fragrance review

Calvin Klein Eternity For Men Summer 2008 Review: Your Crisp Aquatic Escape

By James Whitmore · · Updated
Available on Amazon
Shop Now

Calvin Klein has a knack for capturing moments. Their 'Summer' editions of Eternity For Men are no exception. The 2008 iteration arrived with a promise of warm weather and carefree days. It was designed to be a lighter, fresher take on the classic Eternity DNA. This limited edition release aimed to offer a seasonal scent for the modern man. It sought to stand out in a crowded market by offering a distinct aquatic and aromatic profile.

Positioned as a fleeting, seasonal offering, Eternity For Men Summer 2008 was a departure from the brand's more enduring pillars. It was an accessible luxury, available at department stores and online retailers. The concept revolved around the refreshing sensation of a cool ocean breeze on a hot summer day. Imagine salty air, sun-drenched skin, and the invigorating embrace of the sea. This narrative was central to its marketing, emphasizing escapism and natural freshness.

The fragrance community generally received it as a pleasant, albeit temporary, addition to the Calvin Klein lineup. Its limited availability meant it gained a certain cult following among those who discovered and enjoyed its specific character. While not as iconic as the original Eternity, it carved out its niche. It was appreciated for its clean, uncomplicated scent profile, making it a reliable choice for casual summer wear. Its reputation is that of a well-executed, mass-appealing summer fragrance.

In the broader landscape of designer fragrances, limited edition summer scents are a well-established trend. Brands often use these releases to test new olfactory directions or to cater to seasonal demand. Eternity For Men Summer 2008 fit neatly into this category. It offered a scent that was different enough from the original Eternity to warrant its own identity, yet still retained a recognizable brand signature. Its success depended on its ability to deliver on its promise of summer refreshment.

The Nose Behind the Scent

Loc Dong. Loc Dong is a celebrated perfumer known for his modern and vibrant creations across various luxury houses, including Paco Rabanne and Jean Paul Gaultier.

4.1 Overall
Longevity
3.8
Projection
3.5
Sillage
3.2
$50 - $90 for 100ml (original retail, market prices vary)
🌸Springβ˜€οΈSummerπŸ‚Fall❄️Winter

Accords

Aquatic 40%
Aromatic 30%
Citrus 15%
Woody 10%
Musk 5%

Notes Pyramid

Top
Sea WaterBergamotCardamomGreen Leaves
Heart
Sea SaltLavenderSage
Base
SandalwoodMuskCedar

Scent Journey

1
Opening 0-30 min

The fragrance opens with an immediate, invigorating burst of sea water and bright bergamot, complemented by the subtle spice of cardamom and crisp green leaves.

2
Heart 1-2 hrs

The heart phase reveals the distinct aroma of sea salt, blended with the calming herbaceous notes of lavender and sage.

3
Drydown 4+ hrs

The drydown settles into a clean base of smooth sandalwood, soft musk, and dry cedarwood, providing a grounding and refreshed finish.

Performance Dashboard

⏱️ Longevity 3.8/5

Lasts approximately 5-7 hours on skin, performing best in warmer temperatures.

πŸ“’ Projection 3.5/5

Projects moderately for the first 1-2 hours, creating a pleasant scent bubble.

πŸ’¨ Sillage 3.2/5

Leaves a subtle, noticeable trail that is not overpowering.

When to Wear

🌸SpringBest
β˜€οΈSummerBest
πŸ‚FallAvoid
❄️WinterAvoid
πŸ‘• Casual outingsπŸ“Œ Beach daysπŸ“Œ Daytime eventsπŸ“Œ Gym or sports activitiesπŸ“Œ Office wear (relaxed environments)πŸ“Œ Warm weather evenings

Community Verdict

⭐ Overall
4.1
πŸ‘ƒ Scent
4.3
⏱️ Longevity
3.8
πŸ’¨ Sillage
3.2
πŸ’° Value
3.7
πŸ’Œ Compliment Factor 3.9/5

Receives positive, appreciative compliments for its fresh and clean aroma.

