Exquisite Accessories With A Hint Of Chinese Heritage

Elevate your wardrobe with these stunning accessories that add so much glamour to your look and have you celebrating Chinese culture in a fashionable style. From a crystal-embedded Gucci purse to a diamond-bezel Chopard watch, check out Gafencu’s pick of the best accessories.

Clockwise from top to bottom:
Vanguard Lady Crazy Hours timepiece by Franck Muller
Vanguard Heart Skeleton timepiece by Franck Muller
Double Mystery timepiece by Franck Muller

From top to bottom:
Intreccio Padded bag by Bottega Veneta
Goya Puffer mini bag by Loewe
Origami Rabbit by Indigo Living

From left to right:
Mini gold metallic minaudiere with crystals ribbon and chain shoulder strap by Gucci
RV Broche hair band by Roger Vivier
Lipstrass pump by Christian Louboutin
Jasper Oblong serving tray by Indigo Living

From top to bottom:
Green Carpet collection watch in white gold set with marquise-cut rubies, rubies and diamonds by Chopard
Red Flora Coupe side plate by Indigo Living
Temptations collection necklace in white gold set with pear-shaped tourmalines, oval-shaped rubies,
pear-shaped amethysts, diamonds and amethysts by Chopard
High Jewellery collection earrings in white gold set with rubies and diamonds by Chopard

From top to bottom:
Red Hydrangea stems by Indigo Living
Ruby Low Dimos Thick Glass vase by Indigo Living
Paloma bag by Christian Louboutin
Sunglasses by Cartier
Raspberry Pink case by Rimowa
Gold Anagram Chevaliere ring by Loewe

(Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction & Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma Videographer: Jack Fontanilla)

Bare-faced Glory: The timeless allure of skeletonised dials

Even though they seem the very epitome of contemporary design, skeletonised dials have been around for centuries. Indeed, they date back to the eighteenth century when André Charles Caron – clockmaker to King Louis XV of France – first eschewed all the window dressings of a timepiece to afford clear views of the intricate machinery beneath. Since then, the open-worked aesthetic has charmed haute horology enthusiasts the world over, be it to exemplify a minimalist theme or spotlight avant-garde stylings. Below, we highlight seven superlative new examples of this transparent motif.

Cartier Privé Tank Chinoise

First up is Cartier’s 100-piece Privé Tank Chinoise, the latest avatar of the iconic design first launched exactly a century ago in 1922. As its name suggests, it embodies a distinct Oriental allure. Ringed by a diamond-studded bezel and housed in a platinum case, its fascia is dominated by vertical and horizontal bars inspired by the traditional architecture of ancient Chinese temples. Peeking out beneath these stripes are the inner workings of the brand’s new 9627 MC manual-winding movement, the elaborate stylings of which can be better viewed through its transparent caseback.

H. Moser & Cie Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton

Next to the table is the ultra sleek Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton from Swiss manufacture H. Moser & Cie. Blending minimalism and extravagance in equal measure, graceful anthracite PVD-finished bridges hold the hour-and-minute Funky Blue fumé domed subdial at 12 o’clock, contrasted beautifully with the timepiece’s pièce de résistance – a one-minute flying tourbillon – on the bottom half of its fascia. Visible underneath is the automatic calibre HMC 811 movement, which churns out a generous 72-hour power reserve.

Montblanc 1858 The Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE58

From Hamburg-headquartered Montblanc comes the 1858 The Unveiled Secret Minerva Monopusher Chronograph LE58. Available in a limited release of 58 pieces, this blue-on-steel creation pays tribute to the maison’s historic Minerva manufacture – a famed watchmaking facility known for its specialisation in precision-engineered chronographs and folded into the brand in 2006 – by ‘unveiling’ one of its handmade movements beneath its open-worked dial, in this instance, the MB 16.29 calibre. The traditional transparent caseback, meanwhile, has been replaced with a beautiful engraved relief of the aforementioned Villeret factory.

