Summer fashion is lighter. Roll up your shirt sleeves, wear shorts, and add sandals and sunglasses. In a season where layering doesn't create depth, the wristwatch on your wrist greatly influences your style. Lightness, practicality, playfulness of color, and a definite presence that works on your wrist. Summer watches give a clear outline and playfulness to summer clothes that are not just cool. Whether you're walking around town, heading to the beach, or spending an afternoon on the terrace, the impression you give changes dramatically depending on the watch you choose. Here, we propose summer outfits that make the most of summer watches, divided into six categories.
Yonosuke Kikuchi: Styling
Ryohei Katsuma: Hair & Makeup
Lim (BE NATURAL): Model
Tsuyoshi Abe: Text and editing
*All prices include consumption tax.
Light summer clothes swaying in the backlight
The deep blue color looks cool and refreshing on your hands.
A light blue shirt billows in the breeze, paired with loose brown shorts. In the clear backlight, the light summer clothes drape beautifully. A straw hat adds a summery, relaxed touch, and on his wrist, a Cartier "Roadster" watch makes a statement. The tonneau-shaped case, inspired by an aircraft fuselage, and the striking blue dial are impressive. In addition to 10 ATM water resistance and an automatic movement, it is equipped with the QuickSwitch™ system that makes it easy to change the bracelet and strap, combining functionality and elegance. This watch leaves a cool, refreshing impression, perfect for a light outfit enveloped in the shade of tropical leaves.
Automatic winding (Cal. 1847 MC). 23 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 40 hours. Stainless steel case (47.2mm x 38.7mm, 10.06mm thick). 10 ATM water resistance. Estimated price: 1,676,400 yen. Scheduled for release in October. (Inquiries) Cartier Customer Service Center Tel. 0120-1847-00
Advice from the editor-in-chief of Kronos Japan!
Key points for choosing a summer watch
After working as a salaryman, he began working as a watch journalist in 2004. He contributes to watch and lifestyle magazines both in Japan and overseas, and also serves as a lecturer at seminars and events for watch and luxury brands and retailers, and as a radio personality on the radio program "BEST ISHIDA presents Chronos Japan Edition Tick Tock Talk♪" (every Saturday night from 25:00 am to 25:30 am @TOKYO FM). He has interviewed numerous people involved in the watch industry, including CEOs and R&D and planning staff from companies based in Europe, including Switzerland, Germany, and France. He has been in his current position since 2016.
Summer watches are perfect for getting into the summer spirit. Their vibrant colors and sporty designs are ideal for the active season. However, things like protruding edges and bracelets that stick to your skin, which aren't a concern in other seasons, can become quite annoying in the sweaty summer heat.
So, if you're choosing a summer watch, put aside other people's opinions for the moment and choose one that feels comfortable for you. Also, if you wear your watch in the summer, I recommend wiping off any sweat or dirt after use. This simple step should significantly extend the life of your watch.
Summer Watchlist for Fun During the Summer
A GMT watch featuring a case completely free of oxygen, a blue two-tone bezel, and a 24-hour display. The blue dial has white luminous Arabic numerals, and an arrow-shaped GMT hand indicates the second time zone. The case back is engraved with the names of continents and cities in three dimensions, expressing the time spent traveling through both function and design. In addition to the bracelet, a blue and black Saffiano leather strap is also included. Automatic movement (Cal. MB 24.33). 25 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 42mm, thickness 12.25mm). 100m water resistance. 661,100 yen. (Inquiries) Montblanc Customer Support Tel. 0800-333-0102
(Left) Raymond Weil / Millesime Chronograph
This watch reinterprets the sector dial, a design element used in 1930s watches, as a modern chronograph. The dial features varying heights and finishes, with three sub-dials positioned towards the outer edge, achieving both classic balance and excellent legibility. The box-shaped sapphire crystal and elongated lugs enhance its neo-vintage aesthetic, while also providing the layered feel of a chronograph. Automatic movement (Cal. RW5030). 27 jewels. 28,800 vibrations/hour. Power reserve approximately 62 hours. Stainless steel case (39.5mm diameter, 12.9mm thickness). 50m water resistance. ¥682,000. (Inquiries) GM International Tel. 03-5828-9080
Seiko Prospex Marine Master 1968 Heritage JAMSTEC Collaboration Limited Edition HBF002J
This limited edition model showcases a collaboration with JAMSTEC. The dial features a stamped pattern reminiscent of the routes icebreakers etch into the sea ice, and a deep blue gradient. It expresses the power and clear depth of the Arctic Ocean, and the blue ceramic bezel gives it a refined look.
Sinn 308 Hunting Watch
A moonlight indicator at 6 o'clock shows when the moonlight is bright enough for hunting. Hybrid ceramic indices enhance visibility in dark conditions, and Ar-Dry technology prevents fogging. The dark green dial and textile strap combine the professionalism of a tool with the ease of everyday use.
Seiko Presage Classic Series Craftsmanship Enamel Dial
This model features a tonneau-shaped case inspired by the "Timekeeper" pocket watch manufactured in 1895 by Seikosha, the predecessor of Seiko, and houses a lustrous enamel dial fired by skilled craftsmen. The blue hands, black Roman numerals, and 24-hour sub-dial enhance its classic appearance.
Orient Star / M42 Diver 1964 1st Edition F6 Date 200m Ref.RK-AU0503N
To celebrate its 75th anniversary, this limited-edition model offers a modern reinterpretation of the 1964 diver's watch. The dial, which shifts from blue-gray to black, evokes the imagery of the night sky and the deep sea. The arrow-shaped hands and three-dimensional indices combine a vintage feel with the functionality of a professional diver's watch.
Pequignet / Royal Paris II Chronograph
The grained silver dial features two blue counters, and the recessed gouges design creates a sculptural depth. This is Pequignet's first in-house chronograph from France, and it boasts a sporty yet elegant look. In addition to the fabric strap shown in the photo, a stainless steel metal bracelet is also included.
Maurice Lacroix / Pontos S Solar
The blue smoked translucent dial lets light through, powering the solar movement. The blue aluminum bezel and rubber strap create a cohesive look and offer excellent visibility day and night. This lightweight and refreshing sports watch is perfect for an active lifestyle, from water sports to city use.
