Sailing watches - Sail Into Summer !
Summer is the time for great water sports and sailing is particularly key on the list during the hot weather. This active lifestyle calls for a reliable watch to keep you company. What constitutes a great sailing watch? Construction that can weather the elements of salt, wind and water with gusto.
Generally, water sports such as sailing and yacht racing call for a watch that is water resistant to at least 100 meters. Watch case materials for water sports are generally best and most durable when crafted in stainless steel or in titanium, though other high-tech alloys can work as well. Additionally, having a water-resistant strap (such as rubber or silicone), or a bracelet made of steel or titanium helps. Finally, certain added functions such as chronographs, countdown functions and more, go a long way while on the water.
For those who love the world of sailing and yacht racing, a host of important watches abound - especially now, as the 34th America's Cup takes place this year. In fact, beginning in very early July and running through August, the Louis Vuitton Cup races (the elimination races for the America's Cup) will be taking place in the waters off of San Francisco, CA - followed in September by The America's Cup race. Thus, several brands this year are unveiling watches with regatta countdown functions and other nautical inspirations perfect for sailing.
Key among those brands is Louis Vuitton, who this year is the official timekeeper of The America's Cup, as well as the title sponsor of the Louis Vuitton Cup. To celebrate its involvement with the races, Louis Vuitton has created two new America's Cup timepieces with regatta countdown and chronograph functions that join the brand's already b Louis Vuitton Cup Tambour watch collection. Expected to be a hit this summer during the Louis Vuitton Cup races is the Louis Vuitton Tambour LV Cup Automatic Countdown watch. Crafted in a 44mm steel case with sunray dial in navy blue and the LV Cup logo on it. The watch offers a regatta countdown function with five-minute countdown and flyback system thanks to the self-winding Dubois-Depraz movement.
TAG Heuer, which partners with defender Oracle Racing Team USA, celebrates its sponsorship of the team with an attainable version of its team watch being available to the public. The yachting spirit is embraced in the brand's Aquaracer 500M Caliber 72 Team USA edition. Bearing a special Oracle Team USA boat stamp on its screwed-in caseback, the new regatta countdown is an updated version of the iconic Aquaracer 500M.
Corum, which sponsored the Energy Team while on an AC45 (unfortunately the team is not continuing into The America's Cup), continues to offer new and exciting Admiral's Cup watches. Among them is the watch of choice for its two sailing ambassadors, Loick Peyron and Ben Aisle: the Corum Admiral's Cup Seafender 44 Chrono Centro. Created in a limited production of 100 pieces, it is a COS-certified chronometer.
While other options exist for sailing enthusiasts, these three are sure winners.