Watches have been an essential part of human history, evolving from simple time-telling devices to complex pieces of machinery and objects of high fashion.
The history of watch collecting is a fascinating journey that spans over centuries and across continents. The trend, which dates back to the early 20th century, started with people collecting pocket watches, however, as wristwatches gained popularity, they became the new objects of desire – this was due, in part, to the growth of the middle class and the increased availability of affordable wristwatches.
Today, watch collecting is a thriving hobby with a global community of enthusiasts. For watch collectors, a unique luxury timepiece is about more than just adding to their collection. It’s about the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of finally finding “the one”. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting out, these are the watches that are sure to make you tick.
JACOB & CO – HEART OF CR7
The Heart of CR7 watch is more than just a luxury timepiece, it’s a representation of the many years of hard work and dedication of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Jacob & Co. The Heart of CR7 watch is a tribute to Ronaldo’s passion for football and his commitment to excellence.
The heart-shaped dial is a nod to his love for the game, while the diamond-studded bezel represents his unmatched skills and achievements on the field. The watch is adorned with Ronaldo’s signature, which adds a personal touch and a sense of exclusivity to the timepiece.
Moreover, the Heart of CR7 is made of white gold and is studded with diamonds. Adding to its exclusivity is the fact that only 50 pieces are available worldwide. The Heart of CR7 is the perfect watch for sport lovers, who have an eye for the finer things in life.
Jacob & Co – Heart of CR7, $145,000
A DIVA’S DREAM
When a luxury brand combines the craft of cutting-edge design with innovation – a masterpiece is born. The most recent timepiece launched by Bulgari, a Diva’s Dream cocktail watch, perfectly embodies this notion.
The stunning work of art, features 253 round diamonds around its 33mm, 18 carat white gold case, while its mobile petals are set with eight intricately cut emeralds. The green alligator strap, along with its 18 carat gold pin buckle adds to the watch’s overall charm.
The watch perfectly exemplifies “La Dolce Vita,” with its feminine and modern design, yet still reflects a whimsical nature. Whether you’re attending a formal event or simply want to add some elegance to your everyday look, Bulgari’s Diva’s Dream watch is the ideal fit.
Bulgari Diva’s Dream Watch 103505, $45,000
FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT HIGHLIFE WORLDTIMER MANUFACTURE
It’s hard to believe that it has been 35 years since Frédérique Constant released its first watch on the Swiss watchmaking scene. To celebrate the occasion, the watch brand recently revealed two variations of its Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture watch.
For this edition, Frédérique Constant selected a petroleum blue dial that featured a hue soft enough to reveal the many shades engraved on its surface. Additionally, the dial features luminous, gold-coloured appliqué hour-markers, matching the three central hands which indicate the hours, minutes, and seconds. The external disc is marked with 24 cities denoting 24 time zones, while the internal disc displays the time in each reference city.
Blue and white backgrounds enable the wearer to distinguish effortlessly between night and day. The Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture watch is not just a functional timepiece, but also a stylish accessory that is sure to draw attention.
The watch has a timeless design that is suitable for both formal and casual occasions. It is the perfect watch for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Frédérique Constant Highlife Worldtimer Manufacture, from $4,000
BLANCPAIN FIFTY FATHOMS
This watch is unique in many ways. Made of lightweight and durable titanium, it is water-resistant to a depth of 300 metres. It features a modern black dial with luminescent markers, useful for divers who spend their time exploring the deep blue sea.
Powered by automatic movement, it has a battery reserve of 120 hours. This year the watch brand is celebrating its 70th anniversary and is doing so by paying homage to one of the brand’s most iconic dive watches.
The rebirth of this watch has an interesting story. Twenty years ago, CEO Marc A Hayek discovered the Fifty Fathoms lying dormant in the brand’s archives. He immediately fell in love with its sleek sporty design and the sailcloth straps, embodying everything a scuba diver could want in a timepiece. As a result, the CEO decided to test the waters to see how the clientele would react. In 2003, Blancpain launched the first contemporary version of the watch. The edition consisted of just 50 pieces, spanning across three collections.
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, $42,500
BAUME & MERCIER – RIVIERA
Inspired by the carefree lifestyle of the French Riviera, Baume & Mercier’s Riviera timepiece symbolizes an easy-going approach to refined watchmaking. It was first developed in 1973, and has since been adapted to every era, year after year, while staying true to its unique style.
The newest adaption, Riviera Coastline is a daring creation with pure, slender lines, and is immediately recognizable with its twelve-sided bezel.
However, what really sets this watch apart is its distinctive and stunning design. Attempting to replicate the French Riviera, this automatic watch features 63 strategically placed diamonds and a gradated midnight blue lacquer dial.
The Riviera Coastline is a representation of the brand’s commitment to creating watches of exceptional quality, beauty, and style that stand the test of time.
Baume & Mercier Riviera 10677, from $3,750
VACHERON CONSTANTIN – BACCHUS
Forming part of its Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication, Vacheron Constantin’s Bacchus watch is a rare timepiece set with 113 rubies. The watch, which is dedicated to Roman god, Bacchus, features 16 complications, a perpetual calendar and tourbillon. Housed in an 18 carat pink gold case, measuring 47 mm diameter.
The extraordinary timepiece took over 300 hour man hours to make, which its two crafters took turns to do. Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication – Bacchus brings together, on its double-sided display, the essential calendar and astronomical functions in tribute to Johannes Kepler, one of the founders of modern astronomy.
The perpetual calendar offers an equation of time indication, as well as sunrise and sunset times on the front. The watch also features a display of si-dereal time, with a rotating sky chart of the constellations, the age of the moon, along with indications of the date, seasons and signs of the zodiac.
The Bacchus watch is ideal for those who appreciate quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Vacheron Constantin – Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication – Bacchus watch. Price available upon request
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS – LADY ARPELS SOLEIL FÉERIQUE
Lady Arpels Soleil Féerique forms part of Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Extraordinary Dials” collection, which aims to honour the wonder of the heavens.
The watch features a light dome adorned with honeycomb-set yellow sapphires and diamonds that impart an intense glow, paying tribute to the sun. Adding to this, is its use of yellow and white gold, trimmed with plique-àjour enamel, which provides for a subtle transparency effect.
The watch boasts a 41 mm case, coated with the likes of diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. The manual timepiece has a 40 hour power reserve and is limited to just three pieces.
The time-teller is the prime accessory for bold fantasy and mythical fans alike. This is due in part to the use of its signature fairy, placed on the dial.
The Lady Arpels Soleil Féerique, $374,000
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