Legends Of The Fall: Five Of The Hottest Watches For Cooler Weather
It’s pumpkin spice time! Here are five watches that encapsulate our fall feelings.
Fall is here, and even if we’re not ready to pack away our sporty stainless-steel watches, it’s fun to think about autumnal timepieces. Just like the leaves turn from green to gold, watch connoisseurs also like to switch things up.
PUMPKIN SPICE
It’s funny, but when we used to think of fall flavors, we would imagine bushels of apples being turned into pies and cider. But after Starbucks developed the Pumpkin Spice Latte in 2003, the season has become synonymous with the taste of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and ginger.
Pumpkin Spice now permeates all parts of fall food culture — from ice cream to Spam. Fans can't get enough!
Likewise, the pumpkin-colored dial of Glashütte Original’s 2019 Sixties and Sixties Panorama Date Annual Editions are thirst-inspiring. Introduced in February of this year, these two timepieces feature striking orange dégradé dials made by the brand’s dial manufactory in Pforzheim. The Louisiana Alligator straps add an extra element of warmth. And if autumn makes you feel nostalgic, the retro styling of these watches will let you bask in the glow of the good old days.
It’s fun to see a non-dive watch with a warm dial. But like the Pumpkin Spice latte, these timepieces won’t be around for long.
BACK TO COOL
Cool weather calls for campus chic. Even if you haven’t set foot in a classroom in decades, you can’t go wrong with a classic, preppie-inspired watch. Just like rugby pullovers and blazers are making a comeback, so too is the iconic striped NATO strap.
For a modern take on this ivy league look, we like the Omega Aqua Terra Co-Axial Master Chronometer Golf Edition with its orange and black or green and black nylon wristband options. Again, the palette is seasonally appropriate, plus it's rugged and accurate enough to get you to class on time after a night of college hijinks. If you've already graduated, its elegant design is perfect for simply relaxing on the links.
SWEATER WEATHER
Looking good is all about feeling comfortable in your own skin. And what could be cozier than a cardigan on a cool, late summer’s eve?
The answer? A lightweight watch on a supple leather strap. The timepieces in Panerai's new Luminor Due Collection have been redesigned — with a slimmer case profile and a reengineered mechanism — to sit more lightly on the wrist. The Luminor Due 42 mm (PAM00927) is the brand's first automatic model of its size to come in a titanium case. And, buyers can choose from a wide array of leather straps for greater personalization.
Launched last August, these upgraded Luminor Dues truly are the horological equivalent of your favorite sweater!
A NEW LEAF
And, what's the horological equivalent of driving to the country to see the trees change color? The two new, green-dialed Aquaracers from TAG Heuer. Although the brand says the emerald-hued finish was inspired by the sea, it reminds us of the verdant hills of the Catskills.
Its hard-wearing, stainless steel case and bracelet are also appropriate for that mountainous terrain. And since a couple’s weekend retreat to a rustic inn is an autumn rom-com ritual, it seems fitting that these just-released Aquaracers come in a 43 mm model with a Calibre 5 Automatic movement for the gents and a daintier, quartz-powered 32 mm model for the ladies.
Besides, if getting in a few more early fall days on the water is more your thing, it’s reassuring to know that these two timepieces have the six standard diving features found in all Aquaracers: water resistance to 300 meters (30 bar), a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown, luminescent hands and markers, a double security clasp, and a sapphire crystal to keep the water out.
TOUCHDOWN
September heralds the start of football season, but if you wear a watch during weekend touch football games, you will probably opt for a digital beater watch.
Only, consider this: Odell Beckham Jr., wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns, wore an orange Richard Mille RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph McLaren during the team’s season opener.
We know Milles are tough — Rafael Nadal famously wore his when he won his 19th Grand Slam Singles title earlier this month — so we’re not surprised that Beckham has the confidence to catch a pass without worrying about wrecking his watch.
Introduced in 2018, this chrono was the first jointly commissioned timepiece between Richard Mille and McLaren motorsports. And speed is essential in any game of throws — even the ones in your backyard. Too bad, you would have to draw an NFL salary to afford this beauty.
(Images provided by the brands & photography by Watchonista)