Let’s start with the criteria for a summer holiday watch. The most important factor, in my humble opinion, is that you don’t want to have to worry about your watch when you are on holiday. The hot weather means short sleeves and watches on full view, so don’t tempt the watch thieves with a shiny gold Rolex or a diamond Cartier that will be catching everyone’s eye in the sunshine. There is nothing that will ruin your holiday more than having someone bump into you, only to realize your watch has gone.
The next thing to consider is whether you will be swimming, because if you are for the beach, water resistance is a must. Hiding your watch in the bottom of your shoes on the sand (we know you do it) will ruin your fun as you have to have one eye on your things at all times. And let’s face it, even if you are Michael Phelps, those thieves will be off with your watch – along with one of your shoes – before you have had a chance to get out of the water!
Next up is lightness and comfort. You are going to be having such a good time that you don’t want to be irritated by an itchy strap, a crown that digs into your wrist, or a heavy watch that moves around too much, so think of comfort when making your choice. Ideally, this is going to be a watch that you strap on and don’t take off for the next two weeks.
And last but not least, choose something fun, perhaps even a little different from your usual go-to watch style to make you really feel like you are on holiday; as the English saying goes, “a change is as good as a rest”. So, without further ado, here are a few suggestions from our latest summer releases to inspire you as you pack your suitcase.
Maurice Lacroix Pontos S Diver
This brand-new Pontos S Diver from Maurice Lacroix is a reissue of the original model from 2013. Production was halted in 2016 to concentrate on the brand’s other star collection – the AIKON – but fans kept asking the brand to bring it back, and how right they were. This new version comes in a 42mm size (down from 43mm) and is available in steel or bronze with a choice of lacquered or grained dials. The crown at 2 o’clock enables easy adjustment of the internal rotating bezel with a graduated scale from 0 to 60, which measures diving times and decompression stops. It is a good-looking watch with serious diving credentials, making it the perfect choice for anyone heading for the ocean.
Doxa Sub 300T Clive Cussler
This latest release from Doxa was inspired by maritime explorer and novelist Clive Cussler. The American author, famous for his historical mysteries and epic adventures, was not only a Doxa fan, but also incorporated the watches into his novels. The dial evokes a vintage compass, while the 42mm case has a weathered look thanks to the use of aged steel. Other details include the numbers 7, 15, and 31, which appear in red in the date window to commemorate the author’s date of birth (July 15th, 1931). Each timepiece comes with a NATO beige strap, the perfect material for a summer adventure of your own.
Ralf Tech Beast Electric
If you are planning an extra-long holiday, the Ralf Tech Beast Electric Tundra could be the watch for you. With its Swiss electric movement that works using a micro hybridization system, it has a power reserve of 12 years. Add to this a water resistance of 3,000 metres, and this is a timepiece you can literally strap on and never need to take off. It comes in Ocean (blue), Tundra (green), and Original (black). Other details include a black ceramic rotating bezel, excellent luminosity under the water, and a 47.7mm x 17mm stainless steel case.
Ulysse Nardin Freak X
If you can’t imagine leaving on holiday without a complication on your wrist, then why not try the Ulysse Nardin Freak X. With its 43mm titanium/black PVD case and whole movement that rotates to give you the time, only other serious watch enthusiasts will notice the level of horological coolness on your wrist, leaving the thieves to chase more common luxury brands. The Freak X doesn’t quite meet the water resistance criteria at only 50 metres, so you may have to sacrifice the diving for looking stylish, but let’s face it, it is totally worth it, and I am sure the Ulysse Nardin boutique will throw in a dry bag for free!
For more summer watches, check out our Watchfinder with over 25,000 models to choose from.
