Summer watches: get ready for some chromatic audacity
Although the watchmaking industry usually relies on classic nuances (black, silver, golden…), it can sometimes show a strong chromatic audacity. If you like a more relaxed style, these fire-red, emerald green, turquoise blue or even pastel pink watches will perfectly fit on your wrist this summer. These true fashion accessories can reflect a personality, a state of mind or a mood. Let’s dive into the colour palette that sets summer time for our two tick tock fanatics.
AUDEMARS PIGUET, Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph
What a better introduction than the new Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph, now available in a new ceramic tint. This tint, named “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50”, is inspired by the shade created in 1972 by the genius Gérald Genta for the very first Royal Oak’s dial.
On a side note, the word “Nuage” is said to come from the chemical reaction that is triggered by a drop of color when it penetrates a liquid varnish, forming a cloud similar to milk in coffee or tea. So poetic! The ceramic used by the Audemars Piguet manufacture since 1986 necessitates full control of the different machining steps. Thus, this new tint required years of development in order to guarantee its consistency. But all that work was worth it: just look at this 42mm Flyback chronograph!
This tint can also be found on the rehaut showing a tachymeter scale, on the dial – with its “Méga Tapisserie” pattern – and on the chronometer sub dials. The bezel, with 8 hexagonal screws whose perfectly aligned spots match the case’s shape – the emblem of the Offshore collection – mirrors the “Bleu Nuit, Nuage 50” shade. This perfectly balanced figure gives the watch an elegant monochrome look. This model, water-resistant to 100 meters, is powered by a manufacture self-winding caliber with a power reserve of about 70 hours. The sapphire case back discloses its remarkable decorations (côtes de Genève, beading) and an engraved open-oscillating weight made of rose gold. Ultimate detail: the driver pins connecting the now-invisible links and segments of the bracelet.
€86,600
See the details of the Royal Oak Offshore Self-winding Chronograph
CARTIER, Ballon Bleu de Cartier
Born in 2007, the Ballon Bleu de Cartier model represents a turning point for Cartier’s watchmaking collections. Yet, the round, slighlty bulging shape of the dial and the case back (that resembles a Pebble) is clearly different from the other Cartier collections – the Tank or the Santos watches for instance.
The lugs and the crown guard of the Ballon Bleu de Cartier make one with the case band, following the case’s shape.
The name “Bleu” (blue) is a reference to the fluted crown set with a synthetic cabochon-shaped spinel. Available in numerous sizes, this new stainless-steel model now exists in 33mm. Following today’s video theme, this watch displays a powdery-pink sun-brushed dial adorned by some iconic Cartier’s aesthetic characteristics: blue-stained steel sword-shaped hands and Roman numerals. No secret signature in sight! With an interchangeable steel bracelet, this jewellery watch is powered by a manufacture self-winding movement with a power reserve of 37 hours.
€6,700
See the Ballon Bleu de Cartier details
G-SHOCK, GA-2100BM
This trio is rather self-explanatory. With three glinting dial shades – sky blue, pink gold and silver – made by vapor deposition, and a translucent case made of carbon fibre-reinforced resin, the “Bright Metallic Dial” capsule collection brings a chrome-plated look to the GA-2100BM model. Be ready to shine all the way!
Like any G-SHOCK watch, these models are shock resistant and water-resistant to 200 meters. Their generous dimensions (48,5 x 45,4 x 11,8mm), their LED backlight “Super illuminator” and their hands covered with long-lasting Neobrite make them THE eye-catching accessory for all your summer night parties. But this fashion item is also crammed with technology, thanks to features like a 1/100-second stopwatch, a world time with 31 time zones, a countdown, 5 daily alarms, a full auto-calendar and so on and so forth.
€129
See the details of the GA-2100BM collection
OMEGA, Seamaster Aqua Terra 30 mm
Twelve new editions of Omega’s Seamaster Aqua Terra collection – revealed last June – are available in 30mm, such as this stainless-steel model.
