The temperature is already rising above 30°C, making it the perfect moment to think about which watch I'll take on my summer vacation with the family to southwestern France and northwestern Spain.
This year, my colleagues and I are choosing five watches in five price categories. My first four choices - under €1,000, up to €2,500, up to €5,000, and around €10,000 - are classic summer watches with blue dials. The fifth, final choice isn't quite your typical summer watch, but in my opinion, they are perfect for long summer nights.
I'm certainly not the first to share my summer favorites this year. In previous years, when colleagues shared their selections before me, many of my favorites were already mentioned. This year I'm lucky - I can stick to my initial choices. So, without further ado, let's get ready for summer!
Best Summer Watch Under €1,000: Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Titanium 38mm
Since the release of the Tissot PRX, these watches have become public favorites. I often see them on the wrists of passersby in the city. They are the perfect relatively affordable sports watch with a 'wear and forget' format. I also love the '70s-style bracelet design with an integrated construction. However, the original 40mm version was a bit too large for my 17cm wrist. When the 35mm variant was released, I hoped it would be perfect, but it felt slightly too small. Last year, Tissot introduced the 38mm model, and I was pleasantly surprised that the case is made of titanium.
Finally, the size is perfect for me, and the lightweight titanium case makes these watches optimal for summer. I don't want to wear heavy and overly expensive watches when heading to the sea in France or to a lake in Spain. Therefore, the Tissot PRX 38mm is my first choice. I'm not sure if rubber straps are available yet, but that would make them even more versatile. I would definitely choose the blue dial variant, which looks magnificent thanks to its 'waffle' texture. It pairs excellently with the slightly darker shade of the titanium case and bracelet. The Tissot PRX Titanium 38mm costs around €875. I might purchase them before our departure in three weeks.
Best Summer Watch Up to €2,500: Sinn U50 B
For my second choice, I had several contenders. Initially, I considered the Echo/Neutra Rivanera Piccolo with a black dial, titanium case, and black rubber strap. They are lightweight and equipped with an automatic mechanism, but their water resistance is not the highest. Then I thought about the new TAG Heuer Formula 1 Solargraph Pastel collection with solar power. These watches look fun and convenient, but I had another model in mind with better value for money.
Since we had several versions of the Sinn U50 in our office for reviews, these watches have stayed in my mind. The German submarine steel case feels extremely sturdy. The design balances between classic and modern, and for the money, you get an excellent set of features. Recently, Sinn introduced the U50 B model with a matte blue dial - the perfect choice for swimming this summer. The price starts at €2,350 on a textile or leather strap. If you want a bracelet or a silicone strap with curved ends, the price will slightly exceed the budget. Additionally, a version with scratch-resistant Tegiment coating is available, saving you from worries about sand and scratches.
Best Summer Watch Up to €5,000: Tudor Black Bay 54 "Lagoon Blue"
I'm surprised that no one chose these watches before me. I'm sure Tudor created this model specifically for summer. Firstly, the Black Bay 54's size - 37mm - is perfect for not interfering in everyday life. Secondly, the watch features a Jubilee-style bracelet with polished central links that will undoubtedly attract attention. If that's not enough, the shiny polished bezel insert will seal the deal. These watches are made to reflect light - and it shows.
But the main star here is the 'Lagoon Blue' dial. It's different from all other ice-blue dials. Many summer watches have a sunray finish, which is fine, but the textured finish of the Tudor BB54 makes the watch even more radiant and literally screams 'summer'. The price is €4,520. For this amount, you get an automatic movement with a COSC certificate and a 70-hour power reserve, as well as Tudor's high-quality craftsmanship in every detail.
Best Summer Watch Around €10,000: Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver
This choice slightly exceeds the €10,000 budget, but I believe these watches deserve attention among the favorite summer models. The Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Spring Drive U.F.A. Ushio 300 Diver is a true masterpiece for summer diving, though it may seem excessive. Grand Seiko managed to create a smaller diameter diver's watch - 40.8mm. The case and bracelet are made of high-strength titanium, making the watch very comfortable even on my 17cm wrist. Their utilitarian design ignites a desire to explore the world.
Inside is the magnificent proprietary automatic Spring Drive 9RB1 movement from the Ultra Fine Accuracy series, with an error margin of just ±20 seconds per year(!). The dial features a power reserve indicator, which isn't particularly useful. But the impeccable finish, wave-like texture of the dial, and smooth movement of the second hand quickly distract from this. Of course, €12,500 is a significant amount for summer diving watches, but in terms of features and finish quality, the Ushio 300 surpasses many competitors in this price segment.
Ideal Watches for Long Summer Nights: Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton
There were many contenders in this category. Initially, I thought about the beautiful Girard-Perregaux Laureato Fifty in a two-tone design or with a stunning blue-green enamel dial, but their 39mm case turned out a bit large for my wrist. Also, the Chopard Alpine Eagle XPS 41 'Mountain Glow' with a champagne dial seems too large, as does the Rolex Day-Date with a green aventurine dial and yellow gold Jubilee bracelet. Finally, I feared damaging the meticulously engraved dial of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Convergence Guilloché.
In the end, I remembered the Daniel Roth Extra Plat Rose Gold Skeleton watch, which I wore during the LVMH Watch Week in Milan this year. Obviously, these watches are a passion project of masters Michel Navas and Enrico Barbasini from La Fabrique du Temps. I can already imagine being mesmerized by the mechanism enclosed between elegant bridges, completely redesigned for this skeletonized version.
I won't need any other watch on my wrist for long summer nights. Moreover, I won't even bring a book - I'll be completely captivated by the beauty of the skeletonized mechanism. Unfortunately, this is unlikely to happen, as I don't have an extra CHF 85,000, so I'll probably stick to books.
Which watch would you take on vacation this summer? Share in the comments.