Watches for Travel: Best Models

Lankysudanese · 2021-07-16T07:32:02Z

Choosing travel watches from a luxury collection can be tough. Lankysudanese seeks advice on selecting two watches for a family vacation, balancing practicality, style, and security. Get expert tips on traveling with Rolex, AP, Omega, and independent brands.

Lankysudanese

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

21 replies2530 views7 photos

Lankysudanese, a well-known contributor to the WatchProSite community, shares a common dilemma faced by many luxury watch collectors: selecting the perfect travel companions from a diverse collection. His post, born from the excitement of a long-awaited family vacation, invites fellow enthusiasts to weigh in on balancing practicality, style, and security when choosing watches for an active trip with toddlers and varied activities. This discussion offers valuable insights for anyone navigating similar horological travel decisions.

Finally-going on a family vacation after 18 months of being at home, no thanks to the pandemic.

Just not sure which two watches to take with, and wanted advice for the clarification well-traveled purists

My recent Independents (Kudoke K2 and Habring2 chrono Felix) are still in the honeymoon period, but they may not handle the active lifestyle of chasing two toddlers. Moreover, they will likely clash with my casual attire.

The AP is also shiny (and anything but casual, too) but it’s coming with because it going for a much needed service

The Batman has been my travel companion on most of my prior trips, so I kind of want to give it a break. Also, worries about the unwanted attention that it attracts

The Longines and Sinn are solidly-niche-focused (vintage or diver) so I worry about their overall utility on a trip which may include some nice restaurants and beach activities

Which leaves the omega speemaster auto racing, which is both solid, can be dressed up or down, and can also serve as a GMT (with the chrono functionality on, which shouldn’t be that bad for the movement as it’s vertical clutch on top of the column wheel)

But following the mind, over the heart, is not how we all ended in this horological world predicament…now is it?😜

Eager to hear your opinions

Key Points from the Discussion

If concerns about attracting unwanted attention are paramount, a robust tool watch like the Sinn combined with a versatile independent like the Habring2 Chrono Felix (potentially with strap changes for different occasions) offers a balanced solution.
For travel, a common strategy is to pair one sturdy, low-key piece (e.g., Sinn or Omega) with a more versatile luxury watch that can be dressed up or down, such as an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Despite the desire to showcase independent pieces like the Kudoke K2, the author expresses concern about them being too formal for casual vacation attire, even when planning visits to high-end boutiques like FP Journe and A. Lange & Söhne.
The Longines and Sinn are considered logical choices when high-profile watches like the AP and Rolex 'Batman' GMT-Master II are deemed too attention-grabbing for a trip.
The Omega Speedmaster Racing, with its robust build and ability to be dressed up or down, is highlighted as a strong contender for its versatility, even offering a de facto GMT function via its chronograph.

The Discussion

Watchonthewrist

Jul 16, 2021

Two gorgeous beauties but not very sporty or outdoor watches . The AP and Rolex are getting to much unwanted attention so the logical choice would be the Longines and the Sinn imho

countzero

Jul 16, 2021

If the BLNR attracting unwanted attention is a concern due to the travel destination, then I would take the Sinn and the Habring2. The Sinn is perfect for water activities, and the Chrono Felix can be dressed up and down as required (perhaps consider e.g. having two different straps for it, one dressy and one casual). Just my take on it - needless to say it's best to do what feels right to you.

PalmSprings

Jul 16, 2021

Where are you getting your shirts from, really like the fabric in the first picture and the blue/white striped one.

Lankysudanese

Jul 16, 2021

Don’t have a black strap for it…yet

Lankysudanese

Jul 16, 2021

The first picture is my white coat (hospital attire), and the blue and white one is from an Italian store called Boggi.

Chronometer (aka yacomino)

Jul 16, 2021

The K2 I find with your strap combo shown is refined, yet understated, classy yet can pass for casual!

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