Armin Strom Mirrored Force Resonance with engine-turned dial by Kari Voutilainen
Could there be a better juxtaposition between the technical exploit achieved by Claude Greisler in the form of the two balance spring assemblies beating in resonance, visible on the left of the dial, and the sublime engine-turned sub-dial by Kari Voutilainen, on the right? Maybe, but none comes to mind so readily at this year’s SIHH. It’s the perfect example of how you can marry cutting-edge research and development with the very best of traditional watchmaking crafts, all at a price that is perfectly reasonable when you consider the time and money that has gone into the development of this exceptional watch. - Paul O'Neil
Luminor Due 3 Days Automatic Acciaio PAM755
A 38mm Panerai? It’s something we’ve never seen before. The Italian brand from Neuchâtel had already gone down to 40mm many years ago. But since then it had set records for diameter, either in terms of the maximum or the biggest average. Then we saw some 42mm models, followed by a reduction in thickness with the Luminor Due. Panerai takes the trend further at the SIHH 2018 with wearability and reasonable dimensions. The Luminor Due 3 Days, alias PAM755, measures 38 mm in diameter for a thickness of 11mm. Those with smaller wrists, whether male or female, can rejoice because there is finally a Panerai for you. Those who like chic watches (because, let’s not forget, Panerai knows how to be chic when worn in the right proportions) and have been disappointed by huge watches and hyperbole, go try on the smallest Panerai en masse. - David Chokron
Drive de Cartier Extraplate
After numerous metal variations and complications, the Drive is finally here in its simple and most accomplished guise: The Drive de Cartier Extraplate. Slimmed down, the watch can show off its geometry to the full. It is much more sensual and subtle than the first designs which, while not too big, had a more affirmed masculinity. In the ultra-thin version, the gold or steel case makes way for a dial that seems more open. The Drive has chance to breath, and seems more noble as a result. It does not need to be any thicker, nor more complicated: it’s there, simple, refined, elegant and paradoxically with more character than its first incarnation. Less is more, definitely! - Olivier Müller
Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph: oldie but goodie
The Royal Oak Offshore 25th anniversary re-edition in stainless steel remains faithful to the 1993 original albeit with modern upgrades, notably the brand’s in-house 3126/3840 automatic movement. As such, it brings immense joy to those who enjoy nostalgia.
The brand highlights that the anniversary piece has the text “Royal Oak Offshore” and “Automatic” inscribed on its case back unlike previous editions. Now did you know that the first 100 pieces of the original Royal Oak Offshore did not have the text “Offshore” but only “Royal Oak” engraved on its caseback? That was because back then, its commercial success was internally doubted.
Today, the Royal Oak Offshore remains a bestseller for the brand and personally, it is a symbol in the form of a well-built timepiece representing an adventurous spirit with a never-say-die attitude. - Timmy Tan
