Wrist-Ready for the Waves: Watch Trends for Beach Days and Seaside Style

Summer has arrived, bringing long days by the shore, warm sunsets, and a relaxed fashion vibe. However, one accessory often neglected in the quest for the ideal beach outfit is your watch. Whether you're plunging into the waves or simply sipping a cocktail, your wristwear should match the versatility and dependability of your go-to swimsuit.

This post explores the top watch trends for beach-ready outfits, highlighting waterproof durability, modern design, and timeless functionality.

Why a Beach Watch Matters

A good beach watch is not only about looks but also about practicality. Saltwater, sand, and sunlight can be tough on accessories. Therefore, a watch suitable for the beach should include:

• Water-resistant (ideally 100m or more)
  • 30m / 3ATM: Splash-proof. Not for swimming.
  • 50m / 5ATM: OK for brief swimming, not diving.
  • 100m / 10ATM: Suitable for swimming and snorkeling.
  • 200m+ / 20ATM+: Safe for serious diving and water sports.
• Built from durable materials (ceramic, titanium, or rubber straps)
• Comfortable and breathable on the wrist
• Easy to clean and maintain

If you want to incorporate watches into your beach look, think about going bold! Bright dial colors like turquoise, orange, or yellow really stand out against tan skin and white tees. You might also enjoy trying transparent or matte finishes for that fun, modern vibe. To top it all off, consider pairing your watch with beaded or rope bracelets for a relaxed and stylish layered look.

The Rise of Dive Watches (Again)

Dive watches are enjoying a delightful revival in style. Their sturdy construction, rotating bezels, and striking dials prove to be both practical underwater and fashionable above water. Even if you have no plans for diving, they effortlessly convey the essence of a sun-kissed adventurer.

Budget Dive Watches (Under $300)

• Casio MDV-106 “Duro”
• Invicta Pro Diver 8926OB

Mid-Range Dive Watches ($300–$1,000)

• Seiko Prospex SRP "Turtle" Series
• Citizen Promaster Diver (BN0150-28E)
• Orient Kamasu

Luxury Entry Dive Watches ($1,000–$5,000)

• Tudor Black Bay 58
• Doxa SUB 300T

High-End Dive Watches ($5,000+)

• Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
• Rolex Submariner (No Date)
• Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Automatique

Rubber and NATO Straps Take the Lead

While leather is timeless, it isn’t suitable for the beach. Currently, rubber and NATO-style fabric straps are the preferred options for beach enthusiasts. They dry quickly, are comfortable to wear, and are available in bright colors that complement summer outfits.

Budget-Friendly (Under $300)

• Timex Expedition Scout or North Series
• Casio G-Shock DW5600 / GA2100 "CasiOak"
• Swatch Big Bold / Scuba

Mid-Tier ($300–$1,000)

• Citizen Promaster Diver BN0150-28E
• Seiko Prospex SRPE "Turtle" or SRPF "King Turtle"
• Unimatic Modello Uno

Luxury Entry ($1,000–$5,000)

• Tudor Pelagos FXD
• TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300

High-End ($5,000+)

• Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
• Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

Smartwatches Are Smarter at the Beach

Many modern smartwatches, like the Apple Watch Ultra or Garmin Descent Mk2, are not only waterproof but also designed for open-water swimming and diving. They come packed with features like tide tracking, GPS mapping, and fitness tracking. They can be perfect for active beach days.

Budget Smartwatches (Under $250)

• Amazfit T-Rex 2
• Garmin Swim 2

Mid-Range Smartwatches ($250–$500)

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)
• Garmin Venu 2 / 2S

Premium Smartwatches ($500+)

• Apple Watch Ultra (2nd Gen)
• Garmin Fenix 7 / 7 Pro
• Suunto Vertical / Suunto 9 Peak Pro

Minimalist Field Watches for Coastal Chill

While not everyone may be a fan of chunky divers, field watches offer a sleek, lightweight design that doesn’t compromise on durability and versatility. If you plan to take it for a swim, look for options with a water resistance of at least 100 meters. Although most field watches aren’t specifically designed for diving, many are great choices for swimming, hiking, kayaking, or light snorkeling, as long as they have 100 meters of water resistance or more and come with a non-leather strap.

Budget-Friendly (Under $300)

• Timex Expedition North (Solar or Mechanical)
• Citizen Chandler Field Watch (BM8180-03E)
• Seiko 5 Sports Field Models (e.g., SRPG27)

Mid-Range ($300–$1,000)

• Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical / Auto
• Marathon General Purpose Quartz (GPQ)

Premium ($1,000+)

• Vertex M100 (Field Watch)
• Weiss Standard Issue Field Watch

Whether diving into waves or sipping Aperol on the boardwalk, a good beach watch is a trusted companion blending durability with style. With options from budget-friendly to luxury, choose a timepiece that fits your lifestyle and summer vibe.

My personal favorites include the following:

Now the only question remains. What’s on your wrist this summer?