Comparison

Regatta Timer Watch vs Astro (Astrolabe Countdown)

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Regatta Timer Watch

Sailboat racers can achieve perfect starts with this ISAF-compliant countdown timer. It offers customizable countdown sequences, audible alerts, and a sync function to align with race committee signals. The app runs natively on Apple Watch and can also be used on iPhone.

Highlights
  • ISAF compliant countdown timer
  • Customizable countdown sequences (1-5 minutes)
  • Audible alerts and haptic feedback
  • Sync function for race committee alignment
  • Natively runs on Apple Watch
  • iPhone compatibility
Features
Read full description

Make the perfect start when sailboat racing, using this ISAF compliant countdown timer with sync function. The default countdown timer is the 5 minutes start sequence (ISAF 5.4.1.0), but you can change the sequence easily just by changing the countdown time to 4, 3, 2 or 1 minute. During the countdown to the start signal, alert beeps are played on the Apple Watch each minute & ‘taps on your wrist’ inform you how much time is left until the start signal (be sure to keep your screen on!) Did you miss the initial warning signal by a couple of seconds ? No problem: just use the sync function at the next warning signal and the countdown timer will synchronise with the racing committee timer. The sync function is always 'sync down' - even if you were a full minute 'late', you can sync at the next signal with a press on the sync button. Are you not sure how many minutes you are from the start signal ? Just check if the flags on the racing committee boat are corresponding with the flags on your screen. It is not necessary that your Apple Watch is connected to your iPhone: the app runs natively on Apple Watch. You can even choose to install the app only on your Apple Watch. Although Regatta Timer Watch is optimised for Apple Watch, you can also use it with only an iPhone: Apple Watch is optional. Happy Sailing ! -------- Pro-Tips: 1. Allow the HealthKit permissions to keep running in the background - even with wrist down you will have countdown sounds & haptics 2. Set the 'Return to clock' setting to 'After 1 hour': Since you want the timer to remain visible during the countdown, it is recommended to disable the 'Return to clock' feature on your Apple Watch: Settings > General > Return to clock > After 1 hour (Regatta Timer will remain active for 1 hour). If you don't change this setting and your display returns to the clock, just double press the Digital Crown to go back to the Regatta Timer countdown timer.

About

Astro (Astrolabe Countdown)

Features
Read full description

The professional sailing timer trusted by regatta racers worldwide. Astrolabe Countdown delivers split-second precision timing when every second counts at the starting line. CORE RACING FEATURES: Build with sailing and yachting professionals worldwide Crystal-clear edge-to-edge progress display for instant visual feedback Reliable haptic feedback you can feel even in rough conditions Always-active timing sessions that never sleep during critical moments Independent Apple Watch operation - no phone dependency Race history tracker with detailed journal entries ADVANCED RACING TOOLS: ProControl for advanced race timing strategies Instant 5-minute countdown on gun signal Auto-sync countdown to nearest minute for precision starts Real-time distance to starting line measurement Course shift tracking within 30 degrees Speed over ground in precise knots PERFECT FOR: Competitive regatta racing Sailing training sessions Time-critical race starts Professional sailing competitions Yacht club events APPLE WATCH OPTIMIZED: Built natively for Apple Watch with exclusive Apple Watch Ultra features. Works seamlessly across all Apple Watch models with customizable themes to match your sailing team colors. Start winning more races with precision timing. Download Astrolabe Countdown today. EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://astrolabe-countdown.apphq.online/privacy

Screenshots

Regatta Timer Watch3 screens
Astro (Astrolabe Countdown)4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) at Free against Regatta Timer Watch's $2.99. Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 4 months). Regatta Timer Watch's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (15.6 vs 26.0). On ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) is free to download; Regatta Timer Watch costs $2.99 up front. Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per year. Regatta Timer Watch asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Regatta Timer Watch ships an update every 4 months, Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 28, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 4 level
Regatta Timer Watch versus Astro (Astrolabe Countdown): the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRegatta Timer WatchAstro (Astrolabe Countdown)
Price$2.99Free — better
Positive reviews21.4% of reviews—
Update frequencyEvery 4 monthsFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaid—
DevicesiPhone, iPod, Apple Watch — betteriPhone, Apple Watch
Requires iOS15.6 — better26.0
Further details — not scored
Size1 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperDigitmediaChikai Lai

In-app purchases

None

Regatta Timer Watch

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Astro (Astrolabe Countdown)

Subscriptions2
  • Astrolabe Pro Access (Annual)$7.991 Year
  • Annual Ultra Subscription$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • ULTRA Tier One-Time Purchase$44.99

Questions

Is Regatta Timer Watch free?
Regatta Timer Watch costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) free?
Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Regatta Timer Watch or Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) have ads?
Neither Regatta Timer Watch nor Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Regatta Timer Watch or Astro (Astrolabe Countdown)?
Regatta Timer Watch ships an update every 4 months, and Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) fortnightly. Most recently, Regatta Timer Watch was updated on October 29, 2026 and Astro (Astrolabe Countdown) on October 28, 2026.

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