Sign In
(817) 503-2334
Contact Us
By:
Our Top 3 Rolex Watches Made for Summer
It recently didn’t rain for two consecutive days here in Northern Ireland, which can only mean one thing; it’s summer!
For the horologically minded among us, the season conjures up one very important question—what watch am I going to wear? Those who have enjoyed the hobby for a number of years know that choosing the right watch for the conditions makes a huge difference in your enjoyment, both of the watch itself and your time out in the sun.
With temperatures soaring, the idea of comfort should be uppermost in your mind. Picking the lightest model you own is a good first step. Lugging around a great heavy beast in the heat gets old very quickly. Aim for a piece in the 36mm-40mm range, and if possible, swap out a metal bracelet for a strap—either NATO or rubber.
Chances are most of us will spend a deal of the summer in the water in one way or another. That makes a watch with a hefty water resistance (not necessarily a dive watch) a smart move. And if we’re not submerged, this is definitely the season for some of the more strenuous activities. You will need something built for the rough stuff so material choice for components like bezels becomes a consideration.
Heading off on vacation? A model with a GMT function is a boon, letting you keep on top of the menace of jetlag. And, if you’re packing light, you’ll need something with that sort of sea to shirt versatility which allows you to get through a whole holiday with just the one watch.
Fortunately, there are a whole host of pieces out there which easily fulfill all the parameters, and there’s one brand which offers more of them than any other; Rolex.
Below, we have picked out our top three picks for the perfect summer watch.
The Rolex Submariner ref. 116610
Let’s just tick off from our list of requirements above to see how many the world’s most famous watch actually has.
Water resistance? Well, yes. This is, after all, the dive watch on which just about all others have been based.
Lightweight? At around 160g, it’s not bad, although it is heavier than some of the older five-digit references—but that is mainly down to the bracelet having all solid links in the ref. 116610. Swap that out for a NATO or rubber strap and you will hardly know you’re wearing it. Of course, this was the first Sub reference with Rolex’s patented Glidelock clasp. If you decide to keep the metal bracelet you will be able to extend or shorten it in 2mm increments by up to 20mm; perfect for when your wrists swell in the heat.
Versatile? Oh yes. In fact, there has hardly been another example in the history of wristwatches that is so accepted in just about every situation.
Perhaps the only thing it’s missing is a GMT. But then, the Sub does have its handy rotating bezel; ideal for reminding you to reapply the sunscreen or for timing just about anything else. What’s more, that bezel is in Cerachrom, meaning it’s not going to fade in the heat, no matter how long you cook yourself on the sun lounger.
In short, there is very little else out there which can compete with the Submariner on just about every factor linked to the perfect summer wear. Best of all, you can pick one up in excellent condition for around $14K.
The Rolex GMT-Master II ref. 116710
If you’re happy to sacrifice a touch of water resistance for the convenience of a dual time zone complication, the GMT-Master II ref. 116710 is the watch for you.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the model is actually the Submariner reference above. Both have the same Super Case, the same black Maxi dial and each one has the same color bezel. In fact, this was the first ceramic bezel GMT and the last one with an all-black surround; the closest we’ve had since it was discontinued in 2018 is the black and grey Bruce Wayne.
However, look a little closer and you’ll see that bezel is marked for 24-hours rather than 60-minutes and there’s an extra hand to the dial. The GMT hand which points out the second time zone is finished in green, as is the watch’s signature on the dial, giving the whole aesthetic a welcome lift.
The ref. 116710 comes on an Oyster bracelet as standard but can also, obviously, be fitted with a rubber strap. However, it is noticeably lighter than the Sub, shaving a good 10g off the weight so you may feel there’s no need to swap. Bear in mind though that there’s no Glidelock here.
This is one of those models due to go hard on the secondary market any day now. As well as being a superb model in its own right, its place in the history of the brand means it is likely to start attracting a deal of collector interest once supplies begin to dry up a little.
As for now, you can still find fine examples for around the same price as the Sub, about $14K.
The Rolex Sky-Dweller ref. 336239
A faultless illustration of just how much difference a bracelet makes, the Rolex Sky-Dweller does not, on paper, seem like a fitting choice for a lightweight summer watch.
It’s big, it’s complicated and it’s made from white gold; all of which means it’s heavy. Right?
Actually, no. While the first three are absolutely correct, the ref. 336239 weighs less than either of the other two watches on our list. And the reason for that is its Oysterflex bracelet. Rolex’s first and so far only attempt at a rubber strap, this one adheres to the old brand adage of ‘if it can be engineered, it can be overengineered.’
Inside the Oysterflex is a titanium and nickel blade for strength, over which is formed a black elastomer—highly durable and inert, meaning it won’t aggravate anyone’s allergies.
What’s more, a longitudinal cushioning system underneath lifts the strap off the wrist to allow for a cooling airflow and keeps the whole thing stable. Coupled with an Oysterclasp featuring the same Glidelock system as on the Sub and you have a massively comfortable wear in any conditions.
The watch itself still stands as Rolex’s most complicated model to date. As well as the standard time-telling, you get a date display, a traveler-friendly dual time zone function as well as the first ever annual calendar from the manufacture. Add it all up and you have the most thorough watch in the catalog.
Of course, the visuals aren’t for everyone. When it first came out as a yellow gold-only variant, the Sky-Dweller was seen as a Day-Date with extra gubbins. Fitting it with the Oysterflex has sportified the piece and lent it a far more laidback air.
In this guise, it is an adaptable, go anywhere sort of a specimen and all the better for it.
The only downside is the price. There’s no such thing as an inexpensive gold Sky-Dweller and even without the hefty expense of a precious metal bracelet, the ref. 336239 still retails at more than $50,000.
But still, it might be the only watch you ever need.
Featured Photo: Mixed art by Oriol Mendivil for BKT Archive.
