Watches

NOTHING SAYS ‘SOPHISTICATION’ LIKE AN ELEGANT TIMEPIECE.

Words

TUI THOMPSON AND MADELEINE SWAIN

A timepiece does more than tell

It says something about you, about your personal style and about who you are. A timepiece also tells a story – whether it be because it is an heirloom passed down from one generation to another, a gift from someone special representing a milestone or perhaps a holiday souvenir and reminder of your travels. The personal timepiece itself came about in the 17th century after the larger clock was adapted to a smaller size. The first wristwatch was originally a women’s timepiece named the ‘wristlet’, and the concept didn’t become popular among men until the 1920s, after the battlefields of World War I introduced them to the practicalities of having the time in such a convenient location (the pocket watch had been favoured prior to this).

The next big innovation to the wristwatch came in 1970, when the first digital watch changed the face of timekeeping. Since then other technological advancements include incorporating the stopwatch (chronograph), perpetual calendars, minute repeaters (tourbillon), alarms, GPS and even heart rate monitors. In the last few years, smartwatches have been unleashed on the world, with Apple’s contribution to that genre appearing in 2015.

While a timepiece is undoubtedly functional, most would agree that in a world of mobile phones, computers, alarm clocks and other household items, the humble wristwatch could be considered somewhat unnecessary. But the popularity of the personal timepiece with men, women and children around the globe is a testament to the value bestowed on it. And this is true for all, from celebrities such as Nicole Kidman with her Omega Ladymatic and George Clooney with his Seamaster to regular people going about their daily business.

The longevity of brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Breguet, which have over 500 years’ experience in watchmaking between them, is also proof that watches have more value than telling the time and are indeed a lasting commodity. Because of their grand appeal there is much variation when it comes to wristwatches; for example, men and women’s watches tend to differ in terms of size and capability. If not opting for a classic design, men tend to choose their timepieces based on added functions, such as water resistance or an alarm; whereas women are more likely to choose their watch for its appearance or as an adornment.

With so much choice out there, it may be hard to know where to start when looking for the right timepiece for you. Choosing a brand that specialises in what you are looking for, however, can be a step in the right direction. For example, brands such as Breitling have made their name by engineering precision timepieces that service a range of professions that rely on keeping time – such as pilots, divers and astronauts. Seiko is renowned for its sports watches, Rolex for classic style, Piaget for its elegance and extravagance, and so on.

Nevertheless, no matter what your personal timepiece style is – something classic that reflects a bygone era and won’t date or something a little more contemporary that can be tailored to be a little more individual – buying a timepiece is like purchasing a piece of art. It is subjective and, once you’ve made your decision, if you look after your purchase, it may even grow in value.But whatever it is that you do find, if you’ve chosen well, you can be assured that your timepiece will be timeless.

Cartier

Produced in steel, yellow gold, pink gold and set with diamonds, the Pasha de Cartier collection includes many models, incorporating fine jewellery pieces and fine watchmaking creations with skeleton versions. With its distinctive codes and extraordinary design, the Pasha de Cartier has been a cult watch since its creation in 1985. Initially adopted by men, then immediately appropriated by women, it’s a standout watch that loves light, assumes its excesses and asserts its strength of character. Faithful to the original model but even more sophisticated with its crown featuring a blue spinel or sapphire, interchangeable strap and its multiple possibilities of personalisation, the Pasha de Cartier watch for the 2020s is classic yet contemporary and remains as edgy as ever. Equipped with a sapphire crystal case back that reveals its movement, the new Pasha de Cartier watch is endowed with the 1847 MC automatic calibre and uses non-magnetic nickel phosphorus components for its movement’s escape mechanism. It is able to resist the strong magnetic fields to which a watch can be exposed in everyday life and offers water resistance to 10 bar (approximately 100 metres) while retaining minimal thickness. www.cartier.com

Rolex

Rolex’s range of luxury watches for 2021 underscores the brand’s unique watchmaking expertise. These timepieces take us from the deepest caves to the highest mountain peaks, from the outer reaches of the solar system to isolated polar regions and from ultraprecise technology to exacting artisanal craftsmanship. They are watches that invite you on an adventure – be it geographical, technical or aesthetic.

The new-generation Explorer and Explorer II are emblematic of Rolex’s perpetual drive to improve, its never ending quest for excellence. And, without ever sacrificing performance – one of the range’s essential requirements – the watches are also elegant. This year, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer is available in a yellow

Rolesor version. Combining Oystersteel and 18 ct gold, Rolesor is a signature Rolex style that flawlessly blends strength and elegance.

The Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 in 18 ct yellow gold features a white mother-of-pearl, diamond-set dial and a President bracelet. Its dial features diamonds in 18 ct gold settings. The light reflections on the case sides and lugs highlight the elegant profile of the 31 mm Oyster case, which is fitted with a diamond-set bezel. Aesthetically, the Datejust has spanned eras, while retaining the enduring codes that make it one of the most recognised and recognisable of watches.

This new generation of Oyster Perpetual watches also brings a new model to the range, the Oyster Perpetual 41, as well as versions of the Oyster Perpetual 36 displaying dials in five vivid new colours: candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green. www.rolex.com

CZAPEK + CIE

Founded in Geneva in 1845, Czapek & Cie has been making fine Swiss watches for nearly two centuries. The brand was revitalised a decade ago when watch aficionado Xavier de Roquemaurel, art expert Harry Guhl and watchmaker Sébastien Follonier decided to revive it. The first model of the reestablished company was a design study Czapek Chronograph. Attempting to be as faithful as possible to Czapek’s original style, the first model of the collection was based on the design of Czapek pocket watch No 3430, dating back to the 1850s. And the brand has gone from strength to strength ever since. As a further homage to the history of Czapek and Cie, this first collection was named ‘Quai des Bergues’ – the address on the Rhone banks of Czapek’s first atelier in Geneva. www.czapek.com

Ulysse Nardin

Supercharged with classic Ulysse Nardin savoirfaire, Blast is an avatar of its time, a potent force of nature. This technological wonder made with rockhard, masculine lines has ignited a flame that will send seismic shockwaves through the watchmaking world to its core.

The complex, geometric architecture of the tessellated horns create a pumped-up, vigorous and imposing masterpiece reminiscent of a furtive aircraft. Blast is playing off the transparency of its new powerful automatic silicium tourbillon nested in a bold, X-shaped cage, which beats inside at a frequency of 2.5 Hz. This watch is the first Ulysse Nardin Skeleton model featuring an automatic tourbillon and a new tiny yet powerful platinum micro-rotor, visible only from the front of the watch at 12 o’clock.

www.ulysse-nardin.com