Watches Designed for Daily Wear
Each year we see new trends surfacing from leading watchmakers around the globe, whether in design, colour, proportions, or otherwise. While some are more obvious than others, the proliferation of conservatism is hard to ignore. We’re not talking about conservatism in terms of colour or attitude — Rolex’s Celebration Motif dial and plenty of others proved they could be playful. This particular conservatism comes in the form of wearability and affordability. Where in past years we would see a significant number of high complications, boundary-pushing materials, and six-figure sticker prices, the focus for many brands this year was on pieces you could actually wear and enjoy on a daily basis. Chronographs, divers, dress watches, and more: brands have set aside the halo pieces in favour of what many collectors have been craving: a watch that will be with you as you live your story (and one that doesn’t require its own insurance policy).
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Chronograph
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Arguably worthy of the title of Best In Show, the Reverso Chronograph brings back the practical timing complication into its beloved rectangular casing for the first time since the early 2000s. With a simple time-only dial on the front, and a skeletonized retrograde chronograph on its opposing side, it’s effectively “business in the front, party in the back” energy in a refined package. ($29,100)
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
Rolex Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium
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Somehow, with all the bright and colourful offerings in the Oyster Perpetual and Day-Date lines, this latest Yacht-Master flew under many people’s radar. In all fairness, that’s exactly what this watch is meant to do. Subtlety aside, its release is big news, as it is the first production Rolex that has ever been made in titanium — RLX Titanium, to be precise, which is the brand’s own Grade 5 titanium alloy. Lighter and stronger than its steel predecessors, this new model is designed to be worn through whatever you can throw at it. ($16,600)
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Breitling Premier B01 Chronograph 42
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Breitling is always dialed-in when it comes to this category, and 2023 was no exception. Focusing on its classic Premier collection — a model that celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2023 — the brand added five new references in both steel and pink gold, all fitted with its in-house manufacture automatic chronograph caliber B01. The assortment is offered on both metal bracelet or leather strap to suit a range of occasions, with dial colors ranging from a subdued cream to a vibrant forest green. (from $11,300)
Citizen NJ015 Automatic Series “Tsuyosa”
Citizen NJ015 Automatic Series “Tsuyosa”
Citizen NJ015 Automatic Series “Tsuyosa”
Citizen NJ015 Automatic Series “Tsuyosa”
Citizen NJ015 Automatic Series “Tsuyosa”
Citizen NJ015 Automatic Series “Tsuyosa”
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Clean, classic, and colourful, Citizen’s new Tsuyosa collection — Japanese for “strength,” FYI — picks up on a number of the industry’s big trends. Integrated bracelet sports watches are everywhere these days, but by combining this trendy aesthetic with a self-winding movement, a playful pop of colour, and a modest entry price, the Tsuyosa enters the fray as a prime value proposition. ($595)
