​5 of the Best Watches for Men to Wear in the Summer

As summer approaches and the temperature heats up, dark winter garments are tucked away and replaced by the colorful prints, light fabrics, and relaxed silhouettes that typify a summer wardrobe. However, while most people make a decisive shift in what they wear during the summer, they often forget to mix up their jewelry and accessories to match. Subtle changes to your look, such as switching your wristwatch, can pull your style together.

Besides the aesthetic value of summer watches, there’s also a practical element to consider. Whether you’re vacationing in some exotic locale or going about your daily routine under the summer sun, your timepiece should work for you. For instance, if you plan to spend time on the water this summer, a watch with decent water resistance is essential. You should consider numerous other features when purchasing a summer watch, such as what kind of strap feels comfortable for you in the heat and whether you need a watch with glare-resistant glass. This comprehensive list of summer-appropriate timepieces covers a broad range of styles, from two classic Rolex watches for men to a refined Cartier timepiece.

1. Perfect for Watersports: Rolex Gold Black Submariner 116618LN

If you’re into watersports, summer is synonymous with hitting the ocean, lake, or river. Whether you’re spending peaceful mornings fly fishing, active afternoons paddle boarding and windsurfing, or magical evenings night diving, if you’re a water lover, you need a waterproof watch.

The ultimate waterproof watch has to be the Rolex Submariner 116618LN. This fine piece of horological craftsmanship is water-resistant down to an incomparable 1,000 ft. It has a first-rate 31-jewel chronometer automatic movement, making it the ideal choice for anyone who wants to be in the water without worrying about their timepiece. The Rolex Submariner was first designed in 1953 explicitly for diving, and it has been worn by both the U.S and British Navies ever since.

In creating this luxury wristwatch tailored for underwater use, Rolex took into account everything that you could want. Boasting features such as an exceptionally corrosion-resistant Oystersteel bracelet, the easy-to-resize Oyster glide lock, and a durable, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, this watch will continue to look and function like new, no matter how many water adventures you take it on.

The Rolex Submariner 116618LN, however, is about more than premium performance: it’s a stylish timepiece that any man would love to wear. The striking contrast between the black dial and bezel against the 18k yellow gold case gives this watch a timeless sophistication that you can pair with formal, casual, and sporty looks.

Every element of the Rolex Submariner 116618LN has been conceived to meet and exceed your aesthetic and performance expectations. The Oyster glide lock, for example, has double expansion capabilities, 26 mm in all, meaning it is comfortable and safe to wear over diving suits, but the elegant appearance belies this impressive functionality.

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The slick black bezel isn’t just a bold style statement; made from Cerachrom, an incredibly durable ceramic material that Rolex developed in 2005, this bezel can withstand exposure to extreme conditions with ease. If you’re looking for a stylish watch to wear all summer long without having to worry about taking it off when you hit the water, the Rolex Submariner 116618LN is an excellent choice for you.

2. The Ultimate Cool Watch: IWC Big Pilot’s Top Gun Miramar IW501902

As the warm weather hits, the style of most people shifts; they reach for brighter shades, bolder prints, and lighter fabrics. When it comes to watches, one of the features that men tend to experiment with is the strap, often opting for lightweight options such as the olive green fabric strap featured on the IWC Big Pilot’s Top Gun Miramar IW501902. It’s not just the soft strap that gives this timepiece a relaxed, airy feel that’s perfect for summer. The whole watch is made from impressively lightweight materials, making it a pleasure to wear even on the hottest of days, even though, at 48 mm, the case is on the larger side.

The movie fans among you will have noticed that this watch pays tribute to the 1986 Tom Cruise classic, Top Gun. It’s even named after the location of the U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program: Miramar, north of San Diego. From the deep gray ceramic and titanium case to the anthracite dial with luminescence and yellow and red detailing, this watch certainly seems like something Maverick would have worn. The more direct tribute to the film is subtly located on the reverse of the case; this hidden Top Gun logo will impress any movie buff or plane enthusiast.

IWC Schaffhausen is the Swiss watchmaker that has been manufacturing their desirable pilot collection, which was initially designed for civil aviation purposes, since the mid-1930s. Their luxury watches don’t solely embody the sleek style of aviation; they also sport remarkable horological elements. The 51111 Calibre IWC-manufactured movement has a notable 168-hour power reserve, 311 components, 42 jewels, Côtes de Genève finish, and a frequency of 21600.0 vph (3.0 Hz). The watch’s soft iron inner case protects against magnetic fields while the anti-reflective sapphire glass is secured against movement due to a drop in air pressure. If you want to look cool as you fly to an exotic destination this summer, wear the IWC Big Pilot’s Top Gun Miramar IW501902.

3. The Ideal Summer Look: Rolex Men’s Day Date Green Diamond Dial

There’s a reason that summer apparel is much more colorful than winter garments: Everything is brighter and happier in the sun. After a long winter of wearing dark overcoats under the dark rain clouds, as the gray skies give way to blue everyone gets a little more daring with their color palettes. Why should this attitude stop at your clothes? A brightly colored timepiece, like the Rolex Day Date President with Green Diamond Dial, can give your look a final flourish.