Pros & Cons

  • βœ… Refreshing and well-executed aquatic scent
  • βœ… Clean and crisp profile ideal for warm weather
  • βœ… Pleasant and versatile for casual wear
  • βœ… Smooth, non-offensive woody and musky drydown
  • ❌ Moderate longevity, typical for summer editions
  • ❌ Mass-appealing but not highly unique
  • ❌ Limited availability as a seasonal release

Price & Value

$50 - $90 for 100ml (original retail, market prices vary)
Mid-range

“Worth the investment if found at a reasonable price, especially for its unique summer character.”

πŸ“œ Reformulation History

Minor batch variations may exist. Difficulty in finding original, well-preserved bottles is more common than significant reformulations.

Who It's For

βœ… Ideal For

  • Men aged 18-40
  • Appreciates clean, fresh, aquatic scents
  • Active lifestyles
  • Relaxed, approachable personalities

⚠️ Not Recommended For

  • Those seeking deep, complex, or traditionally masculine scents
  • Fans of heavy, spicy, or sweet fragrances
  • Individuals desiring significant projection and longevity

The Family

Eternity For Men Summer 2007 Calvin Klein

Previous year's seasonal variation.

Eternity For Men Summer 2009 Calvin Klein

Subsequent year's seasonal variation.

Eternity For Men Summer 2010 Calvin Klein

Another iteration in the summer collection.

Eternity For Men Summer 2011 Calvin Klein

Part of the annual summer fragrance series.

Eternity For Men Summer 2012 Calvin Klein

Continues the tradition of seasonal releases.

Explore More

πŸ” Similar Fragrances

Acqua di Gio Giorgio Armani

Iconic aquatic fragrance with citrus and marine notes.

Cool Water Davidoff

Classic fresh, aquatic, and aromatic scent.

Versace Pour Homme Versace

Clean, citrusy, and slightly aquatic profile.

Aqva Pour Homme Bvlgari

Prominent marine accord with seaweed and citrus.

Light Blue Pour Homme Dolce & Gabbana

Zesty and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired scent.

πŸ’‘ Clone Alternatives

Nautica Voyage Nautica

Affordable aquatic and green freshness.

Lalique Encre Noire Sport Lalique

Aquatic and woody profile with a distinct character.

Perry Ellis Aqua Perry Ellis

Budget-friendly option for clean, watery freshness.

❀️ You May Also Enjoy

Cool Water Davidoff

For its classic aquatic and aromatic appeal.

Acqua di Gio Profondo Giorgio Armani

For a modern, deeper take on the aquatic theme.

L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme Issey Miyake

For its unique aquatic and yuzu-driven freshness.

Man Eau Fraiche Versace

For a light, airy, and subtly fruity summer scent.

Terre d'Hermès Eau Givrée Hermès

For a crisp, icy citrus and woody freshness.

More from Calvin Klein

Eternity For Men Calvin Klein
Obsession For Men Calvin Klein
CK One Calvin Klein
Euphoria For Men Calvin Klein
Man Calvin Klein

πŸ§ͺ Layering Ideas

πŸ† Final Verdict

Calvin Klein Eternity For Men Summer 2008 is a well-crafted, refreshing fragrance that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer. Its appeal lies in its clean, aquatic, and aromatic profile, offering an invigorating escape from the heat. While its longevity and projection are moderate, as expected from a seasonal EDT, its scent quality is undeniable. It provides a crisp, salty breeze with subtle herbal and woody undertones that feel natural and pleasant.

If you are searching for a reliable, inoffensive, and thoroughly enjoyable scent for warmer months, this fragrance is a solid choice. It's ideal for casual wear, beach days, or simply when you want to feel clean and refreshed. Its accessibility and generally positive reception make it a safe bet for those new to aquatic scents or looking to expand their summer fragrance wardrobe. While it's a limited edition and may be harder to find, its unique character makes it a worthwhile addition for collectors and enthusiasts of fresh, summery colognes.

Ultimately, Eternity For Men Summer 2008 is about simplicity and refreshment. It doesn't try to be overly complex or statement-making. Instead, it offers a well-balanced, pleasing aroma that is easy to wear and enjoy. If you can find it at a reasonable price, it's an excellent way to add a touch of summer to your fragrance collection.

calvin kleineternity for mensummer fragranceaquatic colognedesigner fragrancelimited editionmen's fragranceloc dong