Piaget Polo Skeleton

For a more slimmed down finish, though, look no further than Piaget’s latest Polo Skeleton. Unsurprisingly for a label that holds several records in crafting hyper-thin designs, its latest offering boasts one of the world’s thinnest mechanical movements: the skeletonised 1200S1, which measures a scant 2.4mm. Injecting an element of sparkle to proceedings, its 42mm white gold case is graced with a staggering 1747 brilliant-cut diamonds across its dial, bezel, case and bracelet. Deftly fusing high-end watchmaking with haute joaillerie know-how in one attractive package, this is a timepiece that will surely ensnare any passing gaze.

Chopard L.U.C Full Strike Sapphire

Opting for a wholly transparent aesthetic, meanwhile, is Chopard’s new LUC Full Strike Sapphire. To fully enhance the chiming function of this minute repeater watch, its entire case has been fashioned from a translucent sapphire case, with its crystal gongs similarly crafted from that same material. At the heart of its skeletonised fascia beats the 533-part calibre LUC 08.01-L movement that boasts five new patents to achieve the clarity of its sounding of the hours, quarters and minutes.

Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier EX0953

A more outré example of the open-worked motif comes courtesy of Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Monobalancier EX0953, whose sharp geometric lines and sand-blasted finishing gives it an almost industrial appeal. Housed in a 42mm Eon gold case ringed with 60 round-cut diamonds, it affords direct views of the RD 720SQ calibre movement underneath. The ruby accents of the mechanism, meanwhile, are perfectly accentuated with purple calf-leather straps.

Rebellion T-500 Titanium

The final entrant on our list is none other than the T-500 Titanium by Swiss watchmaker Rebellion. Exuding an undeniable avant-garde aura, this rectangular timepiece’s see-through dial perfectly displays its unusual timekeeping mechanism. Under the curved sapphire dome, the 380-part manual winding vertical movement and six barrels that charge its jaw-dropping 420-hour energy reserve is on full display. Further underscoring its race car-esque appeal, the traditional hour-and-minute indicators have been eschewed in favour of two parallel rollers at the centre of its fascia. Available in the buyer’s choice of blue, red, orange, green or black, it’s the perfect choice for watch enthusiasts enamoured with a bit of experimental horology.

(Text: Tenzing Thondup)

George Daniels Prime Pocket Watch Headlines Auction

While ‘modern pocket watch’ may seem somewhat oxymoronic in terminology terms, a particularly prized example of just such a haute horological highlight – a George Daniels Grand Complication pocket watch – stunned industry insiders recently when it sold for a staggering US$2.4 million, an all-time high among the specially-sourced lots going under the gavel in Geneva this season.

While many may not be familiar with the name ‘George Daniels’, he is an English horologist of a 1926-2011 vintage and oft considered one of the greatest watchmakers of his generation. His chief claim to fame lies in his invention of the co-axial escapement, a monumentally innovative mechanism that continually keeps precise time without the watch’s movement requiring any conducive lubrication.

This particular pocket watch, created at the height of the ’70s Quartz Crisis, features that very mechanism, as well as Daniels’ first-ever instantaneous perpetual calendar, a retrograde date, a minute repeater, a thermometer, an equation of time and a power reserve indicator.

Obviously only too aware of its value, Alexandre Ghotbi, head of sales for Phillips Geneva, described this unique statement timepiece as “the greatest horological invention of the last 200 years.” And he should know.

Omega celebrates 25th anniversary of iconic Seamaster Diver 300M in HK

Renowned Swiss watchmaker Omega picked Hong Kong’s Maritime Museum as an apt venue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the luxury marque’s iconic Seamaster Diver 300M timepiece. A select group of lucky haute horology enthusiasts and VIP guests were wined and dined in true aquatic style as they discovered the unique heritage behind this most luxurious of maritimepieces.

The Maritime Museum was transformed into an under the sea universe that took its guests on an immersive deep-sea experience. The aqua-esque journey began with guests entering through a diving tunnel projected with rolling sea waves. The discovery of twelve vintage Seamaster pieces were found at the end of the passageway, including past watches from OMEGA’s Museum in Bienne, Switzerland. Of the vintage pieces presented were the James Bond Limited Edition timepieces from films such as Die Another Day (2002), and Quantum of Solace (2008).

Not to be set adrift, guests of OMEGA were given a taste of the sea with a unique sea salt tasting and cocktail mixing workshop, following a submersion into underwater photo and video booths.

