Understatement is often synonymous with elegance and implies a deliberate choice to opt for classicism and thereby avoid potential errors of taste. A quick roundup of watches designed to be worn every day and every evening, in any situation.
The apparently simplest things can be the hardest to achieve, and watchmaking is no exception to the rule. Hats off to the watchmakers who rise to the challenge of creating supremely classic watch models without falling into the trap of obsolete designs.
Baume & Mercier - Clifton 10059
A pure, ideally proportioned watch: this unpretentious model combines a fuss-free aesthetic with a mechanism driving indications of the hours, minutes, seconds and date. What more could one ask?
Why we like it: for the appealing association of a 39 mm red gold case, brushed anthracite grey dial and brown leather strap.
Why we like it: for the appealing association of a 39 mm red gold case, brushed anthracite grey dial and brown leather strap.
H. Moser & Cie - Meridian Dual Time
Timeless design meets technical excellence in this connoisseur’s timepiece of which the self-winding movement makes it possible to team a dual-time function with an AM/PM display at 12 o’clock that automatically switches from 12 to 24 hours, with the 12 corresponding to mornings and 24 to afternoons in the wearer’s home location. A red hand shows the time in the second zone.
Why we like it: for its great technical simplicity, effectively challenging preconceived ideas that all too often associate mechanical complications with complicated design. This model is especially appreciable for the pleasing aesthetic balance between its 40.80 mm pink gold case, silver-toned dial and brown alligator leather strap.
Why we like it: for its great technical simplicity, effectively challenging preconceived ideas that all too often associate mechanical complications with complicated design. This model is especially appreciable for the pleasing aesthetic balance between its 40.80 mm pink gold case, silver-toned dial and brown alligator leather strap.
Pierre DeRoche - GrandCliff Pure
A model that adopts the complete opposite approach to the style we have seen from Pierre DeRoche thus far. Purity and functionality are the keynotes of this aptly named watch representing the epitome of restrained elegance. The main assets of the GrandCliff Pure are its slender silhouette, classic 40 mm diameter, steel case and black dial.
Why we like it: it is so complicated to keep things simple that one cannot but salute this apparently simple creation that nonetheless offers a dial displaying the hours, minutes, seconds, date and a 42-hour display.
Why we like it: it is so complicated to keep things simple that one cannot but salute this apparently simple creation that nonetheless offers a dial displaying the hours, minutes, seconds, date and a 42-hour display.
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