Essentials: Wrist Watching
MB&F Legacy Machine No. 2 Titanium
The true horologist finds inspiration in the past while looking toward the future. This year’s watch trends typify that philosophy. Timepieces are borrowing from famous watchmakers while incorporating innovative technology and a modern aesthetic. These chronographs will bring together any ensemble while giving everyone a reason to glance at your wrist.
BAUME & MERCIER CLIFTON CLUB
Equally elegant and sporty, the Clifton Club watch is designed for men who want a multipurpose, yet sophisticated sporting watch. The design features a stainless-steel case with a round opening and a diameter of 42mm to suit all wrist sizes, plus an opalin black dial delivered on a black vulcanized rubber strap with gills. Available at London Jewelers, Saks Fifth Avenue and Blancpain.com, $2,250
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA
Introduced in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona was designed to meet the demands of professional racing drivers. A reliable chronograph and bezel with tachymetric scale is perfect for accurately measuring speeds. The 18 CT gold, black dial and Rolex’s classic oyster-style bracelet are the finishing touches. Available at Rolex Retailers and Rolex.com, $12,400
JAEGER-LECOULTRE MASTER CHRONOGRAPH
This iconic model is reincarnated as part of Jaeger-LeCoultre’s latest collection. The Master Chronograph upholds rigorous performance standards, while its refined design is compelling to those who pursue a sleek aesthetic. The 40mm case size and 11.7mm thickness make it sturdy and masculine, while the blue accents show off an affinity for fashion and luxury. Available at Jaeger-LeCoultre Retailers and Jaeger- LeCoultre.com, $8,000
MB&F LEGACY MACHINE NO2 TITANIUM
The pioneering works of past watchmasters, specifically Abraham-Louis Breguet (1747-1823), Ferdinand Berthoud (1727-1807) and Antide Janvier (1751-1835), inspire MB&F’s titanium piece. The two bespoke balance wheels fly above the movement and dials and compete for attention with the planetary differential sitting proudly at the surface. No less captivating is the turquoise face beneath the delicate machinery. This one is sure to glimmer to all passersby. Available at London Jewelers in Long Island and Manhattan, $138,000
BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS BATHYSCAPHE
In 2013, Blancpain brought back the Bathyscaphe diver as part of the Fifty Fathoms collection. Though similar to this model, the 2017 rendition is slightly smaller at 38mm and thinner than previous Bathyscaphe pieces. With a stainless-steel case, automatic date and seconds, a blue dial and a unidirectional satin-brushed bezel with a blue ceramic insert, it’s perfect for everyday wear for the modern man. Available at Blancpain Retailers, price available upon request
F.P. JOURNE VAGABONDAGE III
The third and last edition of the Vagabondage limited series is this perfectly mastered soon-to-be-classic. The Flat Tortue case, seen here, is different from the brand’s traditional round cases. The outstanding feature is the digital jumping hours and seconds. A window at 10h displays the digital hour, while another at 6h shows digital seconds. Available at F.P. Journe Retailers, $56,000
BOVET RECITAL 20 ASTÉRIUM
Celebrating celestial wonders, this 10-day flying tourbillon takes you on a journey. The night sky is the theme in this intricately designed chronograph. Stars and constellations are laser-engraved on a dome of translucent blue quartz to mimic the real-life sky. The ornate display is at once artistic and functional. Available at BOVET Retailers, $350,000
HUBLOT CLASSIC FUSION CHRONOGRAPH ITALIA INDEPENDENT KING GOLD
The expertise of Hublot, Italia Independent and famous Italian tailor Rubinacci fuse to create a collection of timepieces unlike any other Hublot has made before. The Basel 2017 Novelty piece is limited-edition and features authentic fabric from a Rubinacci “Tartan” suit with grey stitching and black rubber. Available at Hublot Retailers and Hublot.com, $35,100
IWC INGENIEUR CHRONOGRAPH EDITION RUDOLF CARACCIOLA
Dedicated to Rudolf Caracciola, who won three European Drivers’ Championship crowns in the 1930s, this piece echoes the look of the classic racing cars that brought Caracciola fame. This exclusive chronograph features a stainless-steel case, rhodium-plated hands, a slate-colored dial and a brown calfskin strap. Available at IWC Retailers or IWC.com, $7,150
