As the sun climbs higher and the days stretch longer, it’s time to refresh not only your wardrobe but also your wristwear. The best watches for summer are more than just accessories—they’re stylish tools designed to thrive under the sun.
Whether you’re an urban adventurer or one of the many underwater explorers, a great summer watch combines rugged durability with standout design, perfect for the heat, the water, and everything in between. A perfect summer watch should be water resistant, lightweight, and built to handle anything from saltwater splashes to spontaneous weekend getaways.
That’s why dive watches with a screw down crown, unidirectional bezel, and strong power reserve have become seasonal favorites. Add a rubber strap—especially a bold orange rubber strap—or a breathable NATO strap, and you’re good to go from beach to bar in no time.
If you’re after something sleek yet sporty, titanium watches offer incredible strength without the heft—ideal for comfort during long, active days. Bright, seasonal dial colors also define the best summer watches: a deep blue dial, crisp white dial, or daring orange colorway instantly captures the energy of summer.
Iconic pieces like the Rolex Submariner, with its timeless black bezel and automatic movement, are the very definition of a reliable year-round companion. Meanwhile, modern takes like the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf bring heritage styling and vibrant personality to your collection—earning a well-deserved spot in any enthusiast’s watch box.
The Sea Wolf in particular, with its colorful options and dive-ready features, is a go-to for collectors looking for an original watch with flair. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance, contemporary edge, or robust tool watches, this guide will walk you through our favorite watches for the season.
No matter your wrist size or style, we’re here to help you find the one that fits just right—for summer and year round.
What Makes a Great Summer Watch?
Not all watches are created equal—especially when it comes to the hot, active days of summer. Choosing the right timepiece for the season means finding the perfect mix of style, durability, and functionality. Whether you’re gearing up for your first time buying a summer-ready watch or you’re adding to a growing collection.
Here’s what separates a good summer watch from a great one:
1. Water Resistance
Let’s talk about the most essential feature: water resistance. From beach trips and pool parties to unexpected rainstorms, your watch should be ready for it all.
Whether it’s an Oris Divers, a Doxa Sub, or the iconic Fifty Fathoms, look for a diver with at least 100 meters of water resistance. It’s a must-have if you plan on taking your watch near or into water.
2. Durable Materials
A summer watch needs to handle sweat, sand, and everything in between. Cases made from stainless steel, ceramic, or even titanium not only look cool, but also offer top-notch protection against the elements.
Many watches also come with additional features like anti-reflective sapphire crystal or screw-down crowns, boosting their toughness and appeal.
3. Comfortable Straps and Bracelets
When temperatures rise, comfort is key. Avoid leather—opt instead for breathable materials like a rubber strap, a casual NATO, or a lightweight metal bracelet.
These straps not only stand up to the heat, but they also offer a great look and can easily be swapped depending on your outfit or activity.
4. Bold, Seasonal Aesthetics
Summer is the moment to have a little fun with your style. A colorful dial, like bright blue, mint green, or a punchy orange, instantly adds life to your wrist.
Brands like Doxa Sub and Oris Divers are known for bold colors that capture the energy of the sun and sea. Even if you usually go for neutrals, adding a bit of seasonal color can make a big impact.
5. Lightweight Feel and Fit
In the summer, you want a watch that wears light on the wrist. Pay attention to the case size and overall weight—especially if you’ll be wearing it for long periods or during activities.
Watches with a slim profile or crafted from lightweight materials ensure maximum comfort with no compromise on performance.
6. Reliable Movement and Everyday Versatility
A solid movement—whether automatic or quartz—is essential for any reliable summer watch. Bonus points for watches with long power reserves or additional features like date complications, lume for nighttime visibility, or interchangeable straps.
These touches enhance both the functionality and versatility of your summer wristwear, making it easy to carry into fall and beyond.
Top Picks for Summer Watches
If you’re on the hunt for the best watches for summer, look no further. These standout models are more than just good-looking—they’re built to handle heat, water, and activity all summer long.
Whether you’re diving, dining, or just soaking in the sun, each summer watch on this list delivers the perfect mix of form and function.
1. Oris Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy
Image from Oracle Time (https://oracleoftime.com/)
The Oris Divers Sixty-Five Cotton Candy collection is the very definition of a fun, fresh summer watch. Available in pastel hues like sky blue, wild green, and pink, these colorful pieces feature a charming bronze case that naturally develops a patina over time.
It’s a nostalgic dive watch with 100 meters of water resistance, a screw-down crown, and automatic movement. Pair it with a rubber strap or metal bracelet, and you’ve got a perfect summer watch that brings personality to every wrist. Definitely one for the watch box.
2. Zodiac Super Sea Wolf Ceramic Compression Diver
Image from Two Broke Watch Snobs (https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/)
If retro-cool and technical performance are your vibe, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf is a no-brainer. This Sea Wolf stunner features a sleek ceramic unidirectional bezel, stainless steel case, and tropical-style rubber strap—ideal for beach trips or poolside lounging.
The orange rubber strap option and vibrant orange colorway versions give this model a punch of energy that screams summer. With 200 meters of water resistance, an automatic movement, and compact wrist size options, it’s one of the favorite watches among collectors and underwater explorers alike.
3. Rolex Submariner
Image from The Hour Glass (https://www.thehourglass.com/)
A timeless icon and one of the best summer watches for those who want luxury that can handle the elements. The Rolex Submariner blends elegance and adventure, with a black bezel, robust stainless steel case, and 300-meter water resistance.
