Watches used to be a necessary item until cell phones came along and took over telling time. Owning the newest gadgets seems to be somewhat of a hobby among the wealthy because they have nothing else to spend their money on. However, instead of buying all these high-tech devices, why not go back to the ‘basics’ and invest in a watch that is well worth the money?
Some men just don’t like to wear jewellery of any type, even if it could be a fashionable and impressive timepiece, but are watched really considered ‘jewelry’. In today’s world, watches are now seen as a way of making a statement. Showing others the status you hold and the personality you wish to put forward.
For the ever working businessman, the best route is to select a watch that is practical yet shows clients and co-workers that you aren’t joking around. Nevertheless, watches still remain quite popular and add a touch of elegance to any man’s fashion statement. There’s nothing quite like an elegant watch to enhance a nice suit.
So here are ten watches that are unmistakably luxurious and elegant. They are stylish and superlative in every way. If you notice that Rolex did not make the roster don’t be alarmed. There is no doubt that Rolex makes fine timepieces, but this list aspires to emulate the ineffable
10. TAG Heuer Kirium F1: $3,000
TAG Heuer’s F1 is for racing aficionados, whether it is motorcycles, cars or sailing. The Kirium F1 is “water resistant” making it able to endure accidents to depths of 600 feet. Although the F1 appears to be uncomplicated, it’s actually in camouflage. Although it appears like a simple analog watch, it actually functions as a digital watch as well.
The black rubber band attaches to the stainless steel case, which encompasses a sapphire crystal. With seven functions, the F1 meets the most exacting demands: analog and digital displays, stopwatch function to 1/100th of a second, daily alarm, along with a schedule alarm, calendar, backlight, ancillary time zone, and a countdown feature.
9. JAEGER-LECOULTRE REVERSO CLASSIQUE GRANDE AUTOMATIQUE: $8,200
The term ‘reverso’ indicates the novelty factor of the Jaeger; the case can be reversed and swiveled in order to avoid any possible mishaps.This unique function allows the crystal to be protected from damage when necessary, say when rock-climbing or working out at the gym.
The Jaeger performs the usual functions of hour, minute, second, and date, along with a second time zone, which is displayed via an inset hour hand. Water resistant to a depth of thirty meters, the Jaeger presents a conservative image.
8. Bulgari Ergon: $15,000
The Bulgari Ergon exudes simple, classic elegance because it simply provides the element of keeping time as well as displaying the date. However, it does these simple tasks with such chic nonchalance that the lack of auxiliary functions goes noticed.
Featuring a sapphire crystal and a crocodile band, the stainless steel case is a work of art that gently curves to the wearer’s wrist. Any man wearing the Bulgari Ergon will experience the envy of his peers, for less than six figures.
7. Patek Philippe Celestial: $194,200
Not only does the Patek Philippe Celestial keep time, but it displays a celestial chart exhibiting star progression, the phases of the moon, lunar orbit, and meridian time.
Able to withstand water pressure up to seventy-five feet, the Celestial is replete with forty-five jewels, 301 moving parts, and a handy power reserve, which, since the Celestial isself-winding, is more than likely redundant. Although, redundancy makes life interesting in special circumstances.
6. IWC Grande Complication: $215,000
IWC’s Grande Complication is comprised of 659 parts and has 75 jewels, along with a convex sapphire crystal. It also has rapid calendar advance, moon phase delay, programmable chimes, and a threaded crown.
Looking a bit like a Silver Rolex, the Grande Complication is seriously exclusive – only 50 are made and sold each year, and each one is numbered accordingly.
5. Richard Mille RM 002-V2 Tourbillon: $240,000
Richard Mille began making watches in 1999, which makes the company the new kid on the block.Like TAG Heuer, Richard Mille’s watches exhibit a racing heritage.The V2 Tourbillon is constructed of nano-fiber carbon, an approach that sets it apart from most other companies.
The sapphire crystal is transparent and glare proof. The V2’s functions include hours, minutes, power reserve indicator, and torque indicator. A skeletonized face and transparent back reveal the myriad parts of the V2 and the presentation is very avant-garde, almost futuristic in aspect.
4. Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370: $274,000
The Bugatti Type 370 is made by the same company that makes the Veyron, which speaks volumes about its design and performance. The parts of the 370 are vertical rather than flat, just like a car engine.
Even more remarkably, the interior movement wheels smack of the rims used on Bugatti’s during the 1930′s. The 18-carat white-gold case encompasses six sapphire crystals and the display is cantilevered for easier readability; all it takes is a glance.
3. Breguet Double Tourbillon Classique Grande Complication: $329,000
Breguet’s Double Tourbillon is nothing less than striking and handsome. With a platinum case, 588 parts, and 69 jewels, the Double Tourbillon’s textured center plate rotates, and the movement is engraved with a diminutive doppelganger of the solar system. The movement ‘floats,’ which cancels the negative effects of gravity.
Breguet’s been making watches since 1775, and former customers include such luminaries as Marie Antoinette and the legendary Napoleon Bonaparte. Thus, when wearing this watch, you’ll know you’re in good company.
2. Vacheron Constantin Skeleton Minute Repeater: $623,000
Vacheron’s Constantin Skeleton is simply a wonderment. Handcrafted, each example of the Constantin Skeleton requires thousands of hours to create and assemble. The Skeleton designation is very apt because the multitudinous parts are clearly visible to the naked eye.
Devoid of any ancillary functions or fancy tricks, the Constantin Skeleton has one function, it keeps time in grand style. This is a watch that screams to be worn and admired.
1. Girard-Perregaux Opera Three: $630,000
Girard-Perregaux has been making watches for the crème de la crème since 1791, which means only a select few can get one, much less afford one. If it’s true that packaging is everything, then the Opera
Three is the definition of everything and includes a carillon that plays music when desired. Emanating minimalist sophistication, the Opera Three is a vivacious instrument of expression.