The conch of the event was but of course the new Seamaster Diver 300M models. Paying tribute to the past 25 years OMEGA has given the legendary brand a fitting facelift, with new designs and elements such as ceramic dials with laser-engraved waves. Sure to rock the boat is the new ceramic bezels with diving scales in Ceragold™ or white enamel. Driven by the Master Chronometer movement each piece is certified at the highest standard of precision, performance, and magnetic resistance within the watchmaking industry.

This aquatic adventure carries on as OMEGA is also celebrating 70 years since the very first Seamaster model was first unveiled. Emerging from its luxurious depths in 1948, the watch remains the trusted choice for deep-sea divers, sailors, and, of course, all discerning collectors with an eye for seafaring adventures.

Find more of OMEGA‘s dashing watches here before the limited editions drift away.

Racing Time: Cars star Paul Newman’s watch on the block

In many ways, the vintage collectible watch market owes its existence to the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona. Named after the late Hollywood icon who voiced the part of Doc Hudson in Cars, these now discontinued variations of the classic Cosmograph Daytona gained prominence in 1972 after Newman began sporting the watch while indulging his penchant for auto racing.

Although the majority of Newman’s Daytona collection resides with his immediate family, 2017 marks the first time any such pieces will be available to the public. Once gifted to James Cox – teenage boyfriend to Newman’s daughter, Nell Potts – the current Reference 6329 Daytona is slated to be sold at Phillip’s New York auction on 26 October.

The watch possesses historic provenance and rare features. Originally given to Newman by his wife of 50 years, Joanne Woodward, the caseback of this timepiece is engraved with a loving declaration urging the Cool Hand Luke star to “Drive Carefully, Me”. The cream dial, weathered by a gentle patina, has not been restored since the watch was originally manufactured.

Cox recalls Newman’s acerbic wit when the latter gifted the timepiece to him in 1984: “Here’s a watch. If you wind it, it tells pretty good time”. For contemporary collectors, it tells something more – a pretty remarkable story.

Whirlwind Romance: Watch aficionados swoon over tourbillons, but what exactly do they do?

In June 1801, Abraham-Louis Breguet patented the watch component he named the tourbillon, which is French for whirlwind, or vortex. The entire escapement – escape wheel, balance and spring – were mounted in a moving carriage to offset the effects of gravity by averaging out positional errors.

The name tourbillon turned out to be an apposite one. It created a storm in watchmaking circles, and today’s timepieces from the world’s greatest makers more often than not incorporate the device. As yet, no one has improved upon the invention that is well over 200 years old, though there have been a number of variations, such as the flying tourbillon, which is mounted at just one point. While tourbillons feature on most complicated watches, they are not, strictly speaking, complications themselves.

For tourbillon lovers, the technical details are just as important as precision timekeeping and, of course, the watch’s ability to simply look good on the wrist. Most timepieces that house the devices display them with pride through a special window on the face, or dispense with the face altogether in favour of a skeletonised movement that bares all. To guide you through the maelstrom of variations, Gafencu has chosen eight of the best.

We would be remiss not to begin with Breguet. The Marine Équation Marchante 5887 is a nod to the fact that Breguet was appointed the official chronometer maker to the French Royal Navy in 1815. The “equation” in the name refers to the watch’s ability to calculate the difference between Mean Solar Time and True Solar Time. Two distinctive minute hands indicate each, and a perpetual calendar executes the calculation while also taking leap years into consideration.

The tourbillon, which comes in a titanium carriage, is displayed in a window at the 5 o’clock position and has a one-minute rotation cycle. The case comes in either 950 platinum or rose gold, with a sapphire-crystal case-back. And in homage to its nautical heritage, Breguet has made it water-resistant to 100m.

Unlike Breguet, Cartier is best known for its jewellery watches, but the brand doesn’t shy away from complications. The Rotonde de Cartier Minute Repeater Mysterious Double Tourbillon has a tourbillon that takes 60 minutes to rotate, but the sapphire-crystal disc in which it’s mounted takes five minutes to do a full rotation. The open-work display and contrasting black rhodium plating further highlight the fine work within.

