top of page

The 8 Best High End Summer Watches



If you're in the Northern Hemisphere, you're in the midst of the season of beaches, pools and sunsets. BBQ's under the sun, drinks at a roof top bar and tan lines galore, there is no better time to lean into the fun of strapping a summer ready watch for those long hot days.


Luckily for you, the ever restrictive budget need not apply in your purchase of the ultimate high end summer watch. You can take a step away from the Seikos, the Tudors, the TAG Heuers and the Breitlings of the summer world (Not that there is anything wrong with these brands whatsoever, might I add! -- On that note I'll revisit these options at some stage), and lean into the expansive world of haute horlogerie for your next high end summer watch.


Here are some of the best high end summer watches that money can buy.


Enjoy!



Rolex Yacht-Master 42






  • Brand: Rolex

  • Model: Yacht-Master 42

  • Reference: 226627

  • Case: 42mm x 11.60mm

  • Case Material: RLX Titanium

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Calibre 3235

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 70 hours


The Rolex Yacht-Master 42 is an excellent choice for a high end summer watch due to its blend of luxury, durability, and versatility. With its 42mm RLX Titanium and matte black Cerachrom bezel, this watch exudes elegance and modernity, making it perfect for both casual and formal summer occasions. The matching RLX Titanium bracelet ensures comfort and durability, ideal for active summer lifestyles. Additionally, its 100-meter water resistance and luminous Chromalight display make it a practical choice for water activities and outdoor adventures. This combination of features makes the Rolex Yacht-Master 42 a standout option for anyone seeking a refined and functional high end summer watch.


Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Canopus Gold™






  • Brand: Omega

  • Model: Seamaster Diver 300M Canopus Gold™

  • Reference: 210.55.42.20.99.001

  • Case: 42mm x 15.30mm

  • Case Material: Canopus Gold™

  • Water Resistance: 300m

  • Movement: Omega 8807

  • Frequency: 3.5 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 55 hours


The 42mm Seamaster Diver 300M, launched in 2022 to celebrate 60 years of James Bond, features a natural grey silicon dial, reminiscent of 007's Caribbean hideaway. Its unidirectional rotating bezel is adorned with shaded green and yellow treated diamonds, including two diamonds at 12 o'clock. The iconic Bond opening sequence, with a silhouette and spinning gun barrel, is displayed on the caseback, visible beneath a sapphire crystal with micro-structured metallisation. The watch comes with a mesh bracelet and clasp in 18K Canopus Gold™ and is powered by OMEGA’s Co-axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8807, a luxurious version of the 8806. This high-end summer watch is presented in a mango tree box with mother-of-pearl marquetry, the 60 years of Bond logo, and 60s-inspired dots, paying homage to the song "Underneath the Mango Tree" from the first James Bond movie, Dr. No. This Seamaster Diver 300M is a stylish and unique option for those seeking a distinctive summer watch.


Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time






  • Brand: Vacheron Constantin

  • Model: Overseas Dual Time

  • Reference: 7920V/210A-B333

  • Case: 41mm x 12mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 150m

  • Movement: Calibre 5110 DT/2

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 60 hours


The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time is a refined and versatile watch, ideal for a high-end summer watch. This timepiece features a 41mm stainless steel case with a sleek, modern design, complemented by a blue lacquered dial that evokes a sense of summer serenity. The dial displays a second time zone with a day/night indicator, a practical feature for summer travelers exploring different parts of the world. The Overseas Dual Time's automatic movement, the Calibre 5110 DT/2, ensures precision and reliability, while its 60-hour power reserve offers convenience for those on the go. The watch is water-resistant to 150 meters, making it suitable for water activities and enhancing its appeal as a summer watch. The Overseas Dual Time comes with interchangeable straps, including stainless steel, rubber, and leather options, allowing for easy customisation to suit different summer styles. This combination of elegance, functionality, and adaptability makes the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated and practical high-end summer watch.


Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time






  • Brand: Patek Philippe 5164G

  • Model: Aquanaut Travel Time

  • Reference: 5164G

  • Case: 40.80mm x 10.20mm

  • Case Material: White gold

  • Water Resistance: 30m

  • Movement: Calibre 26-330 S C FUS

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 45 hours


The Patek Philippe 5164G Aquanaut Travel Time is an exceptional high-end summer watch, combining elegance, functionality, and durability. Featuring a 40.8mm white gold case and a tropical composite strap, this watch exudes a casual yet sophisticated appeal, perfect for summer wear. Its dual time zone function, with a day/night indicator, is ideal for travellers exploring different time zones, making it a practical and stylish choice for a summer watch. The Aquanaut Travel Time is water-resistant up to 30 meters, ensuring it can handle light water activities, while its refined design and luxurious materials make it a standout high-end summer watch for those seeking both form and function.


Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver






  • Brand: Audemars Piguet 

  • Model: Royal Oak Offshore Diver

  • Reference: 15720ST.OO.A052CA.01

  • Case: 42mm x 14.20mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 300m

  • Movement: Calibre 4308

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 60 hours

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver is a standout high-end summer watch, blending robust design with luxury craftsmanship. This watch features a 42mm stainless steel case and a signature octagonal bezel, giving it a distinctive and bold look. The vibrant dial options, in this case khaki green, add a summery flair, while the luminescent hands and hour markers ensure excellent readability in bright sunlight. Its water resistance of up to 300 meters makes it perfect for swimming and diving, adding to its practicality as a summer watch. The Royal Oak Offshore Diver's sporty yet elegant design, along with its reliable Swiss automatic movement, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a sophisticated and durable high-end summer watch.


Chopard Alpine Eagle 41






  • Brand: Chopard

  • Model: Alpine Eagle 41

  • Reference: 298600-3014

  • Case: 41mm x 9.75mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: Chopard 01.01-C

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 60 hours

The Alpine Eagle collection by Chopard is a contemporary, sport-chic reinterpretation of the iconic St Moritz watch, first created in 1980 by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele. This new line, personally designed by Scheufele, is inspired by his love for the Alps and the majestic eagles that soar above them. Made from Lucent Steel™, an exclusive, ultra-resistant, and reflective metal, the Alpine Eagle features a Chronometer-certified movement. This high-end summer watch is dedicated to modern individuals who excel in their daily lives, with a keen awareness of environmental issues. The Alpine Eagle's combination of style, durability, and performance makes it an ideal summer watch for those seeking a sophisticated and inspiring timepiece.


Piaget Polo Field






  • Brand: Piaget

  • Model: Polo Field 

  • Reference: G0A48022

  • Case: 42mm x 9.40mm

  • Case Material: Stainless steel

  • Water Resistance: 100m

  • Movement: 1110P

  • Frequency: 4 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 50 hours


The Piaget Polo Field is an excellent high-end summer watch, combining luxury and sporty elegance. This timepiece features a 42mm stainless steel case and a distinctive, horizontally guilloché-patterned green dial that exudes a casual yet refined aesthetic, perfect for summer occasions. The watch is equipped with an automatic movement, ensuring precision and reliability, while its water resistance of up to 100 meters makes it suitable for various water activities. The comfortable and stylish rubber strap enhances its appeal as a summer watch, making it versatile enough for both beach outings and sophisticated evening events. The Piaget Polo Field's blend of contemporary design, functionality, and luxurious craftsmanship makes it a top choice for those seeking a sophisticated high-end summer watch.


Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours






  • Brand: Blancpain

  • Model: Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours

  • Reference: 5025 36B40 O52B

  • Case: 45mm x 14.70mm

  • Case Material: Red gold

  • Water Resistance: 300m

  • Movement: Calibre 25C

  • Frequency: 3 Hz

  • Power Reserve: 192 hours


The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours is an exceptional high-end summer watch, blending luxurious craftsmanship with robust functionality. Featuring a 45mm red gold case, this timepiece is perfect for summer adventures. The watch boasts a stunning blue dial and a tourbillon complication, showcasing Blancpain's dedication to haute horology. Its impressive water resistance of up to 300 meters makes it ideal for diving and other water activities, solidifying its status as a practical summer watch. The Fifty Fathoms Tourbillon 8 Jours also offers an impressive 8-day power reserve, ensuring reliable performance throughout extended summer getaways. This combination of elegance, advanced mechanics, and durability makes it a standout choice for those seeking a sophisticated high-end summer watch.

Comments


bottom of page