New Rolex 2020 Novelties: Submariner, Sky-Dweller, Datejust 31 and more…
After much anticipation, luxury watch manufacture Rolexhas unveiled its latest designs for 2020, and they truly do not disappoint. Four iconic models from the Swiss haute horology brand’s Oyster Perpetual collection have been revamped as part of the Rolex 2020 Novelties, including the Submariner, the Sky-Dweller, the Datejust and entry-level Oyster Perpetual.
Sky-Dweller
Rolex’s signature world-time Sky-Dweller watch is back in three new iterations – yellow gold with a black dial, Everose gold with a white dial, and Everose gold with a chocolate brown dial. For the first time, it comes fitted with an Oysterflex bracelet, an innovative elastomer strap bequeaths it a more athletic appeal, replete with a power reserve of 72 hours.
Submariner
Eight new versions of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date are also part of the Rolex 2020 Novelties, all redesigned with a slightly larger 41mm case and remodelled bracelet. The latter comes fitted with a calibre 3235 movement, while the former is burnished with the all-new calibre 3230 launched just this year.
Datejust 31
A dazzling array of new Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31 creations have been unveiled, all crafted from white Rolesor and featuring a variety of diamond-set and fluted bezels. Powered by a calibre 2236 movement, it comes in a buyer’s choice of aubergine, mint green, white lacquer or dark grey dials.
Oyster Perpetual
Rounding out the Rolex 2020 Novelties are two new sizes have been introduced to Rolex’s entry-level Oyster Perpetual range. The first is a larger 41mm edition – available with a silver or bright black dial – while the second comes in the form of a more delicate 36mm avatar, replete with a staggering array of lacquer dial hue options, including candy pink, turquoise blue, yellow, coral red and green. Both are fitted with the all-new calibre 3230 movement.
2020-2021 Mentors and Protégés announced for Rolex’s Arts Initiative
Artistic and creative vision may be a constant in our world, but transforming it into an actual work of art requires knowledge and expertise that must be passed down through the generations. It’s a cause wholly supported by luxury Swiss horology brand Rolex, with its Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative aiming to support and perpetuate artistic excellence. Launched in 2002, this project pairs an experienced mentor and an upcoming talent in a particular form of art.
Recently, the luxury brand announced the one-to-one pairs for this cycle (2020-21). This year the chosen fields for the Arts Initiative include film, theatre, visual arts and an open category. Below is a brief mention of the pairs that will be working closely for the next two years.
In the film category, Spike Lee, the director of the Academy award-winning film Blackklansman will be training Kyle Bell – a filmmaker who worked on the Emmy-winning documentary production Osiyo: Voices of the Cherokee People.
Known for directing the groundbreaking musical and film Mamma Mia!, Phyllida Lloyd will be guiding Whitney White – the artist of positively critiqued theatrical creations like What to Send Up When it Goes Down.
As for visual arts, the multi-talented Carrie Mae Weems, who has executed her skills through her films, performances, scripts and more, has chosen to transfer her wisdom to Camila Rodríguez Triana – a Colombian visual artist whose creations have been displayed on exhibitions across Europe and South America.
Lastly, the well-known and award-winning actor Lin-Manuel Miranda will be working on the open category session. The trainee for this will be announced in March.
Click here for more details on this philanthropic mentorship programme.
Life Shared: Romance, relax, Rolex
Since Valentine’s Day is on its way, why not have some style inspirations, with a Rolex timepiece to accessorise, for the perfect date look.
