If you’ve always seen the watch as more of a statement piece or artistic creation, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of new timepieces by luxury watchmakers out there. From the masterful use of precious materials and gemstones to the beauty of hand-engraved details, these watches are some of today’s most prized masterpieces and works of art.
Whether it’s bringing an animal to life through carvings or technology, or reinterpreting a classic model into a simplistic but contemporary edition, here are 5 of the most beautiful watches that we’re coveting right now.
Patek Philippe Calatrava “Clous de Paris”
Offered in two colours, the Calatrava “Clous de Paris” exudes its charm best in the rose gold version, reference 6119R. Fitted with an alligator strap and powered by Patek Philippe’s new 30-255 PS movement, the new Calatrava is given a beautiful silver-grained dial with applied rose-gold “obus” markers and hands. These new references are old school at heart, but upsized and redesigned to look as contemporary as possible. W patek.com
Related: Watches & Wonders 2021: 8 alluring watches for every man.
Louis Moinet “8 Marvels of the World” Great Wall of China
Part of Louis Moinet’s “8 Marvels of the World” collection, the Great Wall of China model probably boasts one of the finest details of the lot. The dial depicts the monument in hand-engraved rose gold applique, which takes on the form of a majestic dragon. The bright green shine of Maw Sit Sit illuminates the path, while the background shimmers through a gradient 129 brilliant-cut sapphires and 11 brilliant-cut diamonds. W louismoinet.com
Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Hybris Mechanica Calibre 185
Meet the world’s first watch with four faces. The Reverso Hybris Mechnica Calibre 185 made its debut at this year’s Watches & Wonders, in conjunction with its 90th anniversary this year. The overall case design retains the classic Reverso design – with Art Deco streamlined grooves at the top and bottom. It packs an amazing11 complications and multiple firsts into a compact, wearable wristwatch – including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and indications of the synodic, draconic, and anomalistic cycles. W jaeger-lecoultre.com
Jaquet Droz Loving Butterfly Automaton
An enchanting timepiece that looks picked off from a fantasy tale, the Loving Butterfly Automaton features an 18-karat red gold case, and a romantic Chinchilla red petrified wood and black onyx dial with hand-engraved 18-karat red gold appliques. The highlight, however, a chariot-pulling butteryfly taking centre stage of the dial. Using the modern magic of a hand-wound mechanical automaton movement with push-button triggering mechanism, the wings of the butterfly gently flaps – bringing the watch to life. W jaquet-droz.com
You may also like: Watches & Wonders 2021: 8 women’s watches we want on our wrist.
MB&F LMX
Ten years since the debut of MB&F’s take on high-end mechanical watchmaking, the Legacy Machine No. 1, the marque launched the LMX in celebration of 10 years of the collection. This unique edition features fully independent dual times zones, which can be seen under the sapphire crystal dome. Floating above the dial is the flying balance wheel, which has become the leitmotiv of the Legacy Machines. Another nod to the LM1, the LMX sports a completely novel three-dimensional display which showcases the engine’s 168-hour power reserve. W shop.madgallery.ch