Rolex Cosmograph Daytona with Cerachrom Bezel
Arguably one of the stars at Baselworld 2016, this fifth generation edition of a Rolex’s cult classic embodies the racing DNA of the original, but has been crafted with the latest watchmaking technology available in manufacture Rolex.
Fashioned from 904L stainless steel, the highlight of this latest evolution of the Daytona is that monobloc Cerachrom bezel that could possibly last a lifetime thanks to ceramic’s ability to resist scratches, corrosion be unaffected by UV rays. And to ensure that the tachymetric scale stands out legibly when called upon to measure speed, a thin layer of platinum has been applied through PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) on the numerals and graduations.
Housed within the Daytona’s 40mm case is a Rolex in-house manufacture calibre 4130. Re-engineered for greater precision and reliability under the demanding race-day circumstances it was designed for, the self-winding mechanical chronograph features a column wheel and vertical clutch that allows for an instantaneous and extremely precise start. Equipped with a self-winding module with perpetual rotor, the watch can keep going for about 72 hours.
Two dial options are available: A white lacquered one with black snailed counters or a black lacquered one with grey snailed counters. The hands and hour markers, like all Rolex Daytona timepieces, are fashioned out of 18ct white gold.
Rolex Air King
Like the prodigal son, the Rolex Air King aviation watch makes a long awaited return with 1940s-style military markings on its dial, and an Air King font that’s a blast from the past. Aficionados will also love the fact that the Air King is the first Rolex to have the crown and signature in different colours – yellow and green! While the minute hands are fashioned out of 18ct white gold, the second hand is painted green for a unique touch.
On the inside of the watch’s 40mm stainless steel case is an in-house caliber 3131 movement that is also COSC certified. But what’s most notable here in this bona fide aviator’s timepiece is that it features a soft iron case which makes it anti-magnetic – something not found in other Rolex professional watches, except the Milgauss.
Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930
It’s only natural that this stunning timepiece was the halo at Patek Philippe’s Baselworld outing this year. A combination of two stunning complications, this top drawer timepiece has married the traditional chronograph with a world time into a single movement, something that connoisseurs have only witnessed once before in 1940 novelty.
Inside the Ref. 5930 is an exemplary example of horological mastery, the CH 28-520 HU manufacture movement combines an automatic chronograph with column-wheel control and a vertical clutch with World Time module. Contrary to its ‘complication’, operating the movement is easy enough, with a pusher at 10 o’clock advancing the hour hand and the two World Time scales in one-hour increments without affecting regular movement.
Housed inside a classic 39.5mm by 12.86mm 18K white gold round case, the silhouette of the Bauhaus-inspired Ref. 96 that was launched in 1932 and the winglet-style strap lugs have bave been harmoniously integrated into this new member.
But what’s immediately noticeable in this impeccably elegant timepiece is the how the blue and silver dial structures the displays of local time, the other 23 time zones, and the chronograph functions in a way that doesn’t confuse the wearer. The time remains in focus while the additional information is intuitive arranged around it. There is even an adjacent 24-hour ring with bright/dark zones as well as sun and moon symbols doubles as a day/night indicator for the World Time readings.
As in all Patek Philippe World Time watches, the dark blue center is dedicated to decorative artistry and manually guilloched. The watch is paired a matt navy blue alligator strap with large square scales to colour-coordinate with the dial while a while gold Calatrava fold-over clasp keeps the watch comfortable when worn.
Omega Speedmaster Grey Side of the Moon “Meteorite”
Appealing to collectors who fancy a wristwatch that’s literally out-of-this-world, the Omega Grey Side of the Moon “Meteorite” features a dial fashioned out of an actual piece of solid meteorite collected when they fall down on earth.
That otherworldly highlight aside, the 44.25mm Speedmaster also features a brushed ceramic case with Ceragold bezel with a tachymeter scale created with a mix of 18K gold and ceramic. Most notably, the finish is smooth with a captivating visual impact. This Ceragold also finds itself on the hands and brushed indexes on the dial. Where it matters, an Omega in-house Co-Axial calibre 9300 sits at the watch’s heart.
Chopard Mille Miglia 2016 XL Race Edition
Generously-sized with a 46mm case, this is one of Chopard’s largest ever chronographs. Classic in style with refined lines enhanced by two traditional pushers and a fluted crown. This classic race car-inspired watch is features a perfectly readable black dial is enlivened by wide Arabic numerals and luminescent hands. A bright red sweep-seconds hand stands out clearly to count off the precious seconds, with the same dramatic precision as you’d see in a race. Immediately telling, this limited run 1,000-piece wristwatch is emblematic of its owner’s love of classic racing cars.
Possibly what a car would look like if it was a watch, the tachymetric scale, satin-brushed dial displays snailed anthracite and black counters resemble car dashboards. Echoing the sweep-seconds hand, the “Rossa Corsa” red arrow-shaped Mille Miglia logo appears both at 12 o’clock on the dial and around the rim of the exhibition case-back.
With a nod to the world of classic racing, this performance-driven watch is ‘powered’ by Chopard’s own brand new calibre 03.05-C self-winding chronograph with a column wheel. Fitted with a finely weathered strap in “Suportlo” calfskin, whose waterproofness and superbly supple feel recall the leather tie-down straps on the bonnet of a racing car.
HYT Skull Bad Boy
Here’s one for those looking to have a little bit of fun as they make a statement. Developed over the course of a year, the Skull Bad Boy is reminiscent of Damascus steel, the same material used for Samurai swords. To achieve this effect, HYT engaged the services of a foundry in the Neuchâtel region to create the raw materials: multiple layers of steel and carbon are folded in on themselves a total of 256 times which leads to a uniquely different final product as no two skulls will have the same finish.
All the functionalities of the original Skull have been preserved. The power reserve
indicator sits in the right eye socket, which gets darker as the piece reaches the end of its 65-hour power reserve. The left eye socket houses the seconds disc, permanently,
imperceptibly, turning. As for the dial, itl comprises two half-moons decorated with the Clous de Paris stud pattern. The indexes are created in a Gothic font that complements the watch’s hard rock look.
This aesthetic is housed within a matte black 51mm case that’s made from microblasted DLC titanium and attached to a buffed alligator strap with hints of slate grey. The Skull Bad Boy is available as a limited edition of 50 pieces.
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