As temperatures soar across the US, people are asking us what kind of watch is best to wear on a hot day? The answer is quite simple: a bracelet watch! As those of us who regularly wear leather strap watches know, sweat does not help the longevity of a strap or provide a comfortable option in the heat. Here is a selection of our favorite bracelet watches which will offer cool relief.
The sculptural link design of this Patek Philippe bracelet watch ref. 4237/1J really offers ‘room to breathe.’ The elegant and unusual bracelet fits elegantly and flawlessly on the wrist and is as beautiful as it is functional. Made during the 1970s, this period was a high point of bracelet design when many exceptional references were made, typically in small numbers. An open link bracelet watch like this is a perfect foil to a blazing hot day.
When the temperature gets tropical, but you still need to move, a stainless steel bracelet is the way to go. This Patek Philippe steel Sculpture ref. 5091/1A made in 2000 offers a great alternative sports watch to the Nautilus, but at a more accessible price point. The Sculpture collection was introduced in 1999 for the Russian market to celebrate the 5th anniversary with the local distributor, only 300 pieces were made for each reference. Think of it as your perfect companion from the gym to the office and of course, the beach.
The combination of an almost transparent movement with a bracelet is the ultimate accessory for a summer’s day. This Patek Philippe skeleton ref. 3883/3J is truly a work of art: every piece of the movement that can be decorated is engraved by hand. The exquisite, integrated bracelet is also a work of art made by the master chainsmiths who excelled at crafting these delicate woven bracelets. Made circa 1985, this is one of the rarest late 20th century skeletonized bracelet watches, and not something that will easily be found again.
A perfect way to look good on the dance floor during the 1970s Disco Era was to wear this Patek Philippe ref. 3588/2G. Today, this stunning piece remains the essence of cool with its extraordinary mess bracelet that fits the wrist like a piece of silk. The distinct blued gold dial is complemented with an unusual, engraved bezel. Made between 1970 and 1980, the ref. 3588 was the largest Calatrava made during this era and the first Patek Philippe reference to utilize the ultra-thin caliber 28-255 – the same automatic caliber used later in the Nautilus ref. 3700/1A.
For a lady who wants to glow without the heat, this Patek Philippe ref. 2100J is a masterpiece in bracelet design. During the 1940s, this watch was marketed and celebrated for its beauty and unique boldness. It also had a high price tag of USD 2700 in 1946 – almost double the retail asking price of a ref. 1518! Not only is the ref. 2100 exceedingly rare, but it is also exceptionally beautiful and a perfect adornment for a lazy summer’s day or an elegant cocktail party.
The intricate, but flexible mesh bracelet of this Patek Philippe ref. 4151/1G was made by the master jeweler Jean-Pierre Ecoffey and offers yet another elegant solution for a balmy day or night. Made through the early to late 1970s, the ref. 4151 was available in 18K yellow or white gold with a silvered or blued gold dial to highlight the horizontal Ellipse dial which is integrated perfectly into the bracelet.
Patek Philippe vintage bracelet watches are in a league of their own and offer a level of craftsmanship that cannot be replicated at the same price point today. At Collectability, we are seeing a resurgence in appreciation for these exceptional watches and the summer is a perfect time to put them to the comfort test.
July 2024
