A watch is a man’s best accessory. And no tuxedo, no matter how immaculately tailored, is complete without the perfect time-telling instrument on the wrist. From classic and contemporary to ultra-thin and artistic, here are some dressy suggestions to help you look your best at the next lavish party
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Photo: Patek Philippe
Above Photo: Patek Philippe

1. Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5227

This Calatrava boasts a case with a “dust cover”, a piece of gold metal integrated into the case to cover the sapphire crystal caseback. True to Patek Philippe’s fastidiousness to detail, the hinge is virtually invisible thus keeping the case perfectly round and smooth. By all means, keep it a discreet affair, but should the subject come up, open this cover to show off the beautifully finished and decorated automatic caliber 324 SC with a solid 21k gold winding rotor, a large four-arm Gyromax balance and a Spiromax balance spring that beats at the Patek Philippe Seal-mandated 28,800 oscillations per hour.

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Photo: IWC
Above Photo: IWC

2. IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Automatic

From the large 42.3mm rose gold case polished to a mirror shine to the ruggedly finished folding clasp, the watch has the right combination of masculinity and sophistication. It is aptly endowed with the 52010 movement, a precise and robust beast with ceramic parts, a highly resistant material that promises virtually zero wear-and-tear.

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Photo: Speake-Marin
Above Photo: Speake-Marin

3. Speake-Marin One & Two Openworked

Perfectly round with straight elongated lugs, Speake-Marin’s Piccadilly case is one of the best looking on the market. The new One & Two Openworked brings a sense of playfulness to this case shape with a dial made up entirely of the automatic SMA01 movement. The small seconds sub-dial at ‘1.30’ is also integrated into the movement, keeping the watch slim enough to be comfortable under the shirt cuff.

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Photo: Piaget
Above Photo: Piaget

4. Piaget Ultimate Altiplano Ultra-Thin

There’s a reason why the word “ultimate” is in the name. It’s, after all, the thinnest automatic watch ever with a peripheral oscillating weight that further reduces the need for space. The decision to do away with a traditional dial (case and the Calibre 910P movement are one, with the former acting as the mainplate), and the movement reversed so that the bridges appear on the dial side, only lent it a unique appearance.

(Related: A Lange & Söhne Shows New Datograph In New Light)

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Photo: Hublot
Above Photo: Hublot

5. Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire Baguettes

With a case crafted entirely of sapphire crystal, a bezel of white gold and a clear rubber strap, the Big Bang Unico Sapphire is a striking vision in white. Forty-eight baguette diamonds for a total of 2.8 carats only serve to enhance its luminous loveliness.

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Photo: Cartier
Above Photo: Cartier

6. Rotonde de Cartier Mysterious Day & Night

With the upper half of the dial transparent, the watch appears to be powered by an invisible movement on the dial side (hence the mystery in its name). A stylised sun and moon take turns to indicate the hours of the day and night while the satin-brushed sunray-finished lower half of the dial features a retrograde minute indicator. This whimsical touch is showcased in an 18k rose gold 40mm case with sapphire cabochon-set crown and grey alligator strap.

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Photo: Breguet
Above Photo: Breguet

7. Breguet Classique Extra-Plate 5157

There is something irresistibly timeless and traditional about the Classique Extra-Plate 5157. Perhaps it’s the Clous de Paris dial pattern achieved via an engraving technique that originated in the 16th century. Maybe it’s the open-tipped Breguet hands in blued steel matched with ancient Roman numerals. Or perhaps it’s the secret Breguet signature engraved on either side of ‘12’ that was introduced by brand founder Abraham-Louis Breguet himself when he discovered his creations were being copied. Whatever it is, it’s an instant Classique.

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Photo: Chopard
Above Photo: Chopard

8. Chopard L.U.C XPS 1860 Red Carpet Edition

Limited to 10 pieces, this COSC- and Poincon de Geneve-certified white gold L.U.C timepiece features a dial in a vibrant hue that recalls the Hollywood red carpet. Guilloched in the centre and sunburst satin-brushed on the outer edges, its movie-star-glamour vibe will help you to stand out from the crowd.

(Related: 8 Watches To Sport At The Singapore Tatler Ball 2018 For Maximum Impact)

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Photo: Franck Muller
Above Photo: Franck Muller

9. Franck Muller 7 Days Power Reserve Skeleton

With its meticulously crafted skeletonised movement composed of two barrels for a 7-day power reserve and decorated with 25 jewels completely visible on the dial side, this Franck Muller classic comes in its signature cintree curvex case, set with diamonds for opulence.

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Photo: Girard-Perregaux
Above Photo: Girard-Perregaux

10. Girard-Perregaux Laureato Chronograph

How about something in a blue dial? Laureato welcomes its first chronograph into its family, and it’s a handsome devil in a pink gold case and a dark blue dial with Clous de Paris hobnail pattern. Endowed with an automatic movement that also operates a small date and a seconds sub-dial, this Laureato is the very definition of sporty chic.

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Photo: Parmigiani
Above Photo: Parmigiani

11. Parmigiani Toric Hemisphere Retrograde

Made with the intrepid traveller in mind, the watch features two time zones (central hands for the local time, and a sub-dial that can be set to the home time), it also boasts a unique retrograde date indicator. With its polished steel case complemented with knurled bezel and an opaline black dial, it also looks good enough for a trip to the ball.

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Photo: Hermes
Above Photo: Hermes

12. Hermès Arceau Robe du Soir

The equestrian motif of the Robe du Soir scarf is translated onto a dial using a new technique of piecing 2,200 leather fragments cut from full-grain calfskin. It took a year and a half to develop and perfect this craftsmanship, and the incredibly meticulous result is now encased in a rose gold case paired with an electric blue Swift calfskin strap.

(Related: Why These Blancpain Watches Are Made For The Modern Woman)

 

This article first appeared on my.asiatatler.com

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