The 4 Watches You Need on Every Summer Trip

Summer is in full swing, with sunny days and warm weather that has our spirits running high. As temperatures continue to rise across the United States and Europe, many of us are flocking to beaches and other getaways for a mid-year respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

A summer trip is everything you have been aching for: slow mornings, salty ocean waves, decadent dinners, and sun darkening your shoulders. There is something about going on vacation that unlocks an oft-hidden part of ourselves. On vacation, the responsibilities of our normal lives fall to the wayside, allowing us to enjoy the best that life has to offer.

For your next adventure, we have put together the definitive list of the four watches that you need anytime you travel this summer. We do not take this task lightly: If you have to pick just four watches to fit in your suitcase, you need to choose wisely. We hope this guide will help you pinpoint the perfect timepieces to prepare you for any vacation situation, from beachside brunches to catamaran cruises at sunset and everything in between.

Why have we chosen four watches to showcase? Why not three or five? Well, think of it like this: A typical watch roll holds three timepieces. Plus, you will be wearing one on your wrist. With four watches, you can cover a range of styles and occasions without overpacking or cramming too many watch boxes into an already stuffed suitcase. You can travel seamlessly with these four elite timepieces that cover every situation you might encounter on a summer trip.

On any vacation, you need a watch built for everyday wear. This watch must be versatile, comfortable, and functional: the three pillars of an elite timepiece, in a way. The Rolex GMT-Master II, with its history in the world of aviation, is exactly that.

The GMT-Master II line is without a doubt one of the most iconic Rolex collections of all time. It was originally designed for Pan Am pilots in the 1950s, and it introduced one of our favorite travel time complications to this day. With its two-tone bezel, the GMT-Master II makes it easy to tell time at home and abroad, rendering it an ideal companion for any trip that you take. Style and performance go hand in hand with this timepiece, and you will find that it becomes an indispensable part of your watch box as a whole. As far as vacation watches go, it does not get any better than this.

For a classic, historical color palette, you might opt for the Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi” edition, an iconic watch with a red-and-blue bezel reminiscent of the famed soft drink. For a more versatile, neutral look that will match anything in your suitcase, you might choose the “Bruce Wayne” edition, which offers a black-and-grey bezel that is more subdued than some others in the line. The 40 mm timepiece has a flexible color scheme that will go with any outfit you wear throughout your trip. Here, the piece gets an upgrade with the highly desirable Jubilee bracelet, a five-link design that adds additional formality and flair to this iconic timepiece.

Any vacation worth its salt requires some formalwear options, and this Patek Philippe Complications Annual Calendar watch is the perfect choice. You cannot go wrong with any timepiece from the renowned Patek Philippe Complications line, which is a breeding ground for some of the watchmaker’s finest innovations and boundless creativity. Here, you will find a swath of incredible watches that raise the bar on luxury by seamlessly combining form and function. No detail goes unnoticed when you take home a Patek Philippe timepiece.

This masterful creation showcases the brand’s signature timeless elegance with an 18K rose gold case measuring 40 mm, a perfect midsize silhouette that is sure to flatter any wrist. The opaline white dial showcases the ingenuity of the annual calendar complication, which needs to be reset just once a year. You will also find a moon phase display and a 24-hour indicator, emphasizing Patek Philippe’s breathtaking ability to slot countless complications into a watch without compromising its gorgeous appearance. The cherry on top of this timepiece is its decadent brown leather strap, which fits comfortably around the wrist. For five-star dinners in Greece, opera under the stars in Italy, or ballet in Vienna, this is the perfect timepiece.

When vacation throws a sporty adventure your way, a Richard Mille watch is without a doubt the perfect choice. The Swiss brand is relatively new to the luxury horological scene, especially compared with some old stalwarts that have been around since the 1800s. Richard Mille launched its first timepiece in 2001, just a quarter-century ago. In the years since, the company has established a faultless reputation for creating innovative timepieces that channel athleticism, high-performance materials, and impeccable engineering within the brand’s iconic tonneau-shaped case.

A Richard Mille watch is instantly recognizable, both for its ingenuity and its avant garde look. These timepieces have been heavily favored by celebrities, with famous wearers such as Pharrell Williams, Mark Wahlberg, Jay-Z, Rafael Nadal, Michelle Yeoh, Margot Robbie, Post Malone, and countless others. To own a Richard Mille watch is to showcase your prowess, wealth, and success, sending out a subtle signal to others that you have achieved the greatest potential in life. These timepieces are not cheap, but their price reflects a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and impressive engineering. A Richard Mille watch is a lifelong companion.

Packing a Richard Mille watch for your next vacation is a no-brainer. These timepieces are the perfect accessory for everything from hiking in the Alps to sailing across the Mediterranean on your yacht. It is also a great pick for a sporting event: Maybe you are attending a Formula 1 race in Europe or a soccer game in South America while you travel. Furthermore, a sleek Richard Mille can easily transition with you into a more formal look for dinner or late-night fun. We love the streamlined, versatile appearance of this RM 030, which combines a stunning 18K rose gold dial with an exposed dial and black rubber strap.

It is not a vacation without a little bit of glitz and glamour. We were immediately drawn to this Audemars Piguet Royal Oak timepiece, which is entirely covered in sparkling diamonds. Nightlife in a brand-new place demands a watch that makes a statement, and this opulent Royal Oak is the perfect fit. Countless carats of luxury will encircle your wrist, rendering those around you speechless as they take in this truly unique piece of wristwear.

Crafted from luminous 18K white gold, this Swiss masterpiece is a quintessential example of the continued innovation and creativity behind Audemars Piguet. Brilliant diamonds are set across the entirety of the watch, from its bracelet to its bezel to its dial. Still, the designers have managed to preserve the classic architecture of the Royal Oak line: note the integrated bracelet, octagonal bezel, and exposed screws. Of course, the features do not stop there. A chronograph (stopwatch) function is operated by pushers on either side of the watch’s crown, and the chronograph display is contained within three beautiful pale blue subdials.

This is a timepiece that deserves to be taken out for a night on the town. It demands to be seen, begs to show off. It sparkles in the light, catching every ray of sun and every flash of a strobe light in the club after dark. With a watch like this, you do not have to say a word to demonstrate your impeccable style and lifetime of success. It says it all for you. We firmly believe that a diamond-studded watch is a true vacation essential, and this is an excellent choice that combines a historical legacy with new-age verve.

Here at Avi & Co., we specialize in renowned luxury watch brands from around the globe, including Rolex, Richard Mille, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe. Our timepieces range the full gamut of styles, from elegant and refined to outdoorsy and adventurous. When you visit one of our three boutiques, do not forget to explore our own Avi & Co. watch lines as well as our decadent Diamonds by Avi & Co. jewelry line, perfect for the sophisticated modern woman.

Make an appointment today to shop with us in person today. We cannot wait to offer you a warm welcome into our Avi & Co. family.