Watch innovation is never-ending. In the 1950s, it brought us diving watches. The next decade brought forth the first mass-produced chronographs. The 1970s introduced a new genre of wristwatches: the luxury sports watch. Since then, the world of sports watches has only grown larger, with new technology allowing the watches to withstand greater depths, higher elevations, more extreme temperatures, all while remaining functional and readable. For the watch enthusiast considering a modern sports watch, there are really two options: invest in a watch that is classically cool, that can double as both sport or dress watch, or invest in a watch that is solely designed for function, able to get you through nearly any extreme situation. Luckily for you, your friends at Deutsch have compiled our favorite watches that fit in both of these categories, each telling of brand histories littered with legends, adventures, and unbelievable achievements. Now, the hard part: choosing your favorite.
While today, Cartier is a name we immediately associate with diamond jewelry, yellow gold bangles, and elegant dress watches, in 1904, the “King of Jewelers” rolled out what you could argue was the first-ever sports watch: the Cartier Santos. A pilot’s watch before there were really any pilots, the Santos was created specifically for and subsequently named after Alberto Santos-Dumont—intrepid adventurer, aviation pioneer, and, luckily for him, dear friend of one Louis Cartier. Though the debate as to whether the title of “first flight” in human history rightfully belongs to the Wright brothers or Santos-Dumont apparently rages between aviation fanatics (a debate that we, as, you know, jewelers and not aviation experts, can’t really comment on), there is no doubt that Santos-Dumont made his mark upon history as one of those “magnificent men in their flying machines”. And he did it all while wearing the first pilot’s watch, designed by Louis Cartier himself. Of course, the Cartier Santos is more than just an effective pilot’s watch; with the sleek, powerful lines of its distinctive square case, elegant roman numerals, and curiously retro-meets-ultra-modern design, the Santos is also a timeless and sophisticated dress watch. Thankfully, Cartier revived the Santos after the 1970s renaissance of sports watches, and even revamped it in 2018 by introducing the very best of modern Cartier technology in watches like the Santos de Cartier Chronograph Watch. An extra-large model with a 43.3 mm case width, this pilot’s watch features a chronograph mechanical movement with automatic winding and a Cartier caliber 1904 CH MC. This Cartier watch, set in both steel and yellow gold, also comes with both metal and rubber bracelets, each fitted with the Quickswitch interchangeable system. This allows for an easy switch from a comfortable and casual look to a cool and classy one. Form and function truly do forge the happiest of unions in this classic pilot’s watch, firmly cementing the Santos’ status as the ultimate model of versatility. When you wear the Santos de Cartier Chronograph Watch, you join a lineage of “magnificent men” and embody the very same spirit of adventure that has galvanized pilots everywhere—all while looking effortlessly cool. It certainly puts a whole new spin on “looking fly”.
Since its founding in 1989, Luminox as a brand has been singularly dedicated to one purpose: developing and producing sports watches designed with cutting-edge luminescence technology for readability. Even the brand’s name confirms this mission: “lumi” is Latin for light and “nox” is Latin for night. Rugged, durable, and crafted with superior illumination technology thanks to LIT, or Luminox Light Technology, Luminox sport watches have packed an astonishing number of accomplishments in their 33-year history. In the early ‘90s, Luminox Research and Development teams began work on a diving watch specifically crafted with Navy SEALs in mind. Impressed with the LIT additions and the durability of these Navy SEAL diving watches, the Navy SEALs soon spread the word of the new technology, leading to other elite forces and specialized operatives personally requesting the Luminox Navy SEAL diving watch; this ultimately resulted in the watch becoming a brand bestseller, and a favorite among military and law enforcement personnel and civilian watch enthusiasts alike. The Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph, 45 mm, Dive Watch - 3597, a chronograph model of the classic diving watch, displays an appealing green dial that is not only pleasing to the eye but is also devised to contrast with the vibrant yellow hand for easy readability. Additionally, like all other Luminox sport watches, the Luminox Navy SEAL Chronograph features the self-powered LIT system, allowing it to be always visible for up to 25 years. With a 45 mm case and dive bezel, this Luminox watch is water-resistant to 200 meters/660 feet, making it the perfect fit for any diving enthusiast.
For adventurers that are less aqueous, and more terrestrial, in 2020, Luminox partnered with the most famous adventurer and survivalist of the modern age—Bear Grylls—to create the Luminox Bear Grylls Survival Outdoor Explorer Watch. With a 42 mm carbonox case that features a Bear Grylls signature on the back, this sports watch displays a striking two-tone black and orange dial accented with Grylls’ logo and motto of: “Never give up”. Highly durable, water-resistant, and designed for survival, this tactical watch is made for explorers and “magnificent men”. Now that you’ve got your final piece of equipment, all that’s left is planning your next adventure; where to next?
Photo by Mael BALLAND on Unsplash