With that vacation rapidly approaching, you’re probably sitting behind your desk with your chair leaned back and your eyes closed. Off you go, dreaming away to that tropical location where you will soon be heading; clear blue skies and matching sea (or ocean), pearly white beaches, lying under an umbrella with a colorful cocktail to enjoy… If you haven’t already thought about what watch you need on your wrist for your summer adventures, we’ve done some homework for you.
We’ve created a top 10 list of summer watches that are the perfect companion for any destination on the beach or near the swimming pool.
Rolex Submariner “Hulk”
Probably one of the best recognized watches out there, the stainless steel Rolex Submariner is the ultimate summer configuration. The green sunburst dial looks stunning when it plays with the sunlight. Combine that with a ceramic unidirectional green bezel and you have an amazing summer watch on your wrist.
This special version of the Submariner was released in 2010 and quickly nicknamed ‘The Hulk.’ The model retains its classic design and only improves over time. The Rolex Submariner LV features a 40-mm case and has an in-house movement with a 48-hour power reserve. This diver is waterproof up to 300 meters.
Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Titanium
With a diameter of 45.5 mm, the Omega Seamaster is one of the larger watches in our summer top 10. Though it’s important to mention that it’s still comfortable on the wrist thanks to its lightweight titanium material. The Seamaster is water resistant to 600 meters, which will please the active summer divers among us.
The blue dial and blue ceramic unidirectional bezel make a great combo with the grayish titanium. Featuring a double barrel, this self-winding in-house movement will run for approximately 60 hours before it stops beating.
Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Automatic
The Alpina Seastrong is a very nice affordable diver’s watch. Water resistant to 300 meters, the Seastrong features a 44-mm steel case with a choice of a stainless steel or rubber bracelet. It has a matte black dial with applied indices and an interesting date display.
The hands are white with red details and feature the typical Alpina detail on the second hand. All models have a unidirectional turning bezel. The watch movement has a power reserve of 38 hours. All in all a honest, nice-looking tool watch.
Maurice Lacroix Pontos Chronograph
For those who want a sporty look, but care less about depth rating, we’ve picked the Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Chronograph. Inside the 43-mm case you will find the reliable Valjoux 7750 caliber powering this chronograph watch. One of its special features is the internal rotating bezel.
The dial comes in black with applied markers and simple white or blue or orange accents. All versions are available with a steel bracelet, a textile nato strap or a rubber strap including stitching matching with the 2:00 pusher ring colour.
Longines Hydroconquest Automatic
From the Longines Sport Collection we picked an affordable no-nonsense watch for your summer adventures: the Longines Hydroconquest Automatic.
Featuring a 41-mm stainless steel case, this honest tool watch is water resistant up to 300 meters and available with a black or blue dial and bezel combination. The dial has applied indices and numerals at the 6, 9, and 12 o’clock positions, with a high contrast date window located at 3 o’clock.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Red
As Rolex’s smaller brother, Tudor has come a long way and has managed to rapidly build a strong and popular collection. Only available since 2012, the Tudor Black Bay has become a flagship watch for Tudor. It has slowly evolved from a single watch with standard movement into a small, but balanced collection with in-house movements.
We picked the Heritage Black Bay Red for our top 10 list. These watches are easily recognizable with their curved writing on the dial (standard movement) or straight text (newer in-house movement with a 70-hour power reserve). Several details give it that vintage look that many desire, yet it has the benefits of being a new, reliable watch. The stainless steel case measures 41 mm and is water resistant to 200 meters.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver Chronograph
Another watch with a rich history is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. Earlier this year, the Offshore Diver Chronograph Collection was launched, all of which also make perfect summer timepieces. These watches are generally available in bright yellow and orange or a more low-profile combination of blue with yellow details.
There is also a green version available, but you will only find it in the Geneva boutique. The easily recognizable case, designed by Genta, measures 42 mm and is water resistant to 300 meters. Beating inside this watch is an AP in-house movement with a Dubois-Depraz chronograph module and 50-hour power reserve.
Breguet Marine Big Date
Fancy a more classical look on your wrist? The Breguet Marine Big Date is an excellent choice. Available in steel and various precious metals, you can find your perfect combination with a matching bracelet or a rubber strap. The beautiful guilloché dial and applied roman numerals are sure to be noticed.
With a modest case size of 39 mm, the Breguet is very wearable. Combine its size with its 100 m water resistance, and it will take you a long way. The power reserve of this automatic movement is 65 hours. Should you have an eye for the date, the Marine Big Date display at 6 o’clock is very legible.
Richard Mille RM 028
The most exotic and largest watch in our top 10 is the Richard Mille RM028. With its 47-mm case, it’s not for the faint of heart. Even though it’s massive, its titanium construction means it leaves most of the excessive weight at home.
This watch is packed with features like a multi-part case, skeletonized movement, and vertical date display on sapphire discs with non-reflective coating. The bezel is safely locked in place and can be rotated by pushing two buttons at 6 and 12 o’clock. The adjustable rotor is an interesting feature, but you will need to have it adjusted at Richard Mille, so there is a question of how useful it actually is.
Rolex Yacht-Master Everose-Gold
Shining like the sun, the pure Everose-Gold Rolex Yacht-Master, has summer written all over it. One especially interesting detail for the Yacht-Master is the patented Oysterflex bracelet.
Not just an average rubber strap but a perfect technical solution realized the Rolex way. The bracelet is fixed to the watch case and the clasp by a flexible titanium and nickel alloy metal blade, overmoulded with highly durable black elastomer. The gold case measures 40 mm and like all other Rolex watches, it features a reliable and very accurate in-house movement.
