Summer Watch 2026 – how to choose the right watch for swimming, sports, and travel
Which watch is suitable for summer? Short answer: a watch that can withstand heat, sun, and water, preferably with a strap you can sweat and swim in. In summer, your watch will encounter the sea, pool, sun, and active days. In this guide, we'll go through summer watch types – from water-resistant diving watches that can withstand swimming to solar-powered and sporty models – so you can find the right watch for your summer 2026.
Innehåll · 7 avsnitt
- What makes a good summer watch?
- Can the watch withstand swimming, the sea and the pool?
- Which watches are suitable for sports and active summer days?
- Is a green or blue dial better for summer?
- Do I need to replace the battery with a solar-powered watch?
- Which watch can withstand holidays and travel?
- Find your summer watch at Kronura
What makes a good summer watch?
A good summer watch can handle three things: water, heat and activity. Water resistance determines whether you can wear it while swimming. The strap determines comfort in the heat – materials that withstand sweat and moisture often fit better than leather on a hot day. Weight and size affect how comfortable the watch is on a bare wrist. Also consider readability in bright sunlight: a clear dial is easier to read outdoors.
Can the watch withstand swimming, the sea and the pool?
It depends on the watch's water resistance. A watch that can withstand splashes and rain is not always built for swimming, and one that can handle swimming is not always built for diving. Therefore, check the model's rating before swimming with it, and choose a watch with higher water resistance if you want to swim. If you want to understand what the numbers mean, we explain what ATM means in a separate guide. For the sea and pool, a dedicated diving watch is often the safest choice.
Which watches are suitable for sports and active summer days?
Summer is full of activity – running, cycling, padel and beach days. In that case, lightweight sports watches that fit securely and withstand impacts are ideal. A soft resin or rubber strap is more comfortable than steel when you sweat, as it dries quickly and does not heat up as much in the sun. We have compiled watches with resin straps that are suitable for active days.
Is a green or blue dial better for summer?
Colour is an easy way to make the watch feel more summery. A green dial gives a natural and fresh feel, while a blue dial is reminiscent of the sea and sky and is easy to match with light summer clothes. Both colours work for both everyday wear and special occasions during the summer.
Citizen
Marine Eco-Drive AW1816-89L
€179,95
Se klockan
Do I need to replace the battery with a solar-powered watch?
No. A solar-powered watch is charged by light and therefore does not need a conventional battery replacement. In summer, when the days are long and bright, it gets plenty of energy. Solar-powered Eco-Drive watches from Citizen are one example, and we explain the technology in our Citizen Eco-Drive guide. This makes them practical for holidays.
Which watch can withstand holidays and travel?
On a trip, the watch encounters more than it does at home – sand, salt, impacts and temperature differences. In that case, a robust watch that can handle tough conditions is ideal. Casio G-Shock watches are built to withstand impacts and water, making them a practical choice when you do not want to be overly careful with your watch. If you are travelling across time zones, watches with two time zones are practical – you can see the time at home and the local time simultaneously without having to set the watch. A durable watch lets you focus on your holiday instead of protecting your wrist.
Find your summer watch at Kronura
The right summer watch depends on how you want to use it: swimming, exercising, travelling or simply enjoying the sun. Start with the category that suits you and compare models at your leisure. See the full range of men's watches and women's watches ahead of summer 2026.
Featured watches
More summer dresses
Green dial, solar-powered, multiple time zones and 20 ATM – themes from the text above.
Citizen Super Titanium AW1641-81X
41 mm · 9 mm tjock
Citizen Eco-Drive Promaster Marine EO2020-08E
37 mm · 11 mm tjock
Casio Timeless AE-1200WHD-1AVEF
43 mm · 13 mm tjock
Casio G-Shock Classic DW-5600FF-8ER
42 mm · 13 mm tjock
- ✓ 2 års garanti
- ✓ Äkta märkesklockor
- ✓ 30 dagars öppet köp
- ✓ Fri frakt
- ✓ 4,6/5 på Trustpilot
How water-resistant should a summer watch be?
It depends on how you use it. For splashes and rain, a lower water resistance rating is sufficient, but for swimming and bathing, you should choose a watch with a higher water resistance rating. Always check the model's rating before swimming.
Can I swim with a conventional watch?
Not always. A watch that can only withstand splashes is not built for swimming. If you want to swim regularly, a diving watch or a watch with a clearly higher water resistance rating is a safer choice.
Do sun and heat affect the watch's functionality?
Normal summer heat is rarely a problem for a watch intended for everyday wear. A resin or rubber strap is often more comfortable in the heat than leather, which can be affected by sweat and moisture.
Which watch colour feels the most summery?
Green and blue dials are often perceived as summery. Blue is reminiscent of the sea and sky, while green gives a natural feel. Both are easy to match with light-coloured clothes.
How does a solar-powered watch work?
A solar-powered watch converts light into energy and is charged by both sunlight and indoor light. Therefore, it does not need a conventional battery replacement, which is practical during long summer days.
Do I need a separate watch just for summer?
No, but many people choose a more water-resistant or sporty watch for summer activities and save nicer models for other occasions. It depends on how you want to use the watch.