Look 1
On Her
Jacquard jacket and wide-leg pants, chiffon shirt with bow, big-loop earrings with rhinestones, all from Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise collection Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 watch in oystersteel with Everose gold and diamonds by Rolex
On Him
Flannel jacket and slim fit pants, tartan shirt with jewelled collar pins, all by GivenchyOyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in yellow gold by Rolex
Look 2
On Her
Lace top, balloon high-waist pants, logo buckle belt with rhinestones, satin pumps with rhinestones, all from Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise collection
On Him
Silk printed wool sweater and pants, both from Dolce & Gabbana’s Cruise collection
Look 3
Embroidered chiffon dress with shorts, both by Shiatzy Chen Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 watch in oystersteel with Everose gold and diamonds by Rolex
Look 4
On Her
Short-sleeved jacket and lace blouse, both by Shiatzy Chen Leather pants and earrings, both from Givenchy’s Pre-Spring collection
On Him
Jacket, poplin shirt, leather shorts and leather collar strap, all by Prada
Look 5
On Her
Jacquard knitted jacket and white shirt, both by Etro Patent leather platform pumps from Prada’s Resort 2020 collection Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in white gold and diamonds by Rolex
On Him
Patterned jacket, white shirt and pants, all from the BOSS x Meissen Holiday Capsule Collection Sea-Dweller watch in oystersteel and yellow gold by Rolex
Look 6
Flannel double-breasted jacket and trousers, knitted turtleneck, all from Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Spring collection GMT-Master II watch in oystersteel by Rolex
Look 7
On Her
Silk patterned jacket and cropped pants, high-neck pullover, all from Prada’s Resort 2020 collection Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 in oystersteel with white gold and diamonds by Rolex
On Him
Checked jacket and black shirt by Prada GMT-Master II watch in oystersteel by Rolex
Look 8
On Her
Silk ribbed knitted dress, padded Cassette bag and square-toed sandals, all from Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Spring collection
On Him
Checked suit with sweater, lace-up shoes, all from BOSS’ Pre-Spring collection
Look 9
On Her
Oversized jacquard sweater, leather pants, ID flap bag and earrings, all from Givenchy’s Pre-Spring collection Studded booties by Etro
On Him
Draped knot pullover and wool pants, both from Bottega Veneta’s Pre-Spring collection
Last chance to check out Rolex’s A Watch Born to Explore exhibition
For much of its century-long history, luxury watchmaker Rolex hasn’t just wowed the haute horology world with a stunning array of cutting-edge designs, it’s also been party to some of the most significant adventures of exploration known to humankind. To celebrate this unique, adventure-driven heritage, the Swiss marque treated its legion of Hong Kong fans to a special exhibition dubbed “A Watch Born to Explore”.
While this unique showcase has travelled the world, this particular Elements-located iteration is the first time the Fragrant Harbour has featured on its itinerary. Aimed at spotlighting the brand’s involvement in these grand adventures, visitors to watch-bracelet-motifed exhibit will be treated to a series of illustrated panels and films that explore Rolex’s explorations through the ages, be it the first-ever successful summitting of Mount Everest in 1953 or deep-sea voyages to the belly of our planet.
Ample focus has also been given to several of the amazing watches that have been spawned by these experiences, including the Explorer, which was launched the same year that Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hilary climbed Everest, and its successor, the Explorer II, launched in 1971 and long the go-to timepieces for intrepid explorers the world over.
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay atop Mount Everest
The final chapter of the interactive “A Watch Born to Explore” exhibition highlights Rolex’s latest endeavour – its newly-announced Perpetual Planet campaign, a project aimed at supporting key individuals and organisations worldwide in creating solutions to the world’s myriad environmental challenges.
The showcase, which kicked off on Thursday last week, will run for just one more day, so if you’re keen to check out these latest watches and find out more about Rolex’s Perpetual Planet programme, head to Elements mall posthaste.
A Watch Born to Explore Exhibition Date: 5 – 11 September Venue: 1/Fl, Metal Zone, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui
All Time Highs: Clock these evergreen classic timepieces…
1. Happy Sport watch in 18K rose gold with diamonds by Chopard
2. Lady Jour des Fleurs watch in white gold with pavéd diamonds, spinels, tsavorites and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels
3. Charms Romance Parisienne Rencontre watch in rose gold with diamonds, spessartites, mother-of-pearl and sapphires by Van Cleef & Arpels
4. Baignoire Allongée watch with 18K pink gold case by Cartier
Four-piece porcelain tray set by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; silver vide poche with hand-painted finishing, all by Tiffany & Co.
