Chronographs, GMTs, Divers, and quartz watches: Marta Ghiglione's summer recommendations

Today we interviewed Marta Ghiglione, our watch technical expert, to help you prepare your watch for the summer. Marta is one of the most experienced watch technicians on the team of professionals who passionately and competently care for your watches.
She graduated from the CAPAC vocational training school in September 2016 and has been with PISA 1940 since 2020. With her, we analyzed the most renowned categories of watches often associated with the summer season: chronographs, GMTs, divers, and quartz movement watches.

Marta, among the questions we receive most often is this: why do chronographs require specific care and maintenance? Can you help us answer this question?

Gladly. Chronographs are among the most fascinating complications in high-end watchmaking, but also among the most technically sophisticated. To ensure precision, reliability, and the proper functioning of the chronograph features, it is important to perform periodic checks and maintenance. At PISA 1940 Laboratories, we carry out specialized interventions designed to preserve the performance of the movement over time and maintain the mechanical quality of the watch, so that it can continue to express its full value for years to come.

Which Chronograph would you recommend for this summer?

One of the models I appreciate the most is certainly the Piaget Polo Chronograph. I find that it perfectly represents the balance between elegance and sporty spirit, a combination particularly suited to the summer season. Its fluid lines, harmonious proportions, and contemporary design allow it to naturally adapt to different contexts, from a day in the city to a weekend by the sea or an informal evening.

Moreover, the chronograph function adds an interesting technical dimension without altering the aesthetic balance of the watch. It is precisely this ability to combine sophistication and versatility that makes the Piaget Polo Chronograph one of the most appreciated choices for those seeking a contemporary sport-chic style.

Another category of watches for the summer season is GMTs: how can their reliability be guaranteed?

GMT watches are designed for travelers who want to keep track of multiple time zones. For this reason, it is important to subject them to regular checks to preserve their precision and functionality.
For models like the Panerai Luminor GMT, PISA 1940 offers highly qualified assistance and maintenance services. Furthermore, when possible and in the case of longer interventions, we also offer a courtesy watch to ensure continuous use for our customers.

I chose this reference because it perfectly embodies the spirit of travel. With its bold and immediately recognizable design, the Panerai Luminor GMT is ideal for those who live a dynamic summer, between international travel and new destinations. The GMT function allows monitoring a second time zone simply and intuitively, making it a particularly reliable travel companion.

What is its distinctive feature?

Undoubtedly its strong aesthetic personality. The case dimensions, the dial's legibility, and the essential yet distinctive design contribute to creating a watch with a contemporary and immediately recognizable character. The Panerai Luminor GMT embodies an idea of functional luxury, perfectly in tune with a cosmopolitan and dynamic lifestyle.

If you were to recommend a diver model, which one would you suggest?

Among high-end dive watches, the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms is a true icon. Created to meet the needs of professional divers, it continues to be a benchmark for sports watch enthusiasts today.

What makes it special is its ability to combine top-level technical content with a strong aesthetic identity. Reliable, robust, and highly legible, it is the ideal companion for the summer months, both at sea and in daily life. The Fifty Fathoms continues to be one of the most requested models by those who desire a diver capable of combining performance, elegance, and watchmaking tradition.

Marta, what makes a Diver reliable in terms of technical performance and water resistance?

The reliability of a dive watch depends on several factors, starting with the integrity of the water-resistance system. For this reason, it is advisable to perform periodic checks, especially before water activities or diving. At PISA 1940 Laboratories, we offer dedicated check-ups that include water-resistance tests and component verification.

If you were to wear an iconic watch to a summer dinner, which model would you choose?

For an elegant evening, I would unhesitatingly choose the Cartier Santos de Cartier. It is one of those models that has managed to traverse eras while maintaining its identity intact. Its essential lines, perfectly balanced proportions, and iconic design make it a refined and timeless watch. 

In particular, the yellow gold or steel and gold versions express a sophisticated yet never ostentatious elegance, ideal for accompanying the most exclusive summer occasions.
Furthermore, it is a model that lends itself very well to personalization: an engraving with a date, a name, or a dedication can transform it into an even more special keepsake.

Tell us a curiosity: why do women's quartz watches combine elegance and practicality?

Women's quartz watches are a particularly popular choice because they combine precision, practicality, and elegance. To keep them efficient, it is important to pay attention to both technical and aesthetic aspects.
At PISA 1940 Laboratories, we offer dedicated services for replacing batteries, gaskets, and components subject to wear. Moreover, especially during the summer season, it is advisable to periodically check the watch's water resistance before use near water.

What makes PISA 1940 Laboratories' services unique?

Preserving the value, reliability, and performance of a high-end watch requires specialized skills and a deep knowledge of watchmaking.

At PISA 1940 Laboratories, we take care of every timepiece through assistance, maintenance, and restoration services performed according to the highest quality standards. The experience of our technicians, the use of original spare parts, and the attention dedicated to each intervention allow us to offer a highly qualified service, designed to accompany the watch throughout its life cycle.

Thanking Marta for her time, we remind you that the following services can be booked at our Laboratories:

- Repair and overhaul

- Assistance and maintenance

- Full watch check-up

- Original spare parts and replacements

- Personalization and engraving

- Courtesy watch

- Archive extract

Thanks to the experience gained in the world of high-end watchmaking, PISA 1940 continues to be a point of reference in Milan for collectors, enthusiasts, and clients who wish to entrust their timepiece to expert hands.