Traditionally, a watch is something that’s built for purpose: to coordinate an attack, help navigate a plane, support a dive, plan an expedition, etc. They’re practical pieces of equipment that served the wearer as and when they were required.
In the 21st century, unless you’re in the forces, it doesn’t matter so much when and what type of watch you wear. But there are still certain styles and functions that suit occasions better than others. You wouldn’t head off on a family camping trip in a Vacheron Constantin or attend your sister’s wedding wearing a plastic digital Casio, for instance.
Spring and summer, at least in the UK, is a time of celebration: after a long, hard winter, it’s once again possible to go into the great outdoors without three layers of clothing. What that means for watch lovers is a whole range of activities is back on the cards, and you need to have the perfect companion sitting on your wrist for each one of them.
Check out our roundup of vintage watches to suit every activity this time of year can throw at you.
Aquatic Affairs: The Omega Seamaster Diver ‘Commander’s Watch’
With colours inspired by the British Royal Navy, it’s hard to find a watch more suited to coastal activities than the Omega Seamaster Diver ‘Commander’s Watch’.
Whether you’re going for fish and chips at Whitby or riding starboard on an international sailing vessel, this limited edition timepiece will help you convey the ultimate in style and purpose. This limited edition version, built to celebrate James Bond’s rank as Commander in the Navy, is technically identical to other Seamaster 300M Diver’s watches, but it has a distinctive colour scheme. It looks great with a 5-stripe blue, red and grey Nato strap or stainless steel bracelet, offering the utmost in versatility for both day and night, formal and casual wear.
Outdoor Excursions: The Breitling Montbrillant Datora A21330
One of the best-selling watches of the 1940s, the Breitling Montbrillant Datora is a chronograph that demonstrates the ultimate in functional wrist wear.
The large dial displays more information than any other brand would dare to, proudly pointing to its rich history as an aviator’s right-hand man. It features a bi-directional rotating slide rule bezel, subdials at the 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions, and a 24-hour scale that displays the time in a military manner — all features that are useful for looking good and staying safe on any outdoor excursion. Running on an automatic movement and sitting on a brown leather strap, this Montbrillant Datora model is both comfortable and reliable — just what the modern man needs.
Special Occasions: Patek Philippe 18k Gold Complications
If spring and summer is a time for celebration, then there’s few better watches for it than an 18k gold wristwatch made by one of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers.
The Patek Philippe Complications in rose gold is an annual calendar that features jumping indicators for the day, date, and month displayed in apertures at the top of the dial. While its predecessor had an overall sporty and casual look, this model, with its black lacquered dial and 18k rose gold hour markers, takes elegance to the extreme. Perfect for those special occasions when no expense or excuse to brag should be spared.
