5 Watches Perfect for the Apres-Ski Lifestyle

For any powder hounds out there, the apres-ski tradition is just as important as hitting the slopes all morning. Apres-ski begins whenever the lifts stop running (or really, any time after lunch). You have been flying down powdery runs all morning, and now it is time to reunite with your friend group and enjoy some drinks and snacks in style. That is what apres-ski is all about.

From the French, apres-ski translates to “after skiing,” and it is an important part of the winter social scene in hot destinations like Aspen, Chamonix, Park City, Portillo, Whistler, and many more. If you are planning to spend a weekend, or even a few of them, at some of the world’s top ski resorts, dressing the part for apres ski is a crucial undertaking. Today, we are here to help you accessorize to the nines with five exceptional watches that are made for a post-ski hang.

The best part about apres-ski? There is no official dresscode! Still, there are a few dos and don'ts that can help you look the part as you eat and drink after an active day.

Even if you are dining in style on fondue and red wine after your ski session, apres-ski is all about embracing your mountainside look. You will leave your skis outside the bar or restaurant on a ski rack, but other than that, your outfit will stay mostly intact. You might ditch your jacket once you are inside, but snowpants and ski boots are pretty much a given.

Of course, you are also not going to want to spend the next few hours wearing your helmet and goggles. Many apres-skiers bring an extra beanie to throw on to disguise helmet hair once they have set aside their protective gear. You could also mix it up with chic earmuffs, brightly-colored scarves, or even western wear like a cowboy hat.

Since cold-weather attire will make up the bulk of your outfit, luxe accessories will be the thing that sets your look apart from the rest. While skiing in elegant jewelry may not be advisable, fastening an elite timepiece around your wrist is the perfect way to showcase your class, taste, and prowess from the black diamonds to the apres-ski meetup.

Looking for more apres-ski inspiration? Famous American photographer Slim Aarons is widely regarded as the king of capturing the world’s elite enjoying apres-ski socialization. His photos from the 1980s and 1990s embody the heart of what apres-ski is all about: Showing off the latest stylish snow gear, first-class accessories, and sleek looks. Vibrant colors are a bonus!

Here at Avi & Co., we make it our mission to help you find the perfect watch for every occasion that life brings your way. Our boutique Aspen storefront in the ritzy ski town’s downtown shopping district has helped us keep a finger on the pulse of apres-ski style. These five timepieces are perfect to take you from the slopes to the after party, and even on to dinner later that night. Which one will you bring home with you?

There is nothing like a bold and bright Richard Mille watch to complement your favorite snowsuit. This bright red “Rafael Nadal” edition highlights one of the brand’s premier partnerships while offering a memorable silhouette and vibrant hue. The skeletonized dial and tonneau-shaped face are Richard Mille through and through, making this piece immediately recognizable as a luxe investment. Like most Richard Mille watches, this timepiece wears large on the wrist, measuring a whopping 50 mm in diameter. The red rubber strap matches the light and durable Quartz TPT body of the watch. This is a timepiece that is sure to attract attention.

When it comes to apres-ski watches, the perfect accessory shows off a combination of sporty and chic style. That is why we are loving the newly released Iced Collection: Color in Motion lineup from Avi & Co. We have taken our classic Iced Collection watches and added a comfortable and versatile rubber strap, available in seven different colors. From elegant black to playful yellow, these straps run the gamut. If you already own an Iced Collection watch, great news: These straps are interchangeable with the classic Iced Collection bracelets! If you are not already in the iced out club, you can purchase the watch core, colored strap, and diamond-set buckle as one complete item. The choice is yours!

Choose from strap colors of pink, black, white, blue, red, orange, and yellow. You will also get to select your watch case size from 37 mm, 40 mm, and 44 mm options. Finally, you can choose whether you want an 18K rose gold or 18K white gold timepiece. It all depends on your personal style. With over 40 variations to choose from, our Iced Collection line is one of the most customizable luxury timepieces ever made. We invite you to show off your style this apres-ski season in an opulent Avi & Co. watch.

The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar watch has been a favorite of luxury timepiece enthusiasts since its launch. The brand has released this watch in three different popular ceramic hues, including black, white, and blue. This gorgeous royal blue edition has taken off in terms of celebrity endorsement and A-list love, making it one of the most desirable watches on the secondary market today. Celebrities who own this timepiece include LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Ed Sheeran, DJ Khaled, Tom Brady, and Odell Beckham Junior. When it comes to apres-ski, the vibrant color and impeccable functionality of this timepiece make it a guaranteed winner. The perpetual calendar function and classic Royal Oak details, like the octagonal bezel and exposed screws, are immediate indicators of top-of-the-line luxury.

For those who prefer a metal bracelet, Rolex’s professional lines are a no-brainer. We are loving this gorgeous Rolex Submariner “Cookie Monster” edition, which ups the ante on luxury with an 18K white gold case and bracelet. The blue bezel and black dial earned this watch its tongue in cheek nickname, but its sophisticated silhouette transcends Sesame Street silliness. This timepiece is rated for water resistance up to 30 meters, so you will not have to worry about melting snow interfering with its functionality. Its highly legible index hour markers and large date window at the 3 o’clock position make it easy to glance at the time while you are jetting down a powdery run. This is a watch that can join you on any adventure, from a snowy weekend in Aspen to a board meeting in Manhattan. Wherever you go, the Rolex Submariner Cookie Monster is sure to be your trusted sidekick and a staple of your personal style.

The Patek Philippe Aquanaut collection is the brand’s sportier take on the classic Nautilus line, and it is the perfect addition to any apres-ski aesthetic. Aquanaut watches show off the iconic cushion-shaped face of the Nautilus but venture into new territory with “tropical” rubber straps that are both durable and versatile. Since the line’s 1997 release, the Aquanaut has been a staple of sporty luxury. Nowadays, there are plenty of different finishes and colors to choose from. Plus, you can even get your hands on Aquanaut watches with diamond-set bezels and other hints of opulence that elevate these timepieces to the next level. Take a look at the stainless steel and black timepiece showcased above, for instance. This 39 mm watch is refined and sleek, the sparkle of the diamond bezel raising the bar on what sporty luxury can look like. It will go perfectly with a cold beer or a rare vintage of red after a day on the slopes.

Here at Avi & Co., we can help you build a watch collection that is perfect for upscale winter looks and apres-ski culture around the world. We are a trusted provider of prestigious luxury watch brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille. Plus, we have launched three of our very own Avi & Co. watch lines that take horological sparkle to the next level. And do not forget our recent addition, Diamonds by Avi & Co., which showcases fine diamond jewelry that is crafted to impress.

Make an appointment to shop in store with us today at any of our three locations. We cannot wait to give you a warm welcome into our Avi & Co. family.