The Fine Watches You Can Take to the Beach

Words by Tony Wilkes

Many of the world’s most famous watches are built for travel. There are pilots’ watches, divers’ watches and racing watches; each able to withstand what most of us have lined up for our holidays. But what about one common scenario: the beach? The first consideration is materials. Rubber, ceramic and stainless steel are the most robust and won’t be marred by the sea or scratched by sand. Second is water resistance. Even if you don’t plan to swim, you’ll want to clean your watch under a gentle tap. Then there’s the overall look. The beach is no place for flashy wrist furniture, so opt for more restrained, fuss-free pieces that feel easy and comfortable to wear. Beyond that, the rest is up to you. Read on for five of the best watches for the beach in 2026.

TUDOR

Black Bay 54 Stainless Steel Watch 37mm

As Tudor marked its centenary this year, the brand delivered one of its strongest line-ups to date at Watches and Wonders Geneva. One of the featured timepieces was the latest Black Bay 54. A true homage to Tudor’s heritage, it takes inspiration from the most authentic example of its first divers’ watch, the reference 7922. Modern updates include the radial-brushed dial – in a fitting oceanic blue – as well as the cutting-edge Manufacture Calibre MT5400.

Shop Now

PANERAI

Stainless Steel Luminor Marina Watch 40mm

No write-up on waterproof watches would be complete with Panerai. The quintessential diving watch, its historic Luminor model was first developed in the 1950s for use in the Italian navy. This iteration features its innovative luminescent indices – for underwater visibility – as well as a durable khaki strap and stainless steel case. On the crown, you’ll also find the stand-out protection bridge: another Panerai signature.

Shop Now

Bremont

Titanium Altitude Chronograph GMT Watch 42mm

Bremont’s Altitude Chronograph GMT may be inspired by aviation, but it’s equally suited to the shore. Made in collaboration with the British aviation company Martin-Baker, famous for its ejection-seat technology, this new model is crafted from grade 2 titanium and has a new brushed galvanic dial in Air Force blue. Our favourite detail? The propeller-shaped hands on the left-hand seconds window.

Shop Now

Bamford London

Forged Carbon GMT Watch 40mm

Developed in its London studio, each watch by Bamford London blends innovation, quality and everyday functionality. The brand’s automatic travel watch, the Bamford GMT, is powered by a Swiss-made 24-hour GMT movement, allowing you to easily track a second time zone, all within a distinctive stealth-driven design. The choice of forged carbon delivers exceptional lightness and durability, as well as a subtle marbled effect.

Shop Now

CHANEL

Ceramic and Steel J12 Watch 28mm

Don’t let the dainty size of CHANEL’s J12 watch deceive you. Celebrities like Bad Bunny, Paul Mescal and Timothée Chalamet have embraced watches traditionally worn by women. The maison’s first unisex sports watch, it’s crafted from steel and highly resistant ceramic, and has a high-precision quartz movement made exclusively for the house. The result? A watch as sleek and timeless as the best men’s jewellery.