With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to discuss summer watches. Although the weather in the Netherlands hasn’t been very summery, I’m hoping our upcoming vacation in the south of France and north of Spain will convince my six-year-old daughter that summer is indeed here. Now, let’s dive into some fantastic summer watches at three different price points.
Summer Watches Under €1,000
Let’s start with accessible summer watches. Last year, I picked the Citizen Promaster Mechanical Diver 200m and the Tissot Sideral (in yellow) as great options, and they still hold up. However, there are new contenders this year.
Inspired by the many MoonSwatches I see around, the Blancpain × Swatch Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Arctic Ocean is a fun and practical choice for summer. Available for €400, it comes in vibrant colors and is water-resistant, making it perfect for beach days. I might even get a matching rubber strap for it.
Another excellent option is the Tissot Seastar 1000 Powermatic 80. With its 40mm case and stylish design, it’s a solid deal at €795. For a more carefree choice, consider the solar-powered Seiko SNE573. It’s 38mm wide, always running as long as it gets some light, and costs just €510.
Summer Watches Under €10,000
Moving up to the under €10,000 bracket, my Rolex Explorer ref. 114270 was my go-to vacation watch last summer, and it remains a great option. You can find one for around €5,000. But what new replica watches should you consider?
The limited edition Seiko SJE093 is a fantastic summer watch. Though sold out, it occasionally pops up for sale around €3,750. I wear my Seiko SPB317 often during summer, but the higher-end 62MAS re-edition is tempting with its exceptional design.
The TAG Heuer Carrera Glassbox was a hit at last year’s Watches and Wonders, especially the black dial with silver sub-dials version. Recently, TAG Heuer released a new Carrera Skipper with orange highlights and mint green sub-dials, perfect for summer. Priced at €6,850, it’s a stylish choice for yacht adventures around the Balearic Islands.
Dreaming of Summer Watches Over €10,000
In the higher-end category, I find myself wearing my Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duoface more often as the weather warms up. It’s small, light, and looks fantastic on its Casa Fagliano summer strap. While I got mine for under €10,000, the current price is €14,300 due to recent increases. Despite the price hike, it’s still a fabulous watch.
Another dream watch is the replica Rolex GMT-Master II. Ever since trying on the two-tone and full gold versions at last year’s Watches and Wonders, I’ve been smitten. The two-tone Rolesor version is more accessible at €17,850 and looks stunning. But if we’re dreaming big, the all-gold version at €42,000 is a showstopper, perfect for sipping a vermouth-tonic on a Spanish terrace.
These are my top picks for summer watches across different price points. Whether you’re looking for something affordable, mid-range, or a luxurious splurge, there’s a perfect summer watch out there for you.
