as splash-proof, not waterproof—some owners saw fog under the glass.
6. BUREI Nurse Watch
A 38mm case and ultra-soft silicone strap make this a barely-there daily wearer.
Its ultra-soft silicone strap and 38mm case prioritize all-day comfort. The flexible, ultra-soft 100% silicone strap is designed to be worn all day, and the scratch-resistant mineral dial window keeps the face clear. It’s lightweight and comfortable, with a case thickness of just 9mm. The date display is a handy bonus.
The 12- and 24-hour hour markers make it versatile for both civilian and military time, and the red second hand is clearly visible for accurate readings. Owners praise the quality and appearance, calling it “feminine without being outrageous.” It’s a great option if you want a watch that transitions from the hospital to a dinner out.
The trade-off is that the 3ATM rating means it’s fine for handwashing but not for swimming. It’s also a mid-range pick that lacks the dedicated pulsometer or backlight features of the Speidel options. For pure comfort and style, though, it’s tough to top.
pick this if: You value all-day comfort and a watch that looks good off the clock.
consider something else if: You need a swim-proof watch or a built-in pulse timer.
7. F.ZEGAO Nurse Watch
A 50M waterproof rating means this one is safe for a post-shift swim.
This is one of the few watches on the list you can actually swim with. The 5ATM waterproof rating is a significant step up from the standard 3ATM, making it suitable for swimming and more vigorous water exposure. It’s a great alternative to a smartwatch for nurses who want durability without the distractions.
The 40mm case gives it a nice, big face that’s easy to read, and it’s lightweight at just 1.97 ounces. The luminous dial helps in low light, and the calendar function is a useful addition. The easy-remove band makes it simple to swap out for a different color.
The main reliability concern is the battery. Some reviewers point out the watch arriving with a dead battery, which is an immediate hassle. Also, the pulsometer function isn’t as prominent here as on the dedicated Speidel. For the price, it’s a solid, water-ready option.
reach for this if: You want a watch that can handle laps in the pool without fear.
be prepared for: A possible dead battery on arrival, requiring a replacement before first use.
8. RioFoior Nurse Watch
A large 1.65-inch dial makes this a standout for easy reading.
If your priority is maximum legibility, this is a strong contender. The 1.65-inch dial case is larger than many competitors, and the white or black dial with 12 and 24-hour markers is remarkably easy to read. It’s a fantastic choice for a nursing class where you need to take a pulse and record it quickly—as shoppers say, “Needed this for my class to take pulse and it worked really well.”
The breathable silicone band is lightweight and easy to clean, and the quartz movement imported from Japan keeps accurate time. It’s designed for medical professionals, including EMTs and students. The pin buckle clasp is simple and secure.
The catch is that it’s “water resistant, not waterproof,” as one buyer put it. Reliability is also a mixed bag, with some watches arriving dead on arrival. It’s a great value for a school setting, but you might want a more expensive option for daily floor work.
Quiet sweep movement: The extra-large face is perfect for quick pulse checks and easy reading.
narrow band: It’s built for splashes, not submersion, and some units may need a battery replacement immediately.
9. TICCI Petite Watch
The 28mm case is a rare find for nurses with petite wrists who hate oversized faces.
Most nursing watches lean large, but this one is explicitly designed for a smaller profile. The petite 28mm case fits small wrists comfortably, and the soft, high-quality 100% silicone band is easy to clean. The white second hand on the black dial is highly visible, making pulse readings a breeze.
Owners love how it looks—it’s sleek and appears more expensive than it is. The ticking is barely audible, which is a plus in quiet clinical settings. It’s waterproof up to 30M (99ft), so it can withstand frequent handwashing without issue. The package even includes a small plastic stopper on the crown to save battery life until you’re ready to wear it.
The honest trade-off is the size. If you don’t have a small wrist, the 28mm face is too small and hard to read. Durability is also a concern, as some report the watch dying within a year and moisture getting under the face. This is a specialized fit, not a one-size-fits-all.
best for: Those with smaller wrists who find 38-40mm cases bulky and uncomfortable.
it’s not for you if: Anyone who needs a large, bold dial or expects years of heavy-duty reliability.
Understanding the Specs
Water Resistance (ATM)
This rating tells you how much water the watch can handle. A 3ATM rating handles splashes and handwashing, which is the minimum for a nurse. A 5ATM rating is safe for swimming. Don’t mistake “waterproof” marketing for a real depth rating—always check the ATM number.
Case Diameter & Readability
The case size, measured in millimeters (mm), determines how big the face is. A larger face like 40mm is easier to read at a glance, while a 28mm face suits petite wrists. The contrast of the second hand against the dial is what makes pulse counting quick.
FAQ
Why do nurses need a watch with a second hand?
Is 3ATM water resistance enough for a nursing shift?
What is a pulsometer on a nurse watch?
Should I get a watch with a silicone or leather band?
What does military time on a watch dial mean?
How long does a nurse watch battery typically last?
Can I swim with a nurse watch rated 3ATM?
Are nurse watches unisex or specifically for women?
What is the difference between a watch with a glow-in-the-dark dial and a backlight?
Why did my nurse watch stop working after a few weeks?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most people, the Wrist Watch With Second Hand for Nurses winner is the Asan Ge 40MM because it combines a large, readable face with the build quality and comfort that nurses need for long shifts. If you work nights, grab the Speidel Glow Scrub Watch for its backlight that banishes dark-room guesswork. And for a budget-friendly option that looks great, the BOFAN Nurse Watch is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Calories Fit earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.