Its the summer holidays again! At least in the northern hemisphere. And this year seems particularly warm, especially where are in Singapore…ok, truth be told, it is always warm in Singapore. Anyway, here are some of our recommendations for the perfect holiday watch. No 6 will surprise you!
Summer loving: Recommendations for the perfect holiday watch
The watchmaking workshops of Switzerland, France and Germany have already begun their summer holidays, and production has mostly come to a halt. Many watchmaking maisons are working with a skeleton crew. Most ateliers are not air conditioned and it can be quite suffocating to work in. Of course these days, the larger manufactures and even small ateliers do have air conditioning, but taking the summer off has become a tradition. And also, the outdoors beckons.
As we take time off to watch the Olympic Games, which just started on Friday in Paris, and go about our holidays, be it at the beach or up in the mountains or shopping at a major metropolis, we take a look at watches and recommend some which are particularly suitable for the time off work. No rules, just for some fun! Let’s go!
Swatch Big Bold BLUEINJELLY
The look of the watch itself screams holiday! Cool vibes of the white translucent resin case and silicone strap with colour accents. Many hues are available. We chose the BLUEINJELLY, and other colours were available, though a quick look at the Swatch web-shop reveals that apparently this watch is now discontinued. But no matter, the Big Blue series continues in many funky colours. And this year, they added an Irony collection to the series, bringing a stainless steel case to the lineup. Also cool.
This could well be the ideal holiday watch. Inexpensive, thus will not attract any unsavoury attention, or the need to baby it. It is waterproof…more or less, good for hot humid climates, washing hands, splashing around in the pool. The Big Bold has a water resistance of 30m… but be careful for swimming or diving.
Underd0g Strawberries and Cream
Another fun watch. Relatively inexpensive, though considerably more than the Swatch, as it features a mechanical chronograph. And those wild bright colours on the dial. Underd0g is a tiny British establishment run by one Richard Benc, a funny, talented young chap in London. His watches are fun, interesting and features fruits. On the dial.
Our selected piece is the Strawberries and Cream, but any of his other creations will do well in this listicle. Currently, his website shows that there no watches currently on offer, as all have been sold out (yes, including Strawberries and Cream), but he promises more will come soon. And we are sure, whatever he launches, the thematic DNA will stay strong.
Bell & Ross BR 03 Diver
Another watch with cool vibes, with a go-anywhere attitude. We like the BR 03 Diver for those carefree days. No need to baby the watch too, the ceramic bezel is almost scratch resistant. No need to worry about water hazards, the BR 03 Diver has a rated water resistance of 300m. Swimming, snorkeling and even some Scuba diving is ok. The strong rugged case is a boon as a beater. Aesthetically, we love the unique rounded-square shape which is instantly recognisable but still remaining to stay un-loud.
Though, we are also attracted to the BR 05 Chrono A523 Alpine which we actually took on vacation in Hong Kong last summer. The watch survived. We survived, nay we more than survived…and throughly enjoyed ourselves. The A523 Alpine has the added distinction of being developed in partnership with the F1 Alpine team. A plus for F1 and Alpine fans. But the partnership has since dissolved, and Alpine now partners H. Moser & Cie. Perhaps this makes the watch even more special. Still available at the Bell & Ross web-shop.
F.P.Journe 10th Anniversary Élégante Gino’s Dream
Pitching at another price level up, we arrive at another colourful and fun watch. The Élégante Gino’s Dream is a special watch, done by François-Paul in memory of his friend and business partner Serge Cukrowicz. Known as a colourful character and a man of many passions, the watch captures a little of his spirit.
And it is this spirit which makes it suitable for the Élégante as a suitable holiday watch. The case is titanium, making it light and comfortable to wear. It comes with a silicon rubber strap. And the bezel features beautiful coloured stones arranged like a rainbow. Effortless styling. And yet, bears the hallmarks of a true high end watch. The movement is quartz, but made specifically for F.P.Journe, and features 18k rose gold plates. And beautifully finished. Even the case and dial are made in-house at Boîters and Cadraniers de Genève, a facility owned by the maison. We love it for its artisanal character and chic flamboyance. But with this watch, it is best to stay away from shady places, and only take out to show off when dining and partying at the top end venues.
Parmigiani Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
And we come to the high end with this Parmigiani recommendation. The new Tonda PF Sports Chronograph spells sporty elegance. With three colours to choose from – London Grey, Milano Blue or Artic Grey, the new collection is suited for the outdoors as much as for the indoors.
Whether your holiday brings you to the beach, to the mountains, or to the fashion capitals of the world for shopping, you remain chic and stylish with the Tonda PF Sport on your wrist. A watch which is elegant, yet sturdy enough to withstand almost every endeavour you might throw at it. And even better, it remains an excellent watch when you (eventually and reluctantly) return home to the humdrum of work…at least you will have a smile on your face each time you glance on your wrist to read the time.
Final recommendation: No watch!
Yes, this last recommendation is to go watch-less. No need to know what time it is. You are on holiday. No need to even know what day of the week it is. You are on holiday. Take the watch off. Go bare wristed. Feel naked? Embrace it! We dare you! The feeling of freedom will be liberating!
But do remember to set your phone for the day before you are set to leave. Make sure you have enough time to pack, recalibrate your brain for work, and be in time to the airport for that flight home.
Concluding thoughts
So here are our thoughts on watches to take on holiday. And we bet the last one is a gotcha! Even we were surprised at ourselves to suggest that one goes watch less. But it is an option. And the more we think of it, the more we like the idea! Just be careful to ensure that you know when to return to reality. Or not. Happy holidays!