The watch houses a minute repeater, and for this Cartier has maximised the acoustic properties of the timepiece. The hammers, for instance, are made of hardened steel, ensuring a richness of sound. The timepiece is certified “Poinçon de Genève”, which attests to the expertise of the maker’s craftsmen.

Montblanc, on the other hand, incorporates its patented mechanism into a distinctly feminine timepiece. Montblanc says its Bohème ExoTourbillon Slim watch is superior for two reasons: the weight of the tourbillon cage is disconnected from the balance wheel, and the weight of the cage itself has been minimised, resulting in a higher degree of precision.

Four of the 18 screws on the balance wheel can be adjusted for fine tuning, while the watch has a power reserve of two days. The MB M29.24 movement features the Côtes de Genève decoration en éventail (fan-shaped Geneva stripes) on the bridges and micro-rotor, as well as mirror polishing on the tourbillon bridge and satin-finishing on the main plate. It has a diamond pavé of 144 Top Wesselton diamonds and a further 58 on the bezel, all set in a rose-gold case.

Vacheron Constantin’s tonneau-shaped Malte Tourbillon also uses a distinctive design – the Maltese cross. It appears on the face and also forms the tourbillon bridge. Available in rose gold with a sapphire crystal case-back that reveals the movement, this dark-faced timepiece makes a bold statement.

Its manually-wound 2795 movement has been specially built to fit a tonneau case, and it bears all the fine detailing one would expect from one of the world’s oldest watchmakers. Eleven baton-shaped hour-markers and one rose-gold Roman numeral mark the time, while the timepiece can be left to its own devices for nearly two days thanks to its long power reserve.

Likewise, Roger Dubuis has never been shy of daring, innovative designs. The Excalibur Spider Carbon Skeleton Flying Tourbillon is nothing if not eye-catching – a watch aficionado’s dream of precision engineering in masculine red and black. The use of carbon, and its subsequent weight reduction, gives it a power reserve of 90 hours. The watch takes the automotive world as its inspiration, and according to the maker, the base plate and bridge represent a chassis, with the case resembling a car body and the tourbillon akin to an engine. Production is limited to just 88 pieces.

From Swiss watchmaker Piaget comes The Altiplano Tourbillon High Jewellery 41mm, featuring an ultra-light and ultra-thin tourbillon carriage. After all, the watchmaker is renowned for its fine, thin timepieces. This particular watch was made to celebrate 60 years of the Altiplano range, and it proves to be a fitting tribute.

The 18-carat white gold watch is set with no fewer than 265 brilliant-cut diamonds and 48 baguette-cut diamonds on the bezel; the face features a hand-crafted guilloché pattern on gold, coated with translucent blue-grey enamel. The flying tourbillon indicating the seconds at 2 o’clock nicely balances the main dial at 8 o’clock. The look is topped off with a stylish black alligator leather strap.

Another standout piece, A. Lange & Söhne’s Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon, is a rare beast. For one thing, the maker has decided not to showcase the tourbillon through a window, perhaps out of concern that to do so would be ostentatious. Fear not, though – it can be viewed through the case-back. Secondly, the watch has three complications and five sub-functions, yet manages to display all indications on the face in a highly organised and, dare we say, Teutonic way.

In addition to having a column-wheel chronograph complication, the watch features a perpetual calendar and moon-phase indicator which, after 122.6 years, will deviate by just one day. The maker’s signature outsized date in two adjacent windows is at the top of the face, while the power-reserve indicator is between 9 and 10 o’clock.

If a conventional tourbillon just doesn’t float your boat, Hublot has introduced one that spins on two planes. In addition to rotating in a normal fashion, the entire device rotates a full 360 degrees on a perpendicular axis at the rate of twice a minute. The MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis is therefore quite a chunky affair, and a window on the side of the case showcases the spinning gizmo in all its glory.

The automatic movement has a generous five-day power reserve, while the date – which can be moved backwards and forwards with the lever positioned at 9 o’clock – is indicated in one of two semicircles below the main dial.

Even for those who aren’t versed in the more mundane mechanics of tourbillons, these classic timepieces – for all their fine craftsmanship and bare-all attitude – are just too cool to pass up.

