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Choosing a timepiece with a point of difference is a way to make a statement about your own personality. There are many aspects of a watch that can set you apart from your contemporaries, but nothing makes a statement quite as strikingly as a unique dial.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66949" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-2-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Jaquet Droz is a watchmaker that has long prided itself on creating watches that not only have exemplary technical specs, but also boast collections that have elegant and vivid dials that are worthy of being called works of art in their own right. True originals. The maison’s Relief Petite Heure Minute Tiger wristwatch is a case in point. Emanating power and masculinity, this bold creation has 18-karat white gold and opal dial, black onyx subdial with carefully hand-engraved and hand-painted 18-karat white gold tiger relief appliques.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66948" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet Droz" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Jaquet-Droz-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
The case (also 18-karat white gold) houses 144 baguette-cut diamonds and crown set with a diamond, with 28 jewels and 2.15 carats in total. It has a power reserve of 68 hours, is 41 mm in diameter and water resistant to 30 metres. A rolled-edge hand-made black alligator wristband completes the deal. The Relief Tiger also comes in an 18-karat red gold version.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66950" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-LADY-8-FLOWER-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
More feminine, but still in a similar vein, is the Lady 8 Flower series. Featured next page is the iteration with the grand feu enamel dial. The 18-karat white gold case set boasts a to-die-for 114 diamonds, totalling 1.40 carats. There is a mechanical opening flower automaton movement and push-button automaton triggering mechanism. Meticulously hand-engraved petals in 18-karat white gold are prominent and there is a rotation of a briolette blue sapphire (0.24 carat) in both directions. The buckle is an 18-karat white gold folding clasp set with 47 dazzling diamonds.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66944" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank Muller 8880 T DM HOM NGUYEN" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-8880-T-DM-HOM-NGUYEN-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Sticking with the theme of artistic horological creations with unique dials is this sublime offering from Franck Muller, in collaboration with acclaimed artist, Hom Nguyen. The two have joined forces to produce this exceptional timepiece: the Cintrée Curvex Double Mystery with Tourbillon. Nguyen is a French painter of Vietnamese origin who is famed for creating portraits in a figurative style – clearly depicted in the watchface.
In place of hands, time is shown by rotating discs with the brand’s trademark double mystery complication. Completly hand-drawn and assembled in the purest watchmaking tradition, this timepiece is equipped with a manual winding mechanical movement and boasts a power reserve of 60 hours.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66945" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank Muller Vanguard Lady Heart pink" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-Frank-Muller-Vanguard-Lady-Heart-pink-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Also from Frank Muller and distinctly more ladylike – but still retaining a certain degree of quirkiness – is the Vangaurd Lady Heart. Playfully replacing the numbers ‘3’ through ‘7’ with a burst of tastefully designed hearts, this watch incorporates dynamic and graceful features. The collection is a tribute to femininity, with a poignant silhouette and a poetic dial. Shown on previous page are the red and pink iterations.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66951" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-roger-dubois-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
This month&#8217;s offering by Roger Dubuis takes us way back in time to the days of merry old England, the Knights of the Round Table MT Gold is as playful as it is historically accurate – and a beautifully crafted timepiece to boot – with each number on the dial replaced with a mini-sculpture of one of the aforementioned knights of King Arthur’s fellowship, from Lancelot to all the others.
The main material of the dial is gold and a matching case with sapphire crystal with a special anti-reflective coating open case back with a sapphire crystal pink gold bezel with a saphhire crystal crown with Murano glass. The clasp comes with a gold cover, with titanium blades – triple folding – interchangeable with an ingenious crystal release system.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-66952" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag.jpg" alt="time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag-600x399.jpg 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu-tag-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Rounding out our set of six is the Tag Heuer Monaco V4. This racey little number was made famous when it first appeared on the wrist of action-man film star Steve McQueen duirng his appearnce in the 1970 film Le Mans. This revolutionary watch features four barrels mounted on ball bearings, pinions and belts. The timepiece displays its movement through its anti-reflective sapphire glass – revealing the intricate design features within, comprising tungsten ingot, linear mass and two pairs of barrels, that are mounted in parallel and cleverly connected by belts.

time-warp-six-of-the-best-and-quirkiest-watch-dials-on-the-market-gafencu

Time Warp: Six of the best – and quirkiest – watch dials on the market

Both cars and watches have long had a special place in the hearts of refined gentlemen of means, and with good reason. The two owe their origins to pressing needs for convenience and precision, with each now treasured as epitomising a true fusion of precision engineering and enduring elegance. Given their shared heritage and matching aspirational feel, car-watch partnerships were all but inevitable. Indeed, many such strategic car-watch brand alliances have proved fruitful and long-lived, while yielding some truly stunning designs…
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-46823" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces.jpg" alt="Latest car-watch timepieces" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Latest-car-watch-timepieces-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
In celebration of its three-decade collaboration with the Mille Miglia race – a 1,600km-long classic car rally held in Italy each year – Chopard has launched the Mille Miglia 2019 Race Edition. Here, the requisite tachymetre bezel and chronograph pushers set the rallying tone, while its generous 44mm fascia allows for easy legibility. The self-winding movement, meanwhile, provides ultra-precise time measurements, which are said to be accurate to an eighth of a second. Limited to just 1,000 pieces, perforated leather straps – reminiscent of the texture of driving gloves – complete a truly vintage look.
<figure id="attachment_46817" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46817" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46817" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Chopards-Mille-Miglia-2019-Race-Edition.jpg" alt="Car-watch - Chopard's Mille Miglia 2019 Race Edition" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Chopards-Mille-Miglia-2019-Race-Edition.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Chopards-Mille-Miglia-2019-Race-Edition-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Chopards-Mille-Miglia-2019-Race-Edition-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Chopards-Mille-Miglia-2019-Race-Edition-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Chopards-Mille-Miglia-2019-Race-Edition-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46817" class="wp-caption-text">Chopard&#8217;s Mille Miglia 2019 Race Edition</figcaption></figure>
An equally grand race-inspired timepiece comes courtesy of Bremont, with its historic partnership with Jaguar, a fellow British brand, having culminated in the launch of the limited-edition Jaguar D-type. A knowing homage to Jaguar’s hugely successful D-type – the car that won the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours race from 1955 to 1957 – the 300bHp of its original engine is given a knowing nod by the fact that just 300 pieces are to be produced. Set on blue racing calf-leather straps, the 43mm blue-dialled bi-compax timepiece features a tachymetre scale, an effective contrast with its brushed nickel sub-dials. Sporty yet sophisticated, its racing pedigree is more than apparent at even the most cursory of glances.
<figure id="attachment_46816" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46816" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46816" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Bremonts-Jaguar-D-type.jpg" alt="Car-watch - Bremont's Jaguar D-type" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Bremonts-Jaguar-D-type.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Bremonts-Jaguar-D-type-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Bremonts-Jaguar-D-type-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Bremonts-Jaguar-D-type-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Bremonts-Jaguar-D-type-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46816" class="wp-caption-text">Bremont&#8217;s Jaguar D-type</figcaption></figure>
Taking a similarly heritage-centric approach is Breitling’s Bentley-channelling Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition. Designed to celebrate the motoring marque’s 100th anniversary, the left side of the case bears the same Bentley engraving that graced the dashboard of the iconic 1929 Bentley Blower. With both the stainless steel and rose gold models featuring a white printed tachymetre scale on a unique brown elm burl dial, its classic appeal is undoubtable.
<figure id="attachment_46815" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46815" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46815" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Breitlings-Premier-Bentley-Centenary-Limited-Edition.jpg" alt="Car-watch - Breitling's Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Breitlings-Premier-Bentley-Centenary-Limited-Edition.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Breitlings-Premier-Bentley-Centenary-Limited-Edition-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Breitlings-Premier-Bentley-Centenary-Limited-Edition-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Breitlings-Premier-Bentley-Centenary-Limited-Edition-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Breitlings-Premier-Bentley-Centenary-Limited-Edition-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46815" class="wp-caption-text">Breitling&#8217;s Premier Bentley Centenary Limited Edition</figcaption></figure>
A more contemporary approach, meanwhile, comes in the memorable form of the Classic Fusion Ferrari GT, the latest timepiece on offer from Hublot and Ferrari, the self-styled supercar marque. In place of the former’s traditionally angular designs, this flyback chronograph is the very epitome of aerodynamic curvature. Available in titanium, King Gold or 3D Carbon, the watch’s beautifully open-worked fascia proudly displays Ferrari’s famed prancing horse at 12 o’clock, while also highlighting its recessed Calibre UNICO HUB1280 movement. Hybrid black rubber-Schedoni leather straps and a convex case design round out its automotive appeal.
<figure id="attachment_46818" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46818" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46818" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Hublots-Classic-Fusion-Ferrari-GT.jpg" alt="Car-watch - Hublot's Classic Fusion Ferrari GT" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Hublots-Classic-Fusion-Ferrari-GT.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Hublots-Classic-Fusion-Ferrari-GT-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Hublots-Classic-Fusion-Ferrari-GT-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Hublots-Classic-Fusion-Ferrari-GT-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Hublots-Classic-Fusion-Ferrari-GT-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46818" class="wp-caption-text">Hublot&#8217;s Classic Fusion Ferrari GT</figcaption></figure>
In an unusual move, TAG Heuer and Aston Martin have taken the symbiotic nature of car-watch partnerships to a whole new level, with the former’s Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2019 timepiece and the latter’s DBS Superleggera TAG Heuer Edition on offer as one all-inclusive car-watch package. More specifically, the purchase of any of the new sportscars – available in a limited edition of just 50 – will see the lucky owner also walk away with TAG’s latest chronogram. Obviously inspired by the car it namechecks, the marque’s all-new design includes several unambiguously DBS accents, notably its grille-motif hexagonal cut-out fascia and embossed leather straps, while a hint of red detailing adorns its otherwise all-black finish.
<figure id="attachment_46820" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46820" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46820" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-TAG-Heuers-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02-Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-2019.jpg" alt="Car-watch - TAG Heuer's Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2019" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-TAG-Heuers-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02-Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-2019.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-TAG-Heuers-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02-Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-2019-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-TAG-Heuers-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02-Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-2019-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-TAG-Heuers-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02-Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-2019-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-TAG-Heuers-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02-Aston-Martin-DBS-Superleggera-2019-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46820" class="wp-caption-text">TAG Heuer&#8217;s Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 2019</figcaption></figure>
Revving proceedings up several gears, avant-garde watchmaker Roger Dubuis has teamed with Lamborghini and tyre brand Pirelli to create its undeniably eclectic Excalibur One-off. Blending the expertise of the three partners in their individual areas of excellence – haute horology, adrenaline-driven performance and precision engineering – this truly superlative chronogram perfectly balances aggressive athleticism with aesthetic appeal. Its delightfully open-worked fascia, meanwhile, reveals its purpose-built RD 106SQ movement, as well as its double flying tourbillon and a jumping hours display at 12 o’clock – all structured to resemble the engine of the Lamborghini&nbsp;SC18 Alston supercar that provided the original inspiration.
<figure id="attachment_46819" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46819" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46819" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-One-off.jpg" alt="Car-watch - Roger Dubuis' Excalibur One-off" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-One-off.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-One-off-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-One-off-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-One-off-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-One-off-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46819" class="wp-caption-text">Roger Dubuis&#8217; Excalibur One-off</figcaption></figure>
The most recent members of the car-watch collaborators club – renowned Swiss haute horology house Jacob &amp; Co. and legendary hypercar company Bugatti – though, may just prove to be the most outré. The first fruit of this partnership – the Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition – is nothing short of overwhelming, in terms of both size and complexity. It comes with a decimal repeater as standard, as well as a racing-themed “fuel” power reserve indicator and stunningly intricate dual triple-axis sequential high-speed tourbillons. With each individual watch carrying a price tag of US$500,000, the exclusivity of this 39-piece release is heightened yet more by the fact that it is only purchasable by Bugatti owners.
<figure id="attachment_46821" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-46821" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-46821" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Twin-Turbo-Furious-Bugatti-Edition-by-Jacob-Co..jpg" alt="Car-watch - Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition by Jacob &amp; Co." width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Twin-Turbo-Furious-Bugatti-Edition-by-Jacob-Co..jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Twin-Turbo-Furious-Bugatti-Edition-by-Jacob-Co.-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Twin-Turbo-Furious-Bugatti-Edition-by-Jacob-Co.-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Twin-Turbo-Furious-Bugatti-Edition-by-Jacob-Co.-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Car-watch-Twin-Turbo-Furious-Bugatti-Edition-by-Jacob-Co.-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-46821" class="wp-caption-text">Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition by Jacob &amp; Co.</figcaption></figure>
Text: Tenzing Thondup

Auto Winders: Check out these latest high-octane car-watch collaborations

The month of March is inevitably ring-fenced and red-circled on the wall-planners of watch lovers the world over. This, of course, is because within its 31-day span, some six of them are given over to Baselworld, the high point of the haute horology year and the expo par excellence for keen chronometer collectors.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-45147" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches.jpg" alt="Best Baselworld 2019 watches" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Best-Baselworld-2019-watches-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
This year, the event ran from 21 to 26 March, with the 520 brands on show attracting 81,200 attendees. While the available space does not stretch to showcasing all the debutante designs that merit a mention, the claim to greater attention of seven of them in particular just cannot be disputed.
<figure id="attachment_45140" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45140" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45140" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-1-MBF-Legacy-Machine-FlyingT.jpg" alt="Baselworld 1 MB&amp;F Legacy Machine FlyingT" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-1-MBF-Legacy-Machine-FlyingT.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-1-MBF-Legacy-Machine-FlyingT-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-1-MBF-Legacy-Machine-FlyingT-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-1-MBF-Legacy-Machine-FlyingT-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-1-MBF-Legacy-Machine-FlyingT-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45140" class="wp-caption-text">MB&amp;F Legacy Machine FlyingT</figcaption></figure>
Female watch fans were in for a particular treat with MB&amp;F opting to unveil its first-ever ladies’ timepiece – the Legacy Machine FlyingT – at the event. With its accentuated crystal dome, dazzlingly diamond-studded bezel and fascia, and central flying tourbillon, this was one new arrival that was all but impossible to miss. Quirky yet undeniably chic, it’s a design that’s every bit as eye-catching as any of the marque’s more outré chap-friendly chronometers.
<figure id="attachment_45141" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45141" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45141" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-2-Chanel-Boy∙friend-Skeleton-Black-Edition.jpg" alt="Baselworld 2 Chanel Boy∙friend Skeleton Black Edition" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-2-Chanel-Boy∙friend-Skeleton-Black-Edition.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-2-Chanel-Boy∙friend-Skeleton-Black-Edition-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-2-Chanel-Boy∙friend-Skeleton-Black-Edition-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-2-Chanel-Boy∙friend-Skeleton-Black-Edition-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-2-Chanel-Boy∙friend-Skeleton-Black-Edition-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45141" class="wp-caption-text">Chanel Boy∙friend Skeleton Black Edition</figcaption></figure>
For those in search of something a tad subtler, Chanel’s limited-edition Boy∙friend Skeleton Black Edition is an ode to minimalism, with its rectangular black ceramic case – devoid of any embellishments – the perfect foil for its skeletonised dial. Here the proprietary manually-winding Calibre 3 movement is clearly visible, as are the overlapping hour-and-minute dial and small seconds subdial. It’s actually something of a shame that only 55 such watches are ever to see the light of day.
<figure id="attachment_45142" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45142" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45142" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-3-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Chronograph-GMT-Automatic.jpg" alt="Baselworld 3 Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-3-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Chronograph-GMT-Automatic.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-3-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Chronograph-GMT-Automatic-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-3-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Chronograph-GMT-Automatic-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-3-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Chronograph-GMT-Automatic-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-3-Bulgari-Octo-Finissimo-Chronograph-GMT-Automatic-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45142" class="wp-caption-text">Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic</figcaption></figure>
Gentlemen horological connoisseurs, meanwhile, were treated to a veritable smorgasbord of timepiece treasures, including Bulgari’s groundbreaking Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic. Rightly securing the marque its fifth world record, this ultra-slim timepiece’s Calibre BVL 318 movement clocks in at just 3.3mm, with the watch’s overall thickness being merely 6.9mm. Fitted with a GMT function – allowing the watch to display two separate time zones – this would be a welcome addition to the armoury of any non-tardy traveller.
<figure id="attachment_45143" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45143" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45143" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-4-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-42.jpg" alt="Baselworld 4 Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-4-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-42.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-4-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-42-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-4-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-42-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-4-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-42-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-4-Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-42-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45143" class="wp-caption-text">Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42</figcaption></figure>
A more athletic approach was on offer from Rolex in the form of its all-new upsized 42mm Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42. From the off, its white gold bezel (complete with a striking matte black Cerachrom insert) and all-black dial make it a real attention-grabber. Underneath beats a Calibre 3235 movement, the most cutting-edge time-and-date generator this most eminent of watchmakers has ever produced. Sturdy yet sophisticated, this is truly a chronogram for the sophisticated seafarer.
<figure id="attachment_45144" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45144" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45144" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-5-TAG-Heuer-Autavia-Isograph.jpg" alt="Baselworld 5 TAG Heuer Autavia Isograph" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-5-TAG-Heuer-Autavia-Isograph.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-5-TAG-Heuer-Autavia-Isograph-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-5-TAG-Heuer-Autavia-Isograph-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-5-TAG-Heuer-Autavia-Isograph-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-5-TAG-Heuer-Autavia-Isograph-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45144" class="wp-caption-text">TAG Heuer Autavia Isograph</figcaption></figure>
Eschewing seaborne soirées for airborne adventure is Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer with a new iteration of its long-loved Autavia – (aut)o and (avia)tion – collection. Dubbed the Autavia Isograph, its bi-directional 60-minute bezel, broad hands and oversized Arabic numeral hour markers are all in true cockpit character. For the curious, the Isograph nomenclature is a knowing nod to the unique carbon composite that resides within its Calibre 5 movement –&nbsp; a fittingly innovative touch for a watch that has already won fans the world over.
<figure id="attachment_45145" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45145" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45145" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-6-Patek-Philippe-Alarm-Travel-Time-Ref.-5520P.jpg" alt="Baselworld 6 Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time Ref. 5520P" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-6-Patek-Philippe-Alarm-Travel-Time-Ref.-5520P.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-6-Patek-Philippe-Alarm-Travel-Time-Ref.-5520P-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-6-Patek-Philippe-Alarm-Travel-Time-Ref.-5520P-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-6-Patek-Philippe-Alarm-Travel-Time-Ref.-5520P-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-6-Patek-Philippe-Alarm-Travel-Time-Ref.-5520P-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45145" class="wp-caption-text">Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time Ref. 5520P</figcaption></figure>
Renowned haute horology label Patek Philippe also revealed a new aviation-inspired design at the event – the Alarm Travel Time Ref. 5520P. Its robust, four-crown, pilot-style platinum case stylishly houses the brand’s latest high-precision movement, a slim 6.6mm Calibre AL 30-660 S C FUS, while its all-black dial is home to a 24-hour alarm, a digital alarm display, a second time zone display and a day-night indicator. As intricate as it is innovative, this limited-edition creation is all but guaranteed to be a real collectors’ item.
<figure id="attachment_45146" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-45146" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-45146" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-7-Chopard-L.U.C-Flying-T-Twin.jpg" alt="Baselworld 7 Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-7-Chopard-L.U.C-Flying-T-Twin.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-7-Chopard-L.U.C-Flying-T-Twin-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-7-Chopard-L.U.C-Flying-T-Twin-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-7-Chopard-L.U.C-Flying-T-Twin-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Baselworld-7-Chopard-L.U.C-Flying-T-Twin-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-45146" class="wp-caption-text">Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin</figcaption></figure>
A true statement timepiece, though, came courtesy of Chopard in the beguiling form of its L.U.C Flying T Twin. Set to astound in aesthetic terms alone, its painstakingly hand-guilloché dial is fetchingly patterned with the selfsame honeycomb motif that company founder Louis-Ulysse Chopard selected as the maison’s first logo, making this an apt showcase for the brand’s renowned artisanal handcraftsmanship.
Beyond its alluring looks, however, the virtuoso technical skills on show here also merit a special mention. From its ultra-sleek 3.3mm Calibre 96.24-L movement to its flying tourbillon – a first for Chopard – this is haute horology at the very highest end. If that weren’t enough, it is also crafted using only ethically-sourced Fairmined gold for its case, hands and hour markers. By fusing time-honoured techniques with contemporary flair, and mechanical know-how with visually stunning iconography, it stands as a resounding celebration for the watchmaking craft and more than justifies any Baselworld jolly in its own right.
Text: Tenzing Thondup

A Hint of Basel: Haute horological treasures from Baselworld 2019

From extraordinary extraterrestrial-oriented timepieces to the very nattiest nautical designs, 2018 has been quite a year in the world of high-end horology. With the nights rolling in and with many of us gradually growing befuddled at the thought of the festivities to come, what better than to take a timely trot through the final push of wonderful watches that made the Year of the Dog quite so great?&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_41097" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41097" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41097" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches.jpg" alt="2018's final push of wonderful watches" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018s-final-push-of-wonderful-watches-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41097" class="wp-caption-text">2018&#8217;s final push of wonderful watches</figcaption></figure>
With the worlds of marine exploration and fine watchmaking sharing a long and intertwined history, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the tail-end of 2018 saw several renowned chronograph creators once again opt for a maritime motif. Taking point in this timepiece tsunami, of course, was <a href="http://www.omegawatches.com/">Omega</a> with its updated and upsized (42mm) Seamaster Diver 300M seen as glad tidings for all.
<figure id="attachment_41090" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41090" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41090" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Omegas-Seamaster-Diver-300M.jpg" alt="Omega's Seamaster Diver 300M" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Omegas-Seamaster-Diver-300M.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Omegas-Seamaster-Diver-300M-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Omegas-Seamaster-Diver-300M-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Omegas-Seamaster-Diver-300M-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Omegas-Seamaster-Diver-300M-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41090" class="wp-caption-text">Omega&#8217;s Seamaster Diver 300M</figcaption></figure>
Coming with a Master Chronometer Calibre 8800 movement – one fashioned entirely from non-ferrous materials in a bid to insulate its precision mechanism from any adverse magnetic influences – as standard, it also features an enhanced helium escape valve design, ensuring that it will remain fully waterproof up to 50m down even should the valve open accidentally.
<figure id="attachment_41094" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41094" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41094" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Superocean-Heritage-II-Chronograph-44-Outerknown-by-Breitling.jpg" alt="Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown by Breitling" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Superocean-Heritage-II-Chronograph-44-Outerknown-by-Breitling.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Superocean-Heritage-II-Chronograph-44-Outerknown-by-Breitling-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Superocean-Heritage-II-Chronograph-44-Outerknown-by-Breitling-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Superocean-Heritage-II-Chronograph-44-Outerknown-by-Breitling-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Superocean-Heritage-II-Chronograph-44-Outerknown-by-Breitling-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41094" class="wp-caption-text">Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown by Breitling</figcaption></figure>
Holding steady on our oceanic overview, the next maritime masterpiece came courtesy of never-less-than-breathtaking <a href="http://www.breitling.com/">Breitling</a>, with the all-new Superocean Heritage II Chronograph 44 Outerknown marking the marque’s first collaboration with Outerknown, the California-based sustainable outerwear manufacturer. In addition to its durable, eco-friendly straps, this unashamedly athletic timepiece features a striking DLC-coated black steel case housing a Breitling Calibre 13 mechanical movement. A deep blue dial, complete with Super-Luminova-coated hour and minute hands and a shock-resistant uni-directional bezel, round out its distinctive devil-may-care dive-watch design.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_41095" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41095" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41095" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tag-Heuers-Aquaracer-Carbon.jpg" alt="Tag Heuer's Aquaracer Carbon" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tag-Heuers-Aquaracer-Carbon.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tag-Heuers-Aquaracer-Carbon-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tag-Heuers-Aquaracer-Carbon-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tag-Heuers-Aquaracer-Carbon-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Tag-Heuers-Aquaracer-Carbon-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41095" class="wp-caption-text">Tag Heuer&#8217;s Aquaracer Carbon</figcaption></figure>
Never one to be outdone, <a href="http://www.tagheuer.com/">Tag Heuer’s</a> own oceanic offering is equal parts H2O and 007, with its superspy stylings targetted more at a leisure-minded lagoon liquid luncher than a five-fathoms-down hardy ocean-bed explorer. Despite its aesthetic aspect, the watch – the Aquaracer Carbon – is still guaranteed to be water-resistant to a depth of 300m. With its black PVD-covered titanium case, carbon fibre bezel, fetching ‘carbon effect’ fascia and black textile straps, this is a watch to flaunt rather than to float about with.
<figure id="attachment_41089" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41089" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-41089 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Happy-Fish-by-Chopard.jpg" alt="Happy Fish by Chopard" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Happy-Fish-by-Chopard.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Happy-Fish-by-Chopard-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Happy-Fish-by-Chopard-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Happy-Fish-by-Chopard-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Happy-Fish-by-Chopard-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41089" class="wp-caption-text">Happy Fish by Chopard</figcaption></figure>
In a timely reminder that all things maritime are not a solely male preserve, <a href="http://www.chopard.com/">Chopard</a>, meanwhile, fetchingly fused the very finest attributes of high-end jewellery and haute horology to fashion the limited-edition Happy Fish. With its delightfully dippy designation, its Happy Diamonds twirl atop an elegant deep blue mother-of-pearl dial, bedecked with a coruscating coral fish motif, making this a very savourable slice of ladylike luxury.
<figure id="attachment_41092" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41092" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41092" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Patek-Philippes-Twenty4-Automatic.jpg" alt="Patek Philippe's Twenty~4 Automatic" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Patek-Philippes-Twenty4-Automatic.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Patek-Philippes-Twenty4-Automatic-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Patek-Philippes-Twenty4-Automatic-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Patek-Philippes-Twenty4-Automatic-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Patek-Philippes-Twenty4-Automatic-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41092" class="wp-caption-text">Patek Philippe&#8217;s Twenty~4 Automatic</figcaption></figure>
Another traditionally macho marque looking to pique the interest of the burgeoning number of women watch collectors is <a href="http://www.patek.com/">Patek Philippe</a>, with the latest expression of its iconic Twenty~4 model – the all-new Twenty~4 Automatic – said to be the first-ever diamond-set steel model manufactured with the madame in mind. In another first, this classic 36mm timepiece comes fitted with a self-winding movement, a sweeping second hand and a dominant date aperture at 6 o’clock. With a staggering 208 Top Wesselton Pure diamonds gracing its bezel and lugs, this is one clear statement accessory.
<figure id="attachment_41093" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41093" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41093" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Portofino-Hand-Wound-Eight-Days-by-IWC.jpg" alt="Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days by IWC" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Portofino-Hand-Wound-Eight-Days-by-IWC.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Portofino-Hand-Wound-Eight-Days-by-IWC-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Portofino-Hand-Wound-Eight-Days-by-IWC-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Portofino-Hand-Wound-Eight-Days-by-IWC-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Portofino-Hand-Wound-Eight-Days-by-IWC-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41093" class="wp-caption-text">Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days by IWC</figcaption></figure>
For the more manly collectors on the lookout for a classic design, the latest iteration of <a href="http://www.iwc.com/">IWC’s</a> Portofino Hand-Wound Eight Days surely merits serious consideration. For this decidedly regal revamp, the signature Portofino look has been refreshed with a slate grey fascia, which pairs compellingly with the brand’s debuting grey-suede straps. Undoubtedly the biggest plus though is its 59210 calibre movement, which twinkles enticingly beneath the transparent sapphire crystal caseback even as it delivers pin-point precision for up to eight days.&nbsp;
<figure id="attachment_41091" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-41091" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-41091" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parrot-Minute-Repeater-pocket-watch-by-Jaquet-Droz.jpg" alt="Parrot Minute Repeater pocket watch by Jaquet Droz" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parrot-Minute-Repeater-pocket-watch-by-Jaquet-Droz.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parrot-Minute-Repeater-pocket-watch-by-Jaquet-Droz-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parrot-Minute-Repeater-pocket-watch-by-Jaquet-Droz-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parrot-Minute-Repeater-pocket-watch-by-Jaquet-Droz-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Parrot-Minute-Repeater-pocket-watch-by-Jaquet-Droz-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-41091" class="wp-caption-text">Parrot Minute Repeater pocket watch by Jaquet Droz</figcaption></figure>
For a truly vintage look, though, discerning wanters of wonderful watches should check out <a href="http://www.jaquet-droz.com/">Jaquet Droz’s</a> new Parrot Minute Repeater. Exquisitely crafted in commemoration of the watchmaker’s 280th anniversary, this one-of-a-kind adornment boasts the brand’s signature Bird Repeater automaton in the form of gloriously-bejewelled macaws perched on its cover, both of which chirp and chime while winding. Blending time-honoured horological artisanship, including enamel inlaying and exquisite gemwork, with cutting-edge precision engineering, this peerless package has a US$1 million price tag – irresistible, though, if you want to end the year in true style.
Text: Tenzing Thondup
&nbsp;

Closing Time: We bid farewell to some of 2018’s most wonderful watches

<div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-39060-1" width="640" height="360" autoplay="1" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/1809/Sep06_AstonMartin.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/1809/Sep06_AstonMartin.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/1809/Sep06_AstonMartin.mp4</a></video></div>

Luxury automaker Aston Martin and haute horology label Tag Heuer hosted a joint cocktail party at Aston Martin’s Happy Valley showroom last week. The occasion celebrated the successful partnership between the two high end brands, while also affording a select group of discerning guests a chance to get up close and personal with their latest designs.
Aston Martin showcased a spectacular white Vantage, a chic convertible DB11 Volante and the striking all-new DB11 AMR. Tag Heuer, meanwhile, put the spotlight on three stunning specimens of its acclaimed Carrera collection, including a model designed in partnership with its British carmaker partner. Check out our exclusive coverage of this special event above.

Aston Martin and Tag Heuer celebrate partnership with exclusive cocktail party

Any contemporary haute horology enthusiast setting off for a spot of seafaring adventure is pretty much spoilt for choice when it comes to selecting the right watch to accompany them on their voyages. Indeed, whether you are looking for a current favourite, something a bit more new wave or a watch with hidden depths from established marques, you won’t be disappointed by these newest nautical timepieces.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-38577 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on.jpg" alt="New nautical timepieces to keep your eye on" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/New-nautical-timepieces-to-keep-your-eye-on-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
With its long and storied history of producing first-class sailing watches, it is only sensible to make Rolex your first port of call. In particular, it is worth seeking out one of the venerable watchmaker’s more recent additions to its nautical range – the Oyster Perpetual Yacht Master II.
<figure id="attachment_38579" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38579" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38579 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-II.jpg" alt="Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht Master II" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-II.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-II-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-II-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-II-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rolex-Oyster-Perpetual-Yacht-Master-II-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38579" class="wp-caption-text">Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht Master II</figcaption></figure>
From the outset, there’s no mistaking its bold maritime allegiance, grandly fore-fronted in both its ocean-blue Activated Ring Command bezel and its aquamarine small seconds dial. It even boasts the marque’s first-ever programmable countdown (complete with a mechanical memory), which neatly rings the small seconds dial.
<figure id="attachment_38582" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38582" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38582 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition.jpg" alt="Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Porto Cervo Edition" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/ZENITH-Defy-El-Primero-21-Porto-Cervo-Edition-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38582" class="wp-caption-text">Zenith Defy El Primero 21 Porto Cervo Edition</figcaption></figure>
Another standout amongst today’s nautical timepieces is Zenith’s all-new Defy El Primero 21 Porto Cervo. Taking its name from the beautiful North Sardinian luxury resort, this is a watch redolent with azure, translucent oceanic glory. Housed in a 44mm titanium case, it comes with a translucent white skeletonised dial and a fetching blue and white power reserve indicator. Released in a limited edition of just 25, if you don’t dive straight in, it will almost certainly be too late.
<figure id="attachment_38578" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38578" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38578 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”.jpg" alt="Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black “Volvo Ocean Race”" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Omega-Seamaster-Planet-Ocean-Deep-Black-“Volvo-Ocean-Race”-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38578" class="wp-caption-text">Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black “Volvo Ocean Race”</figcaption></figure>
Omega has embraced its inner seafarer, bestowing a distinctly rugged and ready look on its new Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black “Volvo Ocean Race”, a celebratory model marking its longstanding role as official timekeeper to the Volvo Ocean Race. Specially constructed to withstand extreme ocean conditions, it boasts stark black straps, a ceramic casebody and an arresting red rubber / Liquidmetal bezel. Black ceramic dials also highlight each watch’s unique limited edition number – as if their look wasn’t exclusive enough.
<figure id="attachment_38576" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38576" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38576 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-Bol-dOr-Mirabaud-2018.jpg" alt="Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol-d'Or Mirabaud 2018" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-Bol-dOr-Mirabaud-2018.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-Bol-dOr-Mirabaud-2018-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-Bol-dOr-Mirabaud-2018-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-Bol-dOr-Mirabaud-2018-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Hublot-Classic-Fusion-Chronograph-Bol-dOr-Mirabaud-2018-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38576" class="wp-caption-text">Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d&#8217;Or Mirabaud 2018</figcaption></figure>
Another sporty timepiece suitable for the most macho of mariners is Hublot’s Classic Fusion Chronograph Bol d’Or Mirabaud 2018. Eschewing traditional gold or steel on its designer dial, the watchmaker has opted instead for a startling black carbon fibre fascia, ably counterpointed by an innovative blue rubber-carbon fibre strap design. An apt celebration of the 80th edition of the Lake Geneva-based Bol d’Or Mirabaud – the world’s largest inland lake regatta – the watch is available in a limited edition of just 80.
<figure id="attachment_38580" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38580" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38580 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tag-Heuer-Aquaracer-Lady-Automatic-Calibre-9.jpg" alt="Tag Heuer Aquaracer Lady Automatic Calibre 9" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tag-Heuer-Aquaracer-Lady-Automatic-Calibre-9.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tag-Heuer-Aquaracer-Lady-Automatic-Calibre-9-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tag-Heuer-Aquaracer-Lady-Automatic-Calibre-9-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tag-Heuer-Aquaracer-Lady-Automatic-Calibre-9-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tag-Heuer-Aquaracer-Lady-Automatic-Calibre-9-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38580" class="wp-caption-text">Tag Heuer Aquaracer Lady Automatic Calibre 9</figcaption></figure>
More marine-minded mademoiselles, meanwhile, may be tempted by TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Lady. While the marque’s DNA is more than apparent in the watch’s 12-sided unidirectional rotating bezel and stainless-steel straps, a touch of novelty is evident in its white SuperLuminova-coated hands and hour markers, an embellishment that sees them glow whenever submerged.
<figure id="attachment_38581" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38581" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38581 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-Out-of-the-Blue.jpg" alt="Ulysse Nardin Freak Out of the Blue" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-Out-of-the-Blue.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-Out-of-the-Blue-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-Out-of-the-Blue-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-Out-of-the-Blue-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ulysse-Nardin-Freak-Out-of-the-Blue-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38581" class="wp-caption-text">Ulysse Nardin Freak Out of the Blue</figcaption></figure>
Ulysse Nardin – a brand long-known to favour the more outré approach to haute horology – may tempt avant garde explorers with its aptly-named Freak Out of the Blue. Dispensing with the traditional crown in favour of a more svelte, open-worked fascia, anchor-shaped hands and an eye-catching ‘flying carousel’ tourbillon complete its look. Lest its coastline-eschewing credential be in any doubt, it even comes with sailcloth straps as standard.
<figure id="attachment_38574" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38574" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-38574 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Corum-Admiral-45-Squelette.jpg" alt="Corum Admiral 45 Squelette" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Corum-Admiral-45-Squelette.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Corum-Admiral-45-Squelette-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Corum-Admiral-45-Squelette-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Corum-Admiral-45-Squelette-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Corum-Admiral-45-Squelette-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-38574" class="wp-caption-text">Corum Admiral 45 Squelette</figcaption></figure>
Clearly not willing to leave the singular approach to nautical timepieces entirely to Ulysses Nardin, Corum’s marine-themed Admiral 45 Squelette embraces the naked, no-dial look in the marque’s own unique style. The latest addition to the Admiral collection, a range with a half-century heritage, the turquoise, yellow or red hues that accent the varied versions of this latest model bestow upon it a distinctly playful ambience.
With the movements of time and tide inextricably bound together in the human psyche, there’s an almost primordial joy to be had in the very finest examples of haute horology that so beguilingly marry the two. Fortunately, few of the world’s finest watchmakers are immune to the allure of such a union, ensuring that precision nautical timepieces are wholly unlikely to ever sink without trace.
Text: Tenzing Thondup

Nautical Timepieces: Marine-inspired watches for the seafaring collectors

The collision between two of mankind’s greatest passions – motoring and watches – was a surprise to almost no one. After all, both were dedicated to pushing boundaries, setting records, and, most importantly, inciting that incurable burst of adrenaline in their enthusiasts. In recent times, though, the pace of new car-watch collaborations hitting the market has revved up significantly.
This hot horology trend has yielded some true standouts. Take, for example, Bulgari’s casual yet sporty <a href="https://www.bulgari.com/en-us/products/102717-e.html">Octo Retro Maserati GranSport</a>, which is perfect for everyday wear. (Check out our extended review of this watch <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/material-world/">here</a>.)
<figure id="attachment_34045" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34045" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34045 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport.jpg" alt="Bulgari's Octo Retro Maserati GranSport" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Bulgaris-Octo-Retro-Maserati-GranSport-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34045" class="wp-caption-text">Bulgari&#8217;s Octo Retro Maserati GranSport</figcaption></figure>
On the more extreme end of the spectrum is the <a href="http://www.rogerdubuis.com/watches/excalibur/excalibur-aventador-s-rddbex0613/">Excalibur Aventador S</a> from Roger Dubuis. Modeled on the engine of a Lamborghini Aventador, it was crafted from the self-same carbon fibre favoured by the Italian supercar maker – a relatively new material in the world of haute horlogerie. It’s the perfect example of how car-watch collaborations have spawned innovative new techniques.
<figure id="attachment_34047" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34047" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34047 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S.jpg" alt="Lamborghini and Roger Dubuis' Excalibur-Aventador S" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Lamborghini-and-Roger-Dubuis-Excalibur-Aventador-S-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34047" class="wp-caption-text">Roger Dubuis&#8217; Excalibur-Aventador S in partnership with Lamborghini</figcaption></figure>
Equally grandiose avant garde is Hublot’s <a href="https://www.hublot.com/en/news/techframe-ferrari-70-years-tourbillon-chronograph">Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph</a>. This particular timepiece was created in celebration of Ferrari’s 70th anniversary. With just 70 pieces made, it’s a true collectors’ piece.
<figure id="attachment_34046" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34046" style="width: 700px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34046 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph.jpg" alt="Hublot's Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Hublots-Techframe-Ferrari-70-Years-King-Gold-Tourbillon-Chronograph-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34046" class="wp-caption-text">Hublot&#8217;s Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph</figcaption></figure>
This brings us to the newest kids on the car-inspired watch block: Tag Heuer’s Formula 1 Aston Martin and Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin. Launched last week at the International Geneva Motor Show, these models were unveiled after an <a href="https://www.tagheuer.com/en/news/tag-heuer-aston-martin-s-official-partner">announcement</a> that Tag Heuer was now the Official Partner, Official Timekeeper and Team Performance Partner for the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team.
<figure id="attachment_34048" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34048" style="width: 466px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-34048 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tag-Heuers-Formula-1-Aston-Martin-and-Carrera-Heuer-01-Aston-Martin.jpg" alt="Tag Heuer's Formula 1 Aston Martin and Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tag-Heuers-Formula-1-Aston-Martin-and-Carrera-Heuer-01-Aston-Martin.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tag-Heuers-Formula-1-Aston-Martin-and-Carrera-Heuer-01-Aston-Martin-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tag-Heuers-Formula-1-Aston-Martin-and-Carrera-Heuer-01-Aston-Martin-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tag-Heuers-Formula-1-Aston-Martin-and-Carrera-Heuer-01-Aston-Martin-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Tag-Heuers-Formula-1-Aston-Martin-and-Carrera-Heuer-01-Aston-Martin-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34048" class="wp-caption-text">Tag Heuer&#8217;s Formula 1 Aston Martin and Carrera Heuer 01 Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>
At the event, Britain’s much-loved motoring company also revealed a brand new Vantage GTE boasting Tag Heuer’s signature colours. The car is set to compete in the upcoming 24 Hours of Le Mans race in June.
The Tag Heuer-Aston Martin relationship is just the latest in a series of car-watch collaborations, but if their new timepieces are anything to go by, it may just be one of the most fruitful.

Two new models from Tag Heuer and Aston Martin just the latest in a series of car-watch collaborations

Car-Watch Collaborations: The latest chapter of horology’s hottest trend

<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31733 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time.jpg" alt="Exploring the 450 watches of Masters of Time" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Exploring-the-450-watches-of-Masters-of-Time-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Duty-free retailer DFS opened its ninth Masters of Time luxury watch exhibition in Macau in extravagant fashion.&nbsp;There were interactive pop-ups, whisky and caviar tastings, and live performances by Hong Kong songstress Jade Kwan and violin DJ Olivia Dawn.
But even without the flash and panache, it’s clear that DFS has its ear to the ground, following the latest haute horlogerie trends in a bid to give high-end watch collectors exactly what they’re looking for.
Over 450 pieces from 30 luxury brands were assembled for this year’s showcase, which runs until 28 February at T Galleria by DFS inside the Shoppes at Four Seasons.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31735 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Unique-timepieces-on-show-at-Masters-of-Time.jpg" alt="Unique timepieces on show at Masters of Time" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Unique-timepieces-on-show-at-Masters-of-Time.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Unique-timepieces-on-show-at-Masters-of-Time-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Unique-timepieces-on-show-at-Masters-of-Time-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Unique-timepieces-on-show-at-Masters-of-Time-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Unique-timepieces-on-show-at-Masters-of-Time-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
Christophe Chaix, Senior Vice President of Global Merchandising at DFS, says there is no real equivalent to Masters of Time.&nbsp;“Of course there are trade shows like Baselworld and SIHH, but there is no other exhibition like this in the world dedicated to the end consumer,” Chaix says.
His confidence is not misplaced. In just nine years, the annual exhibition has become one of Asia’s premier watch events, drawing collectors from China, Singapore, Australia and beyond.
In that time, discerning women collectors have become one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments. No longer satisfied with simple watches in frilly decorative packaging, the fairer sex is now demanding mechanical complications on par with their male counterparts. And Masters of Time has risen to the challenge.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31728 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8.jpg" alt="4. Jacquet Droz Lady 8" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/4.-Jacquet-Droz-Lady-8-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
One of the best models from its selection of women’s watches is Jaquet Droz’s Lady 8 Flower, a perfect blend of beauty and complexity. Fitted with a self-winding mechanical movement, the design’s centrepiece is a lotus perched atop a blue sapphire-studded bezel. A press of the button opens its petals to reveal a faceted diamond briolette rotating on its axis.
Another women’s watch that may appeal to collectors is Breguet’s individually numbered and signed Tradition 7038, the first model for ladies in its Tradition collection. Although slightly on the large side at 37mm, it owes its unmistakable femininity to a diamond-set bezel, mother-of- pearl dial and white alligator leather strap.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31729 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038.jpg" alt="5. Breguet's Tradition Dame 7038" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/5.-Tradition-Dame-7038-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
While complex timepieces for ladies are still relatively rare, Masters of Time is a horological treasure trove for the discerning male collector.
Classic craftsmanship never goes out of style, and Jaeger-LeCoultre is playing to its strengths with the Master Gyrotourbillon 1. Boasting a dual-axis tourbillon movement, this elegant timepiece also shows the date and includes a perpetual calendar and an equation of time complication. The dial’s intricate mother-of-pearl lacework and aventurine stone marquetry evoke images of a clear night sky.
Heritage watches also feature prominently at Masters of Time this year, such as Ulysse Nardin’s Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon. Paying tribute to the brand’s nautical history, the handcrafted marquetry on its pine oak dial imitates a ship’s deck, while the arching minute hand resembles a ship’s boom. Add to that a visible flying tourbillon and this 18-piece model is a guaranteed conversation starter.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31730 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon.jpg" alt="6. Ulysse Nardin's Marine Grand Deck Tourbillon" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/6.-Ulysse-Nardins-Marine-Grand-Deck-Tourbillon-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" />
Another homage timepiece is Blancpain’s limited-edition Tribute to Fifty Fathoms Mil-Spec. The original Fifty Fathoms debuted in 1953 as the world’s first automatic diving watch, and fortunately, the current model retains that vintage vibe while still meeting modern divers’ needs with its uni-rotational bezel and water tightness indicator.
As far as contemporary timepieces go, sports watches are all the rage. In particular, partnerships between luxury car manufacturers and horology houses have spawned some interesting timepieces. Several are on show at Masters of Time, including Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Aventador S (featured in Gafencu’s November issue) and Hublot’s Techframe Ferrari 70 Years King Gold Tourbillon Chronograph.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-31732 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02T-Automatic-Chronograph-45MM.jpg" alt="8 Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Automatic Chronograph 45MM" width="466" height="700" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02T-Automatic-Chronograph-45MM.jpg 466w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02T-Automatic-Chronograph-45MM-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02T-Automatic-Chronograph-45MM-186x280.jpg 186w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02T-Automatic-Chronograph-45MM-120x180.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/8-Tag-Heuer-Carrera-Calibre-Heuer-02T-Automatic-Chronograph-45MM-400x601.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 466px) 100vw, 466px" />
The true feather in DFS’ cap, though, is the special edition Carrera Calibre Heuer 02T Automatic Chronograph 45mm from Tag Heuer. This one-of-a-kind timepiece was created especially for Masters of Time, with its hands, hour markers and strap all outfitted in the luxury retailer’s signature red.
Sadly, this watch is no longer on the market, having been snapped up by an eager collector before the exhibition even began.
With so many watches on display, it’s hard to characterise Masters of Time in a singular way. Suffice it to say, a trip to the exhibition is an illuminating lesson in the sheer diversity that exists in the world of modern watchmaking.
Text: Tenzing Thondup 
Images: DFS

Tag: tag heuer