We chose this model especially because of its stunning lavender-coloured lacquer dial, with a detailed sun-brushed effect. The luminescent hull-shaped hands and indices are a reference to the collection’s origins: nautical activities. Don’t hesitate to linger on the patented screws and driver pins system of the integrated bracelet, equipped with a 2mm comfort setting.
Aboard this watch, you can find a self-winding bidirectional caliber certified at the industry’s highest standard by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). Equipped with the Co-Axial escapement, the movement features a high resistance to magnetic fields, up to 15,000 gauss. This caliber, which offers a power reserve of about 48 hours, is visible through the transparent case back, displaying Omega’s iconic Côtes de Genève waves.
€6,900
See the Seamaster Aqua Terra 30mm details
TAG HEUER, Formula 1 Solargraph
Among the nine colourful Formula 1 Solargraph editions that mark TAG Heuer’s comeback as Formula 1 Official Timekeeper, this bright red edition will be released in September – at the occasion of the Monza Grand Prix, Italy. This 38mm watch, inspired by the original model revealed in 1986, is equipped with a TH-Polylight case, a light and sustainable material that exists in a myriad of colours. The iconic rotating bidirectional bezel, also made in TH-Polylight, displays a 60 minutes scale.
This watch is perfect for dedicating yourself to sea bathing and farniente: although water-resistant to 100 meters, it is powered by a Solargraph quartz movement whose battery – with a 15 years lifespan– can be recharged by natural or artificial light, thanks to a miniature panel integrated in the opal white dial. This high-performance movement only needs 2 minutes of light exposure to work for a day, and 40 hours of exposure to work up to 10 months. An exceptional feature, knowing that this watch is equipped with a seconds hand and a date aperture (at 3 o’clock) that are highly energy-consuming. Last but not least: its red rubber strap, both comfortable and soft-touch.
€1,800
See the Formula 1 Solargraph details
AT YOUR WRIST
DIOR, Chiffre Rouge Chronograph
Dior’s haute couture watch celebrated its 20 years anniversary in 2024, by revealing 5 new models with an entirely new design that keeps its 2004 spirit. As both watchmaking and fashion worlds acclaimed it upon release, the model comes back stronger than ever with a new sun-brushed brass dial – its red gradient, embossed with the cannage motif, is bound to make you blush.
The eight, Christian Dior’s favourite, is the only numeral displayed in red on this new chronograph 41mm edition. The chronometer’s push-button, at 4 o’clock (for the stop/reset functions) is also adorned in red, like the seconds hand. This black DLC-coated steel timepiece presents the iconic asymmetrical architecture, with three features gathered on the enlarged right side of the dial: the crown, the push-button and a notched bezel between 9 and 12 o’clock.
Water-resistant to 100 meters, this model is equipped with a very precise Swiss movement: the self-winding caliber El Primero by Zenith, visible through the transparent back case that reveals its cannage-patterned oscillating weight. This caliber oscillates with a 36,000 Alt/h frequency, has a precision of 1/10th of a second and offers a power reserve of 48 hours.
€15,000
See the technical specification sheet of the Dior Chiffre Rouge Chronograph
DIOR, D My Dior
Believe me, when you are given the chance and the opportunity to wear this watch at your wrist, you don’t decline! What a smart model! I made the most of it during the video.
The D My Dior watch we already know by heart makes its entrance crowned with a yellow gold bezel seamed with 50 diamonds. The 25mm yellow gold case, water-resistant to 30 meters, holds a stunning turquoise lacquer dial. The cannage pattern of the case is crafted though a metallizing process involving yellow gold.
This signature pattern appeared on the seats of the Napoleon III chairs that welcomed guests at 30 Avenue Montaigne for the presentation of the New Look défilé on February 12, 1947. It is also visible on the hand-made Milanese mesh straps. This super-limited edition – only 20 copies – displays a yellow gold crown seamed with 13 diamonds and the CD logo. The watch is powered by a fine Swiss quartz movement.
€47,000
See all our technical specification sheets for the D My Dior collection
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