TOP 5 WATCHES TO COLLECT IN 2019
From jetting off to exotic destinations to private island diving, and attending parties in between, the New Year promises exhilarating adventures. We collaborate with watch expert Tom Chng, founder of Singapore Watch Club, to identify elevated timepieces that you should watch out for in 2019.
EVENING GLAMOUR: DRESS WATCH
For a start, we recommend looking for timepieces that feature characteristics to elevate your black-tie look. Thin enough to fit under a sleeve cuff, aim for a minimalist style to easily complement your wardrobe and look for a classic piece to weather ever-changing style trends.
According to Chng, A. Lange & Söhne fine-tuned their timepieces last year with a gradual and mostly progressive update of their collections. Chng explains that the brand’s introduction to simpler complications in the Saxonia collection was well-received by watch enthusiasts. Highlighting the 1815 Chronograph, the range now comes in a timeless pink gold and black dial combination that Chng emphasises as the perfect dress chronograph.
INTO THE BLUE: DIVE WATCH
Launched over 60 years ago, this style is sought after by not only divers, but also watch enthusiasts who appreciate a timepiece that’s rugged, reliable, and legible. Known for their bold and chunky aesthetics, these timepieces are built to not crack under pressure (literally) and are perfect day watches for their easy to match and durable finish.
One of the brands to watch, Tudor perfected the Black Bay diver last year, with the release of their 39mm Black Bay 58. Chng highlights that this vintage-inspired timepiece takes us back to the origins of the diving watch. While the range was highly coveted even before the latest release, a common criticism about the previous Black Bay was its big and chunky size. When Tudor finally announced a more wearable diver timepiece, collectors were left raving over this latest release.
FREQUENT FLYERS: AVIATION WATCH
One of the most highly anticipated news in the watch industry was undoubtedly the announcement of Rolex’s new GMT Master, Pepsi. Chng explains that its release reminded collectors why they fell in love with the brand’s iconic pilot watches line in the first place. A modern interpretation with a timeless design, the new ref. 126710BLRO features the classic red and blue bezel we’re familiar with, paired with a stunning Jubilee bracelet.
LUNAR LANDING: MOONPHASE WATCH
Introducing the lunar phase complication or most commonly referred to as moonphase, the watch functions indicate the phase and age of the moon in both hemispheres. As the function is deemed less practical due to technology advancements now, only certain luxury watch brands would release these watches to showcase their ability to produce top of the line complications.
Chng recommends Vacheron Constantin’s new line of watches from the FiftySix range. As its collection name suggests, the 263-year-old brand’s latest addition to the range is specifically inspired by a watch that was launched in the year 1956, the ref. 6073. This model was one of the first Vacheron Constantin timepieces to feature an automatic movement. Being one of the oldest and forefronts of watchmaking, the new FiftySix watches feature an automatic complete calendar while displaying the moonphase complication at 6 o’clock.
ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME: FIELD WATCH
For something worthy of a rugged environment, Chng introduces the new Bell & Ross BR-X1 Military as the perfect “go-anywhere-do-anything” watch. The openwork automatic chronograph timepiece is now equipped with High Resistance Titanium (read more on durable watch finishes here). Available in olive green, Chng explains that the colour pays homage to Bell & Ross’ military instrument roots. The watch is lightweight and highly legible, even in the dark, thanks to its coat of luminescence on all important indicators.
Head down to our stores or visit our e-shop to look out for watches worth investing this year.
