The finest new timepieces to suit every gentleman’s lifestyle.
Best for: Sporty Guys
Rolex Explorer 1, £5,000
The Explorer is an iconic model within the Rolex collection, it launched to celebrate the first ascent of Everest, which was sponsored by Rolex. Edmund Hillary was wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual during the climb, which is now on display in the Beyer Watch and Clock Museum in Zürich.
A word from our watch expert:
“Rolex is one of the only brands that can claim its watches are waterproof rather than just ‘water resistant'. The wearer can dive, shower or swim in one. The Explorer 1 also has a matt finish on the bezel, making it much harder wearing. It’s a sporty watch but still quite formal in appearance - it looks good with jeans or a suit”, says Michael.
Best for: Cool Dads
Omega Planet Ocean Deep Black, £8,320
Out to give James Bond’s favourite watch brand a ‘stealth mode’ feel, this is Omega’s experiment with ceramic and other progressive materials. The result? It’s scratch-resistant so will withstand any rough-and-tumble from the children, and serious sporting action.
A word from our watch expert:
“Omega was the world’s most popular watch brand till the quartz revolution in the 80s”, says Michael. “Omega-made quartz watches are back in vogue as buyers look to recapture the authentic character of this kind of style, which makes them attractive as an investment piece too.”
Best for: Global Citizens
Patek Philippe World Time in White Gold, approx. £32,000
This is the perfect watch for world travellers who regularly zip through different time zones. It’s quite the investment at 32K, but thanks to its functionality, you’ll always be on the right time. And the chic white gold design evokes a sense of understated style.
A word from our watch expert:
“The country you’re currently located in is set at 12 o’clock, so if you were flying to Paris, rather than adjusting it - the traditional way, through the crown - you’d use the pusher on the left, and the hour hand would go forward an hour. For Dubai, you would press it three times. Other brands do a GMT function to work across two time zones, but this is much easier to use.”
Best for: Tech Gurus
TAG Heuer Carrera 01, Price upon request
Owning a TAG has equalled instant cool status, and now the brand is offering turbo-charged tech features, all of which are made in-house. This watch is engineered with on-trend materials like ceramics and a rubber strap and has an open dial to give it a future-forward look.
A word from our watch expert:
“When people ask me about technology and luxury watches, I tell them most brands are embracing it successfully by combining contemporary elements with traditional watchmaking techniques. TAG Heuer as a brand is influenced by motor racing, which has always been innovative in terms of mechanics and design.”
Best for: Finance Types
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra-Thin Moon with Black Dial, £7,650
The latest from one of Switzerland’s most classic watchmakers, this is a timepiece that will make a sophisticated statement without seeming ostentatious. A true gentleman’s watch, it will perfectly complement your suit and looks great under a shirt cuff.
A word from our watch expert:
“The distinctive complication, showing the night sky, is actually to calculate tidal patterns at sea, so it makes for an interesting talking point. And as it’s automatic it can be worn beyond the office even if it’s arguably more of a formal watch. There’s also no mistaking the heritage of craftsmanship.”
Best for: Men about Town
Hublot 511.CM.1771.RX, £9,500
Hipster HNWIs are all over Hublot right now. It’s very much the brand of the moment, with interesting ambassadors and innovative partnerships with Chelsea FC and Ferrari. This model blends Hublot’s signature look – a weighty bezel visibly screwed down – with futuristic design aspects.
A word from our watch expert:
“Guys who know their brands will be able to appreciate the distinctive style of this watch, plus the carbon fibre dial and rubber strap look very cool. Even the super-premium watch makers like Richard Mille - which prides itself on high quality components - are using rubber straps on £150,000 timepieces right now.”
To enquire about any of the watches here, or talk timepieces in general, contact Michael Dushko via Quintessentially’s gift sourcing and personal styling experts
