The most dynamic and sought-after wristwatch category in recent years has been the ‘luxury sports watch.’ A type of watch distinguished by its combination of opulent appeal, moderately sturdy cases, and integrated straps or bracelets. For a long time, the innovators of the genre — a style identified in 1972 by the Royal Oak – ruled the roost. The Nautilus, Sea-Dweller, and other famous models quickly followed.
The industry has increased dramatically in recent years as a result of the tremendous demand for distinctive models. We’ve seen a slew of launches in previous years, with dozens of new models and several new manufacturers entering the market. Presently, we’re highlighting some of the most eye-catching luxury sports watches released, ranging from affordable to ultra-expensive, from simple time-only to high complexities, and from traditional to incredibly daring.
1. Nomos AHOI Atlantik Datum
The Nomos Ahoi model series is designed for sports enthusiasts: it is strong, handsome, and stylishly functional. The Nomos AHOI Atlantik Datum is water-resistant to 656 feet, so go ahead and take this watch for a dive. The woven textile strap will dry rapidly and withstand the rigors of saltwater, sun, and sand better than leather.
Against the tranquil navy-blue display, an additional date display and thin, open numerals in warm rose gold shine. Superluminova technology lights the hands in the dark or even submerged in water. The polished silver-tone stainless steel casing never goes out of fashion, especially when juxtaposed with the remainder of the watch’s modest navy-and-rose-gold color palette.
2. Bell & Ross BR 05
Bell & Ross stunned us years ago when it introduced the BR 05, a watch that incorporated all of the brand’s design elements. It has a round dial, a square case inspired by flight instruments, four functional screws – all within iconic luxury sports watch standards – brushed surfaces, a sleek steel case, and strong polished accents, as well as an integrated band. This was a bold step for a company known for its pilot and military watches. The outcome was not only impressive in terms of craftsmanship, but the watch also stood out from the pack. The BR 05 returns in 2020 with a bigger case (42mm) and a livelier appearance, owing to the inclusion of a chronograph function. A wristwatch with a great personality that represents Bell & Ross’s more urban evolution.
3. Chopard Alpine Eagle XL Chrono
Despite being missing from the premium sports watch market for several years, Chopard is no newcomer to the genre. In reality, the brand already had a timepiece with an integrated bracelet branded as St. Moritz in 1980. The company re-entered this competitive industry in 2019 with a new look on this vintage style in the form of the Alpine Eagle watch. This timepiece was distinguished by its use of uncommon metals and ethical materials, as well as its stunning textured dial, and was less flashy, sharper, and in line with the codes of premium sports watches.
Chopard introduced the new XL Chrono edition of its Alpine Eagle for 2020, which features a chronograph mechanism and a bigger casing. An excellent option for people who like the classic style of an integrated bracelet with powerful, manly qualities.
4. Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Blue
Bvlgari displayed its expertise in the ultra-thin watch in 2017 with two difficult Octo Finissimo portions: the minute repeater and the tourbillon. Nonetheless, it is the Automatic variant that has propelled the brand to prominence. When it was first introduced, it featured the smallest automatic movement ever built, and its striking, contemporary style made a strong impact. Bvlgari has unveiled new models of its Octo Finissimo Automatic last year, with stylistic and mechanical enhancements. The watch was first available in monochromatic, sandblasted variants (steel, titanium, or gold).
The profile is now sporty, owing to the blend of polished and satin-finished surfaces and the contrasting dial, notably this attractive blue variant. Second, the case is now water-resistant to 100 meters and features a screw-down crown. Even though it’s a little thicker, this variant is significantly more worn daily while retaining its remarkable movement.
5. Maurice Lacroix Aikon Chronograph Skeleton
Maurice Lacroix, known for providing high-quality products at reasonable rates, is one of the brands that offer a more affordable option to these well-established, but often out-of-reach, luxury sports watches. Initially available with quartz movements, the Aikon was later available with chronograph movements or automatic time-and-date, resulting in a series that checks the majority of the boxes without spending a fortune.
The sophisticated, manly, and adventurous Aikon Chronograph Skeleton was released in 2020 as the brand’s most audacious model to date. This edition is architectural, very precise, and provides an uncluttered view of its mechanics, full of intricate shapes and layers.
6. Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Mechanically remarkable and brilliantly performed, Vacheron Constantin displays how sportiness can complement elegant, polished Haute Horlogerie. The Overseas is the current version of a symbol: the reference 222. It is one of the ultimate options for rising sports watches with an integrated bracelet.
As a result, it is among the most trustworthy watches in this class. And with this Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton, Vacheron maintains its position as one of the world’s top watch brands. The movement is thin, intricate, complex, and lavishly ornamented. While this iteration of the Overseas is more ‘luxury’ than ‘sport,’ it preserves its casual style and attractive design.
7. Zenith Defy Classic Carbon
This is undoubtedly the most unique of all the timepieces on this listing, not for its design, but because of the carbon fiber material utilized for both the case and the band. Zenith offers an original and modern touch to its luxury sports watch while preserving all of the components of other Defy Classic Skeleton versions. It includes the dimensions of its case, form, and open-worked movement with bridges fashioned like the brand’s logo.
The full-carbon design, renowned for its lightweight and sturdiness, results in a watch that weighs only 65 grams and appears ultra-modern with the irregular texture of the material. The Defy Classic Carbon is a bold model, but it’s also a fascinating one.
Takeaway
A sports watch is designed to track physical performance, beginning with a stopwatch and progressing to stride heart rate monitoring. However, if social management and notifications sound more like a luxury than a need, a sports watch may be a better option.
