Words: Zak Maoui
Buying a stylish wristwatch won’t make you a gentleman, but it can certainly help you appear like one. Classic style is all about simplicity and elegance, so you should aim for a watch that boasts these attributes. These 5 watches don’t shout, because like a gentleman, they don’t need to.
Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier
The L.U.C Qualité Fleurier model is the first watch to be awarded the certification of the Fleurier Quality Foundation label since Chopard became the sole custodian of the Foundation in 2022. It is crafted from Lucent Steel – Chopard's alloy produced with a recycling rate of at least 80 per cent- and has a 39 millimetre diameter and a thickness of 8.92 millimetres. It's classic in design, and carries a L.U.C 96.09-L movement with chronometer-certified precision equipped with Chopard Twin technology.
Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle automatic
Understated and elegant, Vacheron Constantin's ultra-classic Traditionnelle automatic is cast in 18-carat 5N rose gold and features the iconic elements of the Traditionnelle collection: fluted case back and railway minute track. A date window at 3 o'clock and a small seconds at 9 o'clock do the job, while an openwork case back reveals a contrasting oscillating weight in 22-carat gold, inspired by the Maltese cross.
IWC Portofino Automatic
The Portofino family of watches is inspired by the Italian riviera, meaning it oozes charm and elegance. The pieces in the line-up come in many shapes and sizes, yet the pared-back Automatic, which has three hands and a discreet date display, is the gentleman’s choice thanks to its stunning minimalist aesthetic.
Patek Philippe Calatrava
Patek’s Calatrava family of watches has set the benchmark for over 80 years, and this piece with its mini seconds sub-dial and sleek gold hands and hour markers is a real stunner. Supremely elegant, it has a rose gold case, ivory lacquered, gold-applied hour markers and a shiny, dark chestnut alligator strap with square scales.
Breguet Classique 5157
The Classique 5157 embodies the heritage and aesthetic of Breguet. This extra-flat model has a 38 mm diameter and is 5.5 mm thick, while the case is made from gold and features a sapphire crystal caseback. Meanwhile it features the classic fluted case band and a crown struck with the Breguet initial, while the dial, which is hand-engraved on a rose engine, carries hours in Roman numerals and blued open-tipped hands.
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