YourLuxury Africa’s March 2024 edition contains a teaser for this digital feature, which enables me to expand on some of the reasons to invest in a watch of this calibre (no pun intended).
Patek Philippe Reference 7010/1R-013
Reference 7010/1R-013 is a new iteration of the ladies’ Nautilus watch showcasing a typically patterned vibrant purple lacquered dial surrounded by a bezel with 46 brilliant-cut diamonds (0.8ct). The colour looks the same as the shade launched in the Calatrava line at Watches and Wonders Geneva last year and is absolutely stunning on the wrist. Presented in a 32mm rose gold case with a matching bracelet, the classic dial features rose gold ogival-shaped hour-markers and hours/minutes hands, applied Arabic numerals coated in white luminescence and a date window at 3 o’clock. POA, patek.com
Rolex 1908
The aesthetics of the 1908 are a clear tribute to the first Oyster Perpetual watches while incorporating cutting-edge technology. Its Calibre 7140 movement integrates the latest innovations, such as the Syloxi hairspring, Chronergy escapement, and Paraflex shock absorbers, ensuring precise timekeeping and a power reserve of approximately 66 hours. The watch’s transparent sapphire caseback showcases its high-quality finishes, including the exclusive Côtes de Genève Rolex decoration and the openwork oscillating weight in 18ct yellow gold. Despite its elegant design, the 1908 is certified as a Superlative Chronometer and can withstand up to 50 metres of water pressure. This model is set in a 39mm 18ct yellow gold case and fastened with an alligator strap. POA, rolex.com
Cartier Santos-Dumont
The Santos watch by Cartier embodies a harmonious blend of classicism and innovation, reflecting a commitment to elegance and technical prowess. Introduced in 1904 for aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, the watch prioritised simplicity, practicality, and innovation, enabling the wearer to read time while flying. In homage to the historical model, the Santos-Dumont collection introduces new versions, featuring dials adorned with Roman numerals crafted from jasper, jade, and dumortierite. These luxurious materials, matched with cabochons on the winding crowns, are meticulously worked to showcase the watch’s uniqueness, accompanied by the intricate guilloché effect on the dial. Equipped with a 430 MC mechanical movement with manual winding, this limited edition exudes sophistication.
POA, cartier.com
F.P.Journe Octa Divine
The Octa Divine model features impeccable legibility thanks to its whitened guilloché silver dial with 18K white gold numerals and apertures. The automatic movement (calibre 1300.3), manufactured in 18K rose gold has a power reserve of seven days. A self-locking ball-bearing system achieves the unidirectional winding of the exclusive off-centre F.P.Journe rotor in 22K 5N Gold. Therefore, every wrist movement, no matter how slight, is utilised for the optimal winding of the watch. POA, fpjourne.com
Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8
Omega pays tribute to space exploration with the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8, featuring the enhanced Calibre 3869. The manual-winding movement boasts a laser-ablated Moon relief on its blackened main plate and bridges, evoking the lunar surface visible from Earth and the unexplored dark side seen only by astronauts. Meeting the Co-Axial Master Chronometer standard, the movement ensures precision, chronometric excellence, and magnetic resistance. With a skeletonised dial made from black anodised aluminium, the watch showcases the Moon-decorated movement. Its 44.25mm case, bezel, and caseback are crafted from black ceramic, while the tachymeter scale is adorned in bright white “Grand Feu” enamel. Vibrant yellow accents the central chronograph seconds hand and perforated rubber strap, while a small-seconds hand at 9 o’clock, shaped like NASA’s Saturn V rocket and made from Grade 5 Titanium, symbolises the triumph of the Apollo programme. R316 000, omegawatches.com.
IWC Schaffhausen Ingenieur Automatic 40
The Ingenieur Automatic 40 pays homage to the iconic Ingenieur SL while embodying IWC’s commitment to engineering excellence and design innovation. The watch’s design evolution focuses on enhancing ergonomics and wearability, achieved through meticulous adjustments to the case dimensions and the introduction of a new middle-link attachment. The incorporation of crown protection and polygonal screws on the bezel reflects a blend of tradition and modernity while maintaining the watch’s sporty character. Engineering advancements are evident in the new dial’s grid structure, created through innovative production methods for enhanced legibility and aesthetics. The Ingenieur Automatic 40 is presented in three dial colours – black, silver-plated and aqua – and grey for the titanium model priced at R293 000, iwc.com.
