horology
Mr Tough Guy Known for their hard exterior, GC looks at three of the most resilient luxury ceramic timepieces
Richard Mille Rafael Nadal 027
Chanel J12 Rétrograde Mystérieuse The 47mm J12 Rétrograde Mystérieuse is not just a watch which respects the Chanel style and values; it is also a truly complicated watch, both mechanically and aesthetically. It involves a triple complication: tourbillon, retrograde minute and clutch crown. Water resistant to 300 metres, the case of the J12 Marine is made of black high-tech sand-blasted ceramic and steel and comes with a black rubber bracelet and blue bezel in the 38 and 42mm versions or with a black bezel in the 42mm version. $259,146
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JAN / FEB 2015
Richard Mille’s collaboration with tennis player Rafael Nadal began with the RM 27. It features a movement made from titanium and LITAL alloy, a high lithium content alloy containing aluminium, copper, magnesium and zirconium — which you can also find in the Airbus A380 — its so light the tennis player wore it on the court and it stayed in place thanks to a freesprung balance, which keeps it reliable despite shocks, a carbon composite case, a hand-drawn upper face, a 48hour power reserve, and an ultra-light polycarbonate strap makes it a classic. $525,000
Panerai Radiomir 8 days ceramica The real appreciation for this watch lies in its stealthy looking 45mm black ceramic case, which is made of ZrO2, a raw material powder produced by the compression moulding process, giving a smooth and uniform appearance. Its robust movement (the manual wind Panerai P.2002 provides an impressive 8 days power reserve), and a classic Panerai sandwich dial with date, small seconds, and linear power reserve meter. Also note worthy, is the removable wire loop strap attachments for fast and easy strap changes. The movement is also visible through the smoked sapphire crystal back. $14,700