Top 5 Best Watches for Spring

Spring is just around the corner—longer days, warmer weather, and everything “springing” back to life. It’s the perfect time to embrace change, refresh your style, and maybe even add a little more colour to your wrist. It wasn’t easy narrowing it down, but here are five watches that, to me, perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

When I think of nature inspired watches, it’s no surprise my mind instantly lands on Grand Seiko. Well known for their seasonal dials, in particular their reference of the 24 ‘Sekki” (Japan’s 24 solar terms, by which the whole year can be subdivided). Those who know me will know I own and adore my SBGA413 (“Shunbun” is the Japanese name for the spring equinox) but my attention today is on the new SBGJ285, known as the “Fuji” - inspired by the beautiful wisteria flower. It grows all around the houses where I live and never fails to make me smile. Not only that, but it’s a clear indication that warmer weather and longer days are fast approaching!

In true Grand Seiko style, the sharp zaratsu polishing is perfectly contrasted to the delicate purple shade and subtle texture of the dial. Add in the impressive hi-beat 9S86 and a GMT complication ideal for travel and holidays, it’s easy to see why this made my list. 

Maybe you are lucky to live in a part of the world that is not plagued by drizzle and rain but for the rest of us - April Showers are a thing!

You might think 300M of water resistance is overkill, and you are probably right. But this yellow dial and strap is just bursting with colour and is a heavy reminder of all the wonderful daffodils we get in spring time each year. The carbon case is seriously cool and light - and offers a great contrast to the rest of the watch.

The Doxa is a watch that is at once both to be taken seriously as a dive or tool watch and is brimming with fun - the perfect spring accompaniment whatever the weather.

It wouldn’t feel right to leave Christopher Ward out of this list, given their jam-packed catalogue. My first thought was the Limited Edition Sealander C63 in Foxglove—because if any colour screams spring, it’s that. Instead, I’ve opted for another purple dial in the form of the (readily available) “Cosmic Purple" Twelve. In my opinion, it’s the perfect package for the season. Think rolling lavender hills, but on your wrist, and with a dial texture that will distract you in the best way. The titanium case keeps things light and at 36mm, it’s a sweet spot for a lot of wrists. Even the quick-release bracelet and matching rubber straps make it super easy to handle everything spring throws at you. In my opinion, it’s great quality, at a great price point and most definitely justifies its spot here. 

Spring is all about transformation, and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso is basically the watch version of shedding a heavy winter coat for something lighter. The gorgeous green dial is nature in a bottle, a perfect representation of new growth and that vibrant energy that comes with warmer weather. It’s the perfect transition from the cold, barren winter to the blooming vibrance of spring. And don’t forget about the flip-case—originally made in the early 1930s for polo-playing officers who wanted to protect their watches, it’s now a signature JLC feature that represents change. Plus, you can engrave that flip-side, making it personal and unique to you. To sum it up, the Reverso is all about embracing transformation with style, personality, and a touch of flair!

Finally, on the other end of the spectrum we have the Van Cleef & Arpels Brise d’Été (literally “summer breeze” for those not fluent in French or Google Translate). 

While VC&A say this watch “encapsulates the morning freshness of a warm summer day” - this is my article and I’m allowing myself to bend the rules. It’s a poetic and playful representation of warmer months - featuring a pusher-activated complication that sets the butterflies in flight and flowers swaying in the imaginary breeze.

The complication here offers no function, it’s simply made to bring joy to the wearer. Now if you’ll allow me to liken that to my walks in the fair(er) spring weather… I'd say this makes a pretty good choice for wristwear of the season.

Those are my Top 5 Best Watches for Spring — but what about yours? Whether you're after a bright dial, a sleeker case, or just something fun (and that can withstand those April showers!) there are so many great options to shake things up and bring a fresh feel to your wrist game. What’s your springtime wristwear of choice? Drop your pick in the comments below!