Summer watches - 5, 10 or 15K: three tiers for summer watches - Trends and style

In a perfect world, a watch collector would take a set of five to ten watches with him everywhere, changing them according to his activity: relaxing, sailing, competing in a regatta, spending the evening at the Beach Club, or a gala dinner and, for the more adventurous, perhaps a gentle hike to the interior of an exotic island. At least, that’s how it would play out in the feature film of our ideal lives.

But the reality is a bit different. Every collection is subject to one more or less universal criterion: the amount of money you can afford to spend on it. So, while it’s within many people’s budget to go to the beach or go sailing, they won’t always be able to do it while wearing the watch of their dreams. It’s a compromise between what the watch brands are offering, what your heart desires, and what your wallet allows. WorldTempus has selected the best options for three levels of investment: 5,000, 10,000 or 15,000 francs.

Beach watch: the one to show off your tan

No special qualifications are needed for lounging on a white sandy beach. But to be sure that you’re not late for happy hour, or that you don’t miss the time slot for calling your loved ones on the other side of the world, you could equip yourself with an Icon Damascus by Meccaniche Veloci, with its four time zones, for CHF 9,900. For a more eye-catching look, the brand new Abyss collection by Hysek will certainly show off your tan (CHF 8,185). And finally, a more affordable option would be the lagoon blue Nautilo Vintage Blue by Anonimo, for just CHF 2,290.

5, 10 or 15K: three tiers for summer watches

Anonimo Nautilo Vintage Blue, Meccaniche Veloci Icon Damascus and Hysek Abyss Chronograph © Anonimo / Meccaniche Veloci / Hysek

Diver’s watch: the one for the deep

The watery deep provides the perfect hunting ground for the apex predators of the watchmaking world. Technical, sturdy, often with impressive military or scientific credentials, these timepieces are equally at home on dry land, much to the delight of their many landbound collectors.

TAG Heuer Aquaracer, Seiko Prospex SLA0033J1 and Breitling SuperOcean © TAG Heuer / Seiko / Breitling

Beginning with the under-5,000 franc segment, there’s already a vast choice. Standout pieces at this price level are the HydroConquest by Longines (CHF 1,100), the TAG Heuer Aquaracer (CHF 1,550), the Breitling SuperOcean (CHF 3,550), the Panerai Radiomir PAM00754 (CHF 4,300) and the cult classic Seiko “Turtle” re-edition, the Prospex SLA0033J1 (CHF 4,500).

Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer © Omega

The next level up, (CHF 5,000 – 10,000) brings us within range of the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Co-Axial Master Chronometer 43.5 mm (CHF 8,100), the Ulysse Nardin Marine collection (starting at CHF 7,900) and Blancpain’s iconic diver, the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe (CHF 9,800).

Ulysse Nardin Marine © Ulysse Nardin

And finally, between CHF 10,000 and 15,000, we find the monsters of the deep, such as the Seamaster Ploprof 1200 by Omega.

Party watch: the one for the marina

Back on dry land, collectors can continue the seaside mood and fit in with the nautical spirit of their surroundings. Bronze is the material of choice – a maritime metal par excellence, and a bit more casual than yellow or rose gold. The first tier, coming in at under CHF 5,000, is the playground of Alpina (Seastrong Diver 300, CHF 1,595) or the Eterna Kontiki Bronze (limited edition, CHF 3,100).

Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 and Eterna Kontiki Bronze © Alpina / Olivier Müller

At the intermediate level (CHF 5,000 to 10,000), why not treat yourself to the latest J12 from Chanel? This icon of sports chic was comprehensively revisited for Baselworld, and the dark Phantom version is available for CHF 6,000.

On the top shelf (CHF 10,000 to 15,000), we have the rare Pioneer Centre Seconds Funky Blue Black Edition from H. Moser & Cie (CHF 13,900), the iconic Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5067A-025 (CHF 14,900) or, harder to get hold of but more affordable, the Piaget Polo S (starting at CHF 10,900). And we close with a Breguet Type XX, whose reference 3810ST (=STeel) can be yours for CHF 11,500.

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