As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, our wardrobes shift to lighter fabrics and more breathable styles. Linen shirts replace heavy wool, shorts come out of storage, and sandals replace boots. But have you thought about your watch? The perfect summer watch isn’t just a style statement - it’s a practical companion designed to keep up with everything the season throws at you, from beach trips to backyard barbecues, to evenings out on the town.
Choosing the right watch for summer means balancing function, comfort, and style in a way that suits the active, vibrant lifestyle of the warmer months. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just looking for a single versatile piece, understanding what makes a great summer watch can help you make an informed decision.
Here’s what to look for.
Summer naturally invites water activities. Whether you’re diving into the pool, surfing at the beach, or caught in a sudden summer shower, your watch needs to handle moisture without missing a beat.
Water resistance is measured in metres or atmospheres (ATM), indicating the pressure the watch can withstand. For summer use, a minimum of 100 metres (10 ATM) water resistance is ideal.
This ensures your watch can safely endure swimming and casual snorkeling. For serious diving, look for models rated at 200 metres or more.
Beyond water sports, a water-resistant watch is simply more durable in humid summer conditions and protects against sweat and accidental splashes.
When temperatures rise, heavy metals and thick straps can feel cumbersome and uncomfortable. Summer watches benefit from materials that are both durable and light on the wrist.
Titanium: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and significantly lighter than stainless steel, titanium is perfect for a summer watch. It’s often used in high-end sports watches for this reason.
Stainless Steel: A classic choice that balances weight and durability well. Opt for watches with thinner cases or hollow-link bracelets to reduce bulk.
Rubber and Fabric Straps: These materials are breathable and flexible, unlike leather which can trap sweat and degrade faster in hot weather.
Some brands also use ceramic or composite materials for cases and bezels, offering scratch resistance and lightweight comfort.
A great summer watch needs a strap that can handle sweat and moisture without becoming uncomfortable or damaged.
Rubber straps are popular in dive watches because they are waterproof, flexible, and easy to clean.
NATO or textile straps offer breathability and a casual look, plus they dry quickly after getting wet.
Leather straps generally aren’t ideal for summer wear since they absorb sweat, can cause irritation, and degrade faster in humid conditions. However, some lightly treated or perforated leathers can work if you prefer a dressier look.
Many modern watches feature quick-release or interchangeable straps, making it easy to switch between styles depending on the occasion.
Bright summer days mean lots of direct sunlight, which can cause glare or reflections that make it hard to read your watch at a glance.
Look for watches with:
Anti-reflective coatings on the crystal, reducing glare and improving clarity.
High-contrast dials and hands, such as white markers on a black dial or vice versa, which make the time easy to read even in bright light.
Luminous markers and hands that glow in low light, perfect for evening events or early morning starts.
Good legibility isn’t just about convenience - it’s a safety feature for sports or outdoor adventures where you need to check the time quickly.
Summer is full of varied occasions - casual lunches, pool parties, business lunches, and evening cocktails. A great summer watch transitions easily between these settings.
Sporty but elegant designs strike the right balance, allowing you to wear the watch with shorts and a tee or with a linen blazer.
Neutral colours like blue, black, silver, or white tend to be more versatile, but a pop of colour can add personality without going overboard.
Watches with interchangeable straps provide even more flexibility.
Avoid watches that are too bulky or flashy for casual settings, or too delicate for outdoor adventures. The ideal summer watch is a genuine all-rounder.
Summer often means an active lifestyle - hiking, sailing, cycling, or just exploring new cities. Your watch should be tough enough to handle the occasional bump, scratch, or impact.
Look for watches with sapphire crystal glass, which is highly scratch-resistant.
Cases made from stainless steel, titanium, or ceramic resist corrosion and damage.
Robust movement technology, such as automatic or quartz calibers known for reliability, ensures your watch keeps perfect time no matter the activity.
Durability means you won’t have to worry about babying your watch, giving you the freedom to fully enjoy your summer.
While function is key, summer is also the perfect time to showcase style. Whether you prefer classic, modern, or bold designs, your watch should feel like an extension of your personality and summer wardrobe.
Bright dials in blue, green, or white evoke a fresh, nautical vibe.
Textured dials like sunburst or wave patterns add visual interest and catch the light beautifully.
Slimmer profiles suit the relaxed, lightweight clothing of summer, sliding easily under short sleeves.
Many iconic summer watches combine heritage design with contemporary flair -making them timeless additions to your collection.
Choosing a summer watch is about more than just picking something that looks good. It’s about selecting a timepiece designed to keep up with your lifestyle - one that’s comfortable, reliable, and versatile enough to suit all the occasions summer brings.
Whether you prefer the rugged practicality of a dive watch, the refined elegance of a dress watch, or a sporty chronograph that can do it all, there’s a perfect summer watch out there for you. Consider water resistance, comfort, legibility, and durability first - and let style be the final touch.
Invest in a watch that not only tells time but enhances your summer experience. Because when it comes to summer, every detail counts - even the one on your wrist.
If you are looking for the ideal watch for the summer, don't hesitate to get in touch with the team at BQ Watches. We can also help source that special timepiece should you not find it listed in our inventory. Please contact us using the form below and one of our helpful staff will get back to you.
