The best watches to wear this summer!

Water resistant

When we think of summer, one thing that immediately comes to mind is the spike in temperature. And what better way to beat the heat than taking a refreshing dip in the pool or ocean? That's why a crucial feature for your watch during this season is water resistance! We advise that your summer watch should definitely have a screw down crown, to make sure no sand, dust or water makes its way into your watch. Same goes for the water resistance rating, we advise you to only go swimming or diving with at least 10 ATM (100m) of water resistance. For vintage watches this is a bit more of a challenge. When going vintage, better be safe than sorry and just avoid getting your watch in contact with water!

Catching the sunlight

Alright, so let's talk about how to make your watch really pop in the sunlight! First off, you want a case with a killer polish. I'm talking about that shine that catches your eye from across the room. It's like your watch is saying, "Hey, check me out!" There are some big players in the game who are really known for their beautiful case shapes and polishing, like Grand Seiko with their sharp cases, or Audemars Piguet with their beautiful bracelets.

Now, dial colours are where you can really have some fun. Think vibrant blues, fiery reds, or maybe even a bold gold. These colours just light up when the sun hits them, making your watch a total head-turner. But it's not just about the colour; texture plays a big role too. A dial with some cool patterns or textures adds depth and dimension, creating this awesome play of light and shadow. So, if you want your watch to steal the show when you're out in the sun, go for a killer polish on the case and dial that's vibrant or textured. Trust me, you'll have everyone asking where you got that stunning watch!

A strap, a bracelet or rubber?

Let's discuss the nuances of wearing watches in the summer season compared to winter, shall we? Sweaty wrists become a real concern as temperatures soar, making the choice of strap or bracelet paramount. Leather straps, so beloved in other seasons, become impractical in the face of summer heat and humidity. Heading to the pool for a cool-down? Think twice before exposing your leather strap to chlorinated water! it's a recipe for discoloration and damage.

Thankfully, there are some alternatives. Metal bracelets, particularly those crafted from stainless steel or precious metals, are known for their durability and comfort in the face of fluctuating temperatures. Don't forget to opt for a clasp with micro-adjustment capabilities to accommodate wrist expansion in the summer heat.

Not feeling the metal vibe? Not a problem. Rubber straps offer a sporty aesthetic, some even sporting cool textures or patterns. Alternatively, a vibrant, colourful strap can really boost personality and flair into your summer outfit!

And let's not forget about textile or NATO straps, which really show timeless elegance. A NATO strap pairs beautifully with vintage watches. Mostly worn on sportier Diver or Aviator watches. There is one hassle however, going in the sea might not be the greatest of choices. Sand ends up in between the textile fibres and the salt of the sea can brighten up or ruin the colour of your NATO or textile strap.

Summer watches for every budget

Now let’s take a look at some of my picks of perfect summer watches in different budgets. Starting from sub €2k and moving up the price ranges in steps!

Budget of €2.000: Batlle of the Budget Divers!

As the editor of this article, I should be decisive enough to pick just one watch that I think is the best for this budget, right? No… There are two watches that are such a close call to my opinion, I want to show you both. 

The Oris Divers Sixty-five is one of them. They can be found with an automatic movement in 40mm and 42mm, and some beautiful different kinds of configurations, dials and straps. Brown, blue or even green dials with matching straps really suit your summer outfit well. They are very durable and very bang for your buck if you ask me!

The other contender is definitely one of the Squale catalogue. Squale has been finding it’s way in the European watch market over the last years and produces some very durable and good-looking divers around the €1.000 mark. Some with very tropical dials and bezels which really pop out of their case when a sunray catches it. If you are more a metal bracelet type of guy, there are some beautiful Squale divers that come on steel mesh or jubilee-like bracelets! Fun fact about Squale: they used to make the cases for Blancpain, so these watches are definitely water-proof.

Budget of €5.000: Classy or sporty

The higher the budget, the trickier it gets when it comes to finding the perfect watch. So, two participants in this battle: one classy and the other sporty.

The sporty one is definitely the Tudor Pelagos. Specifically, the blue bezel, blue strap configuration. While there has been some negativity around Tudor, the last few years they have definitely been on top of the watch market. This watch in specific gives you everything you could want in a summer watch, and more. They are durable, versatile, and still classy enough to wear to a nice dinner. If you go for sporty, wear the textile strap, if you go for classy, keep it on the bracelet. These watches are Chronometer Certified so they are as precise as they get. One thing you either love or hate, the Tudor ‘Snowflake’ hour hand. I Love it!

The classier one is the Cartier Santos. The Cartier Santos makes it on this list, mainly for two reasons. First and foremost, the bracelet. The gold/steel bracelet on the vintage Santos models really comes to life in the sun, stunning if you ask me. The other reason is the warm tropical colours on the vintage dials. I would opt for the gold-coloured dial, with the gold indices. The vintage Santos Galbee or Carree is found with pretty reliable automatic movements and are perfect for day-to-day wear. Just keep in mind that vintage watches are a bit afraid of water, so try to keep them dry whenever you can.

Budget of €10.000: The Big Crown

No list of summer watches would be complete without a nod to Rolex. While many would argue in favour of classics like the Datejust or Submariner, my personal pick for the ultimate summer Rolex has to be the Explorer II with its crisp white dial. Paired with its signature Oyster bracelet, this watch exudes timeless elegance. But if you're feeling adventurous, don't hesitate to swap out the bracelet for something more daring like textile or rubber. What sets the Explorer II apart are its lume plots and hour markers on the bezel, which not only provide excellent visibility but also add a sense of depth and intrigue to the dial. Whether you're embarking on bold adventures or simply basking in the summer sun, this watch is built to withstand it all. It's the kind of watch that can effortlessly transition from your watch box to your wrist, ready to accompany you on all your summer escapades.

Summer 2024, here we come!

Summer is all about embracing the sun-soaked days with style, and what better way to do so than with the perfect summer watch? As temperatures rise and adventures start, it's essential to equip yourself with a watch that can handle the heat. Water resistance becomes a key consideration, ensuring your watch stays protected whether you're lounging poolside or exploring seaside vistas. But it's not just about functionality, aesthetics plays a huge role too. Opt for a watch with a killer polish and vibrant dial colors that truly shine in the sunlight. From durable metal bracelets to sporty rubber or textile straps, there's a summer watch to suit every style and budget. And speaking of budgets, we've curated a selection of standout watches, from budget-friendly divers to luxurious classics, ensuring there's something for everyone to rock this summer. So, whether you're diving into the depths or soaking up the sun's rays, make sure your wristwear is ready to elevate every summer moment with effortless charm and undeniable style.