What are the best luxury watches for the outdoors? Five recommended models!

In this issue of Special Feature, we'll be introducing luxury watches for the outdoors. In today's world, even extremely affordable models offer sufficient waterproofing and reliability, so the need to choose a luxury watch for outdoor use has diminished. However, the appeal of luxury watches is that they are tailored and come with a support system that allows them to be used for many years with proper maintenance. One of the joys of owning a watch is being able to enjoy it for a long time and remembering the memories you have of spending time outdoors with it.

Rethinking the meaning of choosing a luxury watch for the outdoors

　When the technologies required for outdoor use, such as waterproofing and shock resistance, were still in their infancy or had just been established, watches with these features were limited to expensive professional models. As a result, a genre of expensive professional (i.e. outdoor) models was established for users who required high reliability.

　Nowadays, even extremely inexpensive models have high water resistance and reliability, so there is less need to choose a luxury watch for hobby use, except in special cases such as saturation diving or when using a watch with high magnetic resistance.

　On the other hand, the appeal of luxury watches is that they are tailored and have a support system in place to ensure they can be used for a long time with proper maintenance. They also offer high performance, aesthetics, and comfort that are commensurate with the cost paid.

　One of the joys of a luxury outdoor watch is that it will last a long time, and you will be able to remember the mountains you climbed with the watch you bought for the outdoors, the views you admired from the mountains, the nights you spent talking with friends at camp, and the memories of visiting the beach with your partner.

Seiko Prospex "Alpinist" Ref.SBEJ005

　First up is the Seiko Prospex Alpinist. The Alpinist is appealing because it has the feel of a versatile model, similar to a dress watch. Its classic design, including the combination of a cobra-shaped hour hand and a syringe-shaped minute hand, is popular, and it is versatile enough for business use as well.

　The Ref. SBEJ005 featured here is equipped with a GMT function, allowing the time in a second time zone to be displayed using a red-tipped GMT hand and a 24-hour display on the bezel. The date display is discreetly placed at 4:2, and the design prioritizes timekeeping, typical of a tool watch.

　The reason this watch was named "Alpinist," meaning mountaineer, is not only because of its 20-atmosphere water resistance and reliability, but also because it features a simple compass via the rotating inner bezel. Let's explain how to use it if you're in the Northern Hemisphere. First, while holding the watch horizontally, adjust the orientation of the watch so that the hour hand is pointing toward the sun. This ensures that the midpoint between the 12 o'clock position on the dial and the hour hand is south. Next, operate the crown at the 4 o'clock position to set the "S" on the inner bezel in that direction. This allows you to easily check your direction.

　This model features a traditional Alpinist design with a green dial and gold-colored indexes and hands. It also boasts upgraded specs, such as a GMT display function and a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, which were not available on previous models, making it a highly satisfying finish for fans of the previous model.

Tudor Pelagos FXD, Ref. M25717N-0001

　Next, we'll introduce two diver's watches whose proven track record among professionals attests to their reliability. First up is the Tudor Pelagos FXD. The Pelagos is a diver's watch on a par with the highly acclaimed Black Bay, but with even higher specs. FXD stands for "Fixed," and models with this name don't use spring bars or other methods to attach the strap; instead, they feature a strap bar attachment mechanism with a loop integrated into the case, through which the fabric strap is threaded.

　This mechanism is designed to prevent the spring bar from breaking and causing the watch to fall off in harsh environments. So where exactly is this kind of harsh environment that requires such a fail-safe? It's the site of the missions undertaken by U.S. Navy divers.

　Tudor's diver's watches were tested by the US Navy in the mid-1950s and officially adopted in 1958. The FXD's strap bar conforms to US military specifications of the time, and the pointed crown guards seen on other models from different eras are also incorporated into this model.

　While this watch has a classic design, its performance is extremely modern. The titanium case is lightweight and comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the high level of machining results in a smooth surface, and the edges of the bezel's outer periphery are sharp and refined, creating a bold finish. The movement is the highly acclaimed Cal. MT5602, with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Furthermore, the small clearance between the hands, combined with the low placement of the crystal, ensures excellent visibility. For all of this, this watch can be considered an outdoor watch with extremely high performance by modern standards.

