Ticking ahead
Searching for a future heirloom with a touch of verve? Despite a quiet year, many new timepieces have been released. We select the best models for those with time on their hands.
With many of us housebound and the global economy in an uncertain state, now is the time to invest in things that will last. And there’s no better investment than a watch – whether it’s a cutting-edge sporty design or a more classic model with a soft leather strap.
The watches industry, like most other consumer sectors, has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Its biggest trade fairs – Baselworld and Geneva’s Watches & Wonders – were due to take place in April but have been cancelled, while Geneva Watch Days has been pushed back to August.
Although watch brands big and small are dealing with challenges, including delays to production, there are plenty of exciting new releases on the market. These pieces will help you stay ahead of the game once life speeds up once more.
Breguet Classique 7137 watch, Breguet (MEN’s)
A classic, refined look from the historic house founded in 1775.
breguet.com
(Coin purse by Louis Vuitton)
Constellation Gents watch, Omega (MEN’s)
With a 39mm steel case and leather strap, this model is smart yet understated.
omegawatches.com
Tudor Black Bay watch, Tudor (MEN’s)
An attractive, functional diving watch inspired by the brand’s 1950s designs, it’s waterproof up to 200m and comes in a choice of accent colours.
tudorwatch.com
Portugieser chronograph watch, IWC Schaffhausen (MEN’s)
A new addition to the brand’s popular Portugieser line, this handsome automatic timepiece is finished with a blue dial and an alligator strap.
iwc.com
Master Control Calendar watch, Jaeger-LeCoultre (MEN’s)
This model looks to Jaeger LeCoultre’s triple-calendar moon-phase timepieces from the 1940s and 1950s. The case comes in steel or rose gold.
jaeger-lecoultre.com
Maillon de Cartier watch, Cartier (WOMEN’s)
Cartier’s latest design – with its elegant interlocking wristband – looks likely to become a future classic.
cartier.com
(Earrings, rings and bangles by Cartier)
Égérie Moon Phase steel watch with diamonds, Vacheron Constantin (WOMEN’s)
A star of the Swiss brand’s recently launched Égérie collection, it’s accented with a diamond-set bezel.
vacheron-constantin.com
Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watch, Hublot (WOMEN’s)
A striking model with a polished black dial that’s decorated with gold crystal (made using flakes of gold).
hublot.com
J12 Paradoxe watch, Chanel Watches (WOMEN’s)
An arresting black and white addition to the French house’s j12 collection.
chanel.com
(Coco Crush Rings by Chanel Fine Jewellery)
Alpine Eagle collection watch, Chopard (WOMEN’s)
This delicate model from the brand’s recently launched Alpine Eagle collection features a “Bernina Grey” dial inspired by an eagle’s iris.
chopard.com
Stylists: Shun Katakai and Kyoko Tamoto