All lipsticks by Gucci
1. Emperador Coussin XL 700P watch with diamond-set 18K pink gold case by Piaget
2. Patrimony Retrograde Day-Date watch with 18K 5N pink gold case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Seamaster Diver 300M watch in 18K Sedna™ gold with ceramic bezel by Omega
Dalian chess board game in bullcalf leather; lacquered small box with wood cover, both by Hermès
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky
1. Arceau 78 watch with stainless steel case by Hermès
2. Portofino Chronograph watch with 18K 5N gold case by IWC 3. Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II watch in Oystersteel by Rolex
Lacquered wood tray with leather handle; Celebes lacquered small bowl with wood cover, both by Hermès
Johnnie Walker Blue Label blended Scotch whisky
1. Hortensia Bolero watch with diamond-set 18K yellow gold case by Chaumet
2. Possession watch in 18K white gold with pavéd diamonds by Piaget
3. Montblanc Bohème Automatic Date watch
4. J12 watch in white ceramic and steel by Chanel
Bear and Block three-piece China set; Everyday Objects crystal glass apple box with sterling silver lid; Tiffany x Steiff Return to Tiffany Lover teddy bear in mohair; all by Tiffany & Co.
Beauty products by Chanel
1. De Ville Trésor watch with 18K Moonshine™ gold case by Omega
2. Overseas Self-Winding watch with diamond-set stainless steel case by Vacheron Constantin
3. Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 watch in 18K yellow gold with diamonds by Rolex
4. Portofino Automatic 34 watch with diamond-set 18K 5N gold case by IWC
Tartan Dye cashmere; Fenetres Sur Ciel boxes in hand-painted lacquer, all by Hermès
Round porcelain dish; metallic vide poche in porcelain; Bear and Block frame in sterling silver, all by Tiffany & Co.
1. Midnight Landscapes White Creek watch in white gold with mother-ofpearl by Van Cleef & Arpels
2. L.U.C XP watch with stainless steel case by Chopard
3. Panthères et Colibri watch in 18K rhodium-finished white gold with diamonds by Cartier
Celebes lacquered small, medium boxes and centrepiece, all topped with wood covers, all by Hermès
Photos: Jack Law
Art Direction & Styling: San Wong
Sub Dial: Exploring the hidden depths of the finest new dive watches
There was a time when dive watches were primarily practical necessities, essential safety aids for underwater explorers, intrepid or otherwise. Take, for instance, the 1926 edition of the Rolex Oyster, a watch that incorporated the world’s first hermetically-sealed waterproof case, or the 1932 Omega “Marine”, a timepiece certified by the Swiss Laboratory for Horology as capable of withstanding depths of up to 135m.
Now, though, a state-of-the-art diver’s chronometer is less likely to see the bottom of the sea than a blind aquaphobic, with such elegant precision timepieces being more a status symbol than a life-or-death depth aid. Regardless of their changing role, there’s something about their maritime orientation that still brings out the very best in many of the world’s finest watchmakers, with seven relatively recent releases more than testifying to that.
Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms Barakuda
First up is Blancpain’s latest iteration of its legendary Fifty Fathoms model – the Fifty Fathoms Barakuda. First revealed to the world in 1953, it was swiftly adopted by the highly-trained combat swimmers of the French Marine Corps. Later, in the ’60s, a dual-tone version regularly graced the wrists of the German Bundesmarine, courtesy of a proprietary arrangement with Barakuda, a Hamburg-based manufacturer of diving equipment. It is this iconic edition that is the direct forebear of the 2019 version, which boasts the self-same two-tone notes and tropical rubber strap. Fitted with a 1151 self-winding movement and water-resistant to 300m, just 500 of these tide-proof timepieces will ever see the light of day.
Glashütte Original’s SeaQ Panorama Date
Another reinterpretation of a classic diver’s watch comes courtesy of Glashütte Original, with its new SeaQ Panorama Date giving a knowing nod to the brand’s own much-acclaimed 1969 Spezimatic. As well as being water-resistant up to a depth of 300m and having its date aperture unusually placed at 4 o’clock, it also features white numerals on its sunray-finished black (or blue) dial, while its beautiful Calibre 36-13 movement is visible through its transparent sapphire-crystal caseback. The choice of grey nylon mesh straps or a stainless-steel bracelet is left to the purchaser.
IWC’s Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good”
Taking a more charitable approach to dive watches is IWC, with its 13-year partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation spawning the Aquatimer Chronograph Edition “Laureus Sport for Good”. Powered by a proprietary Calibre 89365 movement, complete with a flyback function, it also features a hacking seconds subdial at 6 o’clock, a 60-seconds counter at 12 o’clock and an external / internal rotating bezel that ensures the utmost precision in dive time measurements. Engraved on its caseback is the winning artwork from this year’s Laureus World Sports Awards, co-hosted by IWC.
