So, Mr. Travels-to-the-Sahara, you’re going to be in the middle of the desert, and you need a reliable timepiece so as not to divert energy from your smartphone. Or maybe you’re going to be hiking through Death Valley? In either case, it’s crucial for you to have a watch that’s ideal for desert travel.
This may not be as simple as just running to a big-box store and picking up some cheap watch. After all, deserts are harsh, unforgiving places full of hazards that can do real damage to a watch.
Today, we’re going to be looking at some watches from top ateliers whose manufacture is ideal for surviving the rough environment of a desert.
G-Shock
G-Shock, one of the companies under the Casio brand, is well-known for its rugged and amphibious timepieces. One of the primary benefits of a G-Shock watches for the desert-bound man is that they’re battery-powered, which removes many of the delicate gears and springs that would make a manual or automatic watch a less-than-ideal choice for the desert.
Plus, these durable timepieces are made specifically for harsh environments! For the the dust and sand of a desert, the Master of G collection’s Mudmaster line is ideal: Layers and layers of ultra-durable, lightweight carbon fiber sit atop metal button pipes to keep the watch buttons clean. An additional sand & dust filter protects the resin-encased circuitry of the timepiece.
And many of the G-Shock watches feature built-in terrain-mapping apps and GPS functionality, which can be crucial for a long hike or travel through dangerous territory!
Piaget
You may think of a Piaget as the kind of watch that’s a piece of luxury comparable to your wedding band–Piaget is known for its slender, high-concept timepieces that blend diamonds and gold in a striking manner. But don’t think that’s all that Piaget can offer a man.
On the contrary, there are Piaget watches that manage to retain the luster of luxury while having the endurance to survive a wasteland. The Piaget Polo S collection is sculpted from stainless steel, giving it an increased resistance to scratches and sand relative to gold.
Additionally, this collection boasts a sapphire crystal. This may seem to be simply a matter of aesthetics, but there is a practical benefit to this luxury: Quartz, the primary “ingredient” of sand, is a 7 on the Mohs scale. Corundum, from which sapphire crystals are built, is a 9. This means that quartz can’t scratch sapphires, making your Polo S watch extra-safe in a sandy environment!
TAG Heuer
When you’re visiting your local jewelry store to look for the kind of timepiece that would be ideal for a trip into the desert, a brand like TAG Heuer has you covered. Designed specifically for men, TAG Heuer watches anticipate a man’s excursions out into the wilderness, and they offer collections ideal for harsh terrain.
One of the ideal qualities for an “out in the wilderness” watch is that it won’t be an added burden. TAG Heuer Formula 1 watches, like their Piaget counterparts, boast a sapphire crystal. But unlike other watches, Formula 1 timepieces are ultra-lightweight, maxing out at around 2 ounces (compare that to the 9.9 oz of a Samsung Galaxy Gear).
And given that the Formula 1 watches are made from stainless steel and feature a screw-down crown that aids in preventing sand from entering the movement, you have an option that’s ideal for a trek into the country.
Let Us Know!
Men definitely don’t spend all their time in the office, and when they’re out roughing it, it’s important they have a watch that will match their needs. If you’ve discovered some amazing brands or collections, let us know! Luxurious J&T is always scouting for new stories about awesome timepieces!