Montblanc, CHF 2,245
A handsome timepiece with vintage allure that offers excellent quality at this price point. Roman numerals circle an attractive deep blue dial, with an aperture for the date. This Star Legacy is one to wear anywhere, or gift to a lucky recipient.
Tudor, CHF 3,650
Another example of a model offered at a carefully studied price. Unmistakably a tool watch, this Black Bay boasts the inimitable look of a 1950s diver but combines this vintage vibe with modern specs to stay safe in deep water.
Frédérique Constant, CHF 3,995
A third example of a watch that delivers style and substance for less than CHF 4,000 - although this will come as no surprise to Frederique Constant’s fans who know that value is intrinsic to the brand. An in-house movement, its escapement visible through the dial, drives this limited edition.
Oris, CHF 4,200
One of Oris’s most creative lineups, the ProPilot comes as multiple variations including this version which owes its surprisingly light weight to titanium. Inside is Caliber 400, a high-performance, automatic movement and one of the brand’s newest in-house calibres.
Jaeger-LeCoultre, CHF 11,400
This sophisticated timepiece surrounds a moon-phase display with a pointer-style date, offered at what is a reasonable price for this level of complication, courtesy of steel. Note the in-house calibre, naturally, as well as a beautifully understated opaline dial with baton hour markers.
Rolex, CHF 22,200
Heir to the Rolex Cellini, this Perpetual 1908 offers a dressy alternative to the legendary Oyster. A Rolex that looks more like a Patek Philippe Calatrava than a Rolex: wonderfully chic with small seconds at 6 o’clock, Arabic numerals alternating with hour markers and some lovely fluting on the bezel.
Audemars Piguet, CHF 31,300
An icon among watches that recently celebrated its half century yet is more in tune with current tastes than ever. The 39mm octagonal bezel is perfectly proportioned while its sport-luxe style is unique. Price doesn’t come into it for a watch such as the Royal Oak that will turn the head of any self-respecting connoisseur.
Hublot, CHF 60,000
An uncommon watch at an uncommon price, housed in a case sculpted from a block of transparent sapphire which Hublot, as creative and disruptive as always, has furnished with a steel bezel set with diamonds. A highly collectible limited edition that spotlights the skeletonised in-house movement.
