I don’t know if you guys already knew this (I didn’t), but there are two kinds of autumn. There is astrological autumn, which is determined by the orbit of the Earth in relation to its axial tilt. There is also meteorological autumn, designated as the three months from September to November, a statistical expediency that meteorologists use for forecasting and observing weather trends. Astrological autumn and meteorological autumn are not one and the same — it’s confusing yet fascinating and you guys know that’s precisely my cup of tea. Come to think of it, that means there are actually four autumns, two for the Northern Hemisphere and another two for the Southern Hemisphere.
And because horological research is exactly the kind of mercurial, meandering beast that will gallop off on unexpected tangents (with you on its back clinging on for dear life), this question suddenly arose in my mind with extreme urgency: Why are there so few watches configured for the Southern Hemisphere?
You know what I mean. The vast majority of moonphase watches out there only display the moon as it’s seen from the higher latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere. Star charts, whether decorative or functional, invariably feature Northern Hemisphere skies. Worldtimer watches don’t feature a whole lot of Southern Hemisphere cities. I consulted with friend and industry colleague, the Melbourne-based Andrew McUtchen (Time & Tide), who sorrowfully confirmed that the Antipodean denizens of the world are much overlooked by the vast majority of watchmakers.
It's true, most of the world’s major watch markets (not to mention all of the world’s major watch producers) are in the Northern Hemisphere, but the latest figures from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry show that Australia is currently the watch market with the greatest growth (+43.5%) as of October 2022. Keeping in mind our friends south of the equator, this edition of the WorldTempus Selections is therefore a list of watches that are perfectly suited for daily wear in November, no matter which hemisphere you’re in.
Classic: Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronographe Luce Rainbow
While we’re heading towards the end of autumn over here in the Northern Hemisphere, summer is just a few short weeks away in the lower latitudes. You might want something discreet that can slip under all those “winter is coming” layers you’re wearing, or you might be in the mood for a pop of bright colour to go with the rising temperature and sunlit days.
Modern: Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda PF Annual Calendar
The first thing I noticed about this watch is its dual-hemisphere indication of the moonphase. Simply by exposing both moon discs on the conventional moonphase display, both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere’s lunar cycles can be read intuitively.
Retro/Vintage: Vacheron Constantin Overseas World Time
This one was specifically brought to my attention by Andrew, who professed to shedding a small tear upon seeing Lord Howe Island, an Australian territory in the Tasman Sea, name-checked in the world time city ring. The retro appeal of this watch is at an all-time high, given this year’s reissue of the Historiques 222, so the Overseas World Time is definitely our choice here.
Formal: Jacob & Co Astronomia Metaverso NFT Venus
This watch works equally well whether you’re heading into wintery landscapes or blazing-hot weather. The liberal sprinkling of diamonds complements snowy prospects, while the extravagant colours scream “Summer Yacht Party!” Best of all, this watch comes with an NFT double — and when you wear your virtual watch in your virtual world, you can make it any weather you like.
Sports: IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Ceratanium
Here’s another double-hemisphere moonphase watch — one of the most spectacular watches we’ve seen from the Schaffhausen brand recently. The Ceratanium case ensures the robustness of the watch in any situation, any season and any activity.
