Limited editions, new additions to established lines, and updates of icons. Here, the timepieces that matter now.
Limited editions, new additions to established lines, and updates of icons. Here, the timepieces that matter now.
ROLEX’S CELLINI MOONPHASE
It is the brand’s first watch with a moonphase complication since the ’50s, and the latest addition to the Cellini family, a range of dress watches. The 39mm Moonphase displays the lunar cycle on a blue enamelled disc that shows both the full and new moon. With a selfwinding mechanical movement, the patented moonphase module is astronomically accurate for 122 years. It is also the first Cellini to be fitted on a brown alligator strap with a folding Crownclasp in 18K Everose gold. The latter is a faderesistant 18K pink gold alloy patented by Rolex and introduced in 2005. It is used in all Rolex models in pink gold. $35,980.
ROLEX’S COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA
An iconic watch in the world of motor sports, the 54-year-old, 40mm Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona is now even sportier with a new, patented elastomer strap, the Oysterflex bracelet. The latter retains all the pros of a metal bracelet – robust and reliable – but is, at the same time, flexible and comfortable. Reinforced with a core of elastic metal that is overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer, a durable rubber, it is exceptionally resistant to environmental effects. What’s good to know: The strap features an 18K yellow, white or Everose gold Oysterlock safety clasp that prevents accidental opening. It’s also equipped with the Rolex-patented Easylink rapid extension system that enables the wearer to quickly and easily extend the bracelet by approximately 5mm whenever needed. In yellow, white or Everose gold. $36,960-$38,650.
TUDOR’S CLAIR DE ROSE
The line was refreshed this year – four years after its debut. The rose that sat in the middle of a mother-of-pearl dial in the previous iteration has been replaced by blue lacquered Roman numerals on an opaline dial, teamed with an elegant winding crown set with a blue spinel cabochon. In three sizes (26mm, 30mm or 34mm) and with three choices of bracelets: steel, black alligator leather, or fabric with the Clair de Rose line’s signature curl. From $2,880.
TUDOR’S HERITAGE BLACK BAY 41
The elegant version of the sporty Heritage Black Bay comes in a 41mm case that’s slimmer (so it can slip under a shirt cuff with ease), and has a fixed bezel in polished steel. You have the option of a stainless steel bracelet or brown leather strap with a steel folding clasp. An additional camouflage-print fabric strap comes with either option. $3,600-$4,032. 81
HUBLOT’S BIG BANG STEEL BLUE DIAMONDS
Designed by the brand’s former CEO Jean-Claude Biver and first launched in 2005, the Big Bang has since been reimagined in multiple limited and non-limited edition versions, sometimes in collaboration with artists and musicians, but always with the adventurous designs and innovative use of materials the brand is known for. One of the newest is this, which features a polished stainless steel bezel set with 36 diamonds, a blue satinfinished sunray dial, and sapphire crystal glass with an antireflective treatment. In 38mm and 41mm. $15,400-$22,900.
HUBLOT’S BIG BANG ONE CLICK ITALIA INDEPENDENT
Created in collaboration with Italia Independent, an eyewear company, the limited edition has a 39mm case made of black ceramic, a bezel set with 42 diamonds, straps made of jeweltoned velvet, and a matching velvet dial with 10 diamonds. It also features Hublot’s patented One Click system, which allows the straps to be quickly and easily switched. In purple, dark blue, and blue, limited to 100 pieces each. $22,300.
TAG HEUER’S AUTAVIA
In 1933, the brand designed the first dash counter for racing cars and aircraft. It was called the Autavia chronograph. Three decades later, in 1962, Jack Heuer, the fourth-generation head, created his first sports chronograph watch – also called Autavia – which had an innovative rotating bezel. This 2017 reissue is for his 85th birthday and limited to 1,932 pieces (1932 is Jack’s birth year). It features a larger, 42mm case (the original was 39mm), a 12-hour graduated bezel, and a new Heuer-02 calibre proprietary chronograph. $8,100.
TAG HEUER’S MONACO LADY KINGSMAN SPECIAL EDITION
Introduced in 1969, it first made history as the first square, waterresistant automatic chronograph watch in the history of Swiss watchmaking. Two years later, it made reel history when the late American actor Steve McQueen wore the blue-faced watch in the film, Le Mans, and catapulted it to cult status among watch collectors. After almost five decades, the Monaco is back on the silver screen in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, worn by Halle Berry’s character Agent Ginger Ale. In this redesigned Kingsman special edition, the iconic square dial is now a compact 37mm (compared with 39mm on the original men’s version); and its dark chocolate brown colour, paired with a matte brown calfskin leather strap, has replaced the blue. $3,200. – RT
