Whether they have vintage overtones, innovative functions or simply the most understated design possible, all these watches stand out as timeless examples in the fine art of watchmaking, without necessarily breaking the bank.
A. Lange & Söhne - Saxonia Thin
The venerable brand from Glashütte in Germany added a wonderful touch to its Saxonia Thin collection this year. This collection is a perfect example of eliminating all superfluous details, focusing on displaying just the hours and minutes with slender hands pointing to equally slender baton hour markers. But the thin layer of copper-blue goldstone on the silver dial, framed by an 18-carat white-gold case, is a discreet way of enhancing its luxury appeal.
Case: 18-carat white gold, 39mm
Movement: Lange Manufacture calibre L093.1, manually wound, 21,600 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 72 hours
Price : USD 22,000/EUR 20,800
Arnold & Son - Globetrotter
The Globetrotter is perfect for the frequent traveller looking for a different way of keeping track of the different times around the world. Its 3D depiction of the northern hemisphere, surrounded by a sapphire disc with a 24-hour scale, offers a less cluttered and more intuitive way to read the times around the world. Its domed construction, with an imposing arch across the dial, creates a distinctive look that nevertheless retains classic appeal with Roman numerals on an opaline silver dial.
Case: stainless steel, 45mm
Movement: A&S6022 automatic calibre, 28,800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 45 hours
Price: CHF 14,900 (excl. VAT)
Eberhard & Co. - Tazio Nuvolari Legend
Eberhard & Co. has been the principal sponsor of the Gran Premio Nuvolari since its inception 28 years ago. The brand has faithfully maintained a collection of watches bearing the legendary driver’s name. The latest model, the Nuvolari Legend, is a chronograph with an original spiral-shaped tachymeter starting from the centre of the dial and a wonderful vintage-style leather strap.
Case material: stainless steel, 43mm
Movement: Valjoux 7750 base self-winding mechanical chronograph, 28,800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 48 hours
Price: CHF 4,740
IWC - Portofino Hand-Wound 8 Days
This model is brand new for this year and it is the first time that IWC offers a suede strap. Its grey colour perfectly complements the slate-grey dial and adds a retro touch to this classic design. Another model with a blue dial and mesh bracelet takes a similarly vintage approach in line with current trends.
Case: stainless steel, 45mm
Movement: IWC calibre 59210, manually wound, 28,800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days)
Price: CHF 9,700
Panerai - Luminor Left-Handed 8 Days Acciaio (PAM 796)
One of a trio of new Luminor 8 Days models presented this year (along with the right-handed versions PAM 795 in steel and PAM 797 in titanium), this left-handed Luminor in stainless steel has its signature crown protector on the left and the classic sandwich dial beloved of Paneristi.
Case: stainless steel, 44mm
Movement: Panerai P.5001 hand-wound calibre, 21,600 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days)
Price: CHF 6,800
Seiko - Presage Fuyugeshiki limited edition (SRPC97J1)
Like most Seiko limited editions, this Presage model may be hard to come by, even though 7,000 are available and there are two more limited editions with the same design (men’s automatic with small seconds (SSA386J1) and ladies’ automatic (SRP843J1)). Those lucky enough to bag one will have the perfect dial for Christmas. “Fuyugeshiki” in Japanese means a winter scene, which is evoked by the pattern on the dial.
Case: stainless steel, 40.5mm
Movement: Seiko automatic calibre 4R35
Power reserve: approx. 41 hours
Price: EUR 440
Urban Jürgensen - The Alfred
Despite its thoroughly classic looks, this watch is aimed specifically at a younger clientele since it is only available for purchase online from Urban Jürgensen. Buyers also have the option of collecting their watches directly from the company’s workshop in Bienne, Switzerland.
Case: stainless steel, 42mm
Movement: Urban Jürgensen P4 manually-wound calibre, 21,600 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: 72 hours
Price: CHF 15,200 (excl. VAT)
Zenith - Defy Classic
It may be classic by name and design, but the Zenith Defy Classic also has a sportier edge and is packed with cutting-edge technology such as a new Elite movement with silicon escape wheel and lever. The case and bracelet in brushed titanium also give this three-hand watch a modern touch.
Case: titanium, 41mm
Movement: Elite 670 SK automatic, 28,800 vibrations per hour
Power reserve: min. 48 hours
Price: CHF 6,900
