Choosing a stylish watch to wear on holiday in summer can be tricky. It's best to pick a versatile style that's sporty and functional at the same time - something that can stay with you from beach to boardroom.
Many sporty models combine stainless steel with precious materials such as diamonds, yellow or rose gold - Chaumet's Gold Dandy, Breitling's diamond-set Starliner with its mother-of-pearl dial. Materials such as Chanel's scratchproof ceramic and Richard Mille's hi-tech carbon nanofibres are smart choices for jetsetters.
'Anything goes this summer as fashion is all about metallic, with a strong emphasis on gold and silver,' says Pansy Ku, Christie's business development manager. 'This is the time to show chunky, vintage watches or cutting-edge designs such as the ladies' Richard Mille with diamonds or the oversized Roger Dubuis, since women will mostly be wearing short sleeve tops and dresses.'
For those engaging in aquatic sports, Ku suggests Technomarine's diamond-encrusted version for extra glamour. She also says Rolex's boy-size Oyster Perpetual is a classic watch ideal for travelling.
'Summer watches are all about colourful straps and versatility,' says Dev Suj of Brandista, a consultancy specialising in luxury brands. 'A more formal timepiece can be transformed for a day at the beach when you swap a black alligator strap for a rubber or plastic one.' Styles that are versatile and low maintenance are top picks. 'You're going to want a watch you can get wet without having to run to get it repaired,' says Suj. Like Ku, Suj suggests Rolex, and also Bulgari's Diagono, which combines aluminium and rubber.
Carson Chan, managing director and watch specialist at Bonhams, prefers mechanical watches with sports themes from reputable brands. He singles out the Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Team chronograph from Audemars Piguet, made to commemorate the 32nd annual America's Cup Regatta. 'Its case is made of carbon fibre, Kevlar, rubber and titanium and it weighs only 100 grams,' he says.