Text: David Cornwell

Chinese actress Sandra Ma stars in Cartier’s ‘Panthère Inside’ advertising film

Luxury jewellery brand and watchmaker Cartier recently launched an advertising film, Panthère Inside, starring Sandra Ma. In the film Sandra can be seen wearing Cartier’s signature Panthère de Cartier watch in 18-carat yellow gold.

The Panthère de Cartier collection is a tribute to modern women who are both beautiful and independent. The film explores a side of Ma that has never been captured on-screen before. Bold and beautiful as the watch she’s wearing, she embodies the grace and confidence of a panther navigating the urban jungle.

Click here to watch the video

According to director Susie Au, Ma epitomises the modern Chinese woman. Her gentle look hides a confident personality which makes her the perfect model for this collection. Ma says, “My search for my true hidden self led me to be an actor and today I have found another side of me.”

007 O’clock

Best known for his suave attire and explosive gadgets in the seemingly unstoppable 007 movies series, James Bond never does less than impress. Whether played by Daniel Craig, Roger Moore, Sean Connery or one of the other three actors that are solely remembered by pub quiz teams, one thing has remained constant in nearly all of his cinematic incarnations since 1962 – his wristwatch.

The Rolex is almost synonymous with Her Majesty’s most special agent and played a crucial role in many of his most celebrated adventures. In 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service it was a Rolex Pré-Daytona watch that was Bond’s timepiece of choice.

Back in 1962’s Dr No, it was a Rolex Explorer that adorned the wrist of Sean Connery. In subsequent escapades the agent sported both a Rolex Submariner and a Rolex Chronograph. It is, however, the 1969 Rolex Pré-Daytona that has been exciting collectors. The watch is up for sale at the leading French auction house, Artcurial at Hôtel Hermitage, Monte-Carlo and is estimated to go for upwards of €200,000 (HK$1.75 million). It comes with a copy of the original invoice from Bucherer Interlaken, the Swiss Rolex retailer, dated 23 October 1968, with the handwritten words: “This is the watch for James Bond.”

After filming wrapped On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, EON Productions, the company then behind the 007 franchise, decided to sell Bond’s personal wardrobe and accessories including the Rolex. It was acquired by a member of the production team.

Rare Old Time

The terms ‘limited edition” or “collectible” have become somewhat debased of late. Rather than referring to items produced on a highly restricted basis for the discerning connoisseur, they have been hi-jacked by mass market chocolatiers and the like, all keen to slap a premiumish price tag on a 10-million run movie tie-in of some barely-themed confectionery.

Fortunately, in the world of haute horology at least, such terms have retained a modicum of meaning. A “limited edition” remains a timepiece that seldom troubles the double digits in production terms, while the “collectible” tag is still reserved for items of such investibility that any future down-on-its-luck generation could be wholly-schooled on the proceeds.

One watch clearly worthy of both appellations is the Omega Seamaster Diver 300m Rio 2016 Limited Edition. As its name suggests, this particular timepiece offers a knowing nod to the Olympic Games, the ultimate sporting competition, the latest incarnation of which is scheduled to romp into Rio this very month. Taking its inspiration from the Games’ dynamic spirit, it is a true combination of watchmaking excellence and timeless craftsmanship. Beyond that, it also find space for an apt homage to the beauty and diversity that is 21^st century Rio.

The wave pattern on its classic lacquered black dial is more than a little reminiscent of mosaic design that graces many of the Copacabana’s sidewalks, while its lacquered red, green, yellow and blue numbers are a clear echo of the princely Olympic rings. Its ceramic black diving bezel, meanwhile, is the perfect counterpoint to its brushed stainless steel case. In an apt finishing touch, its screw-in caseback comes neatly stamped with the Rio 2016 logo. Reassuringly, it is also engraved with an individual limited edition number, proof undeniable of its collectible stature.

Similar assured of its position among the true stars of the most-collectible constellation is Breitling’s Chronoliner Limited Series. With the company committed to producing just 250 pieces, this truly limited edition time piece – courtesy of one of the world’s most admired watch brands – should be on every collector’s Christmas list. Encased in 180karat red gold and featuring a scratch-resistant high-tech black ceramic bezel, the Chronoliner can rightly claim to be every bit as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.

