Are you planning a year of jet-setting and travel? If so, you know the value of dressing the part! As you embark on your next European adventure, you can’t forget the most important items on your packing list: Your luxury watches, of course! But which watch is right for each destination on your itinerary? Dive into our hand-picked selection of the perfect watches to accompany you as you make a lifetime of memories adventuring through the hottest spots in Europe!
England: Rolex Watches
If you’re traveling to the United Kingdom this year, then you already know there is nothing more quintessentially British than a Rolex watch. The company was originally founded in London in 1905 – and although it has since moved its operations to Geneva, Switzerland, Rolex watches remain a staple of British culture and are much-loved by everyone from the real-life Royal family to 007 himself. That’s right: Sean Connery’s James Bond of the 1960s is known for sporting an iconic Rolex Submariner dive watch!
You can’t go wrong when opting for the watch associated with England’s most famous spy as you tour the Tower of London and explore Buckingham Palace. You might even witness the changing of the guard, a London staple! Of course, the Rolex Submariner is far from the only watch well-suited to this trip. We also love the Rolex GMT-Master II, an offshoot of the original GMT-Master line, which was one of the first watches to offer a dual timezone display. After all, when in Greenwich Mean Time!
With the GMT-Master II, you can keep track of the time at home as well as abroad. In other words, this is the perfect watch for any frequent traveler – and it doesn’t hurt that the two-tone bezel on this timepiece evokes the colors of the British flag as well. As you tuck into some fish and chips and enjoy a pint of Guinness at your favorite London pub, don’t forget to signal your commitment to style and class with an iconic Rolex watch.
France: Cartier Watches
Whether you’re reveling in the museums of Paris, relaxing on the beach in Cannes, or skiing in Chamonix, a trip to France is incomplete without incredible fashion. It would be a sin to travel to France and not represent one of our favorite Parisian brands: Cartier, of course. Cartier watches may be manufactured in Switzerland, but the company’s Parisian roots are evident in all of their fashion-forward designs. One of our current favorites is the Cartier Crash, which you might know better as the “Dalí watch,” as it is said to resemble the melting watches from Salvador Dalí’s painting “The Persistence of Memory.”
The Cartier Crash is making waves as one of the hottest watches of the year. They have been spotted on the wrists of major names like Timothee Chalamet, Jay-Z, Tom Brady, and Sebastian Stan. These unique, immediately recognizable timepieces are the perfect accessories for a chic French vacation – plus, you’ll get bonus points with the locals for honoring French culture!
Spain: Richard Mille Watches
From Barcelona to Madrid and Seville to Valencia, Spain is home to some of the most beautiful cities in the world. Spanish culture is known for its warmth and hospitality – this social nation is an incredible place to visit year-round, and you’ll never run out of things to do. From touring La Sagrada Familia to catching a football game (or as Americans call it, soccer), you’re sure to have a vibrant and engaging trip soaking up all that España has to offer.
You might even get a chance to visit Mallorca and Ibiza, two islands off the coast of Spain that are known for their exuberant social life and beautiful beaches. In fact, Spanish national Rafael Nadal hails from Mallorca – and you can honor the tennis great’s legacy on your trip by wearing one of his favorite watches! Nadal is a longtime ambassador with Swiss watch brand Richard Mille, a company well known for their tech-savvy, high-performance timepieces.
We’re loving this RM 65-01, which combines an elegant 18K rose gold dial with the brand’s classic sporty aesthetic. The watch’s skeletonized dial showcases the intricate inner workings of this horological masterpiece. In other words, wearing an RM on your trip to Spain is sure to be a conversation starter in any language. Get ready to hear, ¿Dónde compraste ese reloj?
Switzerland: Audemars Piguet Watches
As your resident watch aficionados, we would be remiss to talk about traveling through Europe without making a pit stop in Switzerland. This horological hotspot may not crack the list of Europe’s top 10 most visited countries… but for anyone who loves luxury watches, beautiful natural vistas, and upscale living, Switzerland is a can’t-miss destination.
Nestled north of Geneva in the Jura Mountains, you will find the charming village of Le Brassus, where hallowed Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has made its home. You can even visit the Musee Atelier Audemars Piguet to learn more about the company’s past, present, and future. Of course, don’t forget to accessorize with your favorite Audemars Piguet watch…
We love the way this Royal Oak Chronograph stays true to the aesthetics of the classic Royal Oak line while upping the ante with three chronograph subdials on the watch’s face. The stainless steel construction is durable and versatile, and the exposed screws on the bezel pay an ongoing homage to the storied designs of Gerald Genta. This is the ideal watch to show off your horological knowledge as you tour the quaint little town where Audemars Piguet continues to make history.
Monaco: Patek Philippe Watches
A ritzy tourist destination known for attracting the rich and famous, Monaco is nestled along the French Riviera. Its opulence, glamour, and luxurious lifestyle have made it a hotspot for riotous revelry in the sparkling casinos and yacht-lined harbors. Monaco is also known for its old-world romance, perhaps best epitomized by the American-turned-Monagesque princess Grace Kelly. When visiting Monaco, embracing European fashion and channeling your inner Grace Kelly is an imperative… and remember, no outfit is complete without a stunning accessory. We love the classic elegance of a Patek Philippe watch as you explore Old Town Monaco’s cobblestone streets and take in sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Nothing says timeless glamour quite like this Patek Philippe Complications Chronograph, which perfectly embodies old-world style with an extra splash of sparkle from the diamond-set bezel. This understated watch hails from the renowned Patek Philippe Complications line, which is known worldwide for its lasting beauty and artisan craftsmanship. This timepiece showcases two chronograph subdials, a brown leather strap, and a silver face that complements the rose gold construction flawlessly. There is no better watch for a luxurious Monegasque vacation.
Italy: Panerai Watches
A favorite destination of tourists from around the world, Italy boasts an incredible diversity of cities and environments to explore. From ancient relics like the Roman Colosseum to Renaissance marvels like Florence’s Duomo and Michalengelo’s “The David” sculpture, there is so much to see, experience, and eat in this Mediterranean heartland. As you taste test warm Neapolitan pizza, savor cool stracciatella gelato, and dine on sumptuous hand-rolled gnocchi, make sure that your outfits evoke the same sense of effortless warmth and beauty that Italy is known for. The perfect watch? Panerai, an Italian staple favored by icons like Sylvester Stallone.
Panerai’s two lines, the Radiomir and the Luminor, each bring a unique look and set of features to the table. We’re loving the look of this limited edition Radiomir watch, which was crafted in a set of just 500 pieces and was inspired by the classic look of 1930s Panerai watches. Panerai Luminor watches typically have a sportier look, often with a rubber band instead of the leather strap seen above. Whichever model you choose, you can rest assured that you’ll be honoring the best of Italy’s culture and heritage when you show off a Panerai watch on your next trip.
Take on the World With Avi & Co.
Ready to find the perfect piece for your European adventures? Avi & Co. is here to help. We specialize in state-of-the-art timepieces from renowned brands like Rolex, Richard Mille, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet. Stop by one of our three upscale boutiques (we’re located in Manhattan, Miami, and Aspen), and you can even shop for one-of-a-kind Avi & Co. branded watches as well our very own line of fine diamond jewelry.
Make an appointment today to take your accessory game to the next level – we can’t wait to meet you!
