Watch enthusiasts have been positively spoilt for choice this year by two of the hottest and most prestigious events on the watch industry calendar, January’s Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie and March’s Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show. Here is our selection of the most jaw-dropping creations of 2014 so far.
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Baume et Mercier Clifton
The Swiss powerhouse has returned to its roots this year with the outstanding Mercier Clifton range. Harking back to the ‘golden era’ of design, the 1950s–inspired 10129 is the embodiment of understated elegance, featuring an alligator strap and a wide, silver sunburst face. With the 10130 and the 10123 sporting a more urban, heavy look, the brand has created an exclusive range of timepieces, with attractive versatility. Yet the subtle injection of luxury in the form of sapphire crystals, gold hands and the self-winding caliber lends these models a timelessness that is sure to mark them among the icons.
IWC Aquatimer
Also gazing up in all its maritime-inspired glory is IWC Schaffhausen’s Aquatimer collection. Containing a date and calendar display nestled in a simple but elegant face, this is a large, domineering piece with poise and durability. Inspired by the legendary film-maker, conservationist and explorer Jacques Cousteau, IWC’s newest feat beholds a masculine elegance coupled with all the sturdy components of an adventurer’s essential.
Piaget Altiplano 38mm 900P
Famed since 1957 for creating the thinnest watches in the world, Piaget has grabbed this title once again this year with the Altiplano, retaining their throne as the masters of haute horology. This model treads the line between innovation and design history, with an intricate watch-face that allows its wearer to view the architecture of the mechanics. Ultra-thin and versatile, this watch encompasses modern craftsmanship and mechanical originality.
Ralph Lauren Automotive Flying Tourbillon
All the history of the legendary fashion house resides in Ralph Lauren’s new timepiece. The aesthetics are cued by Mr Lauren’s favourite car, the 1938 Type 57SC Bugatti Atlantic Coupe, and the watch contains a suspended flying tourbillon detail. The double-layered dial, with a top layer of elm burl wood gives a nod to the Coupe’s dashboard. The watch also displays an enlarged ‘12’ and a gold and sapphire micro-rotor. A magnificent feat of design, Ralph Lauren secure a place amid the watch-making elite with this heady piece, and have created a wonder of masculine prowess to match even the most legendary brands.
Vacheron Constantin Collection Excellence Platin
Vacheron Constantin have paved the way for fine watch-making since Jean-Marc Vacheron established his workshop in the heart of Geneva. This piece features a clean and simple platinum dial and white-gold Roman numerals, as well as a gently curving platinum case and a folding clasp in the same robust, sleek material. Endowed with a power reserve of up to forty-eight hours, this watch embodies the ageless beauty of high-end timepiece craftsmanship.
Grand Prix de Monaco Historique Chrono
, 2014 is the seventh consecutive year Chopard will act as the sponsor and official timekeeper of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. This eponymous chronograph is the perfect watch for the event. A real gentleman racing driver’s chronograph, the model brings sartorial style and contemporary edge to the intensity of the race track. A racer’s watch both figuratively and literally, features include a taut and dynamically crafted titanium case, a unique dial with grooves inspired by those of the racetrack and a luxury black barenia racer-style strap. Perhaps most striking, however, are the recurring flashes of bright yellow that punctuate the face and body. This impressive colour contrast provides improved readability and definition to the thunder of the Grand Prix.
By Meg Abbott
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