Five (mostly) inexpensive ways to celebrate the lightness of the season, from least to most costly.
1) Victorinox
On a modest budget, Swiss quartz movement is a sure bet. Victorinox has of course perfected this standard, and the new Alliance line for spring is no exception to the quality and precision you would expect from the age-old brand.
Steel Alliance Chrono ($725) by Victorinox Swiss Army; swissarmy.com.
2) Hamilton
The Hamilton Thin-O-Matic first made waves in the ’60s with its Swiss automatic movement housed in a super-slim case. The new version takes a cue from the decade when things you bought weren’t so disposable.
Steel Jazzmaster Thin-O-Matic watch ($895) by Hamilton; tourneau.com.
3) Longines
This chronograph by Longines was inspired by an old museum watch dating back to 1954. More telling of its vintage aesthetic is the fish engraving on the back of the case, a pictogram used by Longines in the ’50s that represented water resistance.
Steel Heritage 1954 watch ($1,725) by Longines; tourneau.com.
4) Montblanc
The clean lines and solid functionality of the TimeWalker automatic by Montblanc make for a modern aesthetic that’s hard not to admire. It can easily accommodate situations both elegant and casual.
Steel TimeWalker Automatic ($2,680) by Montblanc; montblanc.com.
5) Tag Heuer
Last year Tag released its first chronograph in the Aquaracer line of watches. You need not be a professional diver to wear this updated classic, but if you decided to get your wetsuit on, there is no better friend at this price.
Steel Aquaracer 500M Automatic chronograph ($2,750) by Tag Heuer; tagheuer.com.