Carl F. Bucherer’s Patravi TravelTec
Clearly looking to maximise its global appeal is Carl F. Bucherer, with the high-end watchsmith launching a new Petrol Blue edition of its well-loved Patravi TravelTec. Functional to depths of 500m, this 46.6mm model offers three different time zone displays and comes fitted with a high-precision CFB 1901.1 automatic movement. Its eye-catching marine-motifed design, meanwhile, is manifested most memorably in its Petrol Blue dial and matching, highly-durable rubber straps.
Tudor Pelagos
Another true pioneer of dive watches is Tudor, with the Geneva-based haute horology house having introduced its first such model back in 1954. It is now looking to revisit this particular past glory via the Tudor Pelagos, a timepiece seen by many as setting a new high-water mark for underwater chronograms. Although certified as waterproof to 500m, each watch has actually endured factory testing to a depth of 625m. In addition, this rugged timepiece comes fitted with a 70-hour power reserve and a titanium case and bracelet said to be 40 percent lighter than any stainless-steel equivalent. Finally, its hour markers, hands and ceramic bezel indicators are all coated with a layer of luminescent Luminova for perfect deep-sea legibility.
Rolex’s Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller
Looking to take precision dive watches to new heights – or, rather, depths – of submergibility, meanwhile, is Rolex with its newly-minted Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller. Renowned as the brand behind the first-ever waterproof wristwatch, the latest addition to its range comes crafted in Rolesor – the marque’s proprietary gold and steel alloy – and sees 18K yellow gold used for the first time in this particular collection. With durability its core design conceit, it features a triple waterproof system said to be resistant to depths of 1,220m.
Seamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional by Omega
As to the ultimate deep-sea-voyaging statement timepiece, arguably, it may well be Omega’sSeamaster Planet Ocean Ultra Deep Professional. This, after all, was the watch on the wrist of American adventurer Victor Vescovo when he reached the 10,928m-deep bottom of the Mariana Trench earlier this year. Not only did this super-slim (less than 28mm) watch remain wholly functional, it is actually guaranteed to do so to depths of a further 4,000m. Shouldn’t let you down while you’re checking the time in a rainy golf club car park then, should it?
Text: Tenzing Thondup
Beacons of Hope: The Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2019’s five newest Laureates
Legendary watchmaker Rolex recently took over the iconic Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC for a truly special event – the awards ceremony announcing the five newest recipients of its biennial Rolex Awards for Enterprise. Launched in 1976, the awards were designed to foster the spirit of enterprise in worthy causes ranging from protecting and cultivating the environment and humanity’s cultural heritage to advancing human knowledge and well-being.
Rolex Awards for Enterprise 2019 Laureates (from left): Brian Gitta, Krithi Karanth, Grégoire Courtine, Miranda Wang and João Campos-Silva
In line with the haute horology house’s long-standing commitment to preserving the world around us, the Rolex Awards will now stand as a central pillar in its newly-announced Perpetual Planet campaign, a project aimed at supporting key individuals and organisations worldwide in creating solutions to the world’s myriad environmental challenges.
As recipients of the 2019 Rolex Awards for Enterprise, the five new Laureates not only received considerable funding for their various humanitarian and conservation projects as well as a global platform from which to promote their causes, but also walked away with a Rolex chronometer of their very own.
“These are not achievement awards,” proclaimed Rebecca Irvin, Rolex’s head of philanthropy, “They are awards for people who are on the verge of doing something really important.”
WINNERS OF THE 2019 ROLEX AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE
Miranda Wang
Canadian molecular biologist Miranda Wang has been passionate about solving the plastic waste problem since her school days. Her company, BioCellection, has developed a groundbreaking process that transforms unrecyclable single-use plastics into valuable chemicals for the manufacturing industry. Demonstrably proven to have the same quality as products made from virgin oil, her process also notably reduces carbon dioxide emissions that would result from plastics being dumped or burned.