Engineered to a standard designed to appeal to the most discerning of aviation professionals, the watch features a dedicated chronograph, ideal for measuring flight times, while its triple time zone display is a must for any world traveller. Its star-shaped cut-out facilitates easy handling, while its rubber strap harks back to the steel mesh design of the Breitling Classic Aero Bracelet. For those looking for a more distinguished look, contrasting leather and crocodile straps are also available.

Water-resistant to 100 metres the size is a comfortable 46mm. Powered by Breitling’s calibre 24 – officially certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – the watch is self-winding, high frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour) and features 25 jewels studded throughout its cambered sapphire crystal glare-proofing.

Taking its inspiration from nature’s aviator, Jaquet Droz’s Charming Bird champion the stylings of the very finest of our feathered friends. Its roots go way back to the Age of Enlightenment, a time when a young watchmaker of peasant stock first set about making his mark on his chosen profession.

That aspirant watchmaker was Pierre Jaquet-Droz and he, in turn, embraced the naturalist movement that was prevalent amongst many 18^th century intellectuals. This gave him a particular sensitivity to the beauties of the natural world. He was the first watchmaker to introduce a singing bird motif to his pocket watches. Ultimately, it became almost his trademark, proving ubiquitous across a range of snuffboxes and other objets d’art.

The brand’s long tradition of artistic renderings is given full rein on the Charming Bird’s upper dial section. This is home to a fetching time display, while the section below is devoted to a notably artistic impression of a bird in full song, all neatly housed within a sapphire crystal dome. The collector’s edition also comes with a delicate mother-of-pearl evocation of the Swiss countryside.

The technical aspects of this timepiece are no less impressive than its aesthetic impression. This sees two different mechanisms employed to drive, the watch, apparently the result of several years of R&D. In an another innovation, the bird’s song is generated by the passage of air through three miniature sapphire crystal tubes.

On to more strictly mechanical matters and the built-in regulator harnesses a magnetic effect in order to prevent contact between any metallic components. This also acts to eliminate auditory interference within the 47mm-diameter which. The piece is available in red or white gold, with each version limited to just eight pieces.

Coming in a slightly less limited edition is Chophard’s 20-run L.U.C. Perpetual Chrono. Created with the modern gentlemen very much in mind, this watch boasts one of the “most sophisticated styles and constructions in the world of Haute Horlogerie”, at least according to its manufacturers. Powered by the L.U.C. movement, Calibre 3.10L, at its heart the piece is a hand-wound chronograph, complete with a finely crafted perpetual calendar. It is available in fair-mined 18 karat white gold and 18 karat rose gold.

Some 42 jewels are housed within its 45mm case, while the dial itself features large twin-aperture calendar/date displays, a day/night indicator and an orbital moon phase display – said to provide accurate readings to within a day’s deviation over a 122-year period. A truly unique watch, it embodies Jaquet Droz’s exceptional uniquely artisanal savoir-faire.

Another watch to celebrate the arcane arts of the aviator is IWC Schaffhausen’s Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition. This is the first time the marque has incorporated an annual calendar into its Pilot’s Watch range. There is also a special edition that pays tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, legendary writer and passionate aviator himself, and takes its name from Le Petit Prince, his much-loved children’s story.

In line with Saint-Exupéry’s long association with both literary and aviatory pursuits, the Big Pilot’s Watch Annual Calendar Edition Le Petit Prince celebrates these two pursuits. The special edition watch comes encased in red gold, an attribute that perfectly compliments the dark brown of both its Santoni calfskin strap and the shimmering blue sun-pattern finish on its dial.

The dial has three separate windows, all arrange in a semi-circle at 12 o’clock, showing the month, date and day of the week. The classic elegance of the watch is further underlined by a number of its more exquisite details, notably the white and red gold outline of the hands, numerals and appliqués, the polished bezel, the satin finished case and the beige coloured ornamental seams on the strap. The hands and indicators also come coated in white Super-LumiNova, something that helps ensure legibility even in low light situations.

This hand wound time piece comes with a seven-day power reserve, with the watch’s movement viewable through the watch’s sapphire glass back. Based on a drawing by Saint-Exupéry himself, the rears of the watch is adorned with a representation of the little prince standing on an asteroid and staring at the heavens with his eyes wide open. The very embodiment of classic understatement and technical mastery Le Petit Prince model is limited to just 250 pieces and is a true collector’s gem.

