The White Lotus Guide to Vacation Watches
From Rolex to Cartier, these are the perfect vacation timepieces that scream wealth.
Old money has always understood what The White Lotus captured so perfectly: a truly great timepiece doesn’t announce itself. It doesn’t glint under the dinner lights for the sake of recognition, nor does it sit too polished, too new, too eager on the wrist. Instead, it exudes the quiet confidence of something inherited, something worn in rather than worn out. It’s the kind of watch that slips effortlessly from a morning swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea to an afternoon Aperol at Il Pellicano, never out of place, never overstated.
Whether it’s a classic Rolex that’s been passed down, a Vacheron Constantin that suggests taste rather than trend-chasing, or a Cartier that hints at European summers spent the right way, the best timepieces just belong. It’s about the details only the right people will notice: the softened patina of the case, the understated elegance of a thin gold bezel, and the way the strap moulds to the wrist after years of saltwater and summer air.
So, in a world of private islands, first-name-basis service, and impossibly blue waters, these thirteen watches set the perfect tone for your next vacation.
Rolex Milgauss
Originally designed for scientists working in magnetic fields, the Milgauss has transformed into the vacation watch for the intellectually inclined traveller who’s smart – but not in a boring way. The signature orange lightning bolt seconds hand and green-tinged sapphire crystal make this the perfect conversation starter at the resort bar. Water-resistant to 100 meters, its 40mm stainless steel case houses the antimagnetic calibre 3131 with a 48-hour power reserve—meaning it'll still be running accurately after that all-night beach party followed by a recovery day of complete immotility. This is the Cameron Sullivan of watches—unexpected, distinctive, and impossible to ignore.
Rolex Submariner
If Ethan Spiller from The White Lotus owned a vacation watch, it would be this Submariner—undeniably expensive yet ostensibly practical. The blue Cerachrom bezel set against white gold also creates a deceptively sporty look. With its 41mm case and virtually scratch-proof ceramic bezel, this is a watch that survives the chaos of a vacation unscathed. The luminescent Chromalight display ensures visibility in dark environments—perfect for those evening escapades where discretion is preferred. Whether you're diving into the ocean or sipping cocktails by the pool, the Submariner is versatile, durable, and effortlessly stylish.
Rolex Day-Date 40
Nothing says "I'm the patriarch of a dysfunctional wealthy family" quite like the Day-Date 40 in yellow gold with a white dial. The quintessential power watch, its fluted bezel and President bracelet have graced the wrists of actual presidents and fictional titans alike. The Calibre 3255 movement offers a 70-hour power reserve—enough to last through several days of vacationing. At poolside negotiations or beachfront betrayals, this is the watch that reminds everyone who ultimately controls the strings.
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro OroCarbo
Panerai's luxurious diver represents Italian craftsmanship at its finest—a perfect match for Sicilian coastal retreats. The 44mm GoldTech case (Panerai's proprietary gold material incorporating copper alloy) creates a commanding presence that complements tanned skin and casual resort wear. Housing the P.900 calibre with its 3-day power reserve, this timepiece accompanies you from morning swims to evening aperitivos without missing a beat. The combination of precious metal with technical diving capabilities makes this the ideal companion for those who appreciates both luxury and functionality.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Polaris Geographic
Complexity masquerading as simplicity—both a good description of this watch and most social interactions at luxury resorts. The Polaris Geographic's ocean grey dial houses a beautifully executed world-time function that lets you track home office hours without being obvious about it. The multi-textured dial catches light differently throughout the day, and at 42mm with 100m water resistance, it's substantial enough to register across the cabana but refined enough for dinner. This watch is truly impressive without trying too hard.
Montblanc Star Legacy Moonphase & Date 36mm
In a world of oversized statement pieces, there's something refreshing about the restraint of this 36mm Montblanc. The silvery-white dial with its exploding star guilloché pattern offers just enough visual interest without shouting, while the diamond-ringed date display adds exactly the right amount of vacation sparkle.
Vacheron Constantin 222
For collectors of vintage watches, 222 is no ordinary number. ORginally launched in 1977 to mark Vacheron Constantin's 222nd anniverary, this reissue stays true to the golden age of integrated sports watches. At 37mm, it's perfectly proportioned, with a razor-sharp tonneau case and the signature fluted bezel catching the right amount of Mediterranean light. The Maltese cross at five o'clock is a discreet nod to heritage, visible to only those who know. This is for the kind of man who vacations in the Hamptons with his grandfather.
Hermès H08
Leave it to Hermès to create a sports watch that looks like it belongs in MoMA. The Hermès H08 is for the man who appreciates design as much as he does precision. Its sleek, modern aesthetic paired with high-end craftsmanship makes it a statement piece without being ostentatious. Whether you’re navigating the cobbled streets of a European city or lounging on a tropical beach, this watch transitions seamlessly.
Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding
Limited to 100 pieces and designed in collaboration with Ora ïto, this Patrimony demonstrates why Vacheron is the master of old-world charm. A masterpiece of minimalist design, the Patrimony Self-Winding is the epitome of refined luxury. With its rich gold case and vintage-inspired dial, it’s a watch for the man who appreciates subtle sophistication. The deep burgundy strap adds a hint of old-world charm, making it the perfect companion for evenings spent in candlelit restaurants or aboard a private yacht.
Piaget Polo Date
Carrying the sophisticated swagger of 1970s jet-set culture into the present, the Polo Date combines horizontal guilloché with modern proportions. With its 42mm steel case and bracelet, sapphire crystal case back, and 1110P manufactured automatic movement, it’s sleek yet sporty, refined yet relaxed.
Cartier Ballon Bleu 40mm
The Ballon Bleu is for the man who never rushes. Its rounded case, delicate fluted crown, and effortlessly elegant Roman numerals embody a certain kind of affluence that needs no mention. This watch can transition from a morning spent reading Le Monde to an evening of candelit dinners in Monaco. If The White Lotus had a true old-money antagonist (looking at you, Shane Patton), this would be on his wrist.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Calendar in Pink Gold
Deco elegance meets modern craftsmanship in this Reverso Tribute Duoface, a timepiece that embodies sophistication and versatility. Designed with two contrasting dials, it seamlessly switches between a refined silver sunray-brushed face with a complete calendar function and a deep grey reverse dial featuring a Night/Day indicator—perfect for the global traveler who moves effortlessly between time zones and social settings. Encased in pink gold with classic gadroons and Dauphine hands, this watch is an understated statement of timeless luxury.
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra in Pink Shell Dial
Understated yet striking, the 38mm Seamaster Aqua Terra in pink shell dial redefines nautical elegance. Its lacquered, sun-brushed dial evokes the soft hues of a sunset over the ocean. The polished and brushed bracelet enhances wearability, making it the ideal timepiece for high-seas adventures and leisurely yacht deck rendezvous.