Next, Wang hopes to develop a fully commercial processing plant utilising this innovative method, a move she predicts will recycle 45,000 tonnes of plastic waste by 2023, thereby eliminating 320,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Grégoire Courtine
French medical scientist Grégoire Courtine has found a solution to help paralysed individuals walk again via an innovative, minimally-invasive treatment that implants an electronic “bridge” implanted between the brain and the spine. Through wireless technology, the neuroprosthetic bridge can restore immediate voluntary control over leg muscles, and has successfully rehabilitated several patients.
Courtine will now embark on a new clinical trial with three paralysed patients, one that will implant a newly-upgraded brain-spine bridge to allow independent control of the neural signals without use of external technology. If successful, it could be expanded to treat other sufferers of spinal-cord paralysis.
Krithi Karanth
Violent clashes between India’s rural farmers and native wildlife populations are all too common. Clashes over limited resources and space often result in damages and death on both sides – including those of endangered tigers, elephants and leopards. While the Indian government does provide compensation, many remain unaware of this provision. That’s where conservation scientist Krithi Karanth comes in. Her approach to mitigating human-wildlife tension is to help those affected – especially the illiterate – in filing for compensation. She has also implemented educational initiatives to increase awareness among the next generation.
Now, she wants to expand her programme to three more national parks and 1,000 more villages, using mobile technology to identify conflict hotspots, and field-test anti-wildlife measures to keep people and their livestock safer.
Brian Gitta
Over 220 million people suffer from malaria each year, resulting in nearly 500,000 fatalities. It’s a tragedy made sadder by the reality that malaria is curable disease if diagnosed promptly. That is the aim of Ugandan IT specialist, Brian Gitta. Current tests require a blood sample, equipment and a trained technician. However, Gitta’s team has developed the Matiscope portable electronic device, capable of bloodlessly diagnosing malaria in under two minutes by detecting any magnetic residue in the blood shed by the malaria parasite.
Gitta now hopes to improve the Matiscope’s diagnostic accuracy to at least 90 percent, while also convincing medical professionals and patients that his non-invasive technology is a cheaper and more efficient means of testing, one that could transform Africa’s war against malaria.
João Campos-Silva
The world’s largest scaled freshwater fish – the giant arapaima – is on the brink of extinction. Long a staple food source to native Amazonians, overfishing, habitat fragmentation and other human impacts have decimated its population. However, Brazilian fisheries biologist João Campos-Silva is determined to reverse this process, while also helping increase quality of life for the indigenous human inhabitants. To that end, he has partnered with locals to foster careful fishery management practices that have yielded an amazing 30-fold increase in arapaima numbers.
Now, Campos-Silva hopes to upscale his model of wildlife conservation to a 2,000km stretch of the Juruá River, a southern tributary of the Amazon River, while also improving the lives of the 60 communities inhabiting that area.
Text: Tenzing Thondup
Gifts For Your Graduate: Our favourite luxury graduation presents
High school graduation season is nearly here, and with it comes the season of giving graduation presents to your special and wholly-deserving graduate.
Evolving from the teenage steps of secondary school to the more adult roles of university education is truly an exciting new chapter in any youth’s life — not to mention one that comes with more independence, and as a consequence, more responsibilities. Therefore, it’s only fitting to spoil your university-bound loved one and gift them with a practical pressie to make their transition into college life with style and practicality.
