There are a few basic rules to summer dressing most men follow almost automatically. First, the switch to fabrics you don’t roast in – out goes cashmere, in comes linen. Then, there’s a general brightening up. Men who’ve lived in navy all winter suddenly burst into colour like a flowerbed that’s just realised there’s no longer frost on the ground. Sunshine invites colour and you’re wise to accept.

This sartorial switch-up should extend to your wrist. Partly for reasons of practicality (that crocodile leather strap grosses up pretty quick when it’s 30°C outside), but also aesthetics. All-black watches may be trending, but they’re a bit of a mood-kill when you’re rocking a floral Cuban-collared shirt.

Bringing your watch game into season means recognising that child-like urge to head outside the minute the sun breaks cover, and planning for the risk to your wristwear. Until the mercury drops, you need to slot your tourbillon back in its safe and wrap your wrist in something more rugged. Succumbing to the urge to dive into lakes is much more satisfying when you don’t first have to pause and carefully tuck your watch into your shoe first.

Get Strapped

When it’s hot, ditch leather and metal. “Sticky summers can be incredibly uncomfortable,” says Muhaddisa Fazal, fine watch buyer at The Watch Gallery. “And a tight leather strap on the wrist is unbearable.”

Your forearms are full of heat-sensitive nerve endings, which means wrapping them up can make you feel artificially warm. So when you swap your high-shine leather shoes for porous suede, you should switch to a strap that ensures air circulates around your wrist. “Sports-led watches often feature ‘breathable’ rubber straps for extra ventilation,” says Fazal.

They’re better on something rugged – like the Victorinox I.N.O.X. (£359, johnlewis.com), which can survive being run over by a tank – than your Patek Philippe Calatrava. “They might not match classic tastes, but they are a great choice for a more modern piece.”