Matching your watch with your summer activities

One of the best things about having a collection of watches is matching your watch to your activity. And when better to do that than over the summer when you’re out and about, saying yes to every invitation.

I’ve paired some of my favourite summer activities with some of our current stock, with a few additional suggestions thrown in as well. Take a look and don’t forget to comment below with some of your favourite watch and activity combinations.

Let’s start with the obvious – it’s not summer until you’ve set foot on a beach. You need a watch that’s not only water resistant but also able to withstand squirts of sunscreen and potential seagull attacks. And it needs to look good at the beach bar once the sun goes down. I would argue that any Tudor Black Bay could do the job, but I’m going to pick the Black Bay reference 79220R – the burgundy bezel adds a splash of colour and I adore that “Smile Dial”.

Other suggestions might be a Breitling Avenger or Oris Aquis

Wedding season is upon us, and there’s nothing better than getting dressed up and picking the perfect watch for the occasion. Traditionally, dress watches are simple, two-hand watches, usually in gold, paired with a leather strap. I’ve chosen something a little different and gone for the Rolex Datejust 41 in steel and gold. At 41mm is has a presence on the wrist and the smooth gold bezel adds an element of luxury.

Other suggestions might be a Patek Phillipe Calatrava or Zentier Reverence.

I love an air show! The sounds of aircraft engines, the smell of jet fuel mixed with burger vans, the overall geekery of spotting rare models, often seen with watch enthusiasts. And let’s not forget, the wristwatch has been an essential tool for pilots for well over a hundred years. There are few brands as intertwined with pilots as Bremont, and this DH-88 is a very special watch. It features parts from the DH-88 Comet “Grosvenor House”, a plane which, in 1934, won the race to fly 11,300 miles from London to Melbourne. How many other people can say that they have that in their watch… well, only the other 281 people who own this limited edition.

Other suggestions might be a Breitling Navitimer or Laco Pilot’s Westerland.

The jet-setters among you are probably planning an international holiday or even just a European city break. And when better to make use of a GMT function? I’ve chosen the Tudor Black Bay GMT for the job. It’s robust enough for trips to the beach yet smart enough for evenings out. The legible GMT hand and “Pepsi” bezel with quench your thirst for the perfect travel companion.

Other suggestions might be an Omega Aqua Terra World Timer or Longines Hydroconquest GMT.

Now, kids’ parties aren’t my idea of a fun summer activity but if I’m going to Hermione’s third birthday, I’m going to find myself a watch for the occasion. The MB&F MAD1 is horology’s version of the fidget spinner. It’s never not fun to watch the rotor spin and when it feels as though it’s getting too much, turn your watch over and remind yourself “It’s a MAD world”.

Other suggestions might be an Omega Speedmaster Snoopy or a Seiko “Sasuke”

If the peace of nature and a long hike appeal to you, you’re going to want a tool watch. And there’s no better-named watch than the Rolex Explorer II. You have the choice of a black or white dial, and both offer fantastic legibility, due to the fact that they were created for use by cave explorers. The predominantly brushed finish means that you don’t have to be too precious about your watch either – they look better with a few scratches anyway.

Other suggestions might be an Omega Seamaster or Hamilton Khaki Field King Day Date Auto.

There are times when it’s better to be a sports spectator – personally, I find it difficult to balance my champagne flute when I’m trekking up a hill. Summer’s most iconic spectator sport has got to be Wimbledon and there’s only one watch to wear, the Rolex Datejust 41 “Wimbledon”. Rolex have long had an association with tennis and the dark green Roman numerals give a nod to the sport. Furthermore, with its smooth bezel and Jubilee bracelet, this piece effortlessly combines a dress watch with a sports watch.

 Other suggestions might be an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak or a Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Green.

Finally, one of my favourite things to do is hang out with watch friends. Conversation flits between the latest watch news, recent acquisitions and personal stories. And there’s always so much enthusiasm. Every watch gets a lot of love, but people really get excited about the weird and the wonderful. One of my favourite watches I’ve handled this year is the Kollokium Projekt–01. It really pushes the boundaries of watch design with a dial made from 468 individual cylinders, each topped with a generous dollop of lume. The boxed sapphire crystal means that you can appreciate the dial from the side, and a 40mm die-cast steel case is very comfortable on the wrist.

Other suggestions might be the Ressence Type 1 Squared or A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph.

What have I missed? Please comment below with your favourite summer activity and watch combinations. And don’t forget to browse our full selection of stock here or get in touch with any questions.