In this article, we will be focusing on watches that fit the soccer lifestyle. Obviously, this won’t be the easiest task. We have based our choices on the image we have of soccer players and soccer fans, which is certainly not a reflection of reality. However, we like a challenge and the discussion had around it. For this selection, we concentrated on great sports watches instead of on the limited editions that some world-class soccer players wear. We also decided against any ‘gimmicky’ soccer watches that feature a 90-minute chronograph or are dedicated to a soccer club or player. It’s all about modern sports watches with different designs and that fit several different budgets.
Now back to this definition of a soccer player’s watch—What do we imagine? Professional soccer players are often known for their extravagant lifestyles, featuring fast cars, many tattoos, designer clothing, and big, flashy watches. We have compiled a list of ten modern sports watches that a soccer player might wear. Some are even realistic for soccer fans who don’t have as much money to spend as the players do. Let’s see what made our top 10 list…
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona
The Rolex Daytona is one of the most popular luxury watches out there and is a standard in many soccer player’s collections. The best model for everyday use is the most recent Daytona. Choosing the right watch from the current Daytona line can be a tough job. Do you go for one of the flashier pieces, such as the solid rose gold version or the platinum version with a light blue dial and brown ceramic bezel?
Our choice would be something a bit less showy, like the rose gold version on a black Oysterflex bracelet or the steel version with a black dial and bezel. Making a decision is not the final challenge: Getting your hands on one is perhaps even more difficult, as the Daytona is in very high demand.
Longines Conquest Chronograph
A much budget-friendlier watch is the Longines Conquest Chronograph. It is a simple but great modern sports chronograph with an automatic movement. It measures a solid 44 millimeters in diameter. This no-frills chronograph is sure to catch people’s attention because of its size and the bold layout of the dial.
The only choice to make is your preferred dial color. You can choose between black, blue, and white, with the blue being the most ‘in your face’ of the three and the white being the most understated, if that’s even possible for a watch of this size.
IWC Big Pilot’s Watch
Speaking of big watches, the IWC Big Pilot is known for its massive size. This popular pilot’s watch has become one of the Schaffhausen-based luxury brand’s icons. The current line of Big Pilot watches consists of the regular 46.2-mm version in steel and two heritage versions in the same size, one in titanium and one in a beautiful bronze.
If you think these might be too small, you could also choose the 48-mm heritage version in titanium. It’s sure to draw the eye of all your teammates and/or fellow soccer fans.
TAG Heuer Formula 1 Chronograph
Another brand famous for creating several iconic racing chronographs is TAG Heuer. In addition to their famous line of heritage chronographs, this brand also has a line of modern chronographs called the TAG Heuer Formula 1. This watch is available with a quartz movement or an ETA-based automatic movement. It’s a beautiful statement piece, especially if you choose the solid black version with a black leather strap. Even though it’s dark, it’s easily the most striking edition.
AP Royal Oak Chronograph
Audemars Piguet is something of a favorite among the world’s most famous athletes. The brand has actively been pushing into the world of sports by choosing a number of high-profile sports stars as their brand ambassadors: Serena Williams, Lebron James, and Lionel Messi have all been the face of Audemars Piguet over the last few years. One of their most distinctive watches loved by many soccer players is the Royal Oak Chronograph.
If you’ve already decided to purchase this exceptional example of beauty and luxury, why not go all out? The 18-karat rose gold version featuring a chocolate-brown dial is the one to own.
Tudor Black Bay Chronograph
Over the last five years, the Tudor brand has earned quite the following. This ‘daughter’ of luxury powerhouse Rolex has created some very well-received heritage pieces under the Black Bay name. While the Black Bay Chronograph may not be the series’ most popular model, it could be just the right thing for any soccer fan.
It features a chronometer-certified, in-house movement and comes in stainless steel on a band made of steel, leather, or denim. The denim strap is a particularly nice fashion statement.
Richard Mille RM 11 Automatic Flyback Chronograph
Buying a Richard Mille watch calls for a salary like that of a professional soccer player. The brand is famous for creating very expensive and very light watches that can actually be worn while playing sports. Tennis star Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa, and professional golfer Bubba Watson are all known to wear their Richard Milles in competition.
For this list, we have chosen the RM 11—perhaps the purest example of a Richard Mille timepiece, from its case down to the last screw. It’s a super light titanium flyback chronograph with a big date display and an unmistakable design. This unique watch requires deep pockets and a sense of confidence.
Breitling Chronomat B01 Chronograph
The Breitling Chronomat has long been known to anyone looking for a bold luxury watch from a well-known brand. The Chronomat B01 is a remarkable watch: It is a sports chronograph but also water resistant to a whopping 500 meters (1,640 ft). Those are specs worthy of a professional diving watch. This 44-mm watch is available with a blue or a dark gray dial, the blue version being the classic configuration of the iconic Chronomat.
Seiko 5 Sports
This choice makes more sense than you might think at first glance. Seiko produces some of the best mechanical sports watches on the planet, including examples that cost more than a Rolex Sea-Dweller. Luckily, they also create some of the most affordable sports watches, including the Seiko 5 Sports. Within the collection, you can choose from a broad range of designs. We prefer the straight-forward diving pieces with day and date displays.
Panerai Luminor Base 8 Days
Panerai has also earned a reputation for their large, eye-catching timepieces. The Panerai Luminor series has become a modern-day classic that many soccer players are sure to have in their watch collections. The most basic version of the Luminor range is the Luminor Base 8 Days. This model is available in steel with a black or white dial. Neither is particularly flashy, although they still make a statement once you put it on your wrist.
There you have it. Those were our top 10 watches meant for soccer superstars and their fans. Now it’s time for the referees to decide which one is the ultimate soccer player’s watch.
