Summer is just around the corner, and we continue our WatchTested favorites series with a review of the best summer watches.
Today, it's my turn to share a selection, and I've decided to focus on light, bright, and cheerful models. Why? Because I'm expecting an eventful summer.
As I'm planning to take a few months off to focus on family, I have a long and leisurely summer ahead. Many days at the coast with family are planned. Naturally, I need highly accurate and reliable watches to time numerous daytime naps (mine, not the child's) and feeding intervals (also mine). Below are five watch models I've chosen in five price categories for 2026.
Best Summer Watches Under €1000: RZE UTD-8000-NB
Let's start with the affordable segment. My favorite model under €1000 is the RZE watch, specifically the digital version in blue, the RZE UTD-8000-NB. Priced at €290, it's a truly great offer for a summer watch.
The case is made of ultra-strong UltraHex titanium, combining the lightness of titanium with scratch resistance. The case diameter is 43 mm, length 49.5 mm, and thickness 13.4 mm. Despite the apparent dimensions, the watch sits perfectly proportionate on the wrist. Numbers don't always reflect the real feel, as you probably know.
As an ultra-durable digital option, the RZE UTD-8000 is perfect for the chaotic early days of fatherhood. Experienced parents know that a removable fabric strap is a real goldmine since it can be easily washed!
Best Summer Watches Under €2500: Nomos Club Campus 38 Electric Green
Moving on to the next price segment. My recommendation for summer watches under €2500 is a more formal model suitable for restaurant dinners where elegance is required. In summer, I don't like leather straps, so the only (vegan) leather watch in the selection is a nighttime model.
This is the Nomos Club Campus 38 in the bright Electric Green color. I have a special fondness for this model, having come close to purchasing it several times. I like both the restrained design and the bright, flashy Electric Green shade. For true summer watches, I chose the bright option.
The watch is equipped with the in-house DUW4101 caliber with manual winding, allowing for a thin case profile - just 8.5 mm, despite water resistance up to 100 m. Priced at €1560, the model remains within the €2500 budget. Extra funds for diapers - all good!
Best Summer Watches Under €5000: Doxa Sub 300 Carbon Divingstar
My favorite model in the under €5000 segment is the Doxa Sub 300 Carbon in yellow Divingstar. These watches often return to my wishlist, and one day I will definitely buy them.
Released in 2021, they feature the classic Doxa Sub 300 case with a 42.5 mm diameter made of forged carbon. The material is warm and lightweight, and the rubber strap makes these large sports watches some of the most comfortable I've worn.
Especially appealing is the combination of dark, twisted forged carbon with a bright yellow dial. The look is both joyful and slightly menacing, like a poisonous frog. The price is €4190, which is a significant part of the budget, but I am willing to pay for these watches.
Best Summer Watches Under €10,000: Zenith Defy Revival A3648
In the under €10,000 segment, my choice is the Zenith Defy Revival A3648. These summer diving watches with a clear '70s style actually date back to 1969. Few years evoke summer as strongly as 1969, adding extra charm to the watch.
The angular case has a modest diameter of 37 mm, but the watch has a great wrist presence. Water resistance reaches 600 m, and inside is the automatic Zenith Elite caliber with a 50-hour power reserve.
However, more importantly, the bright and cheerful design that brings a smile. Priced at €8400, the model remains within the budget.
Best Summer Watches Without a Budget Limit: Hublot Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic
Don't roll your eyes! The watch community's dislike only makes Hublot more interesting to me. My unlimited budget model is the Hublot Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic. The college fund for the child starts at €25,900, and with 18 years until enrollment, this can be considered reasonable planning.
If I were spending real money, I'd choose more seriously. My dream is the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph, diametrically opposed to Hublot. Also considering the Vacheron Constantin 222, Rolex 5513 with a gilt dial, or Ferdinand Berthoud watches. But I've written a lot about them, and it's already clichéd. So for summer, I decided to pick something unexpected.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico in mint green ceramic is classic Hublot: bold, daring, and absolutely unserious. Nevertheless, I appreciate the case architecture, especially in ceramic. The Unico chronograph is impressive, and the barely legible dial with bright mint color reminds us that not everything has to be logical. And if you need an excuse - sand is unlikely to scratch the ceramic.
Conclusion
Here are my five recommendations for the best summer watches in various price ranges. I think these bright options will bring me joy until autumn arrives. Now, I just need to find the right swim trunks and flip-flops in yellow, orange, blue, and shades between electric and mint green.
I hope I still have a few weeks left to write articles for WatchTested before my special summer begins. But nature is unpredictable. If the number of my publications decreases sharply, now you'll know why. Let me wish you a great summer in advance, and we'll meet again in winter!
What models would you choose in these five price categories? Share in the comments.