I don’t know about you, but my nights out aren’t about sitting around some fancy club sipping scotch and talking about boring things, you could wear any watch for that. Instead, they’re usually about going out with friends, having laughs, alcohol, and the ever fun game of guessing how you got home the next morning. That’s what this list is intended for; it’s five watches you can take out with you to the sesh without having to think about them too much, while still enjoying a good watch. They’re expected to be able to take a bit of rough and tumble and survive an encounter with whatever liquid comes their way. So, whether you’re headed to the local pub or going to the clubs in the big city, here are five watches that we think will survive the trip and look good doing it.
5. TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 Blue Touch Edition
When Jean-Claude Biver took over the role as boss of TAG Heuer, we saw a plethora of new and exciting watches coming out with similar looks to those of its pricier sister brand Hublot. The Carrera Calibre Heuer 01 is one of these watches. We chose this one not only because it has a stainless steel case, ceramic bezel and a titanium buckle, but also because of the vibrant summer blue that appears on the comfy rubber strap and accents on the dial and case. Despite its 45mm case, it’s wearable, comfy and with just enough heft to remind you its a luxury watch without being overwhelming. The in-house movement is particularly excellent as well. It’s also the only chronograph on our list.
4. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M Co‑axial Master Chronometer 43.5 MM Ref 215.30.44.21.01.001
Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean is a classic diver’s timepiece with a modern design and practical engineering. I’ve chosen the midsize 43.5mm watch which is undoubtedly more suitable for most wrists than the 45.5mm big-un. It’s also perhaps the most versatile piece on the list, taking it from the lock-ins at the local pub right the way up to cocktail events that would leave James Bond feeling out of place. It’s also beer resistant to 600m so it can easily take a dunking, though one should still be aware of the ceramic bezel and sapphire crystal which are both prone to shattering from heavy impacts. You could also choose a titanium variant, but it doesn’t come with the versatile black dial and black bezel.
3. Seiko Prospex Samurai Automatic Ref SRPB49K1
Of course, whether the Omega and TAG Heuer do well in their watchmaking abilities and luxury appeal, they fall apart when it comes to repair costs. Enter the Prospex Reference SRPB49K1 from Seiko. The entire watch costs around €420, for that, you get a reliable in-house made 4R35 automatic movement, a 43.8mm stainless steel case, 200m of booze resistance and the choice of rubber or a metal bracelet. The cost of replacing the entire watch can be much less than a service for the previous entrants, so affordability is in the Seiko’s corner. It’s also pretty good looking, chunky and definitely one for the confident which, let’s face it, after a few drinks we all become.
2. Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 3 Days Automatic Titanio 47MM PAM01305
At the complete opposite end of the spectrum to the affordable but gutsy Seiko is Panerai’s beastly Submersible PAM01305, which at 47mm is the largest watch on the list, but one of the most comfortable as well. The reason this one is so high up the list is because of its brute strength, make no mistake these watches are built to last and ridiculously over-engineered. The case is solid titanium, and thanks to a solid titanium bezel on this one, there’s less need to worry about knocking it on a table or doorframe. The rubber strap is thick and durable and can be easily exchanged for another to suit the occasion. Inside, the in-house made P.9010 automatic movement is rugged and reliable, there are stories of these movements being more durable than Rolex movements, which is saying something.
1. Oris Aquis Date Relief Ref 01 733 7730 4153-07 8 24 05PEB
The number one spot on our list goes to the Aquis Date Relief from Oris, which is an affordable but good looking and well-crafted diving watch that’s ready to accompany you on those fun nights. I’ve chosen the silver sunburst dial with a silver bezel for this list, but you can choose pretty much whichever colour and strap combination you like. The stainless steel case is a hefty 43.5mm in diameter and packs a water resistance of 300m. Inside that case is the Oris calibre 733, an automatic winding movement based on the venerable Sellita SW 200-1 base, so not only is it rugged and reliable, it’s also cheap and easy to service. On a bracelet, it’s also quite an attractive daily wear, so you need never take it off.
Note: WristReview cannot be held responsible for the loss of or damage to a watch, the wearer is entirely accountable for their actions. Always drink responsibly.
