Davidoff — Cool Water Game for Him
Essence
Cool Water Game for Him is the discontinued watermelon entry in the Cool Water line. Composed by Pierre Wargnye, it replaces the original’s minty aquatic fougere idea with juicy melon, grapefruit, lemon verbena, basil, lavender, violet leaf, black currant, patchouli, and light woods. It is remembered for one thing above all: a vivid watermelon opening.
Scent Profile
The first spray is sweet watery watermelon cut by grapefruit and leafy lemon verbena. Basil adds a green aromatic edge, keeping the melon from becoming syrup. The heart introduces violet leaf, black currant, and lavender, which dries the fruit and gives it a slightly powdery, green, aromatic contour. Patchouli and woods form a light base. The drydown is not heavy; it mostly keeps the watery fruit fresh while adding a little herbal spice and earth.
Performance
Performance is inconsistent and often disappointing. Some wearers get a few pleasant hours, while others find it fading quickly. Projection is best in the first hour and then sits close. Because existing bottles are old, top-note degradation is a real risk.
Wearing Context
This is pure warm-weather casualwear: beach, gym, daytime, clubs, sport, and humid summer errands. It reads youthful and informal, though the profile can be worn by anyone who enjoys melon freshness. It has no cold-weather or formal ambition.
Comparisons & DNA
Kenneth Cole Reaction is a useful melon-musk reference, and Versace Red Jeans appears as a fruity-powdery comparison despite being feminine. The Dua Brand’s His Water Games points to enough demand for an inspired-by remake. It is more fruit-aquatic than classic Cool Water.
Reception
Reception is nostalgic and affectionate but qualified. Fans prize the realistic watermelon and discontinued charm. Detractors find it sharp, synthetic, patchouli-disrupted, or too weak. Scarcity has made it more desirable than its original cheapie status would suggest.
Versions & Reformulation
The 2006 EDT is the reference. It should not be confused with Cool Water Game Happy Summer or the women’s Cool Water Game. It was discontinued rather than kept alive and reformulated.
Acquisition Notes
Original bottles appear irregularly through resale or old discounter stock. Prices can feel high relative to the fragrance’s original budget position. Check fill levels and batch details, and assume that melon brightness may be faded in poorly stored stock.
Notable Facts & Lore
- The women’s Game launched under the same name but used apple, water lily, and freesia.
- The 2007 Happy Summer pair added cocktail-style seasonal variations.
- Collectors often treat Game as one of the harder Cool Water flankers to replace.
- The watermelon note is the reason most people seek it out.