Editorial Waqt Picks 5 Watches That Fits Summer

As the sun hangs in the sky, casting warm, golden hues over everything, and the climate temperatures rise, the summer season begins. It's a season of leisurely afternoons spent by the water's edge and road trips in convertible cars. In this rich tapestry of summer experiences, it's often the moment to start considering the summer watch—a perfect companion that not only tells time but also captures the essence of the season.

These timepieces transcend mere functionality; they embody the vibrancy, style, and adventurous spirit synonymous with summer. Whether adorned with nautical designs that evoke the call of the open sea, bold and distinctive colors, or crafted from materials designed to withstand heat and humidity, summer watches serve as both practical companions and stylish statements.  

While many watch collectors are looking for summer picks for their new watches, Waqt's editorial team has selected 5 watches that fit this season. 

Doxa SUB 200T 

Doxa, renowned for its diver's watches, gained prominence with the launch of its iconic SUB collection in 1967. Since then, the brand has introduced a range of models inspired by these legendary timepiece. This year, Doxa unveiled the SUB 200T, a collection that reimagines the brand's classic SUB 300 design in a more compact 39mm x 10.7mm stainless steel case, available in various colors. We chose the turquoise version, a bright and vibrant blue-green hue reminiscent of the turquoise gemstone. This color is known for its energetic and uplifting qualities, often evoking a sense of freshness and playfulness.

The watch is powered by the Sellita SW200-1, an automatic movement with a 38-hour power reserve. It comes with the option of a rubber strap, priced at AED 5,900, or the signature 'beads of rice' stainless steel bracelet, priced at AED 6,000, making it affordably priced.

Formex REEF 39.5mm Bahama Blue Automatic 300M

Formex offers timepieces that blend exceptional craftsmanship with cutting-edge design, all at an accessible price point. This year, the brand released the Reef 39.5mm "Bahama Blue," a new diver's watch that's perfect for summer. This new model is a smaller version of the renowned 300-meter water-resistant Reef diver's watch, featuring a 39.5mm diameter and an 11mm thickness. Crafted from 316L stainless steel with a titanium grade 2 container, it also boasts a unidirectional bezel made from zirconium oxide ceramic, complementing the light blue hue of the dial.

The dial, a highlight of this watch, is coated with light blue lacquer followed by seven layers of transparent lacquer. Powered by the automatic Sellita SW300-1 movement, the watch offers a reliable 56-hour power reserve. It comes with a stainless steel bracelet with screwed links and a buckle, priced at AED 8,990.

Oris Aquis Date 41.5mm

If you're seeking a summer watch with a modern touch, the Oris Aquis collection is the perfect fit. While the brand's other dive watches draw inspiration from Oris's past models, the Aquis is a thoroughly contemporary timepiece. This year, Oris introduced two watermelon-colored models of its Aquis Date 41.5mm dive watch. 

Embracing the quintessential summer fruit and its vibrant colors, the refreshed collection features editions in striking green and red hues, and the red one is a favorite. The signature oversized crown at 3 o'clock ensures effortless use, and because it screws in, the watch is water-resistant up to 300 meters. Powered by the Oris Calibre 733, based on the Sellita SW 200-1, the watch offers a 38-hour power reserve, and is priced at AED 9,700.

Norqain Wild ONE Skeleton Coral 

The Wild One collection is one of Norqain's iconic lines, crafted from the brand's exclusive Norteq carbon fiber material. Representing the pinnacle of the brand's sports watch offerings, the Wild One collection epitomizes high performance and innovation. This year, the brand welcomed Swiss tennis champion and new Norqain ambassador, Stan Wawrinka, and released the Wild One Skeleton Coral and Gecko. While both models share bold aesthetics, the Gecko green variant embraces a vibrant hue and summer vibes, making it a superior choice for summer wear as it perfectly aligns with the season's ambiance.

Stan Wawrinka will appear in the Wimbledon tournament wearing the Wild One Skeleton Gecko, paying homage to the grass courts. The watch features a 42mm Norteq case with a black marbled effect, measuring 12.30mm in thickness. Its sophisticated 25-part case includes a rubber shock absorber and a carbon composite Norteq cage. The openworked dial, adorned with gray skeletonized bridges, elegantly showcases the N08S caliber movement, based on the Sellita SW 200-1S. This automatic movement offers a 41-hour power reserve. The watch is priced at AED 22,100.

Breitling Superocean Automatic Turquoise 42 

If you’re a frequent beachgoer, you’ve likely tried surfing at least once and enjoyed it, and breitling has exactly what you’d like as-well with its latest additions to the Superocean line with a colorful rainbow-dial edition. This new release coincided with the launch of "The Breitling Book of Surfing," a tribute to the shared passions and vibrant stories of surfers around the globe. The Superocean Automatic Turquoise features a stainless steel case with a cambered sapphire crystal that has glare-proof coating on both sides, and a unidirectional bezel with a black ceramic inlay. The rainbow edition measures 42 mm in diameter and 12.56 mm in height.

This release stands out with its unique rainbow-dial, where the hour indices and hands are coated in a gradient of Super-LumiNova hues—yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, red, and orange. These colors not only add a playful pop during the day but also glow in an array of shades in low light. The watch is powered by the automatic Breitling Caliber 17, which offers a 38-hour power reserve, and is priced at AED 19,860.

Typically, enthusiasts gravitate towards a "summer watch" during this season—a budget-friendly, colorful timepiece suitable for wearing while swimming at the beach, or by the pool.