Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in Volume 6 of B.H. Magazine, pre-order your copy of Volume 7 now.
Certain kinds of watches earn their keep in summer. Ones that can handle a morning swim, look sharp at a long lunch, and still feel right on the wrist at sundown, because the best summer watches aren’t necessarily the most complicated or the most expensive — they’re the ones you can grab without a second thought.
Whether you’re after a proper dive watch that can handle anything the ocean throws at it, a lightweight sports watch for early morning runs along the coast, or a clean-dialled dress watch that works as hard at a rooftop bar as it does at the office, the options have never been better. From Swiss stalwarts to independent newcomers, the market is stacked with seriously capable watches built for warmer weather and everything that comes with it.
These are the best summer watches worth buying right now.
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- Casio G-Shock GA-2100BM-7A2
- Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer
- H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Spiced Aqua
- IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar
- Rado Captain Cook Ocean Ready
- Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 Beach Edition
- Doxa SUB 250T GMT
- Breitling Professional Endurance Pro 44
- Norqain Wild One Skeleton Coral
- Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
- Christopher Ward C60 Trident Reef
- Mühle-Glashütte Sportivo Compass Date
Casio G-Shock GA-2100BM-7A2
Summer is gloriously unpredictable, and this transparent G-Shock with ice blue dial is ready for whatever happens next – be it in the water, on the sand, or in the backyard.
Zenith x Time+Tide Defy Skyline Skeleton White Surfer
This white-hot ceramic piece is the third Zenith and Time+Tide collaboration, serving up a gradient blue skeletonised dial, brushed ceramic bracelet, and a swimmable 100 metres of water resistance.
H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Spiced Aqua
Because nothing says “day at the beach” like a cylindrical tourbillon skeletonised in spiced aqua.
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Miramar
Nobody does ceramic like IWC, and their latest chronograph in breezy light blue proves just that, with a nod to the sun-soaked tarmac of Naval Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
Rado Captain Cook Ocean Ready
Rado’s latest vintage- inspired diver is this icy blue charmer, featuring a universally wearable 39mm case, light blue ceramic bezel, and robust 80-hour power reserve.
Chopard Alpine Eagle 41 Beach Edition
From the shimmering lustre of the Chopard’s lucent steel case to the radiant, textured turquoise dial, this is how you make sure you’ve got the best watch at the beach club.
Doxa SUB 250T GMT
If you’re looking for a pure dive watch, it’s hard to go past Doxa and their GMT- equipped SUB 250T. Available in a kaleidoscope of colours, it is as robust as it is rambunctious.
Breitling Professional Endurance Pro 44
Comfort is king when the mercury rises, which is why the Breitling Endurance Pro with an ultra-light Breitlight case (weighing 5.8 times less than steel) is a winner, whether you’re on the bike, surfboard, or at the bar.
Norqain Wild One Skeleton Coral
Designed in collaboration with Swiss watchmaking legend Jean-Claude Biver, this skeletonised Norqain – made of Norteq carbon fibre – weighs just 78 grams and looks a treat in this bold coral tone.
Oris Big Crown Pointer Date
This freshly launched Oris is a literal ray of sunshine on the wrist, with a bright yellow dial, comfy 40mm case size, and an H-link bracelet with polished centre links.
Christopher Ward C60 Trident Reef
Inspired by the colours of coral reefs, the C60 Trident Reef comes in five vivid colours with a plethora of rubber strap options, all while raising money for the ocean preservation-focused Blue Marine Foundation. Kind to your wallet and the whales.
Mühle-Glashütte Sportivo Compass Date
This is an adventure watch through and through, from the compass point bezel and the deep blue dial, to its 300 metres of water resistance.
If you enjoyed this wrap-up of the best summer watches, you might enjoy some of Boss Hunting’s other watch-focused buying guides below:
