Watches & Pencils #30 – Vacation Watches
It’s holiday season and so I thought it would be a good time to publish an episode about watches and vacations. Prepare for a relaxed and sunny episode. Pack your suitcase:
What to wear?!
Overall most of the people choose their vacation watches from a practical point of view. Some things to consider:
- Water resistant: for safe dives into the swimming pool or sea.
- Price: depending on your destination it can be better not to bring your 5k+ watch. For example, on a campsite where you installed your tent.
- GMT function: can come in handy when you want to contact home now and then.
- Luminous hands: to keep track of the time when you are in darker environments, such as the campsite.
- Rubber strap: more comfortable in warm countries. Also, leather doesn’t like sweat…
Typical vacation watches
In general, Seiko watches, G-shocks and dive watches are very popular vacation watches. I asked the rest of the Fratello Watches team and this are the answers I received from them:
Gerard:
My favorite vacation watch is the Sinn 656.L (Link to the review by Gerard). The extreme readability in every situation makes it an pleasant companion. I love the cream-ish color of the dial during the day, while it changes to ‘glow in the dark’ in the evening and night. Waterproof for ‘nautical’ activities, which the brown rubber strap practically enables it for as well.
Balazs:
I think like most WIS I take a good few watches with me to my holiday. This time however I also need something special as well, since I’m getting married and the watch I take home with me will be the one I will wear during the ceremony. For everyday use I’ll take my Doxa Sharkhunter, a sturdy tool watch on a vintage Tropic Sport strap. It gets the job done just fine. On the big day though I will be wearing an Omega of course. It will be my 1969 Transitional Speedmaster (Link to the article about Balazs’ Transitional Speedmaster) a watch that traveled with me to more countries than any other timepiece I own.
Michael:
I almost always bring my Seiko SKX007. It looks good on a variety of straps… Can be dressed up a little bit and is inexpensive, durable and waterproof. I also bring my Seiko Astron a lot. It’s lightweight (titanium), solar powered (easy), good for time zone changes and looks amazing on leather, nylon or whatever strap. Plus, it’s perfectly up to handling water sports.
The Seiko Astron makes a great watch for the holidays…lightweight and comfortable!
Robert-Jan:
I used to take the Omega Seamaster Professional 300M Chronograph 2298.80 (titanium) with me on holidays, accompanied by the Seiko Marine Master 300 (reviewed here). Just the other week I sold my 2298.80 and bought this 1993 2296.80, basically the same watch but besides titanium Omega also used tantalum and rose gold to spice it up a bit. Titanium for comfort on the wrist and gold to have that bit of shine when you go to a nice diner or club. Yes, both are diving watches (and I don’t dive) but I need something water-resistant for the swimming pool.
Bert:
Probably my most used vacation watch is the Omega Seamaster Professional Co-Axial. This watch is nice and basic with great looks and, as it’s waterproof, it’s good for all conditions and circumstances. As I’m not a fan of the steel bracelet it comes on, it either goes on an Omega rubber strap with double folding clasp or I bring some different nato straps.
Teun:
For me it depends a bit on the sort of vacation, but normally I take my Tudor Pelagos (25500TN) with me. An ideal watch for almost every place, titanium and suitable for swimming.
Vivid Colors
In the summer period bright colored watches pop up, especially during the holiday season. Some favorite colors are blue and orange for example. To give a give examples which will fit a sunny day:
I also asked my friends to send ‘vacation shots’. Below a gallery to get in the mood:
Visit A Watch Shop During Your Holiday
When I go on vacation I always try to do a quick research after watch shops / manufactures before I leave. Normally I end up with one or two shops I’m able to visit which I normally won’t because of the distance. Especially local shops, which often sell other watches than you can spot in or nearby your hometown… The most interesting part of the visit is often the talk with the owner and get to know the trends and general taste of a region.
Short Episode. Work in Progress!
That’s it for this one. But, I do have a good reason for it. Some of you may already noticed it via my personal Instagram account. I’m currently developing a website ánd shop, dedicated to Watches and Pencils! The website will go live very soon. Meanwhile I would like to hear your vacation stories, or better, see your vacation pictures.
Until next time!
