Summer is upon us, which means you might be leaning into a healthier and more active lifestyle. The season is filled with fresh produce, sunshine, longer days, and permission to have fun—the perfect recipe for eating well, getting moving, and feeling your best.
Whether you’re training for a half marathon or gearing up for your annual beach getaway, the right accessories can make all the difference from the precision of a chronograph to time your laps to something waterproof enough for catching the perfect wave. Here, we’ve compiled seven of the best active watches, from connected models (aka smartwatches) to classic mechanical sport models.
Louis Vuitton Tambour Connected
The Tambour is one of Louis Vuitton’s signature watch collections, first introduced in 2002. The design and name (Tambour) draw inspiration from a drum, with a distinct case shape. Fifteen years later, the Maison gave the line a high-tech twist with the introduction of the first connected version in 2017: the Tambour Horizon.
Since then, the model in both its mechanical and connected forms has leaned further and further into the sporty realm. In the classic line, you’ll find ultra-slim and lightweight variations that still maintain the DNA of the drum design with better aerodynamics, like the ceramic edition with an integrated bracelet. Along with its mechanical counterparts, the Tambour Connected also evolved with the introduction of the Tambour Horizon Light Up Connected Watch in 2022.
The Horizon Light Up edition of the Louis Vuitton Tambour Connected features a redesigned edge-to-edge screen that spans the entire dial. Here, a curved crystal flows seamlessly into the signature 44mm drum-shaped case offered in stainless steel, matte black PVD, and matte brown PVD (meaning Physical Vapor Deposition, a coating process used to apply a thin layer of material onto the watch case to enhance its appearance and durability).
Like its predecessors, the Tambour Horizon Light Up is compatible with Android and iOS, with dedicated smartphone apps for each. The latest version, however, offers a few new features—including a heart rate monitor now integrated into the “My Travel” and “City Guide” apps.
Zenith Defy Extreme Diver & Defy Revival Diver “Shadow” Editions
Just a few weeks ago, Zenith unveiled two new dive watches that channel peak summer energy. The pair of “Shadow” editions offers two distinct takes on the iconic diver: one boldly modern and one unmistakably retro. Both iterations join Zenith’s beloved Defy Extreme line—let’s dive in (pun intended).
Both the Defy Extreme Diver and Defy Revival Diver are crafted from micro-blasted titanium, resulting in a sleek, matte finish. The stealthy gray case and bracelet are offset by bold pops of neon yellow—bright accents that appear across the dial, bezel, and optional strap, which can be easily swapped in for the bracelet.
The more contemporary Defy Extreme Diver offers fitting proportions with an oversized 42.5mm build, whereas the vintage-inspired Defy Revival Diver features more timeless sizing at 37mm. However, both editions are equally performance driven, boasting an impressive 600 ATM water resistance and a 60-hour power reserve.
TAG Heuer Connected
TAG Heuer was one of the first luxury brands to enter the smartwatch market back in 2015, paving the way for other high-end Maisons to follow. The design used the brand’s iconic Carrera case as the base, bringing the beloved model into the modern era. Two years later, TAG Heuer unveiled the Connected Modular series, offering a hybrid design that allowed users to switch between a smartwatch module and an automatic module.
The latest variation of the TAG Heuer Connected was introduced just a few years ago, in 2022, with the Caliber E4 Smartwatch. As the name suggests, this is the fourth generation of the brand’s connected series, featuring several advanced features and enhancements. These include curvier and sleeker cases in two sizes (45mm and 42mm), as well as a slew of updated dial options that deliver more valuable data than ever before.
However, the most significant upgrade to the brand’s smartwatch line is the expanded TAG Heuer Sports app, which offers customizable, animated, guided workout routines without needing a phone or TV. Plus, there are updated tracking options for swimming, cycling, running, walking, and golf.
Montblanc Summit Smartwatch
By the time TAG Heuer unveiled its second-generation connected watch, Montblanc was already getting its sea legs in the smartwatch space. The first-generation Summit Smartwatch was officially released in 2017, and by 2022, the brand had introduced its third incarnation: the Summit 3. This version adopts a sporty build with a rugged yet lightweight titanium construction and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Despite its technological capabilities, the overall design maintains an elevated look that doesn’t scream “smartwatch.”
