Fratello Summer Watch Picks 2025: Thomas’s Favorites From Doxa, Zenith, And Nomos

I cannot believe it has already been a full year since I last published my favorite summer watches. Time flies when you’re having fun! While I am often one of the first to submit my list articles, this year, I am one of the last writers to submit my summer watch picks. Why? Well, it’s because I was on an early summer holiday to the French coast, enjoying sun, sea, and good food. What watch did I wear? Well, you can probably guess it was a certain little do-it-all number that tends to hog all my wrist time these days.

Still, in summer, I find myself drawn to other watches as well. I love a good summer watch, and several keep tempting me. So, without further ado, let’s dive into my summer watch picks!

My definition of a summer watch

Well, actually…there is a bit of ado to get through. Since there is no clear definition of a summer watch, we need to set the boundaries. My preferences in this regard haven’t changed since last year, so let me quote myself:

“First, I prefer something I can take swimming (which, admittedly, I hardly ever do). To me, this means a water resistance rating of 100 meters or more. Also, I only wear steel bracelets and rubber straps during the warmer months.

Now, the above actually applies to almost all of my watches. To turn them summery, I prefer a little bit of color. That’s it. I don’t think this is too shocking as a definition for proper summer watches. Still, your mileage may vary, so it is good to have this context before checking out my picks.”

Summer Watch Picks 2025: Doxa Sub 300 Carbon

My first Fratello Summer Watch Picks 2025 entrant is easy, as this has been on my list for ages. My first pick would undoubtedly be the Doxa Sub 300 Carbon. I would have the yellow-dial version, also known as Divingstar.

I like forged carbon watches for their lightness and distinct aesthetic. The mixed flakes of carbon in resin reflect light at different angles, making for a highly dynamic and, at times, almost three-dimensional effect. The Doxa Sub 300 Carbon weighs next to nothing, making it extremely comfortable on the wrist.

I would happily pick a regular Sub 300 too, as I just love the oddly flared case with the tiny dial and domed crystal. To me, however, the carbon version is the one to get. It blends those characterful ’70s vibes with more modern style, resulting in a watch that I find extremely appealing. I would have to part ways with €4,190 to make it mine, which I am oh-so tempted to do.

Fratello Summer Watch Picks 2025: Zenith Defy Revival A3648

The second of my summer watch picks for this year comes from Zenith. We stick with the strong vibes of the late ’60s and early ’70s — in fact, we dial it up a notch. The Zenith Defy Revival A3648 is a 37mm dive watch with a whopping 600m depth rating.

This watch looks awkward in almost every way, from its contrived mashup of flat surfaces and sharp angles to the overly complicated bezel, flashy dial, and 15.5mm thickness. This should not work. Somehow, though, it does! This weird little watch impresses with tons of character and charm. I don’t think this would be anybody’s only watch, but as a fun summer alternative, it rocks!

Inside ticks the automatic Zenith Elite 670 caliber at a 4Hz frequency, offering 50 hours of autonomy on a full wind. The Zenith Defy Revival A3648 costs €8,000, so that cuts into my summer holiday budget quite significantly. Oh well, I guess we can always just stay at home in 2026.

Fratello Summer Watch Picks 2025: Nomos Club Campus 38 Future Orange

Truthfully, my summer watch picks would probably all be dive watches if I were spending my real money. However, I feel obliged to add a little bit more variety. While contemplating a dressier summer watch, I always land on the same old candidate — the Nomos Club Campus. My pick would be the 38mm version in Future Orange, although Endless Blue is equally summery.

The Nomos Club Campus 38 is a fairly simple watch, but it shines in its refined execution. How about a hand-wound movement with sub-seconds at 6 o’clock? How about a mere 8.5mm thickness while retaining a summer-ready 10-bar water resistance rating? Add that fun, bright orange dial to the mix, and you have a no-brainer candidate for a summer watch.

I would put it on one of Nomos’s lovely silver-gray nylon straps and never look back. Compared to my other picks, it would set me back a much more wallet-friendly €1,480. I think I will stop now, though, as I am steadily talking myself into this one.

Closing thoughts

There you have it — my three summer watch picks for 2025. I could see myself poolside with any of these three, no problem at all. How about you? Which would be your ultimate summer watch? If you haven’t already done so under one of my colleagues’ articles, let us know in the comments section below!