10 watches you can wear to the beach bar this summer

When I think of summer, what immediately comes to mind is a beach, a hammock, a colourful parasol, people laughing and, of course, the beach bars. That peaceful shaded corner where the scent of the sea, of light frying and of sea breeze mingles with the cheerfulness of the place, and where all that aroma turns into delicious dishes that change with the latitude: from grilled prawns on the Andalusian coast to a fresh ceviche in the Caribbean.

To go with your flip-flops, swim shorts and linen shirt, what could be better than a handsome watch that can spark a new conversation with family, friends or even a complete stranger?

1 – Baltic Hermétique

The Hermétique has become one of the must-have watches of the summer. The French brand with Polish roots is on everyone's lips, and rightly so, since they have managed to bring a neo-vintage essence back to a more accessible category.

This piece follows the brand's signature style, with small diameters, a sector dial, applied indices and numerals, plus a range of vivid colours. I'm particularly fond of this model in orange, which pairs perfectly with a delicious Aperol Spritz.

2 – Nautage Diver

Doing things properly takes a great deal of work, but Nautage offers it to us at a very fair price. The diver is, for now, their only collection, but it has been a resounding success and is going down very well in Spain (they sell out in the blink of an eye).

This Danish brand has set itself the challenge of creating a diver with personality and impeccable finishing. It's a watch you have to hold in your hands to appreciate the great work they have done; handling it is an absolute joy and I'd love to see it underwater.

3 – Nivada Antartic

Nivada, a reborn Swiss brand, brings us this elegant Antartic. A 38 mm watch that is a faithful reissue of a rare “Super Antarctic Black & Orange” from the 1970s.

This collector's piece combines vintage character with the modern reliability of the SOPROD P024 caliber. The touch of orange around the edge of the dial gives it a vitality worthy of summer.

4 – Timex MK1 for J.Crew

If you like to dress well, you're probably familiar with the fashion brand J.Crew. This American label needs no big logos to create quality clothing with good taste that, in my case, fits my style perfectly.

This time they have teamed up with Timex to launch a military-inspired watch, with three hands and a quartz movement. But what stands out most, without a doubt, is a small brook trout illustrated from an original watercolour by J.Crew's in-house artist and keen angler.

It is undoubtedly a fine example of a fun watch that should be missing from no collection.

5 – AV86 1956

We return to another Danish brand, this time AV86. Their Marine 1956 diving watch is a perfect union between tool-watch aesthetics, with hard-wearing materials, and a design of clean lines, carefully considered details and no fear of colour.

In this case, the sky blue they have chosen conveys freshness and a natural feel.

What's more, with 200 metres of water resistance, a domed sapphire crystal and a slim, comfortable profile, it is designed to accompany you to the coast this summer.

6 – LIP Churchill

This is my boldest suggestion. A LIP Churchill is a more serious watch, but when I think of films such as Purple Noon, whose leading man Alain Delon strolls calmly along the French Riviera, I picture him with a very understated watch: one that doesn't draw attention, yet has an elegant touch.

7 – Ferro Distinto

A single-hand watch, ideal for anyone who in summer cares about nothing more than the simple passing of the hours. A watch inspired by the world of motoring, combining those vivid colours that remind us of the legendary Porsche driven by Steve McQueen at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It also boasts imposing Super-LumiNova and is perfect for enjoying once the sun goes down.

8 – Nadir Vespera

I still remember being taken to the Aragonese Pyrenees as a child. This would have been the ideal watch for all kinds of outdoor activities, whether hiking, kayaking on a lake or zip-lining.

Nadir strikes the perfect balance between functionality and strong personality with this piece, which could certainly become a reliable companion for all your adventures thanks to its distinctive feature: a dual time zone function in “compressor” style.

9 – Raymond Weil Millesime

If there is ever a good time to wear a salmon dial, it's summer.

The Millesime is a watch that wins hearts wherever it goes, not only for its design but also for the quality of its finishing. The outstanding work on the polishing and the finishes gives this watch a special aura.

As it offers only 5 ATM of water resistance, I'd err on the side of caution and avoid taking it into the water, but for a drink while you enjoy a sunset it would undoubtedly be a great companion.

10 – Seiko Prospex

A classic that simply had to be on the list.

A magnificent selection of colours from the Japanese brand, about which there is little left to say that everyone doesn't already know. Quality, design and durability: everything we need to enjoy the summer.