The Club Guide · Summer 2026
The beach, a patio, the city, swimming: Which watch should you wear this summer? Here’s the complete guide from Club de la Montre—water resistance explained simply, selections by budget and style, and only models that are currently available.
The Essentials in 30 Seconds
- For swimming, you'll need at least 10 ATM (100 m); for the beach and water sports, aim for 20 ATM (a G-Shock) or 30 ATM (Kelton 1955 Limited Edition).
- The summer watch for under €50: the Casio Vintage A168 (€32.24 on sale), unisex and indestructible.
- French summer style: Charlie Paris (starting at €144), Kelton, Pierre Lannier, LIP, and Michel Herbelin—all available at Club de la Montre.
- The summer sale runs through July 22, 2026: up to 40% off select items in stock.
Can You Swim While Wearing a Watch? Understanding Water Resistance
It’s THE question of the summer. The answer comes down to a single unit:the ATM (atmosphere). Be careful—"water-resistant to 30 meters" doesn’t mean you can dive to 30 meters—here’s the correct interpretation:
| Indications | What it really does |
|---|---|
| 3 ATM (30 m) | Splashes, rain. No showers, no swimming. |
| 5 ATM (50 m) | A quick shower, very occasional swimming. Avoid swimming in the ocean. |
| 10 ATM (100 m) | Swimming, snorkeling, surface water sports. The absolute essentials for the beach. |
| 20 ATM (200 m) | Snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing. The classic G-Shock. |
| 30 ATM (300 m) | Scuba diving. The level indicates professional diving. |
A simple habit to follow after every swim in the ocean: rinse your watch with fresh water. Salt corrodes the gaskets and steel bands; ten seconds under the faucet is enough to prevent this.
Which watch is best for the beach and swimming?
Four sure bets, all in stock: the G-Shock can take anything (20 ATM, shock-resistant, sand-resistant), the Kelton 1955 Limited Edition 30 ATM is THE French diver's watch of the summer, the LIP Himalaya chronograph is available at a rare 40% discount, and the Patrouille de France Athos 1 features a saltwater-resistant silicone strap.
What's a good summer watch for less than €100?
The top three picks for value: the Casio Vintage A168 (€32.24 on sale—the Club’s best-selling watch this summer), its gold version for a more dressy look, and the French brands Kelton Jungle and Pierre Lannier Essential, both under €80. At this price, you can even get two—one for the beach and one for the evening.
Which women's watch is best for summer 2026?
Three trends this season: rose gold (Pierre Lannier Multiples, Ice Glitter), azure blue (Charlie Paris SULLY 35, Herbelin Cap Camarat Arctic Blue), and bold vintage colors (Kelton Colorama red). These sleek, luminous watches can be worn from a morning at the beach to dinner on a terrace.
What men's watch should I choose for summer 2026?
This summer's men's fashion trends range from deep blue (Charlie Paris HORIZON, Cap Camarat Quartz Date—water-resistant to 100 m beneath its Arctic blue) to Nixon's California surf style. Plus, a LIP chronograph on sale for 40% off with a Joker card.
Comparison: Which Watch Brand Should You Choose for Summer?
| Brand | Style | Origin | Budget | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casio | Vintage Digital | Japan | €32–130 | The beach, everyday life, the retro look |
| Ice-Watch | Colorful, lightweight | Belgium | €44–110 | A Colorful Summer—and So Are the Kids! |
| Kelton | French Retro | France | €62–490 | Vintage-style sunglasses, diving (30 ATM) |
| Pierre Lannier | Affordable Elegance | France (Alsace) | €76–200 | The office in the summer, in the evenings |
| Charlie Paris | Minimalist Parisian Style | France | €144–345 | City Style: A Meaningful Gift |
| LIP | Watchmaking Heritage | France (Besançon) | €100–330 | The Summer Chronograph: History on Your Wrist |
| Nixon | California Surfing | USA (Encinitas) | €100–280 | Surfing, skateboarding, the West Coast vibe |
| Patrouille de France | Aviation | France | €178–300 | Summer Air Shows |
| Michel Herbelin | High-end marine | France (Charquemont) | €569–900 | The Riviera, the yacht, the beautiful summer |
FAQ — Your Questions About Summer Watches
What is the best watch for summer 2026?
It all depends on how you plan to use it: the Casio Vintage A168 (€32) for style at the best price, the G-Shock GMA-P2100 (20 ATM) for the beach and sports, the Charlie Paris SULLY for French elegance, and the Michel Herbelin Cap Camarat for high-end nautical style.
Can you wear your watch in seawater?
Yes, starting at 10 ATM (100 m), provided you rinse it with fresh water after each swim. For depths below 10 ATM, remove it before entering the water.
What's a good summer watch for less than 50 euros?
The silver Casio Vintage A168WA, priced at €32.24 during the Club de la Montre sale. Unisex, reliable, and featuring Illuminator backlighting—it’s the best-selling watch of the summer.
Which French watch brands are best for summer?
LIP (Besançon), Kelton, Pierre Lannier (Alsace), Charlie Paris, Michel Herbelin (Charquemont), and Patrouille de France — all available at Club de la Montre, an official retailer.
Can sand scratch a watch?
Sand won't scratch sapphire crystal (Herbelin, Charlie Paris), but it can leave marks on mineral or acrylic crystal. At the beach, opt for sapphire crystal or G-Shock-style resin, and avoid placing the watch directly in the sand.
How long will the 2026 summer sales last?
The summer sale ends on July 22, 2026. At Club de la Montre, the sale offers discounts of up to 40%, available only on in-stock models that are shipped the same day before 11:30 a.m.
To learn more: the “Summer According to…” series
All summer long, the Club Journal explores each brand's summer style, featuring lifestyle photos and shoppable selections:
