Firstly, Season’s Greetings from everyone here at Hours and Minutes! A new year brings with it an array of hopes, desires, dreams and resolutions. It’s that time of the year where you take a walk down the memory lane and reflect on the changes that you want or need to make. Deciding on making a change is easy. The execution, well, not so much. So how about we make your life a little easier when it comes to choosing the perfect watch this holiday season. After all, there’s nothing quite like the gift of time…
AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE
This watch celebrates the 50th anniversary of Le Byblos Saint-Tropez. Dedicated to the Byblos hotel, the 18-carat pink gold chronograph features blue transfers as well as pink gold hands and hour markers on a “Mega Tapisserie” dial. The watch is waterproof to 100 meters. The caseback is engraved with the hotel’s anniversary dates and its coat of arms depicting the abduction of Europa by Zeus. The essence of two icons truly makes for a spectacular design.
BAUME & MERCIER PETITE PROMESSE
The Petite Promesse unites fashion and respect for nature. How? Through Banka leather – made from trout skin in vibrant, elegant colours. The fish are farmed in an environment that perfectly suits their needs, where animal welfare ranks above productivity. The trout scales form contrasting patterns that are accentuated by the tanning process. The eye-catching colour makes a bold fashion statement. The leather has a transparent colour effect that brings out the natural scale pattern. With its unique aesthetic, the Petite Promesse has always been a favourite. The new update unifies the collection with the thought process and sensibilities of its fans.
BULOVA CHRONOGRAPH C
The Archive Series revives some of Bulova’s iconic designs updated for today’s sensibilities. This year’s Chronograph C, with its bold red/white/blue dial and thick coin-edge case details, may take design inspiration from the 1970s, but its high-performance quartz chronograph movement is definitely 21st century. A special-edition boxed presentation includes two straps: stainless mesh and navy leather. The Chronograph C is the second in the Archive Series, following the Moon Watch chronograph, the original which went to the moon in 1971.
CHOPARD HAPPY SNOWFLAKES
The legendary moving diamonds of Chopard have always been heralded as poetic icons. Well, this time they sing winter poetry! The mother-of-pearl of the dial shimmers and gleams gracefully. In what can be described as a masterstroke, the handcrafted dainty snowflakes on the dial, watch glass and sides of the case add to a magical illusion on real snow crystals. It’s quite like a snowball brimming with energy.
ORIS BIG CROWN D.26 286 HB-RAG LIMITED EDITION
Oris takes a plunge into the past and seeks inspiration from Dewoitine D.26, an iconic pre-war aircraft that was made in Switzerland and used to train pilots. The watch is based on the original Big Crown design and inherits its fluted bezel and central pointer date hand, now Oris’ signature complication. At 40 mm, it is generous in size. The brown leather strap, green dial and special leather pouch are inspired by finishes and materials in the D.26’s cockpit. The new watch’s case back is embossed with an image of the D.26 286 HB-RAG plane, and also carries an engraving of the limited edition number. The edition is limited to 1931 pieces.
PANERAI LUMINOR 1950 CHRONO MONOPULSANTE 8 DAYS GMT TITANIO – 44MM
The new Luminor 1950 Chrono Monopulsante 8 Days GMT Titanio sets itself apart with its sensational green dial. The watch is presented in a 44mm stainless steel case with the classic bridge lever device, patented by Panerai in the 1950s, to protect the winding crown and to help ensure the water-resistance of the watch. Functions include a linear power reserve indicator at 6 o’clock, seconds counter and am/pm indication relating to the central second time zone hand positioned at 9 o’clock. The minutes of the chronograph are measured by the small counter at 3 o’clock and there is a central seconds hand. All the hands, apart from the GMT function, are gilded and they coordinate harmoniously with the beige markers on the green sandwich dial. Finally the watch is presented in an elegant green cherry wood box. A perfect finish to a perfect timepiece.
RADO TRUE THINLINE COLLECTION
Rado has pioneered the use of ceramic, an incredibly toughened, scratch resistant material; in watchmaking and this year they’ve introduced a new look in four colourful new high-tech ceramic variations. At just 4.9mm, the True Thinline collection conveys a mood of subtle luxury. With their alternating matt and polished high-tech ceramic surfaces, a rhyming of textures permeates the collection. In addition to being lightweight and hypoallergenic, high-tech ceramic is also known for its incredible scratch resistance, making the True Thinline an ideal companion to accompany you throughout the ebb and flow of time.
ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL YACHT-MASTER 40
This is the emblematic nautical watch of the brand and the ruler of the open seas. Crafted in 18 carat Everose gold, it has a black gloss finish dial. It also features a bidirectional rotatable bezel adorned with multicolour sapphires, green tsavorites, and a triangular diamond at 12 o’clock. The elastomer Oysterflex bracelet developed and patented by Rolex adds to the charm. The watch is equipped with calibre 3135. It carries the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015, which ensures singular performance on the wrist. This is a beautiful watch that also celebrates Rolex’s long standing relationship with the world of sailing.