The model is offered in three iterations–one in a titanium gray case paired with black calf and blue rubber straps, one entirely monochromatic version in a titanium black case paired with black calf and black rubber straps, and last but not least one in a titanium bicolor case paired with a Montblanc Extreme 3.0 British green calf strap and black rubber straps.
Still, the showpiece of the model is the customizable dial, available with faces inspired by Montblanc’s traditional watchmaking heritage, such as the Geosphere, Boheme, and 1858.
Breitling Superocean Heritage
When Georges Kern joined Breitling as CEO in 2017, he wanted to breathe fresh air into the brand and began overhauling each of the Maison’s core collections. Update after update over the past eight years, and Breitling has just notched a new milestone with the final line to receive Kern’s special touch: the Superocean Heritage.
The Superocean collection dates back to 1957, marking one of Breitling’s first dive watches. On the line’s monumental 50th anniversary in 2007, the brand added the Superocean Heritage family, echoing the vintage elements of the original models from the 1950s.
Most notably, the newly updated Superocean Heritage lineup adds several of Breitling’s own in-house manufactured movements as opposed to supplier-sourced calibers. In addition to the upgraded movements, the reimagined collection gets new proportions in a couple of different variations. The latest line includes a 42mm chronograph powered by the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. Alternatively, the time-only models are available in 44mm, 42mm, and 40mm. They house the B31 movement, which is Breitling’s first exclusive, three-hand in-house manufactured caliber. It was newly launched earlier this year as part of the Top Time family. Finally, the most modest size, 36mm, is powered by the Caliber 10 automatic movement.
Citizen CZ Smartwatch
In 2023, Citizen upped the ante on connected timepieces with the AI-powered CZ Smartwatch. The design harnesses the power of IBM Watson Studio and research pioneered by NASA Ames Research Center to make the timepiece even smarter. In addition to placing phone calls and texts, the CZ can track and predict your energy levels.
Over the years, the collection has been divided into two categories: the all-digital CZ Smart and the CZ Smart Hybrid, which combines some traditional elements with a unique combination of software and in-house hardware systems. The brand offers two sizes – 44mm and 42.5mm – both in line with the trend of oversized models in this category, to support the plethora of functions. As an added bonus, you get a quick-change strap system that allows you to switch from a metal bracelet to a sporty rubber strap with ease, making it easy to transition from a day at the pool to dinner that evening.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Turquoise
The Omega Seamaster is a legend. It made its debut in 1948, and today, it holds the title as the brand’s longest-running product line. The Aqua Terra extension is a bit more recent, first landing in Omega’s catalog in 2002. The line offers a slightly more elevated take on the quintessential dive watch aesthetic, making it an excellent choice for use between land and sea.
Year over year, Omega has expanded its Seamaster Aqua Terra family, most recently introducing a stunning turquoise edition that embodies the quintessential summer wrist companion. This modern, oversized model strikes a balance between rugged and refined, thanks to its substantial 41mm stainless steel build and an elegant lacquered turquoise dial featuring a black gradient effect. The sophisticated dial design is once again contrasted by sportier details like hands, hour markers, a date window, and Omega logo in a gray PVD treatment. The Seamaster Aqua Terra Turquoise is complete with an ultra-comfortable integrated bracelet that perfectly hugs the wrist.
What’s Your Preference: Mechanical or Connected?
Sure, in our modern, tech-filled world, watches are no longer the essential tools they once were. While brands like Rolex and Omega continue to serve as official timekeepers at sporting events, and many divers still strap a dive watch over their wetsuits, tennis Grand Slams and scuba expeditions are not getting underway without the help of some technological advancements. Still, a timepiece optimized for specific activities is a solid wrist companion to have in your collection. Whether you opt for a contemporary connected watch or a traditional mechanical sport watch, you really can’t go wrong. It all comes down to personal preference for your summer adventures.
