Everyday Carry

In This Article

8 Watches to Wear This Spring/Summer

Authored by:
Ed Jelley
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
8 Watches to Wear This Spring/Summer

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You only EDC the right tool for the job, right? Just like you wouldn't take a sports car out in the snow. It's simply not made for that. The same goes for watches — you wouldn't take a dress watch diving. And with the weather warming up, adventure beckons. Before your next expedition, leave the dress watch for the office and pick up a tough timepiece you wouldn't mind knocking around instead. Whether you're hiking, camping, swimming, or just wanting something lighter on your wrist, this guide has got you covered.

The watches on this list have one or more of the following qualities that make them perfect to wear this Spring/Summer season:

  • Color accents: A white face with a pop of color gives off a more casual look.
  • Water resistance: At least 100M should do the trick if you plan on swimming with your watch.
  • Adventure-ready: Shock resistance, a self-recharging battery, and water resistance ensure that your timepiece is ready for that upcoming hike or camping trip.
  • Comfortable Strap: Over the course of the day, your wrist actually changes sizes with the temperature. Look for a strap that's comfortable, breathable, and adjustable.

Bertucci A-3P

This lightweight, easy-wearing field watch is a great option for an everyday watch. The case is made from lightweight yet strong glass reinforced resin. The integrated lugs mean there’s no spring bars to pop off or lose during activity. Plus, you can easily swap in different NATO straps by threading them through the lugs. Inside, there’s a reliable Japanese quartz movement that’ll keep accurate time. The face is protected by hardened mineral glass that will hold up against bumps and scratches. The A3-P comes in a few different variations, as well as a titanium-cased model for just a few bucks more.

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Timex Weekender

The Timex Weekender is one of the most affordable yet respected watches out there. For around $25, you get a classic-looking watch that’s great for casual wear. The Weekender features a polished 38mm case, hitting the sweet spot between garishly big and way too small. This model features a white face with 12- and 24-hour markers as well as a colorful NATO-style strap.

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GSHOCK DW9053

The GSHOCK DW9053 is the perfect “go anywhere, do anything” watch. While it’s not what you'd call sleek or streamlined, people have long appreciated GSHOCK’s utilitarian aesthetic. Like the name implies, this resin-cased watch is shock proof — making it ideal for camping, hiking, water sports, and more. The digital watch features several time zones, a stopwatch, hourly signal, and a convenient count down timer. Its 200M of water-resistance is more than enough for swimming, so no need to baby this watch.

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Suunto Core

Suunto’s line of outdoor watches are extensively used by hikers and outdoorsy people. The rugged construction paired with a solid set of features makes the Core great for all of your outdoor adventures. The watch is more of a wrist-worn computer than anything. It gives a readout of the altitude, barometric pressure, compass, and has weather alerts. If you’re heading outdoors, the Suunto Core will make a worthy companion.

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Seiko SKX009

Seiko’s SKX line of divers make an excellent gateway into the world watches. For around $200, you get a fully capable dive watch with one of the most reliable automatic movements around. The 42mm stainless steel case features a unidirectional bezel for timing dives. We like the 009 for its pop of color. Instead of the standard black face and black bezel on the SKX007, there’s a deep blue navy dial and a navy/red “Pepsi” bezel that add a colorful contrast. The hands and indices feature Seiko’s own Lumibrite paint coating, so they’ll glow long after the lights go out.

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Daniel Wellington 0101DW

Daniel Wellington’s minimalist 0101DW is ideal for the summer months. Its 40mm rose gold-tone case is slim and lightweight, perfect for casual wear. The narrow line indices keep the dial uncluttered. Paired with the slim hands and white face, the watch is easy to read. Included is a nylon, NATO-inspired band that adds some color to an otherwise minimal watch. At just under $100, the 0101DW represents a good value for the casual watch wearer.

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Timex Expedition Scout

Timex’s affordable line of watches are some of the best out there for the money. If the Weekender isn’t your style, consider the Expedition Scout. This outdoors-inspired line looks more like a vintage military field watch than an easy-wearing Timex. One Scout variant features a double-layered nylon strap in bright orange, making it highly visible outdoors. This watch also has Timex’s Indiglo technology that lights up the entire dial when the crown is pressed. At around just $35, you can’t go wrong with the Expedition Scout.

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Seiko 5 SNK803

While the Seiko 5 series line of watches might be priced for value, it doesn't mean they're built cheap. To be included in this incredibly valued line of watches, each must have an automatic movement, 20M water resistance, recessed crown, durable case and bracelet, and a day/date feature. The Seiko SNK803 is no exception. All of the features are packed into a 37mm stainless steel case with a Hardlex mineral glass crystal. This khaki-colored version is ideal for the warmer months, whether you’re out and about, or just want something nice and light on your wrist in the office.

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Upgrade What You Already Have

Already have a favorite watch? A simple strap upgrade can really change how a watch looks and wears. These Perlon straps are perfect for summer. The woven nylon is breathable, lightweight, and comfortable. The best part is that there's no defined holes for the strap buckle to lock in to. The buckle threads anywhere on the strap so you can adjust it to any length - ideal when your wrist size fluctuates throughout a hot day.

