Words: Russell
For the modern gent, an active lifestyle is pretty much par for the course. We’re expected to be able to compete with beach-volleyball-playing swimwear models in summer, and rival the best on the black runs in winter.
But while such energetic endeavours are great for you and your body, they can be murder on the average timepiece. That dress watch your father handed down to you years ago won’t stand a chance in the surf off St Barts, for example.
That’s why we’ve curated this selection of rugged, go-almost-anywhere watches. With one of these on your wrist, you can focus on keeping up with the jet-ski-riding Joneses without having to worry about timekeeping.
Breitling SuperOcean Héritage II B20
A watch ready to take a dip
While functionality is key in a sports watch, it also has to look good, and with its ceramic bezel and rose-gold accents, this SuperOcean more than makes the grade.
- Water resistance: 200m
- Case size: 42mm
- Power reserve: 70 hrs
- Bezel: Ceramic, unidirectional and ratcheted
Girard-Perregaux Laureato
A sports watch with a bit of edge
The 1970s were a dark time for horology, yet witnessed the birth of a new breed of sports watches. The revamped Laureato epitomises the era while bringing things bang up to date.
- Water resistance: 100m
- Case size: 42mm
- Power reserve: 54 hrs
- Dial: Blue “Clou de Paris” pattern
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight
We can probably think of more than 58 reasons why we want this watch
With its heritage-inspired design, this ultimate tool watch from Tudor is capable of handling the most gruelling of outdoor lifestyles, from mountain climbing to deep sea diving.
- Water resistance: 200m
- Case size: 39mm
- Power reserve: 70 hrs
- Bezel: Anodised aluminium
Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver Blue
Bell & Ross know how to make a splash with colour
A square peg might not fit into a round hole, but Bell & Ross has mastered the art of fitting a round dial into a square case. We especially love the blue version of its square diver’s watch.
- Water resistance: 300m
- Case size: 42mm
- Power reserve: 40 hrs
- Bezel: Unidirectional blue steel
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Memovox
An alarmingly good timepiece
This modern Polaris is water-resistant to 200m and features an alarm. Adjust the alarm’s inner disc (via the upper crown) and it’ll tell you when to resurface… or take the roast out of the oven.
- Water resistance: 200m
- Case size: 42mm
- Power reserve: 45 hrs
- Limited series: 1,000 editions
Piaget Polo S
Classic design to be passed down the generations
Sporty chronographs don’t have to be big and chunky. Here the beauty is in the details, such as the contrast between the polished and satin-brushed finishes, and the horizontal guilloché dial.
- Water resistance: 100m
- Case size: 42mm
- Power reserve: 50 hrs
- Dial: Blue guilloché
Seiko Prospex SRPA21
Dive into japanese watch making with the PADI
If you’re a sporty sort and want something on your wrist you won’t ever have to worry about, this reasonably priced, 200m-water-resistant Seiko could be the one for you.
- Water resistance: 200m
- Case size: 45mm
- Power reserve: 42 hrs
- Crystal: Hardly glass
Omega Seamaster Diver 300M
If it’s good enough for 007, it’s good enough for us
A ceramic, laser-engraved dial, raised, Super-LumiNova-filled hour markers and a look 007 would definitely approve of. The new Seamaster Diver is a winner for Omega fans.
- Water resistance: 300m
- Case size: 42mm
- Power reserve: 55 hrs
- Dial: Blue laser engraved
Rolex Sea-Dweller
The king of watch brands finds a home underwater
If you want something that’ll handle extreme conditions, it’s hard to beat the Rolex Sea-Dweller. Rated waterproof to a depth of 1,220m, or 4,000ft, this is pure performance watch in an elegant black.
- Water resistance: 1,220m
- Case size: 43mm
- Power reserve: 70 hrs
- Bezel: Unidirectional Cerachrom
TAG Heuer Aquaracer Caliber 5
Taking a plunge with TAG
The classic sports watch from the ultimate sports-watch brand. Water-resistant to 300m and with an ocean-blue ceramic bezel, it’s at home on and in the big blue.
- Water resistance: 300m
- Case size: 43mm
- Power reserve: 38 hrs
- Bezel: Unidirectional ceramic
This feature originally appeared in the September/October issue, sign-up now to get the next issue sent straight to your door…
Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?
Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.
