Ten of our favourite watches from this year’s collections—and they couldn’t be more different from each other.
Ten of our favourite watches from this year’s collections—and they couldn’t be more different from each other.
Clockwise from top: 3: Rose gold and diamond Cintrée Curvex Remember watch, $56,154, Franck Muller. 4: White gold and multistone Premier Hypnotic Opal Mosaic Automatic 36mm watch, Harry Winston. 5: Ceramic and red gold RM 07-03 Marshmallow watch, Richard Mille. 2: Rose gold and diamond Altiplano Tourbillon watch, Piaget. 1: Gold Sweet Alhambra watch, $11,200, Van Cleef & Arpels.
1 THE PETITE DARLING
Van Cleef & Arpels’ Sweet Alhambra follows in the tradition of the brand’s Alhambra collection, which has been a beloved brand icon for over 50 years, thanks to its talismanic charm and timeless appeal. Sporting a rose-engined turned guilloche dial that catches the light at every angle, this watch exudes an Old World charm that Jackie O would thoroughly approve of. Then, there are the easy interchangeable straps that let you change its looks with just a push of the finger.
2 THE ARISTOCRAT
Piaget’s Altiplano Tourbillon is the perfect embodiment of style, substance and understated glamour. This meteorite creation (limited to just 28 pieces) bears a distinctive Widmanstätten pattern—a characteristic of iron meteorite—that is unique to every dial. Its deep blue colour pairs perfectly with its pink gold case, while the off-centred tourbillon and time displays add an unconventional touch to its sleek design. The diamonds on its bezel provide just the right amount of sparkle for little black tux affairs.
3 THE SENTIMENTAL POET
Franck Muller’s Cintrée Curvex is a tip of the hat to the literary concepts of memento mori and carpe diem. Celebrating the beauty of remembrance and nostalgia, while reminding its wearer of the importance of creating memories with our loved ones, the numerical indices of this whimsical piece are arranged in an anti-clockwise manner. The hour, minute and second hands move in that direction as well—bringing new meaning to the words “turn back time”, while emphasising the importance of seizing each day.
4 THE ENCHANTRESS
Harry Winston’s Premier Hypnotic Opal Mosaic Automatic 36mm is an enthralling beauty that clearly bears out Harry Winston’s reputation for jewellery-making. On its dial are 72 baguettecut blue sapphires, 24 princess-cut diamonds and 85 slivers of rare opal, meticulously cut from a single stone. True to its name, the hypnotic vortex patterned dial comes to life in a phenomenal and mesmerising play of colour and light that would do any sophisticate proud. An automatic movement with a power reserve of 72 hours beats at the heart of this captivating eight-piece limited edition. Best kept for ultra-glamorous occasions.
5 THE IRRESISTIBLE TREAT
Richard Mille’s RM 07-03 Marshmallow is an undisputed favourite of a collection that came as a surprise to many: In a Jeremy Scott-esque approach, Richard Mille’s mouth-watering novelties for the year were themed around delectable candies and bonbons—something that anyone with a sweet tooth can celebrate. Look closely and you’ll realise how much thought has gone into creating the dial of this watch. Painstakingly crafted using grand feu enamel, it even has the three-dimensional “puffy” effect of actual marshmallow twists, for a realistic look that’s good enough to sink your teeth into.
Clockwise from top: 6: White gold Aquanaut Ref. 5168G watch, $52,300, Patek Philippe. 8: Gold Baignoire 1920 watch, $15,100, Cartier. 9: White gold Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin watch, $77,700, Audemars Piguet. 10: Fairmine rose gold L.U.C Flying T Twin, $159,000, Chopard. 7: White gold and diamond J12 High Jewellery watch, Chanel
6 THE ULTIMATE WEEKENDER
Patek Philippe’s Aquanaut Ref. 5168G comes close on the heels of last year’s commemorative 20th anniversary Aquanaut. Embodying all that is modern, sporty and chic, this jumbo-sized olive green beauty will add a burst of adventure to any weekend outfit, while slipping under a weekday shirt cuff comfortably. Housed within the case is a beautifully finished and extremely reliable Calibre 324 S C self-winding movement, characterised by a central gold rotor.
7 THE SHOW STOPPER
Chanel’s J12 High Jewellery is guaranteed to get anyone’s vote for being the ultimate head-turner. Set with 44.26 carats of baguette-cut diamonds (including those encircling its rotor), this singular 38mm pièce unique is fitted with a COSC-certified automatic movement made by Swiss movement-maker Kenissi (also partially owned by Chanel), with a power reserve of 70 hours. A fitting piece to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chanel’s iconoclastic J12.
8 THE CHIC ALL-ROUNDER
Cartier’s Baignoire 1920 (whose name means “bathtub” in French) was first released in the early 20th century and remains one of the most recognisable, not to mention curvaceous, icons of the brand to date. Thanks to the intriguing play of light on the polished surface of its oval bezel, paired with its cream coloured dial and understated beige alligator strap, this dainty timepiece of perfect couture proportions is the epitome of Parisian sophistication and grace.
9 THE SEXY ANDRO
Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin melds two seemingly contradictory terms—“Jumbo” and “Extra-Thin”—into a harmonious whole. The weight of its solid white gold case and bracelet adds significant wrist presence. However, with an 8mm thickness and a 39mm diameter, it is extremely wearable. This is the first time ever that this particular pink goldtoned Petite Tapisserie dial is paired with white gold. The results? An understated cool vibe that’s perfect for work, weekends and even dressier evenings—sex appeal for both genders guaranteed.
10 THE GENTLEMAN
Chopard’s L.U.C Flying T Twin is for anyone looking for a dress watch with a difference. Beneath its honeycomb patterned dial lies a movement with Chopard’s patented Twin technology, which features a flying tourbillon and 65 hours of power reserve—all within its 40mm case. Even better is the fact that this highly refined certified chronometer (a limited edition of 50 pieces) has been forged with ethically sourced Fairmined gold, for beauty than hits home in more ways than one.
