As summer quickly approaches, many of us are changing our attire from hoodies to singlets and scarves to items such as watches. A go-to accessory for any summer outfit, watches have the ability to add a bit of personality to an outfit whilst remaining practical for everyday use.
Whether you are hitting the beach, going on a night out, or just looking for something a bit more lightweight, there are watches that fit whatever means necessary.
This article looks at my top 5 watch recommendations coming into summer as well as features you should look out for in these watches.
Table of Contents
The Components of a Good Summer Watch
When it comes to purchasing a summer watch there are a few non-negotiables you should take into consideration. Features like water resistance and durability primarily - especially for those who are in and out of the pool or ocean. With that being said, here are a few key features that make a watch perfect for summer.
Water Resistance
If this wasn’t an obvious inclusion, I don’t know what would’ve been! Living in Australia and it being swimming season having a water-resistant watch is the first thing I’d look for. Most watches manufactured by esteemed brands such as Casio, G-Shock, Seiko, and Citizen should have this feature.
Durability and Scratch Resistance
If you are constantly out and about and taking part in outdoor activities such as recreational sport or going on a scenic hike, making sure your watch purchase is durable and scratch-resistant should be considered. Going for a bracelet that isn’t steel and preferably a material such as silicone or nylon would be the most ideal option.
Sapphire glass for me would be another desirable option for your watch especially if you know that you are going to be a bit harder on it.
Lightweight and Comfortable
Regardless of whether you are shopping for a seasonally appropriate watch or something to wear all year round, having a comfortable fit should always come first. With the summertime naturally bringing more outdoor activities with it, this period of the year calls for something more breathable and lightweight. Ideally going for something with a silicone, rubber, or fabric strap are best suited for all-day and all-use comfort.
Versatility
The final piece of criteria is that it needs to be able to fit various settings. You want a timepiece that you may receive a compliment for. Whether you are going for outdoor sunset drinks, an early morning dip in the ocean, or a light jog, you want something that will never look out of place. By finding the perfect balance between fashion and practicality, the ideal summer watch ensures you stay stylish and comfortable, no matter where you find yourself during the best period of the year!
Top 5 Watches Fit for Summer
With that being said, here are my five personal watches recommendations fit for purpose coming into summer. The only parameters I’m setting are that there will be absolutely nothing with a steel or leather band. This is due to me sticking to my previous four-step criteria, whereby every watch on this list must tick all four boxes of being water resistant, durable, lightweight, comfortable, and versatile.
Honourable Mention: Casio MTPVD01-1
Because I love this watch it had to get a mention despite it not making my Top 5. Coming on a black resin strap and a black dial with a date display for $129 is a steal. It also meets the water-resistant criteria coming with 50 metres of water resistance. With Casio in my eyes being the Pound-for-Pound best watch brand on the market, you are getting an absolute cracking watch at an eyewatering price. What is there not to love about it!
Casio MTPVD01-1 Black Analogue Watch
$95.00
$129.00
Embark on a journey where metal and urethane converge in a dynamic analogue design. Featuring water resistance up to 50 meters, you can explore without concern, whether braving the elements or simply tackling household chores. - 49 × 45 ×… read more
Seiko Prospex SRPF79K Special Edition 'King Samurai'
Starting with one of my favourite divers watches on the market, Seiko fired on all cylinders with this watch. Water-resistant, check. Durable and scratch-resistant with sapphire crystal glass, check. Lightweight and comfortable coming in at only 127 grams and on a silicone band, check. And finally versatile which in my eyes it very much is. If the budget is there definitely go and grab this watch.
Another little bonus is that there are also stainless steel bracelets made for this watch meaning it transitions into the colder months it can remain an everyday accessory.
Seiko Prospex SRPF79K Special Edition 'King Samurai'
$531.00
$950.00
The Seiko Prospex Automatic Divers Men's Watch Save The Ocean 2021 King Samurai Special Edition, model SRPF79K. This Manta Ray Series timepiece boasts a striking blue face encased in stainless steel, complemented by a blue silicone strap, and safeguarded by… read more
Luminox X22501 Patagonia
For those who love their Swiss pieces, this one’s for you. Introducing the Luminox Patagonia. Coming in a 43mm case size it is a great option for those with slightly larger wrists. Once again ticking all the criteria with 100 metres water resistance, polyurethane strap and a sleek modern design this watch is a great pickup at just $649.
Luminox X22501 Patagonia
$519.00
$649.00
The Luminox Patagonia Steel is a classic watch that merges rugged, minimalist design with a sleek modern appearance, making it suitable for both outdoor and professional settings. It features a 43mm stainless steel case and is water-resistant up to 100… read more
G-Shock GM2100N-2A 'CasiOak'
Dipping back into the world of Casio and their big brother line of watches G-Shock. The introduction of the ‘Casioak’ line of G-Shocks has completely revolutionised the target audience of their watches. Adopting a more subtle and minimalistic look it really is a fantastic prospect as a “do it all” watch. Coming with a World time function, digital and analogue display, 200 metres water resistance, and weighing just 72 grams, this watch sets itself apart from every watch on this list in more ways than one.
G-Shock GM2100N-2A Blue Metal Covered 'CasiOak'
$349.00
$569.00
Meet the G-Shock GM2100N-2A Blue Metal Covered 'CasiOak', a dynamic blend of elegance and robustness. Sporting a compact 49.3 × 44.4 × 11.8mm build and weighing just 72g, it's both lightweight and resilient. Crafted with a combination of durable resin… read more
Citizen Eco-Drive AW1769-10E
Blending elements of luxury into a sports watch is exactly what Citizen accomplished with this watch. Different from every other watch on this list in that it’s part of the “Eco-Drive” line, meaning that it runs off a solar-powered quartz movement. A very traditional design with a two-tone rotating bezel and stainless-steel case, this watch is a great budget option for under the $400 mark.
Citizen Eco-Drive AW1769-10E
$259.00
$399.00
The latest addition to the Citizen Eco-Drive lineup seamlessly blends sporty elements with luxury. Designed to be versatile and suitable for any event, this timepiece boasts a two-tone black and stainless-steel case, a sleek black dial, luminous hands and markers,… read more
Seiko 5 SRPE65K Sports
A variation of the popular Seiko 5 line, this particular watch offers a nice pop of colour to your summer outfits. Coming on a khaki green nylon strap and identical colour dial, it once again ticks all the boxes regarding the criteria for this list. A 40mm case size to fit the majority of males' wrists it features a see-through case back to view the 41-hour power reserve automatic movement. With an 11.5mm case thickness and weighing just 75 grams, it could make for an amazing Christmas present idea at less than $500.
