Most watch owners, unless they are enthusiasts of the highest order, are often not sympathetic to the design and originality of the product they wear on their wrist daily. However, if one is ever fortune enough to speak to a watch engineer on his philosophy in imagining a mechanism or get an off-the-cuff presentation about the product of his labour, perhaps it might change their minds on how they treat their timepieces. Horology is a craft of precision. It is said to take years for watchmakers and artisans to create some of the world’s most sought-after timepieces. Requiring a combination of innovation and dexterity to ensure that every miniscule complication functions like clockwork (pun intended), each technical element, innovation and colour scheme is scrutinized with a fine-tooth comb.
The timepieces featured here are some of the best of the breed, with watchmaking specialists spending countless hours fine-tuning expert methods and techniques to bring these collections to life.
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER RACING CO-AXIAL
With a retro-inspired dial and the latest in watchmaking technology under its hood, the Omega Speedmaster Racing Co-Axial is a sporty yet elegant design. This Speedmaster features a 44.25mm stainless steel case and bracelet with a black ceramic bezel ring that includes the famous tachymeter filed with white enamel. On the dial is the distinctive racing style minute-track, which gives the watch its name. It’s also convenient to operate with pressure points on the push-pieces well-chosen and the secure folding clasp opening only to one side.
Reference number: 329.30.44.51.04.001
Price: Rs1,480,000
Available at Chatham Luxury Watches
Another statement piece from Diesel’s wide-ranging Mr. Daddy collection, the Mr Daddy 2.0 is the easiest way to achieve a bold yet stylish look. This Helvetica is simply because it is the most popular font family in the world. You will see some form of it everywhere, from advertising to the font on your Apple device, Casio G-Shock watches are renowned for being at the forefront of tough timekeeping. Their new aviation models are improved, with large hour and minute hands for watch basically uses black and gunmetal tones to portray impressive aesthetics. The 57mm oversized dial, multiple displays and solid colors make it an appealing and captivating timepiece, while its textured all-black look is complemented by the screw and gold-tone accents on the bezel. Stainless steel and industrial styling make this a watch meant for a man, and not a boy.
Reference number: DZ7348
Price: Rs54,799
Available at urban.lk
HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 CERAMIC BLUE
One of the more interesting “watch collector” oriented versions of the Big Bang, this timepiece attracts attention with its 10-day power reserve. The Meca-10 Blue Ceramic comes in a 45mm diameter family-style case made of micro-blasted and in polished blue ceramic. The upper part of the bezel, which is fixed to the case with 6 screws designed as the letter H, one of the symbol details of Hublot.
Reference number: 414.EX.5123.RX
Price: Rs3,600,000
Available at Colombo Jewellery Stores
Helvetica is simply because it is the most popular font family in the world. You will see some form of it everywhere, from advertising to the font on your Apple device, so why not on your wrist? Mondaine incorporates the font seamlessly into their design, which gives you a bold statement for your wrist. The black-on-black version with white numerals and hour markers stays true to the clean, practical and inherently futuristic qualities of its design inspiration. It is the perfect timepiece to freshen up the look of your go-to suit or add some sleek to an everyday outfit.
Reference number: MH1.B1221.NB
Price: $495
Available at mondaine.com
Casio G-Shock watches are renowned for being at the forefront of tough timekeeping. Their new aviation models are improved, with large hour and minute hands for improved readability, and even lets you schedule up to 5 flight times. Timepieces like this represent Casio’s ongoing mission to have useful watches that you never need to fiddle with.
Reference number: GR-B100-1A3DR
Price: Rs50,400
Available at Blink