Fratello’s Theory On How To Find The Perfect Summer Watch

A few weeks ago, we recorded an episode of Fratello Talks on finding the perfect summer watch. In preparation, I thought, “What watches do I wear most during summer, and what do they have in common?” That’s how I came up with a little formula so I could determine what would be the perfect summer watch for me. I shared it during the podcast, and Nacho and Lex quickly added a few criteria as well. Today, I’ll delve deeper into the theory to see how it holds up.

Let me start by saying that, of course, the “perfect” summer watch doesn’t exist. Everyone has a different perception of why a certain watch works or doesn’t work for a specific situation. I also don’t usually apply such a rational approach when I choose the watch to wear in the morning. It’s more of a feeling or an urge to wear one watch over another. However, I think the following criteria all play a role when making such a decision. Besides, I enjoyed coming up with the various criteria involved.

The three Cs

When we sat down to record that Fratello Talks episode, my theory only included three Cs. For me, picking the right summer watch was all about comfort, color, and capabilities.

In terms of comfort, a watch shouldn’t be too heavy when it gets warmer outside. I don’t want it to hop around on my wrist constantly. That’s why I prefer wearing my Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, which is small and doesn’t weigh a lot. Another important aspect here is adjustability. This is why my Oris Art Blakey on the very comfortable and adjustable Bonklip bracelet is another summer favorite of mine.

Regarding color, I feel a summer watch could certainly offer a bit more than a regular watch. My Autodromo Intereuropa, with its Nassau Blue dial on a bright orange Saffiano leather strap, is a good example. Whenever I wear that combo, the Sun immediately starts shining.

Finally, considering its capabilities, I want to wear a watch that can withstand the elements it will face. In summer, the watch should be able to handle a jump in the pool and a good frolicking session with my kids. My Rolex Explorer, Serica 5303-3, and Seiko SPB317 are all great for this and are some of my favorite watches to wear during summer.

Additional Cs

As soon as I shared my “theory” during the recording session, Nacho and Lex started adding some other criteria into the mix. Sometimes, it was a challenge to find another word starting with a “c,” but in the end, we added quite a few.

The first one was cost, an obvious factor that I had completely ignored. We all agreed that the watches we wear during summer aren’t our most expensive ones (my Reverso being the exception here). During summer, you’re probably more active, and your watch gets to endure a little more as well. That’s why you don’t want to be wearing your most valuable piece.

I think Lex added this next criterion. He pointed out that sometimes you need a specific complication for a certain activity, such as cycling or hiking. In that case, it’s a good idea to have a chronograph at hand so you can time whatever you’re doing. I guess Lex’s Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow could be a good choice here.

More far-fetched criteria

A little later in the episode, it became increasingly difficult to find new criteria, especially ones beginning with C. But who other than Lex mentioned charisma as another important thing to take into account when choosing your summer watch? That doesn’t mean your charisma but that of the watch. I’m not exactly sure how to measure this criterion; we might need a whole new theory for that. But I guess I do agree that a summer watch’s design can be a little more “out there” than that of your regular watches.

The final C word that was added to the list was conversation (piece). I feel this is more of a bonus criterion. The criteria above are more basic, this last one is reserved for only a few watches out there. But, as mentioned before, summer is the season to bring out the crazier watches in your collection, just as car collectors finally take their antique convertibles for a ride.

Final thoughts

Again, it’s not like I go through this list of criteria every morning before I choose the watch I’m going to wear. And now that I have gone over them again, I feel this list isn’t strictly for summer watches. It could be used to qualify or define any watch out there if you feel like it, of course.

Are there any other criteria you feel are still missing from the equation? Let me know in the comments below!

And if you haven’t watched or listened to our Fratello Talks episode on summer watches yet, you can still do so here!