Aficionados of luxury time pieces will be reassured to hear that, while these watches are true collector’s pieces and only available in limited numbers, there is no need to pitch a tent outside a showroom and queue up. Although they are nominally available on a first-come-first-served basis, the only thing you need to do make your nearest retailer aware of your abiding interest in such high-end horological items of desire.

In fact, should your local dealership be worthy of the trust placed in them by many of the world’s foremost marques, there’s a better than evens chance that they will already have you on their radar. Gentlemen of true discernment and means are available in a far more limited edition than even the world’s most wantable watches. Once you have properly registered your interest, you can be sure that all of the latest information with regard to the most hard-to-get and collectible of chronometer should find its way to your mailbox – actual or virtual – with all the regularity and reliability of the very finest Swiss craftsmanship.

Shared Time

For many couples, paired watches are an apt symbol of togetherness, a subtle acknowledgment of that unique him and her bond. While not necessarily the most ostentatious of displays, it makes clear to those in the know that, not only are the two of you an item, but that you also plan to keep it that way for rather a long time to come. You don’t invest in matching horological accessories for someone you see as rapidly approaching their “best by” date do you?

While the idea of “his and hers” watches is certainly not a particularly novel notion, it’s a timekeeping niche that has proved unusually fluid. There is that added element that requires the twin timepieces to suitably grace the wrists of both sexes, an added frisson to the design requirements and a continuing challenge to be neither too brutalist macho in approach, or too effete for the men’s locker room when seen solo.

Despite the difficulties in negotiating so complex a design brief, it’s fair to say that his and her timepieces have come a long way since their somewhat rudimentary beginnings. Indeed, there was a time when you could reverse engineer the initial brief with a few dainty tweaks for the Mrs. Inevitably, the woman’s watch was a more slender and slightly gamine take on the man’s watch, while the man’s watch, was simply the standard model, with few – if any – couply enhancements. Things are now more sophisticated.

Contemporary complementary watches are now far more concerned with the subtle interplay of intricate differentiating details, while simultaneously maintaining a degree of overall harmonious design symmetry. In fact, in a sign of the political correctness it is no longer the done thing to refer to matching watches as “his and her” timepieces. More prosaically, they are typically catalogued as paired watches that complement each other perfectly, albeit with notable differences.

A prime example here is the Piaget Altiplano Gold Bracelet range – ultra-thin watches boasting a clean look, a minimalist aesthetic and an understated dial, along with extremely slim hour-markers and beguilingly slender hour and minute hands – no additional functions here. This is a watch for the purist.

Powered by the Manufacture Piaget 534P mechanical self-winding movement, the watches come blessed with a 42-hour power reserve. There is also the option – on the 34mm model – for the bezel to be set with 68 brilliant cut diamonds (about 0.6 carat).

Available in pink or white gold – and in a 34 or 38-mm size – these watches are equally suited to men or women. While not sold as gender-specific, it would seem politic to gift the diamond-set 34mm model to the lady in your life. Any brownie points accrued from buying this matching pair would surely be dissipated if you opted to keep the sparklier of the two for yourself.

From the same collection – but lacking the gold bracelet style strap, is Piaget’s original Altiplano line. In contrast to the Altiplano Gold Bracelet, these pieces keep time courtesy of the Manufacture Piaget Calibre 838P, an ultra-thin hand-wound movement that clocks in with a thickness of a mere 2.5mm.

Other subtle differences include a small seconds dial at 10 o’clock and the Piaget logo at 3 o’clock. Available in diameters of 34 or 40mm, the simply elegant Altiplano comes with a brown alligator leather strap and an 18-carat white gold case, optionally available with 72 brilliant cut diamonds (or about one carat). Again, these classic watches are not gender specific but it is not difficult to discern that the more diminutive model with its ornate diamond bezel might be the more popular lady’s choice.

In terms of the offerings from Vacheron Constantin, these are led by the marque’s Overseas watch collection. Available in two distinct sizes with optional trimmings it is down to the connubial consumers to match a pair as they see fit. Powered by Vacheron Constantin’s new 5100 calibre, complete with 172 intricate components, it beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour, while boasting a power reserve of 60 hours (in the 41 mm model).