Sinn "EZM 3 S"

　Next on our list is the Sinn EZM 3 S. Sinn's official name is "Sinn Special Watches," and the brand has a lineup of many models designed to deliver reliable performance under extreme conditions. Among these, the EZM series is designed as a timekeeping instrument (Messer) for dangerous missions (Einsatz). The EZM 3 in particular is a diver's watch developed after careful research into its intended use and required functions, with the German police special forces in mind.

　The specifications of this model, based on that research, include 500m water resistance, 8 A/m magnetic resistance, an internal case dehumidification mechanism using Ar-Dry Technology, and guaranteed accuracy over a wide temperature range of -45°C to +80°C thanks to the use of Sinn's special oil 66-228. It also takes into consideration convenience in practical use, with the crown positioned at 9 o'clock so that it doesn't get in the way when worn, assuming that it won't be operated during missions. By incorporating this model into outdoor use or everyday life, you'll enjoy experiencing the world of Sinn.

　Compared to previous models, the EZM 3 S is an all-black model that emphasizes the stoicism of the EMZ series. This black is achieved by applying a PVD coating to the TEGIMENT surface, a Sinn proprietary surface hardening technology, and the black hard coating finish significantly reduces peeling and wear of the color layer.

　In addition to the nylon strap model, there are also black bracelet and rubber strap models available. Each Sinn model is comfortable to wear, and the ability to choose a style to suit your outdoor activities is also appealing.

Breitling Endurance Pro Ref.X82310A51B1S2

　Next up is the Breitling Endurance Pro, a model for those who push their limits. Endurance means stamina and endurance, and often refers to endurance races. The Endurance Pro also comes in a special model for triathletes, one of the most demanding sports, and is designed to support athletes who push their limits.

　This model is a quartz chronograph model with a 12-hour counter at 2 o'clock, a small seconds at 6 o'clock, and a 30-minute counter at 10 o'clock. This movement is classified as a SuperQuartz and is equipped with a temperature compensation function. This is likely intended to maintain accuracy in environments with extreme temperature changes, such as long-distance triathlons, cycling, and swimming, where the temperature drops due to exposure to the hot sun.

　Furthermore, the case is made of Breitlight®, a combination of polymer and fiber, and is approximately one-third lighter than titanium and one-sixth lighter than stainless steel, enhancing the wearer's comfort. It also boasts excellent thermal stability, high scratch resistance, and is non-magnetic. These specifications, which support those who challenge the limits, make it a reliable companion for outdoor use.

　The model we picked out features a vivid orange accent color paired with a rubber strap of the same color. Another appealing feature of this watch is that it is available in a variety of other colors, including black, green, red, blue, and purple.

G-SHOCK “MT-G” Ref.MTG-B2000YBD-2AJF

　If you prefer a model that is both tough and has a high-quality exterior, why not consider the Ref. MTG-B2000 from the MT-G line, which is the highest-grade line among G-SHOCKs? The G-SHOCK MT-G collection is characterized by its unique structure that combines resin and metal to create a sense of luxury and reliability.

　Rather than simply combining resin and metal, the MTG-B2000 is the first watch to use the "Dual Core Guard Structure" to achieve both design and shock resistance. Previous MT-G models also featured shock resistance using metal parts, but combining this with the "Carbon Core Guard Structure" marked the beginning of the Dual Core Guard Structure. The Dual Core Guard Structure is characterized by the fact that the carbon monocoque case containing the watch module is fitted into the stainless steel middle case, and the bezel is fixed to the middle case with screws to secure the entire structure.

　This structure not only further enhances the already high level of impact resistance, but also makes use of extensive carbon fiber for a lightweight construction that gives the illusion of titanium. The outer shell is made of polished stainless steel, and at 55.1mm long, 49.8mm wide, and 15.9mm thick, it has a large, imposing design. Despite its appearance, this watch is extremely lightweight, and you can expect a comfortable wearing experience. This combination of presence and comfort is sure to be one of the reasons why you should choose this watch.

　Furthermore, the finish quality of the exterior of recent G-SHOCKs has improved dramatically, resulting in strikingly edgy bezels and case sides. The Dual Core Guard structure allows the carbon monocoque case to be seen, creating a contrast with the unique texture of carbon, creating a unique charm for this watch.

　In addition, the watch's performance, which uses Tough Solar, is at a high level comparable to that of G-SHOCK's high-spec models, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use.

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