The dazzling combination of the 18k yellow-gold president bracelet, case, and fluted bezel and the statement ombre-green diamond-set dial suggest palm trees and sandy beaches and will sparkle on your arm as you stroll along the shore or relax on a lounger, cocktail in hand. The Day Date, which launched in 1956, was the first self-winding, waterproof chronometer watch that displayed the day spelled in full and the date. This stylish and useful feature—available in numerous languages—is why this piece is popular among world leaders and is just one reason why the Rolex Day Date face is a beauty to behold.

The striking, deep-ombre-green dial is delicately decorated with the gold and diamond-set hour indicators that facilitate the quick reading of the time, in addition to adding a subtle touch of bling to this chic wristwatch. The look is topped off with Rolex’s signature 18k gold fluted bezel, a feature that originally served to make the watch waterproof but now is a much-loved mark of horological excellence. This stunning watch face is set off beautifully by the classic Rolex President bracelet in 18k yellow gold that looks wonderful on sun-kissed summer skin.

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Water-resistant down to 330 ft., the Day Date is perfectly suited to sunny days spent on the water. With Rolex’s new-generation movement, Caliber 3255, the Day Date promises precision and, with an impressive resistance against shocks and magnetism and an exceptional power reserve, this stylish timepiece won’t let you down.

4. The Elegant Sports Watch: Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980R-001

If you’re looking for an everyday summer watch that can be worn day and night with any outfit, you can’t do much better than this elegant sports watch. The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5980R-001 takes a traditional men’s watch and twists it on its head with its unusually designed rounded octagonal bezel.

The Nautilus was originally produced in 1976 and has been subtly tweaked to create a watch that any man would enjoy wearing. The design details that make Nautilus stand out have been carefully selected and pared back to ensure it is always chic, never flashy or gimmicky. The striking 18k enhances the uniquely shaped bezel rose gold case with a design inspired by the hinges found on portholes, giving a subtle nod to the nautical look.

The warm tone of the 18k rose gold found on the case, bezel, and hour indicators match well with the deep-brown alligator leather strap. The pairing of these materials gives the watch a down-to-earth elegance rarely found in luxury watches. The leather strap is cleverly integrated with the case and has a gentle taper that looks flattering on the wrist. Although the bezel’s chunky octagonal bezel is the most memorable feature of the Nautilus 5980R-001, it is not over-adorned or fussy. This minimalism allows for some more complicated design details to be incorporated into the dial, seen in the horizontal lines embossed in a complementary slate-brown shade. The minute and hour hands and the hour markers have a luminescent coating, facilitating its use in the dark. A single monocounter sits at six o’clock.

This self-winding watch’s mechanism, which is water-resistant down to 390 ft., can be viewed through the sapphire crystal case back, a feature loved by watch aficionados. Thanks to its clever design, this classy, masculine watch is a great option for anyone looking for a wearable luxury piece this summer.

5. The Refined Choice: Cartier Tank Solo W5200026

The Cartier Tank Solo W5200026 offers a refined, sophisticated option for watch lovers looking for a summer timepiece. This classy watch is more slender than many other men’s watches on the market, making it an excellent choice for the summer months for anyone who doesn’t want to be weighed down by a bulky timepiece. Since Cartier started producing watches in 1847, they have been a popular choice among watch and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide, and with good reason. Cartier’s tasteful designs are synonymous with luxury, without being showy or gaudy, and the Tank Solo W5200026 is a beautiful example of Cartier’s timeless men’s watches.

Cartier’s signature dial is as memorable as the name itself and, on the Tank Solo W5200026, it is the main attraction. Surrounded by a simple rectangular 18k pink gold case, the silver opaline dial with elongated Roman numeral hour markers is as in style today as it has always been. At the six o’clock position there is a discrete date window that automatically adjusts at midnight.

At the center of the dial sits the striking deep blue sword-shaped hands. This stunning splash of color is echoed by the blue-cabochon-set crown, making this minimal watch something extra-special. The warm-brown alligator leather strap feels much more appropriate for summer than a black strap, and it adds to the overall classy look this timepiece exudes. The supple leather is exceptionally comfortable, even in the summer heat. The strap is finished with a simple gold clasp.

The neat exterior of the Cartier Tank Solo W5200026 hides impressive mechanical functionality. The Cartier caliber 049 mechanical movement beats at 28,800vph, has 21 jewels, and boasts a power reserve of 42 hours. This refined timepiece is also water-resistant down to 100 ft., proving that you don’t need to wear a sports watch when spending time in the ocean.

Choose a Summer Watch That Suits Your Lifestyle

Luxury timepieces sit at the intersection of aesthetics and function. When looking for a new watch, you need to consider how it looks, feels, and performs and whether it meets your standards. To do so adequately, you should consider when, where, and how you plan to wear your watch because some will be more suited to your lifestyle than others.

During the summer, many people get involved in activities they don’t pursue year-round, such as water sports, and it’s paramount that your watch can keep up with your lifestyle this summer. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight timepiece that keeps you cool or a durable watch that you can wear as you hit the water, there’s a luxury summer watch for you at Luxury of Watches.

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