The opulence of time

The Apple watch and its brethren might have found a place on the wrists of many billionaire tech enthusiasts, but they still haven’t replaced the luxury blend of Swiss tradition and modernism brought together by impeccable craftsmanship. Sporting a bejewelled mechanical watch made by a Swiss horlogerie is still one of the most fashionable power statements the well-heeled can make and the more recent the collection, the greater the impact. Fortune India brings to you a selection of this season’s most coveted timepieces by the best in the world:

Ulysse Nardin Diver Chronometer Collection

A recognised pioneer of watch-making since 1846, Ulysse Nardin’s early renown was built on the precision and reliability of its marine chronometers. The new Diver Chronometer series exudes functional elegance with its audacious design. A diving watch crafted to withstand up to 300 metres of water pressure, its inverted, concave bezel with domed sapphire glass is a breakthrough in watch design. The Super-LumiNova on the indexes and hands is visible not only in the dark but also at great depths.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona

Rolex unveiled an 18-carat yellow gold version of one of its bestsellers at Baselworld 2019. The tachymetric scale on the bezel of the racing chronograph is replaced with 36 trapeze-cut diamonds. The hour-markers are diamonds in 18-carat gold setting on the paved lacquer dial except at the third, sixth and ninth indexes where Arabic numerals 15, 30, and 45 stand out in relief. The champagne-coloured chronograph counters are intertwined with black lacquer and diamonds. Bling anyone?

Omega Speedmaster Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Moonshine Gold Limited Edition

In 1969, Omega produced its Speedmaster collection to celebrate the success of the first moon landing. This year, marking the historic event’s 50th anniversary, the Swiss watchmaker recreated the Speed - master BA 145.022, which was made in 18-carat yellow gold with a burgundy bezel. There were only 1,014 of these models produced between 1969 to 1973, some of which were gifted to NASA astronauts. Omega has made a similar number of the new offering. The case, bracelet, dial, hour-markers, and hour-minute hands of the new limited edition are made of 18-carat Moonshine Gold, a unique new alloy whose colour is inspired by the shining moonlight in a dark blue sky, says Omega. The latest avatar too sports a burgundy bezel.

Breitling Premier Bentley Centenary Edition

When the epitomes of luxury in timekeeping and automobiles unite, you get a watch that becomes a precious heirloom. Launched at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, the Centenary Limited Edition comes in 18-carat red gold and stainless steel versions. The brown elm burl dial with black subdials is a showstopper and is powered by the Breitling’s flagship Caliber 01. The in-house mechanical movement, which can be seen through a transparent caseback, delivers a power reserve of 70 hours.

This was originally published in the August 2019 issue of the magazine.