You hardly want to do without your favorite watch on vacation. But traveling can put timepieces to the test, especially in the summer. We’ll show you how to make sure your watch survives the rigors of your vacation – whether on the beach, by the pool, or on an outdoor adventure.
What sort of challenges do watches face on vacation?
High temperatures can pose a problem: If the thermometer climbs above 100°F, things can get dicey, especially for watches with mechanical movements. Movement components tend to expand when exposed to heat. This is particularly concerning for the balance wheel, as even the smallest temperature fluctuations can have a major impact on its performance. Moreover, the lubricants that ensure the smooth functioning of moving parts are also sensitive to high temperatures. Their viscosity can change and thus contribute to inaccuracies. Vintage watches are particularly susceptible to extreme temperatures. Modern timepieces are increasingly fitted with components made of special alloys and materials such as silicon, which can withstand temperature fluctuations much better than traditional materials. Moisture can also lead to problems. If your watch is not sufficiently protected against water ingress – 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) at a minimum – it’s better to leave it in your hotel safe when swimming or rafting. As an aside, salt water poses no greater threat than fresh water or pool water to your watch. After swimming in the ocean, simply rinse your watch with tap water to prevent salt crystals from forming. We don’t want to make you paranoid, but be sure to regularly check the water resistance of your watch before setting off on a poolside vacation.
Now let’s talk about bands: Leather straps are not ideal for the beach as they tend to swell and become brittle from exposure to salt. The combination of sweat and sunscreen is especially problematic for leather. Switch to a textile strap, such as a NATO or Zulu, for the summer months. These have a clear advantage in heat and water; plus, they can give your watch a fresh look. Rubber straps are also great for swimming. Just make sure your strap of choice is perforated for good ventilation and has a textured underside. You should only rely on a metal bracelet if it has a quick adjustment mechanism. Your wrist swells in warm temperatures, and an inflexible metal bracelet can quickly become too tight. Fine sand from the beach or dust from an off-road track can also be dangerous for your watch. Particles can get stuck under the crown, bezel, or chronograph push-pieces. It is particularly troublesome if grains of sand penetrate the watch case and get into the movement. In such cases, your only real option is to take the watch to a qualified watchmaker.
Top Watch Models for Vacation
The perfect vacation watch must therefore be robust, water-resistant, and able to withstand high temperatures. All of the following watches meet these requirements, making them good choices for your next trip.
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT: Vacation Companion With a Second Time Zone
In spring 2024, Rolex subsidiary Tudor delighted many a watch fan by adding a model with a GMT display and black and red “Coke” bezel to the popular Black Bay Fifty-Eight collection. This function is particularly useful for long-distance travel, as you can keep an eye on local and home times simultaneously. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT is also a perfect vacation watch in other respects, as it’s water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft), has a durable stainless steel case, and is equipped with a robust in-house caliber. Tudor uses silicon for key movement components like the balance spring, which makes the watch not only insensitive to temperature fluctuations, but also to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss. You can find the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight GMT on Chrono24 in unworn condition from approx. $5,500.
Rolex Submariner: A Pool and Seaside Classic
The Rolex Submarineris always a good choice. Introduced in 1953, the Sub is an absolute classic and the archetypal diving watch. Current models come in stainless steel, gold, and two-tone versions and are water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft), as well as extremely robust thanks to Rolex innovations such as the blue Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock protection system. The lubricants were also developed in-house and meet the highest industry standards. COSC chronometer certification attests to the highest precision of the in-house caliber. If you choose a vintage Submariner as your travel companion, it’s a good idea to have its water resistance checked before you go. Otherwise, you run the risk of a rude awakening due to aged seals. You can buy a current Rolex Submariner Date ref. 126610LN in unworn condition on Chrono24 for around $15,000 (as of June 2024). The predecessor ref. 116610LN can be found from around $13,000.
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M: A Bond Watch for Beach Adventures
The Omega Seamaster Diver 300Mis also water-resistant to 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft). The traditional Swiss brand has long used silicon for the balance spring in its in-house, Co-Axial Master Chronometer-certified calibers, making them impervious to high temperatures and strong magnetic fields. If you’re planning longer saturation dives on your trip, you’re also in good hands with the Diver 300M, as the watch has a helium escape valve. The watch is available in a range of sizes, in various chronograph versions, and as a classic three-hand model in stainless steel, gold, or a mix of both materials. Prices for new models range from around $4,800 to $25,000, depending on the model, specs, and material. However, prices for coveted collector’s items like certain limited-edition James Bond models can soar to above $50,000.
NOMOS Ahoi: A Colorful and Robust Dress Watch
Do you prefer the look of a dress watch? Then the NOMOS Ahoi may be the watch for you. The design is inspired by the famous Bauhaus philosophy, giving it a clean, tidy, and elegant look. Dials in blue, red, or white offer a choice of color if desired. But don’t be fooled by this model’s clean lines. The Ahoi is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and is therefore ideal for the occasional dive. The NOMOS Ahoi, which is available in a range of sizes and with or without a date function, costs around $2,500 to $3,500 on Chrono24.
G-Shock & Co.: The Perfect Outdoor Companions
Quartz-operated sports watches like the Casio G-Shock or Timex Ironman also make very practical vacation watches. They are virtually indestructible, and many come with useful features such as a stopwatch function, perpetual calendar, alarm clock, world time function, or pedometer. Another advantage is that these watches are usually significantly cheaper than their mechanical counterparts. You can get a Timex Ironman on Chrono24 for less than $100. Prices for the cheapest G-Shock models are in a similar region.
Conclusion
As you can see, you don’t have to leave your wrist bare on vacation. However, be sure to choose a robust timepiece for your trip so that nothing stands in the way of enjoying your vacation. If you’re looking for more inspiration, we have a selection of interesting summer watches for you here.
