The time spent thinking about it is fun too. Introducing 6 watch models you'll want to buy with your summer bonus

This time, using my summer bonus as a resource, I've selected and introduced some attractive models priced under 800,000 yen. In making this selection, I've divided the selection into three categories: simple three-hand models that can be used in a wide range of situations, tough tool watches, and models with a modern yet vintage feel, and I'll introduce two models from each.

Introducing six attractive models that will increase the fun of worrying

　A bonus with no set use in mind offers endless possibilities. When faced with a bonus that has been used to cover the expenses of durable consumer goods necessary for daily life, some people browse watch magazines and online media and imagine themselves wearing the models featured there.

　"The fun of hobbies, and not just watches, is the thinking behind them." So, to help you enjoy that, we're using our summer bonuses to introduce attractive options in the 800,000 yen range, divided into three categories: simple three-hand models suitable for a wide range of occasions, tough tool watches, and models with a modern yet vintage feel.

The three-hand Carrera model has been popular for many years and has been perfected to perfection.

　The first model we'll be looking at is a three-hand model. Featuring a level of water resistance and ample power reserve for everyday use, this watch's simple design is versatile enough to suit a wide range of occasions, from business and formal occasions to casual wear. While there are many attractive models in this genre, regardless of price range, we've chosen the TAG Heuer Carrera Day-Date.

　The Carrera's three-hand model is a popular model that has been added to the lineup while maintaining its design taste, and through repeated upgrades, not only its basic performance but also its exterior quality has been improved.

　The model shown here features a day-date function with date and day of the week displays. The opaline dial features a red base with black accents on the outer rim, creating a smoky gradation. The pencil-shaped hour and minute hands with a line in the center, the framed day-date display, the three-dimensional applied indexes, and the TAG Heuer emblem combine with the dial design to create this watch's appeal. The triangular second hand, reminiscent of those found on sports car meters, is a detail that evokes TAG Heuer's deep ties to motorsports. In addition to this model, the Carrera is also available in a wide range of finishes, including black, blue, and even a silver date-only model, making it a great choice for anyone looking to buy one.

　The automatic movement used in this model is the Cal. TH31-02, which has a power reserve of approximately 80 hours. It also boasts 100m water resistance and a slim, clean-cut butterfly buckle, making it a highly versatile piece.

The sporty and elegant Top Time B31 is equipped with the latest movement

　Next up is the Top Time B31, released by Breitling in 2025. In recent years, Breitling has been expanding its range of three-hand models based on the worldview of its iconic chronograph models.

The Top Time has been a chronograph model for motorsports, and this year the Top Time B01 Racing Limited Edition was released, inspired by a model from the 1960s. The Top Time B31 we will be looking at is a model that inherits the two-tone dial design and other designs that evoke a connection to motorsports, but is now a three-hand design.

　The green color chosen from the color variations is reminiscent of British racing green, and its deep, calm tone is appealing. The orange second hand stands out against the green background, and the color of the hand is reminiscent of the gauges in sports cars. The second scale, marked to 1/4 second, not only effectively evokes the design of a chronograph, but also helps to add a tool watch feel to this watch.

　There are two reasons for selecting this model: its compact and elegant design and the use of a movement with high basic performance. This model has a case diameter of 38mm and a thickness of 10.3mm, which not only creates an elegant look but also promises a comfortable wearing experience.

　This silhouette is realized through the in-house movement Cal. B31, based on Breitling's signature chronograph movement, Cal. 01, but with a focus on time display and enhanced basic performance and reliability. Examples of its basic performance include a power reserve of approximately 78 hours and COSC certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, which meets modern standards. Furthermore, its reliability was enhanced through rigorous testing, equivalent to 16 years of use, including 100,000 crown windings, 3,456,000 rotor windings, and 60,000 500G shock tests. Based on these results, the Cal. B31 comes with a five-year warranty, providing peace of mind for users.

　This watch is also available in a bracelet model, allowing you to choose based on your preferences and purpose, which is another reason for its selection.

The latest model of the highly refined Black Bay 58

　Tudor offers extremely high-quality tool watches in the mid-range. The reason for this high level of perfection is not only the highly acclaimed movements, the practical power reserve they provide, and the easily understood specifications such as 200m water resistance, but also the attention to detail in the exterior finish and usability.

　The new burgundy model of the Black Bay 58, selected for this article, takes these high standards to the next level. The Black Bay collection originally began as a revival of Tudor's classic Oyster Prince Submariner, and while it has spawned derivative models, it has become the backbone of Tudor to this day. The Black Bay 58 is a relatively compact model for a diver's watch, measuring 39mm in diameter.

　The movement installed in this latest 2025 model is the Cal. MT5400-U, a Master Chronometer certified movement by METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology), and its basic performance is truly "certified." While Master Chronometer-certified movements have been used in special models such as ceramic case models, this is the first time they have been used in a base model.

