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My favorite tried-and-true travel watches come from Garmin, Shinola, and more.
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Watches are a travel must-have.
And the ultimate watch travel hack can be bringing more than one.
I always travel with multiple watches for a few reasons.
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All ten picks here are travel-tested and real-world-approved by myself personally.
The stock rubber straps can break after a few months of heavy use and may need to be replaced.
The Garmin Fenix 7 Solar Pro is hands-down the best GPS smartwatch Ive used.
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The Garmin shined, mostly due to its extensive library of travel-ready features.
It has fewer features than a traditional smartwatch like the Garmin above.
Too much screen time can distract in a new city in my opinion.
What you need is a watch like the GBM-2100, which provides the essentials without the distraction.
Its a charming combination of analog and smart tech with Bluetooth compatibility and an accompanying phone app.
Despite its Terminator-esque name and full metal construction, it’s a remarkably user-friendly watch.
Setting a new time upon landing is as easy as syncing up with your phone.
you could adjust on the fly without service or Wi-Fi.
Theres no date window.
The Expedition was a perfect companion for all environments.
And at thehotel in Scottsdale, it also cleaned up nicely for dinner and drinks.
How many watches can go from trail to tasting menu in one day?
And, perhaps most importantly, its designed to be ultradurable while looking great on the wrist.
I found the bracelet clasp scratches easily.
Whenever Im planning to be out on the water, Im packing the Monster.
Due to the slight stretch, the strap can be tricky to size and may require multiple adjustments.
Ive tried a few GMTs before settling on Zodiacs newest model.
The bracelet can take a trip or two to figure out sizing, but its not a deal breaker.
Sometimes, you just cant beat a solid digital watch.
Its affordable price lets you play in colorways or spaces you might usually avoid, too.
Tag Heuer’s Aquaracer Solargraph elevates that movement to an art form.
I like the titanium version for traveling, which is lightweight and sporty.
If the titanium here is polarizing, also check out the brandssolargraph offering in steel.
If youre ready to try a watch with a green face, the pistachio dial number is especially fresh.
Credit: Casio
The 38-millimeter plays as a dress watch, though the 42-millimeter version I have is still workable.
Its slim enough to peek out from a shirt sleeve or suit, but not be distracting.
The stainless steel case and 80-hour power reserve make it less demanding and fragile than a traditional dress watch.
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This versatile use yet polished look makes it easy to reach for when traveling.
It requires a daily wind.
The designers collaboration with Timex is a signature example of that.
Ive found this to be a helpful ritual, grounding me in a new city and a new routine.
Also, this MK-1 is water resistant, which is a rare feature in a dressier watch.
The watch doesnt boast any additional features other than time-telling, so its more of a showpiece.
Sure, the Cartier tank watch is having a zeitgeisty moment.
Its excellent for travel and a good entry point to square or rectangular watches for the undecided.
Think about the features that might be most useful for you.
GMT watches allow you to track multiple time zones and know when to call home.
Digital watches have alarms that dont depend on having the right outlet adapter for your phone.
A smartwatch will also have a GPS feature to guide you through your new neighborhood.
Thats going to require a dive watch or one with good waterproofness.
Are you on a quest for thebest negroni in Italy?
Opt for a dressier watch for fine-dining excursions.
But tailor your wrist to your itinerary and youll be in the clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
In short: a long time.
Good watches (not necessarily expensive, but well-made watches) are a lifetime investment.
Watches with automatic movements are perpetually repairable, making them a generational gift.
Quartz-powered watches feature easy battery-powered swaps at a shop and are impressive in their own right.
Awatch roll or caseis the safest way to travel with multiple watches.
In my experience, one on your wrist and a second in a case will do.
Credit: Hamilton
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Credit: Shinola
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Credit: TAG Heuer
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Credit: Hamilton
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Credit: Timex x Todd Snyder
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Credit: Breda
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