The experts’ dream watch

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The experts’ dream watch - Wrist Stories
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The question is simple: what is your dream watch? Seven influential players in the watchmaking world told us which one they would like to see on their wrist one day

Jean-Christophe Teigner, Secretary General of the Fine Watch Club

“Choosing the watch of one’s dreams is easier said than done. In reality, it’s like standing in front of a pastry shop and realizing that you want to try everything. Having worked with Roger Dubuis and Tiffany, my instinctive choice would be an Excalibur Tourbillon or Jay-Z’s Patek Philippe Tiffany… But let’s be reasonable: Jay-Z and I are not yet close friends! Making such a decision is thus irrational yet so beautiful. My obvious choice – one that would unite my three passions for watchmaking, sailing and Italian culture – would be a Panerai Luminor Yachts Challenge!” 

The experts’ dream watch

Sophie Furley, Editorial Director at WorldTempus

“There is one timepiece that I would love to own and it’s the Van Cleef & Arpels Quantième des Saisons. This timepiece has a very special meaning for me as it was made by my dear friend, the enamel artist Dominique Baron. Its dial shows the seasons as they pass, making a full rotation every year. Dominique sadly passed away a few years ago and whenever I see a photo of this watch, it makes me smile. She always put a secret signature in her enamel work and I could never find it. This would amuse her no end. If I owned it, I am sure I could find it and it would be a lovely reminder of our friendship.” 

The experts’ dream watch

Justin Hast, Photographer, consultant and watch content producer

“You got me. I’m a sucker for the classics. And there just isn’t a modern-day classic like the Lange One. The perfect balance of the dial, the history of the brand relaunch in 1994 and the now iconic three-quarter plate in German silver makes for a tidy package. But that isn’t all. This is a ‘look a little closer’, grail-worthy reference, which is not only in steel (Lange never publicly disclosed the exact number of watches they produced in steel, research suggests the number to be below 30 pieces), but also features a painted dial. While only a small detail, this transforms the formal feel to something far more relaxed. It is the ultimate quiet flex.” 

The experts’ dream watch

Pascal Ravessoud, Director of External Affairs & Watchmaking

“I am (was?!) fortunate enough to travel regularly for my work and the question of the division of time around the planet has always fascinated me. Working with multiple markets, what could be better than a World Time watch that instantly tells me the time around the globe? The fashion for sports watches with integrated bracelets aside, I have always loved the Overseas range from Vacheron Constantin. My choice is the World Time with its blue dial and smoky-tinted world map!”

The experts’ dream watch

Serge Panczuk, Collector and Millennium Watch Book contributor

“You should never entirely fulfil a dream if you want to preserve its magic. This watch cannot therefore be a ‘commercial’ piece. It is a unique tool watch, strong in character and brimming with emotion: it has the power to whisk me off to another world, in this case a Silent World. The funny thing is that I can’t even wear it on my wrist, as it’s just too big. The model I’m referring to is the Omega Planet Ocean Ultra Deep FOD X1 worn by explorer Victor Vescovo, with whom I had the honor of talking about this watch during the year he set his record.” 

The experts’ dream watch

Livia Russo, Partner, Bacs & Russo

“My pick would have to be the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze accompanied by its bronze bracelet that came out in June 2021. To me, this watch is the perfect combination of innovation and tradition. It encompasses all traits that are so much loved in Tudor vintage diving tool watches such as a domed crystal, a large winding crown, snowflake hands and a riveted bracelet. Even its size has been reduced to a mere 39mm as a tribute to 1950s diving watches. No detail has been left unattended. The watch adorns a “rivet” bracelet, which is a first for Tudor. This new model that feels great on the wrist sports a new micro-extension clasp, titled the T-Fit, which brings the wearability of this Fifty–Eight to a whole new level. Not forgetting the warmth of the bronze and the dial color reminiscent of tropical dials which give true gravitas to the watch.” 

The experts’ dream watch

Deremi Ajidahun, CEO, Hole19 Group, GMT Africa & GMT Middle East

“For the watch of my dreams, the new Greubel Forsey GMT Sport Ref. GF05X immediately comes to mind. It has been enticing me for months. It is sporty, yet elegant, chic, dressy and totally comfortable on the wrist, quite a stunner! The new direction being taken by Greubel Forsey is amazing; the watch is not necessarily easy on the wallet, but definitely a collectors’ item and a must in my collection.” 

The experts’ dream watch

As a WorldTempus reader, we are delighted to offer you the latest digital version of this GMT magazine that you can download here. Happy reading!

Focus on Watchmaking Fairs 2022

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