Razer
Perhaps the most practical and most needed item of any university-bound youth is a brand new laptop. With deadlines, group projects and all-nighters in the library, many students may end up considering their precious PC as their best friend. Just as sharp as its name, the Razer Blade from Razer is the perfect laptop to lug across campus as it’s ultra lightweight and ideal not only for work but for those Netflix nights that are sure to come in between study breaks. www.razer.com
Prada
As we’ve just established, the laptop is often the go-to friend of any campus resident – and what better way to treat that new best friend than with a comfy new home courtesy of Prada‘s Black Small Customizable Briefcase. The nylon made case comes in sheer black, making it undoubtedly suited to fit the style of both guys and gals who want to remain fashionable on campus. Most importantly, it comes with a supportive shoulder strap that won’t weight them down. www.prada.com
Estée Lauder
Undergraduates are often told they must only pick two of the following three if they wish to succeed in their freshman year: good grades, social life or sleep. You’ve probably guessed it, sleep is the one that is often sacrificed. And so, what better gift to help preserve the health of their sleep-deprived dermis than to give them some face masks? Estée Lauder‘s Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask will not only save your kiddo from booking a trip to the spa when they could have been studying, but will also keep them committed to taking care of their health despite their hectic schedule. www.esteelauder.com.hk
Rolex A watch is perhaps the most gentle of reminders that, despite remaining devoted and dear parents, you simply won’t be around to help micro-manage your adoring freshman’s schedule anymore. That’s why Rolex‘s Datejust 41 makes a fantastic present. Equipped with an instantaneous date with rapid settings and stop-seconds for precise time setting, there will be no excuses for missed buses and, of course, deadlines. www.rolex.com
POLAROID
Don’t be afraid to admit that, with your once-little one heading off to uni, that you’re afraid you might miss all the new moments, big and small. While you needn’t worry about the parental case of FOMO as Generation Y has been known to post a photo or two or 10,000 online, what better way to help them preserve the memories than with the ONESTEP+ I-TYPE INSTANT CAMERA from Polaroid. Not only will they be able to capture the memories, but they’ll also likely have something to decorate with now too. www.lanecrawford.com/product/polaroid
Cartier
While it certainly isn’t one of the most practical presents of our list, it is certainly the prettiest. To celebrate your newly minted grad’s latest milestone, the Trinity Bracelet fromCartier will certainly do the trick. Made with 18K white gold, rose gold and yellow gold, its gorgeous design will be a perfect reminder that with hard work and patience, one day your girly grad will be able to buy herself her own precious jewels. www.cartier.com/hk
A Hint of Basel: Haute horological treasures from Baselworld 2019
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.
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.
MB&F Legacy Machine FlyingT
Female watch fans were in for a particular treat with MB&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.
Chanel Boy∙friend Skeleton Black Edition
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.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic
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.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master 42
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.
TAG Heuer Autavia Isograph
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 – a fittingly innovative touch for a watch that has already won fans the world over.
Patek Philippe Alarm Travel Time Ref. 5520P
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.
Chopard L.U.C Flying T Twin
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
Introducing: The latest additions to Rolex’s superb Oyster Perpetual range
As the much-awaited Baselworld 2019 finally opened its doors this week, haute horology enthusiasts the world over were at the edge of their seats to see exactly what the top names in watchmaking would be unveiling. In particular, anticipation for the latest designs from much-loved Swiss horology pros Rolex were at an all time high. And it did not disappoint, releasing several superb additions to its classic Oyster Perpetual range. Here are three particular designs that merit special mention.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona
Cosmograph Daytona
Long the favoured watch of racing drivers the world over, the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona first debuted in 1963. The recently-unveiled model, though, is a stark departure from the traditionally ruggedly masculine design aesthetics. Injecting an element of haute joaillerie into the mix, the black lacquer dial boasts champagne-coloured counters and a shimmering diamond surface, while the classic tachymetric scale on the bezel has been replaced entirely by baguette-cut diamonds. Despite its flashy looks, the Calibre 4130 movement within remains at the very cutting edge of haute horology.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller 43mm
Sea-Dweller 43mm
The first Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller first debut over half a century ago as part of Rolex’s bid to appeal to serious deep-sea divers. While the brand had already introduced its first dive watch – the Submariner – this particular model was created to function in even more extreme underwater conditions. The latest design is the model’s first-ever yellow Rolesor gold-Oystersteel incarnation, and outsizes its predecessors with its 43mm diameter. Waterproof to a staggering 1,220m depth, this may just be Rolex’s most advanced tool watch yet.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31
Datejust 31
Another debutante Oystersteel-yellow Rolesor gold model is the femme-focussed Oyster Perpetual Datejust 31. Targetted at the burgeoning segment of lady collectors, it features an unusual olive-green sunray-finish dial, with its only concession to outré femininity evident in the diamonds adorning its 6 o’clock hour marker. Even more excitingly, the Datejust 31 features an all-new Calibre 2236 movement which is said to offer even more superior performance thanks to deft touches like its silicon Syloxi hairspring.
A watch is perhaps the most gentle of reminders that, despite remaining devoted and dear parents, you simply won’t be around to help micro-manage your adoring freshman’s schedule anymore. That’s why Rolex‘s Datejust 41 makes a fantastic present. Equipped with an instantaneous date with rapid settings and stop-seconds for precise time setting, there will be no excuses for missed buses and, of course, deadlines. 
