Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

4 summer-ready watches you should wear in winter

These summer watches really work all year long

Vaer Watches Field Watch
Vaer Watches Field Watch
Jump to details
One Eleven Field Watch
One Eleven Field Watch
Jump to details
Timex x Todd Snyder Military-Inspired Fabric Strap Watch
Timex x Todd Snyder Military-Inspired Fabric Strap Watch
Jump to details
5.11 Tactical Field Watch
5.11 Tactical Field Watch
Jump to details

Just as you stow away your lightweight jackets and tees when winter hits, perhaps you’ve taken the same approach with your watch rotation, putting aside your cotton or nylon straps in place of old standbys during the chilly months. We’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way — you absolutely can wear your favorite summer watch during the depths of winter. In fact, so many summer watches can perform just as well during the winter months. Take the rugged NATO strap, which can add a solid shot of texture and color to more classic, monochrome outfits. Or consider the stainless steel dive watch, a style worn with impunity by menswear icons like James Bond even when not taking a deep-sea dive.

The field watch is a staple in menswear. Like most menswear pieces, you can trace their history back to the military. When watches made the jump from pockets to wrists to allow soldiers, sailors, and pilots to fly, navigate, and fight with both hands, the field watch debuted in the trenches of World War I. Now, they are the perfect addition to your watch collection and serve you well in the summer and even better in the winter.

The best summer watches to wear this winter embody the casual, rugged style many of us crave right now. The right timepiece is just as comfortable peeking out from the sleeve of your denim shirt and herringbone blazer as it does on your wrist in the summer.

qVaer Watches Field Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Vaer Watches Field Watch

This timepiece is effortlessly cool and classic. Like all field watches, the NATO strap is tough and durable; with a casing to match, it is up for any task and any weather.

Vaer Watches Field Watch
Vaer Watches Field Watch
One Eleven Field Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

One Eleven Field Watch

We’ll keep things rolling with a tough-yet-understated (and highly affordable) watch you won’t think twice about wearing in frigid temps. It helps that this watch looks cool as heck with your favorite cardigan and dark jeans.

One Eleven Field Watch
One Eleven Field Watch
Timex x Todd Snyder Military-Inspired Fabric Strap Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Timex x Todd Snyder Military-Inspired Fabric Strap Watch

We mentioned earlier that your summer watch could actually bring quite a lot of versatility and style to the mix when it comes to winter wear. Fittingly, this stone-cold modern classic with an olive NATO strap and black dial can do just that. Of course, it can also look amazing with your favorite jeans and sport coat.

Timex x Todd Snyder Military-Inspired Fabric Strap Watch
Timex x Todd Snyder Military-Inspired Fabric Strap Watch
5.11 Tactical Field Watch
Image used with permission by copyright holder

5.11 Tactical Field Watch

The folks at 5.11 Tactical know what it takes to be prepared for anything that comes your way. That is why they have the motto "Always Be Ready." With that in mind, they have built this field watch to stand up to anything, even the occasional snow flurry or blizzard. You want this summer watch dial visible in the bleakest conditions on your wrist this winter.

5.11 Tactical Field Watch
5.11 Tactical Field Watch

The winter months may see the rest of your summer wardrobe go into storage, but that doesn't mean your watches have to follow them. Keep them in your rotation, whether you are braving the snow with a shovel or out for dinner.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark McKee
Contributor
Mark is a full-time freelance writer and men's coach. He spent time as a style consultant and bespoke suit salesman before…
The 6 best men’s watches you can buy for under $200
Don't break the bank trying to upgrade your watch selection with these reasonably priced options

Though dozens of very expensive watches are great investments, not all timepieces are astronomically priced. Plenty of elegant watches are both well-made and affordable, and these days, you can give a great watch as a gift at just about any price.

While we’ve previously focused on more expensive watches (check out our guide for the best men’s watch gift), we’re taking it one step further now with our guide to the absolute best men’s watches under $200. Some of these picks fall into more vintage silhouettes, while others are more modern, but the one thing they all have in common is that they won’t break the bank.

Read more
The best luxury watches for men don’t have to cost $10K
Before investing in a luxury watch, check out these excellent options for the best bang for your buck

Every great watch rotation needs a healthy assortment of the best luxury watches, or at the very least, one especially investment-level timepiece. It's a step up in every way from the timepiece you might be used to wearing daily, whether it's a smartwatch, a rugged silicone strapped watch, or a "daily driver" leather watch that you've had for years. A luxury watch is a marker of intention. It adds elegance and refinement to your most well-tailored ensembles and reminds you of both meaning and purpose that keeps you on track throughout the day. The best men's watches are a welcome addition to your wrist game.

The best luxury watches feature precise movements, handsome dial designs, high-quality case and strap materials, and just a little something extra to separate them from the rest of the pack. Sure, these timepieces are more expensive, but that's a good thing: There's hardly a situation where you can't wear your new favorite luxury watch, and that goes for more casual affairs, too. It's worth buying and wearing as often as possible, all the better to get some "ROI" on your purchase. Where to start with the luxury watch market? We've got a few crucial picks in mind.

Read more
The warmest winter socks for men to keep you cozy
Keep your feet warm and dry with these best winter socks for men
Warming feet with a fireplace

Though many may gripe about the cold weather days of winter and fall, there’s no denying the chill allows us to rock some pretty comfortable clothing. Knit scarves, leather gloves, and fuzzy sweaters abound in these seasons, insulating us from the elements and making us feel oh-so-cozy.

There’s seemingly no end to the warm accessories we choose from, but one of our favorites is the winter sock. Durable and plush, this cold weather must-have is as essential for roosting around an indoor fire as it is for trudging along the icy trails of a mountainside hike. But don’t get it twisted — not all socks fit the bill, which is why we’ve assembled some of the warmest winter socks on the market.

Read more