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What's your favorite watch to wear over the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (28 total)

METH Review Channel ·
MVMT?
Stan Jones ·
I've had two Timex watches that have had a date wheel failure within the first month of use with little wear and zero abuse... I used to love them when I first got into watches. Have they cheapened their manufacturing even more so?
Stan Jones ·
More specifically, the Scout model.
Stan Jones ·
More specifically, the Scout model.
Theo ·
Times field watches basically suck and break easy....you also need earplugs, as the ticking noise is louder than hell....
Ryan ·
I have had the same issue with my Scout. I agree on the loudness of the ticking too. I take my watch off in the living room when I go to bed so I don't here the ticking :)
1 more comments
TKsovereign ·
I am surprised that these days we haven't incorporated other nice watches vs the standard Timex, Seiko, Casio I seem to read every time there is an article on watches. I like my little collection of Fossils, plan on getting a Citizen eco drive and later on a sweet Orient and possibly a Victorinox (Massdrop gets some nice deals).
Ed Jelley ·
Are there any models you like that stand out to you? I'd love to hear your suggestions to improve guides and broaden the scope of selections going forward.
craig b ·
There are some great citizen watches out there. Calibre 8700, basic eco drive nylon strap ones, sky's the limit. I would stay clear of Timex and fossil. Mine have all been poorly made with bad finishes/materials. Casio G Shock is pretty bullet proof too! And there are about 5 million variations.
craig b ·
Unless I'm getting a g shock I would not recommend a watch with a twist back to change the battery. Solar and automatics would leave less room for compromising the interior of the watch (and no headache). Casio g shock use simple phillips screws, and my batteries typically last 5+ years. My solar watches never need changing, of course.
TKsovereign ·
I can't say for sure what models for Victorinox, Citizen, Orient or even Fossil would work. I am a n00b in this area still but for light use around water including the Pacific, I put a silicone band from fossil onto my 23mm case Fossil and it's held up so far but I am careful since it's not a dive watch by any means. I want a more rugged solar power watch like a Casio or even Seiko as well something automatic like Orient for dressier times. I enjoy the articles here but expressed an opinion for future articles to delve deeper into watches that may not have been featured as often as some expressed here. That's how I continue to gain knowledge on what is practical and affordable and I did so here too. I appreciate the article and look forward to future ones too.
Orwell ·
I vote for Nixon watches. Good quality,nice design
James ·
Agreed. I've had mine for a while. Simply love it.
Austin ·
Bleh no Daniel Wellington! Cheap! Never EVER go with those 'style' watches. Stick with with the guys who've been doin this a while like Casio and Seiko. Quality, reliable, and respectable watches for an affordable price.
Ivan ·
Casio and Timex are the traditional go-to's. No argument there. For a few extra bucks, I bought a Luminox about a year or so ago and I have not been disappointed. Though, I have to say that I am very particular to Analog watches than digital.
I did just spend some time looking at the Suunto, but after a little research, most people seem to be happier with the Casio equivalent... Casio G Shocks, Timex Expeditions and now Luminox are always my favorite.
Final thought - I do have an Apple Watch that I wear Monday thru Thursday for it's connectivity and practicality of my day job... I take it off as soon as possible. For me, simpler always wins...
Shawn Arballo ·
I like my Timex Expedition Scout. The design, the function and the durability. Anybody have any thoughts on the Citizen Men's BM8180-03E Eco-Drive. I have been looking into getting one but not to sure. I have a Citizen Eco-Drive and love it but want something more outdoorsish.
Roger ·
IMO, if you have the Scout, the 8180 seems a bit duplicative, unless you want an outdoorsy watch that's also solar powered. My "solar" outdoorsy watch go-to is my g-shock, and my new low-profile outdoorsy watch is the Scout.
GWB NYC ·
me too. mine is like the one in the article except it has a euro "4" and some orange detail on the dial.

I'd like a day/date solar field/military, analog dial. Just cuz.

NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Great article and nice touch mentioning the strap upgrade. There are so many inexpensive options out there to easily give a trusty favorite wrist watch a new look.

I wish they would make a version of the Scout with a dial that more closely resembles that special edition Military J. Crew Timex they did a while back. I like the look of those triangular hour markers and lume accents. The Scout and the Military Field are the closest they have come since.
Tonkatruck ·
I've taken my g shock (mudmaster) cliff diving, coasteering, surfing and canoeing, great watch, i also have a Seiko (007 variant) again a nice watch, i would also recommend traser for a 'military tough' watch, for a reasonable price. I've lost my enthusiasm for automatic watches, the accuracy is just too poor, digital watches are just so functional, whenever i wear something else, i miss the stopwatch or the compass. One watch? G shock.
Zebadiah Ritselaar ·
I will ignore all of this hype and continue happily wearing my Orient Ray. Solid quality, solid style, proven automatic movement with Japanese quality. Latest and greatest? No. Most stylish? No. Will it serve me reliably for decades, with no batteries to worry about? Yes.
NUNQUAM NON PARATUS ·
Orient Rays are nice too. I think they'd be great for the warm season on a MiLTAT NATO strap
Ed Jelley ·
The Ray is definitely a solid watch. I have an Orient Bambino that I wear for more formal occasions that feels great. Can't beat the price either!
Roger ·
I just picked up an Expedition Scout specifically for camping trips, where I've always worn my Casio G-shock. The G-shock is great, but it's bulky, and I wanted to have a watch that has a low-enough profile so I wouldn't mind wearing it to bed (taking it on and off and fishing around for it in the tent is a pain.) Plus, I think the Indiglo feature beats the lume on my Seiko and Orients in the middle of the night. It's also cheap enough that I don't feel too bad if it gets beat up.

We'll see how it holds up after Memorial Day weekend.
Nathan C Cace ·
Any way to disable that annoying pop up asking for my email address? You already have my email, I'm on the list, and I love your site, but that constant pop up gets old, quickly. I usually view things on my iPhone, if that makes a difference.
Jack ·
Sorry but the DW doesn't belong here. Or anywhere in fact. Overpriced garbage.
1 more comments