Its automatic movement, screw down crown, and signature design make it an original watch that works just as well in the ocean as it does at a rooftop dinner. Available in several colorways—including the blue-and-gold “Bluesy” and green “Hulk”—there’s a version of the Submariner to match your summer style.
4. DOXA SUB 200 Professional
Image from The Watch Pages (https://www.thewatchpages.com/)
The DOXA SUB 200 Professional is purpose-built for sea lovers. It brings diving history into the modern era with vibrant colors like orange, aquamarine, and yellow.
With 200 meters of water resistance, a domed sapphire crystal, and the iconic beads-of-rice bracelet, this is a dive watch that begs to be worn on (and in) the water. The orange colorway in particular is a fan favorite, offering a bold dial that stands out under the summer sun.
5. Tissot PRX Quartz Mint
Image from WatchGecko (https://www.watchgecko.com/)
For a more urban summer style, the Tissot PRX Quartz in mint green delivers a sleek, contemporary silhouette. Its integrated bracelet, slim profile, and 100-meter water resistance make it great for city adventures and poolside lounging alike.
The pastel blue dial tone adds a cool refresh to your collection, while its reliable quartz movement ensures accuracy without fuss. Lightweight and stylish, it’s a go-to summer watch that may just earn a permanent spot in your year round rotation.
Summer Watch Styles to Consider
When it comes to watches that shine brightest in the summer months, certain styles rise above the rest. Whether you’re diving into the ocean, lounging under the sun, or heading to a rooftop dinner, the right timepiece can elevate your entire season.
From rugged durability to playful design, here are some of the coolest styles to wear this summer—and maybe even into fall.
Dive Watches
Purpose-built for the deep, dive watches are a top pick for both performance and style. These cool and capable models offer serious water resistance, luminous markers for visibility, and a unidirectional bezel for tracking time underwater.
Whether you’re wearing the Oris Divers, DOXA SUB, or even the legendary Fifty Fathoms, a dive watch is the very definition of summer-ready gear. They also tend to include additional features like helium escape valves, screw-down crowns, or high-contrast dials—all perfect for underwater explorers and beachgoers alike.
Titanium Watches
Looking for something that won’t weigh down your wrist during a hot day? Titanium watches offer the same toughness as steel but with less bulk. Their lightweight nature and corrosion resistance make them perfect for active summer lifestyles.
Whether you’re hiking, sailing, or traveling, titanium pieces from your favorite brand provide both strength and a great look. This is an ideal option for your first time investing in a serious summer watch.
NATO Strap Watches
Comfortable, breathable, and endlessly fun, NATO strap watches are a warm-weather staple. Originally created for military function, today’s NATO straps are all about personality. They’re quick-drying and easy to swap out, giving your watch a new vibe every time.
Try pairing a NATO strap with a blue dial for an ocean-inspired aesthetic, or go bold with an orange variation that adds a bit of flair to your wristwear.
Blue Dial Watches
Few styles scream summer like a blue dial timepiece. This versatile color echoes both sea and sky, making it a natural match for sunny settings. Whether you go for a deep navy tone or a lighter, brighter turquoise, blue brings a refreshing coolness to any strap or bracelet combination.
Brands like DOXA, Oris, and Blancpain (with its Fifty Fathoms) often feature this palette in their seasonal collections, capturing the essence of the summer moment.
Maintenance and Care
Your summer watch is built for adventure—but from sun, sweat, and sand to saltwater and sunscreen, the season can put it through the wringer.
A little routine care ensures your timepiece stays in peak condition all summer long, and well into the rest of the year. Here’s how to keep your watch looking sharp and functioning flawlessly:
Rinse After Saltwater Exposure
If you’ve been in the ocean, give your watch a gentle rinse with fresh water afterward. This is especially important for dive watches and pieces with titanium or stainless steel cases, as saltwater can lead to long-term corrosion—even on the toughest materials.
Avoid Prolonged Heat
When you’re not wearing your watch, keep it out of direct sunlight or extreme heat. High temps can fade dials, dry out rubber straps, and even damage the internal lubricants in automatic movements, potentially affecting accuracy and longevity.
Clean It Regularly
Sunscreen, sweat, and grime can build up quickly. Clean your watch gently with a soft brush, lukewarm water, and mild soap. Pay extra attention to areas around the strap, case back, and crown, especially if you’ve been wearing a rubber strap or NATO during high-activity days.
Store It Smartly
When you’re not wearing your watch, keep it in a cool, dry place. Consider investing in a watch box, roll, or pouch—especially while traveling. These not only protect your watch from scratches and dust but also make organizing your collection that much easier.
Time to Make a Splash
A great summer watch doesn’t just tell time—it makes waves. Whether it’s a titanium dive watch built for the ocean, a colorful piece with a rubber strap made for the pool, or a minimalist steel timepiece that suits a rooftop party, the right watch adds personality, practicality, and style to your season. It’s a small accessory that makes a big statement.
Looking for something beach-ready? Go for bold features that can handle sun, salt, and surf—think water resistance, blue dials, or a tough leather or rubber strap. For the fashion-forward, there’s a whole world of watches with interesting textures, colorful accents, and a design to match every summer fit. Whether you’re lounging at the beach, leading the head of the trendsetters, or feeling a little lucky, there’s a perfect watch just for you.
So take the plunge—dive into the season with a timepiece that reflects your mood, your moments, and your movement. After all, summer may be fleeting, but the memories (and your watch) can last a lifetime.