Fine holiday watches from houses such as Rolex or Patek Philippe (seen here in a 2000s advertising campaign) can transition from a morning yacht excursion to gala dinner. Alamy
Fine holiday watches from houses such as Rolex or Patek Philippe (seen here in a 2000s advertising campaign) can transition from a morning yacht excursion to gala dinner. Alamy
Fine holiday watches from houses such as Rolex or Patek Philippe (seen here in a 2000s advertising campaign) can transition from a morning yacht excursion to gala dinner. Alamy
Fine holiday watches from houses such as Rolex or Patek Philippe (seen here in a 2000s advertising campaign) can transition from a morning yacht excursion to gala dinner. Alamy

Timeless charm: Why vintage watches are essential holiday companions


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As the temperature rises and plans for a break solidify, a trend is emerging among watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike.

This summer, vintage “holiday watches” are experiencing a remarkable renaissance, with collectors and fashion-forward travellers seeking out timepieces that combine nostalgic charm with practical functionality.

From robust dive watches to slim dress pieces that transition effortlessly from beach to bistro, these classic timepieces are finding their way on to more wrists this season than they have in decades.

The concept of the holiday watch has evolved over generations. Historically, travellers would often select a secondary timepiece for their journeys, something reliable to withstand adventure, yet not so precious that its loss would be devastating.

Today, that practical approach has transformed into something more deliberate, with many enthusiasts specifically curating pieces that capture the essence of leisure time.

Vintage models collectors want now

The watch market is witnessing a return to intentionality as collectors and enthusiasts seek timepieces that were explicitly designed for the leisure lifestyle that blossomed in the 1950s and continued through the 1970s.

These pieces embody stories about a golden age of travel, representing a bygone era of exploration and discovery. The modern appeal lies partly in aesthetics, but equally in the robustness of these vintage designs.

Many holiday classics were built to withstand elements that contemporary watches protect against with electronic sensors and digital alerts. Their mechanical simplicity offers a comforting reliability, free from battery concerns or connectivity issues.

Leading this vintage revival are several distinctive categories that defined the holiday watch market during its golden era. Each represents a different approach to summer timekeeping, dominated by prestigious luxury brands.

The Omega Seamaster 300 model. Alamy
The Omega Seamaster 300 model. Alamy

The colourful GMT watches of the 1960s and 1970s, originally designed for pilots crossing time zones, have found new admirers for their ability to track home time while travelling.

The Rolex GMT-Master ref 1675 with its iconic “Pepsi” bezel and the Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990 are commanding extraordinary premiums as collectors recognise their practical elegance. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak GMT and vintage Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox World Time models have similarly seen tremendous appreciation.

Dive watches represent another category experiencing renewed interest. The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, arguably the first true modern dive watch, has become a coveted treasure.

Omega’s Seamaster 300 from the 1960s, the Rolex Submariner ref 5513 and Cartier’s rare Pasha Diver models have become hot commodities. Their water resistance, legibility and distinctive aesthetic make them perfect companions for coastal getaways.

Perhaps most interesting is the renewed interest in what collectors call “skindiver” watches, slimmer alternatives to professional diving equipment.

Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas predecessors, Piaget’s vintage Polo watches and the elegant Breguet Marine models represent the height of this category, with their ability to transition seamlessly from daytime adventures to evening soirees.

The distinctive feature of luxury holiday timepieces is their remarkable versatility. Fine holiday watches from houses such as Rolex or Patek Philippe can seamlessly transition from a morning yacht excursion to a Michelin-starred lunch and still feel appropriate at a gala dinner.

This versatility combined with prestige represents a tremendous value proposition for modern buyers who appreciate multifaceted luxury goods that perform across various settings.

From Instagram to investment

The vintage holiday watch trend has been amplified significantly by social media, where influencers showcase these exquisite timepieces against breathtaking backdrops.

Hashtags on Instagram such as #vintagevacation and #heritagehorology have created communities where these watches serve as entry points to broader discussions about travel, design and craftsmanship.

A Rolex, Reference 1675 GMT-Master 'Pepsi' owned by Hollywood Stuntman Stan Barrett. Getty Images
A Rolex, Reference 1675 GMT-Master 'Pepsi' owned by Hollywood Stuntman Stan Barrett. Getty Images

Sales frequently spike directly after certain influential collectors post photos from their break featuring these prestigious timepieces.

There’s an undeniable appeal in seeing these watches in their natural habitat, performing exactly the functions they were designed for half a century ago.

The visual nature of platforms such as Instagram perfectly showcases the aesthetic beauty of these mechanical marvels against idyllic holiday settings.

This visibility has introduced vintage watches to younger consumers, who might otherwise gravitate exclusively towards more contemporary designs.

The story and heritage behind these exquisite pieces offer something no brand-new watch can provide, regardless of price point. The revival of vintage holiday watches represents more than just a fashion statement; it speaks to a broader cultural shift towards targeted consumption and appreciation for craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

For serious collectors, these timepieces represent more than simply accessories – they are investments. Collectors frequently seek out rare models such as the Rolex “Red Submariner” ref 1680 and vintage Patek Philippe Calatravas for their portfolios.

When wearing a timepiece such as a vintage Cartier Tank or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso that has served previous generations, owners develop a different relationship with the object. The experience transcends mere ownership, becoming both about heritage and personal legacy in a way that extends beyond a typical luxury purchase.

As the summer continues, the vintage holiday watch trend shows no signs of slowing down. In a world of smartwatches and disposable fashion, these enduring mechanical companions offer something increasingly precious – the luxury of time well spent.

ENGLAND SQUAD

For first two Test in India Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson , Dom Bess, Stuart Broad , Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. Reserves James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

if you go

The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.

The trip 

Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

Updated: June 14, 2025, 3:02 AM`