Technological innovations in the watch market continue to produce timepieces that boast all manner of new features, but still the discerning gentleman has a strong attraction to the timeless style of the big watch marques’ classic models. Here are some of the latest reimaginings of those vintage styles…
This wristwatch, created in 1956, quickly became the accessory of choice for the world’s most influential people. It marked a breakthrough in horology as the first wristwatch to display the date and day of the week spelt out in a full window on the dial. The timepiece is made of rare and precious platinum and exhibits iconic features such as the ice blue dial, the Presidential bracelet and a 3255 movement, reinforcing that unmistakable Rolex identity. What’s more, you can have a bespoke day display in a language of your choosing. rolex.com
This collection of chronographs reflects Tiffany’s dedication to meticulous craftsmanship and a clean aesthetic created by the highest quality materials. The CT60 collection was inspired by a watch sold by Tiffany in the Forties, and given to President Franklin D Roosevelt as a birthday gift in 1945., This distinct heritage gives the timepiece a vintage character and presidential air. The watch also features a sapphire crystal case back, which, when unveiled, reveals the pedigree Swiss automatic movement. tiffany.co.uk
The Drive de Cartier is very Cartier indeed. The watch brings to mind themes of elegance, timelessness and simplicity. From the iconic patterning of the guilloché dial marked by Roman numerals and punctuated with sword-shaped hands to the blue sapphire winding crown, the watch uses the, iconic elements that have made Cartier timepieces desirable for over a century. Designed for independent gentlemen who are driven by instinct and value limitless opportunities, they embody the essential qualities of a Drive man. cartier.co.uk
This timepiece is revered as the world’s first Master Chronometer. For a watch to be given such a title, it must pass the most scrupulous tests involving resistance to water and magnetic fields. The watch also exhibits a simplicity and sophistication by virtue of the classic leather strap, the scratchproof stainless steel case and the rhodium-plated Constellation star. Lastly, the chronograph is driven by Omega’s Calibre 8900 self-winding movement, which features a special time zone function and unique luxury finishes. omegawatches.com
Chopard’s new line of dress watches pays literal homage to the precursors in its lineage – the L.U.C 1860 – launched 20 years ago, with the 1860 referring to the date when Louis-Ulysse Chopard founded his watch manufactory. This 40mm is a modern reinterpretation: its ultra-thin case and hand-guilloché decorated dial can testify to that. The innards come courtesy of a micro-rotor, the automatic responsible for time, date, and small seconds. The latter of which augmenting the model of minimalism at the 6, completing a refined timepiece that can also be picked up in 18k rose gold. chopard.com
Breitling, known as the true pioneers of pilots’ watches, have created this limited edition as a tribute to its rich history. The chronograph combines the famous 1952 aviation slide rule with a calendar featuring a pointer-type date display and dual day and month apertures synonymous with the 1940s Datora. The face features an all-black dial using the “par épargne” technique where a solid silver base is coated with the dial colour, leaving the silver shining through for the numerals. Lastly, it features a ‘military time’ display distinguishing between day and night. breitling.com
All images for Gentleman’s Journal by Benedict Morgan.
This article was taken from our July/August issue. Subscribe here.
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