The weather’s cold up here in the Northern Hemisphere, which means it’s just about time to head south and catch some much-needed sun. Throw your trunks in a suitcase, don’t forget the sunscreen, and be sure to pack a luxury watch for every occasion on your sun-worshiping getaway. Here’s the packing list.
The Travel Watch
Step onto the plane in style with the famous Rolex GMT-Master II timepiece on your wrist. The beloved pilot’s watch can track up to three time zones at once, two on the dial and a third on the bezel – perfect for any globetrotting individual. You can kick back and enjoy an in-flight cocktail while keeping tabs on what time it is at home with a quick flick of the wrist.
The original GMT-Master came to market in the 1950s and remained in production until the 1980s when the GMT-Master II took its place and brought with it an upgraded independent GMT hand. The collection remains one of the most popular models in the Rolex lineup. However, one of the most sought-after amongst Rolex enthusiasts today is the ref. 126710. It features a desirable 904L-grade stainless steel finish, a ceramic – aka “Cerachrom” – bezel insert, longer-lasting Chromalight luminescent material on the dial, and the brand-new caliber 3285 Perpetual movements. Rolex currently produces ref. 126710 with either the famous red and blue “Pepsi” or black and blue “Batman” insert and a three-link Oyster or five-link Jubilee bracelet.
The Poolside Watch
Lose track of time and enjoy a dip in the pool while sporting this two-tone Submariner ref. 116613. It features that iconic blue ceramic bezel with a matching pool-blue face that’s oh-so-fitting for an afternoon of cocktail sipping and tanning. This watch is so good looking you’re not even going to care that the 40mm case leaves a gleaming tan line on your wrist.
Of course, this watch doesn’t just look good for sitting poolside, it’s built to withstand much harsher conditions. Inside ticks an automatic caliber 3135 movement which is protected by a waterproof screw-down crown and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal – all of which can withstand depths of up to 300 meters. The unidirectional rotating Cerachrom bezel can time your dive, or use it to pace yourself between cocktails or sun time. Either way, you’re going to look great.
The Driving Watch
Your itinerary may include a drive down the coast of somewhere beautiful. In that case, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is a must-have for your vacation cruise. The watch is a motorsport icon with roots that date back to the early days of the Daytona Speedway. You’re on vacation, so you’ll have time to play around with the functions of the Rolex Daytona, such as the Tachymeter bezel and chronograph movement. Curious as to what your speed is or how far you’ve traveled? The Daytona’s got you covered.
While the Daytona is always effortlessly chic with its famous side pushers and trio or registers on the dial, the ref. 116500 is our top pick for your vacation getaway. Features include a black or white dial, Rolex’s patented Oystersteel, scratch-resistant sapphire, and a Triplock screw-down crown with three sealed waterproof zones. You can take a quick dip in the ocean during your scenic drive, and the movement hard at work inside the case will remain accurate to -2/+2 seconds per day. The contemporary aesthetic of the ceramic bezel, polished and satin steel finish, and impeccable dial make this Rolex an ideal vacation watch, no matter where your travels take you.
The Adventure Watch
What would a vacation be without a little adventure? Whether you’re hopping on a yacht, sailboat, or jet skis for the afternoon, you’re going to want to strap on something that will withstand the warm-weather elements and look great while doing it. The watch with the most prestige for the occasion has to be the Yacht-Master II. I adore this ref. 116680 with a blue ceramic bezel – ‘Yacht-Master’ scrawled across the bottom, the contrasting stainless steel case gleaming in the sunlight.
Inside ticks an automatic caliber 4161 movement which is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a waterproof screw-down crown. Time out your regatta with the adjustable countdown function – and don’t worry if you’re thrown overboard at any point because it’s water resistant up to 100 meters. The white face with Chromalight finished hands and hour markers means it’s also always going to be easy to read and sure to catch the eyes of your fellow vacationers. You’re guaranteed to wear this watch proudly while having a whole lot of fun.
Adventure Watches Alternative: Breitling Navitimer
If you’re interested in something a little more budget-friendly, the Breitling Navitimer is a great alternative. It doesn’t have the convenience of a regatta timer, but it does boast chronograph functionality and a second-time zone to help you manage your interests at home. Of course, the Navitimer also exudes a certain level of sophistication and class that one would expect from the Breitling brand with a classy leather bracelet, stainless steel finish, and unique green dial.
What’s also great about the ref. AB04452A1L1X1 is that it has an interesting story to tell. The watch was inspired by the original 765 AVI pilot’s watch from the 1950s and the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, which ruled the skies in 1938 and was famously distinguished by a shark mouth on its nose. It embodies the current neo-vintage trend by pairing retro design elements with modern features like the Breitling cal. B04 self-winding movement with a 70-hour power reserve, scratch-resistant sapphire, and long-lasting lume. The leather strap features contrasting stitching to mirror flight gear, and the colors on the dial match the Warhawk plane. A showstopper wherever you choose to vacation.
The Sunset Drinks Watch
When it’s time to grab a drink and watch the sunset, it’s time to strap on a dressier watch for the occasion. Match that pink sky with the gleaming 18k pink gold case of Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ref. 26331OR. I love how it’s been accented with a blue Grande Tapisserie face – as it keeps in line with the blue color story of the day but with a much more elevated finish.
The matching pink gold sub-dials give this watch an inherently sporty feel, but I like how this one has been given a dressier finish with that matching blue alligator strap. But this watch isn’t just all looks. An impressive Audemars Piguet caliber 2385 movement with 37 jewels runs inside. It’s protected by a glare-proofed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and screw-down crown that’s water resistant up to 50m – which means that you’ll be safe if you forget to take it off while you enjoy that one last (tipsy) dip in the pool.
The Casual Watch
Interested in a timepiece that flies a little more under the radar than a rose gold AP? A watch in stainless steel and white gold might be better suited to your watch tastes. The Rolex Datejust ref. 126234 is still luxurious but in an elegant and understated way.
Features include a stainless steel case and bracelet, a matching 18k white gold fluted bezel, and a striking palm dial that embraces laidback vacation vibes. At 36mm in diameter, you wear this Rolex, it doesn’t wear you, and looks great dressed up for a night out or dressed down with swimwear as you relax by the beach or hotel pool. The best part is that the Datejust also sports a waterproof Oyster case and a Perpetual movement with automatic winding technology.