Water-resistant to 150 metres and resistant to magnetism the watch is suitable for varied occasions and can be customised by interchanging straps – leather and rubber – or the stainless steel bracelet.

The paired watch in this case is the 37 mm Overseas model. While both appear superficially similar, aside from size, there are a number of other more subtle differences. The 37-mm model is powered by the calibre 5300, an automatic movement that comprises 128 parts and an impressive two-day power reserve.

A blue dial and luminescent hands – with matching hour markers – complete this classic look, while the translucent back reveals a 22 karat gold oscillating weight adorned with a compass rose. Clearly the choice for the woman in your life, this model is adorned with 84 round diamonds (over a carat) set on a six-sided bezel.

As with the larger model, this also comes with interchangeable straps and a bracelet, ensuring that you are always in tune with every occasion. The Geneva Seal is a clear testament to the craftsmanship that characterises Vacheron Constantin watches. This is an accolade reserved for only the very best in timepieces and is rewarded in accordance with the long-standing traditions of the watch making school of Geneva.

A name long synonymous with quality luxury time pieces and a certain secret agent is, of course, Omega. Couples aiming to emulate the man with a license to kill need look no further than the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Master Chronometer.

These distinctive watches strike a perfect balance of form and function and are rated as Master Chronometers – the industry’s highest standard of certification for chronometers. In addition, they are resistant to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 gauss – considerably raising the bar and setting a new standard in anti-magnetism that has already been recognised by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

Available in black or white these trusty chronographs have that matching yin and yang chessboard look. This timeless classic features a bezel crafted from black ceramic, neatly complemented by a stainless-steel case with Omega’s trademarked Liquidmetal numbers.

Completing the mysterious look is a black leather strap with a rubber underside. The antithesis of this is the angelic white model, with its bezel and dial both crafted from creamy ceramic and its case fashioned from stainless steel. The bezel is adorned with 18K Sedna gold, as are the watch’s hands and indexes. Numbers on the bezel are made using Ceragold technology, a system that helps the diving scale numbers sparkle and shine.

At 39.2-mm wide, these watches are not for shrinking violets, but actually make something of a bold statement. Worn as a matching pair, they are the perfect complimentary set for couples who enjoy flaunting their eye for the finer things in life.

Known for its long heritage in the world of haute horologie, as well as its championing of traditional craftsmanship is Girard-Perregaux, based in La Chaux-de-Fonds. As part of its iconic 1966 collection, it has issued a select range of haute couture watches, all said to be perfect for style-conscious, star-crossed lovers.

Tailored geometric lines and meticulous finishing define these refined timepieces, as does a distinct modernist flair. The silver dial features bevelled indicators and houses leaf-shaped hands, all unique to the 1966 collection.

A sapphire crystal back reveals the inner workings of the GP03300 mechanical movement, complete with automatic winding and a 46-hour power reserve. Wound by an oscillating weight, the male version features a Cote de Geneve motif, while the female version comes adorned with a Girard-Perregaux tapestry.

With the now famous tagline “don’t crack under pressure,” Tag Heuer positions itself at the sportier end of the luxury watch scale. While these watches are built to withstand the rigours of all manner of extreme activities, they are also magnificently well designed and a worthy addition to the elite of the his and hers watch range. With a range of matching time pieces for the sporty, fashion aware couple, you can choose between simpler straight forward designs and the more meticulously accurate chronographs born from the company’s sport’s time-keeping heritage.

Stand out models here include the Tag Heuer Carrera, a clean design with a modern flavour and a somewhat utilitarian appeal. The testosterone fuelled model has a 39-mm case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double antireflective treatment and is powered by the calibre 5 automatic movement.

Available with a classic brown leather strap or a steel bracelet, the Carrera is a great example of a watch that boasts functionality while maintaining a dazzling aesthetic. The fabulous female version of the Carrera comes in a 28-mm size with glittering diamonds adorning both the dial and the bezel.

Despite the addition of 56 Top Wesselton diamonds, the timepiece maintains a demure and understated appeal. Featuring a calibre 8 automatic movement, the ladies’ version boasts a 40-hour power reserve and comes with a steel bracelet-style strap.