　Master Chronometer certification involves a 10-day inspection of each movement, both alone and after casing, to check various aspects such as maintaining accuracy even when exposed to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss and ensuring minimal fluctuations in accuracy due to the remaining power reserve.Certified movements can be said to have the highest level of reliability by modern standards.

　In addition, the thickness of the watch has been reduced from 11.9mm to 11.72mm, and it is available with a five-link bracelet, a first for a 39mm case, and the three-link rivet bracelet, which has been in the lineup for some time, both of which feature the "T-fit adjusting system" that allows for length adjustment.With these steady improvements continuing, this is a collection and brand that can be recommended with confidence, knowing that "the latest is the best."

G-SHOCK with exterior quality that sets it apart from conventional full metal models

　Next on our list is the G-SHOCK "MR-G" Ref. MRG-B2100D-1AJR, a watch synonymous with tough tool watches. While the G-SHOCK lineup has seen an increase in models in the 30 yen range in recent years, this model, priced at over 60 yen, is extremely expensive. Most of the cost is dedicated to the extremely high level of exterior finish.

　The exterior design approach of this model follows that of the "MRG-B5000" released in 2022. While the case and bracelet are made of "full metal," the high-quality finish is completely different from previous full-metal models, resulting in a highly acclaimed model. To achieve this finish, the bezel, which is molded as a single piece on previous full-metal models, is divided into 27 parts on the MRG-B2100, and the dimpled section of the bracelet is also divided, each of which is polished and assembled. This method creates a distortion-free surface even in recesses that are difficult to polish, achieving a high level of perfection. Each part is made of lightweight titanium, and another highlight is the bezel top, which is made of "Cobalion," a cobalt-chrome alloy said to have a brilliance comparable to that of platinum.

　The dial has a design inspired by woodworking, with a date display at 3 o'clock and an indicator that displays the day of the week and watch status at 8 o'clock. The full metal model "GM-B2100," on which the design is based, had an LCD screen at 4 o'clock that realized stopwatch and alarm functions, but it is important to note that this has been eliminated in this model.

　In the past, the standard view was that a simple three-hand model was appropriate for business situations, but in recent years, I feel that a variety of watches have become accepted (of course, it depends on the industry). From that perspective, for example, an engineer working in machining would appreciate the high finish quality of this watch and choose it, so it would be a good choice.

A new model with a unique world time function and a design typical of NOMOS Glashütte

　NOMOS Glashütte has a rich lineup of mid-range watches, offering modern, simple, and stylish models that retain a classic feel. We've picked out the new Club Sport Neomatik Worldtimer, a watch released this year by the company. The Club series is characterized by its pop coloring, and the Club Sport is available in a bracelet model, making it an informal watch that suits a wide range of occasions.

　This model is equipped with a world time function that allows you to display the time in any country in the world with a simple push of a button thanks to the new movement, Cal. DUW 3202, making it a model that can be used more widely and on a global scale. The basic display system consists of central hour and minute hands for local time, a small second hand at 6 o'clock, and a 24-hour home time display at 3 o'clock.

　The focus is on the push button at 2 o'clock and the city name display around the dial. There is a red line at 12 o'clock, which indicates the local time of the city located at that point. Before displaying the time in each city, set the red line to your current location and then adjust the time, then do the same for the home time display. From here, pressing the push button rotates the city name disc, and the hour hand simultaneously jumps to the corresponding time.

　This is a great feature for those who enjoy traveling abroad, and for businessmen who frequently travel abroad for business trips or meet with clients from around the world, we chose this model as it has a design that goes well with a suit and features that will support your business.

A highly refined mechanical chronograph with a "neo-vintage" design

　When you consider the mechanical appeal of mechanical watches, you might want to consider a chronograph model. That's why we've chosen the Raymond Weil Millésime Chronograph.

　The Millésime series, which has been rapidly gaining attention in recent years, is a lineup based on the concept of "neo-vintage," featuring a sector dial reminiscent of the Art Deco style popular in the 1930s, combined with triangular hands that give it a modern impression. From this perspective, the case, which combines flat and curved surfaces, does not have a completely vintage feel, but also has a modern feel, which I believe is in line with the concept. The secret to its popularity is its vintage feel that is easy to incorporate into chic outfits, and its modern essence that matches casual wear as well, which is why I chose this model.

　Another reason for this selection is that the compact size of the 39.5mm case diameter chronograph model allows for a design in which each counter is well-balanced across the entire dial, which contributes to the watch's vintage feel. Furthermore, its "reasonable" thickness of 12.9mm is also not to be missed. While many mechanical chronograph models are over 14mm thick, this model's construction creates an elegant look and will likely contribute to improved comfort when worn.

　The model we picked out is the new anthracite (gray) dial bracelet model, but in addition to this model, black and navy dials are also available, so the wide range of options is also appealing.