Words: Russell
We may only be four months in, but 2019 has already wound up some incredible moments in the watch world. SIHH and Baselworld have both ticked by, and some of the largest Maisons in the world have used these trade shows to reveal their latest pioneering innovations. But, if you couldn’t make it to Switzerland, worry not — for we’ve got you covered.
From moon phases to perpetual calendars, we’ve already strapped on some serious models this year. So, if you’re looking to pick up a timepiece fresh off the production line, here are the best so far…
Rolex Yacht-Master 42
Dark, mysterious and extremely enticing, the latest iteration of the Yacht-Master family has every Rolex fan around the world enthralled. With the case beefed up by an extra 2mm, the large matt black dial is pulling us in more effectively than a black hole does light.
Millimeter perfect, it’s a watch perfect for wearing on a similarly meticulously engineered superyacht off the Riveria. But, whether you’ll be stepping aboard this summer or not, we’d recommend getting your order in now.
Tudor Black Bay Bronze
One of the most popular contemporary families of watches, Tudor never fail to take the range to new heady height every year. This new bronze edition is no exception. A fantastic acquisition for anyone looking for a future antique, the metal promises to take on a unique patina over time.
As the range is quickly becoming a collection of modern classics, we’d recommend you invest now — as these watches will be extremely desirable in just a few years time…
Breitling Navitimer Ref. 806
There are countless watch brands currently using their archives as inspiration for the next generation of watches. But, as our love for these timepieces of bygone eras grows, there are few brands remaining as faithful to their original designs as Breitling.
This re-edition of the Ref. 806 from 1959 sees every single detail accounted for — from the 40.9mm case diameter to the 94 beads that make up the iconic bezel. An astonishing feat of design and engineering.
Patek Philippe 5726/1A Nautilus
This latest timepiece might be the best example of what Patek Philippe are best at; understated complications executed in a practical and sophisticated manner. The Nautilus is surely one of the greatest sports watches ever designed and, by adding three apertures to the dial, the brand have brought us a subtle annual calendar.
Not obvious at first glance is the gradient finishing on the dial. The colouring shifts from blue to black around the edge — a tasteful homage to the original models of the 1970s.
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar
While it may be from the sportiest family of watches that Vacheron Constantin produce that doesn’t mean that it can’t still be elegant. Wrapped in a radiant rose gold case and a brand new iridescent blue dial this is a watch that will stand out in a crowd.
The addition of the perpetual calendar with three subdials draws you deeper into this watch and shows off just how talented the artisans at Vacheron Constantin really are.
A. Lange & Söhne Grand Lange 1 Moonphase “25th Anniversary”
As the name of this watch suggests, the Lange 1 has been around for 25 years now — and we can’t imagine life without its asymmetrical Germanic design. Supposedly breaking all the rules of classical dial design, the Lange 1 brought us a taste of outside-the-box thinking, while somehow retaining its classical air.
The moon disk that sits beneath the minute and hour hands on this model is crafted from white gold, and the stars have been hand-engraved. Because as we know, when it comes to finishing and quality of movements, there are few who do things as well as A. Lange & Söhne.
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo”
If you’re a regular reader of Gentleman’s Journal, you’ll know that we’re already big fans of this watch, featuring it in our March pages when it was revealed at SIHH earlier this year.
Its sporty look and dress watch feel make this a watch you can wear anywhere and everywhere. We, for one, would rarely be seen without it. But don’t set your heart just yet; with only 75 pieces planned for production, you’ll be hard-pushed to get your hands on one.
IWC Pilot’s watch Spitfire Automatic
The beauty of this watch stems from its simplicity and functionality. Based on the model IWC produced for pilots at the end of the Second World War, it’s a timepiece originally built for a very specific function, but has now evolved into a style icon.
And, thanks to its minimalist styling, this is a watch you can wear with anything — from your bold suit in the boardroom to your weekend jeans and t-shirt.
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Small Seconds
Originally designed for officers in the British military who wanted to play polo without damaging their watch dials, this is a watch that cemented itself as a style icon almost immediately thanks to its art deco styling. The latest in the line is no different.
A new deep red colour offers something completely new to the collection, and something that we envisage pairing perfectly with your cocktail suit when you’re looking for that extra splash of colour.
Panerai Submersible Chrono Guillaume Nery edition
This may be a substantial watch, but it needs to be. Designed to hold strong against the demands of the ocean, champion freediver Guillaume Nery infused this timepiece with the two things he values above all others during a dive: Accurate timing and waterproofness.
Panerai’s latest will stay perfectly intact up to 300m below the waves, and the flyback chronograph allows you to time your dive to the split second.
Chopard L.U.C XPS Twist
Chopard are known for their meticulous watchmaking. And, yet again, everything has been considered with their latest stunning release. From the thickness to the hour indices, this model takes the classical dress watch design rules and bends them just so much as to create something wholly unique and oddly beautiful.
The watch’s name comes from the twist of the movement, so the crown can now be found down at 4 o’clock instead of its traditional position of 3 o’clock. And, in a similar spin, the sub second dial has been shifted to 7 o’clock.
Now discover why watchmakers seem to have a case of the blues…
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