Lifestyle
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Watch Special: Clock This!
If you’re in the market for a new timepiece this year, allow us to show you what’s hot in horology
Words by Liz Skone James
Looking to invest in a new wrist piece? We reveal the ones to watch...
The millesime collection is a grand vintage interpretation of the RAYMOND WEIL brand
AWARD WINNERS
Winning Watches Swiss watch makers RAYMOND WEIL have been producing beautiful watches for nearly half a century, crafting their timepieces with the utmost expertise, skill, and precision. Indeed, their new millesime automatic small seconds timepiece has just won the Grand Prix de l’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2023 Challenge Watch Prize. The vintage-inspired collection comprises two variations – 2925 and 2930 – one featuring a centre-seconds and the other a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Both models are housed in a slender stainless-steel case, measuring 39.5mm in diameter and enjoy a refi ned, slender profile. It goes without saying that both are genuine collector’s items. From £1,395 (raymond-weil.co.uk)
The gorgeous new Twelve 36 Alta Gold comes in a 36mm case that’s ideal for every wrist
NEW MODEL
Heart of gold Christopher Ward’s new Twelve 36 Alta Gold proves the old adage that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. The watch came about when customers requested a ‘classic’ Twelve 36 – with the rose gold bezel of The Twelve Halo. After a little experimentation, the new timepiece was born. It comes with a multiangled, 18ct, rose gold bezel and a perfectly proportioned dial that shimmers with the light. It is powered by the Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement which guarantees accuracy and durability. Choose either a highly finished, single-link bracelet with hidden butterfly clasp, or The Twelve rubber strap. Both are fitted with CW’s quick-release system enabling you to effortlessly change your watch’s character in moments. £2,195 (christopherward.com)
A Roger W Smith Series 1 watch; the British watchmaker will be unveiling a special edition Series 1 at the show next month
WATCH SHOW
Just the ticket Collectors take note: next month will see the very first British Watchmakers’ Day, a showcase dedicated to the work of members of the British Watchmakers Alliance. The event will take place on 9 March at Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Halls, in Westminster, and tickets are on sale now. With over 40 confi rmed exhibitors, including Backes & Strauss, Elliot Brown, Duckworth Prestex and William Wood, it promises to be an exciting event for watch lovers. And the highlight will be a series of special edition watches created by exhibitors, exclusively available to guests on the day – among these special editions will be a unique Series One from Alliance chairman, Roger W Smith, who has a famously lengthy waiting list for his ultra-rare watches. He says: “I wanted to make clear just how much this event means to me and that’s why I’ve committed to build one of my own watches especially for the event.” For more details, and to book tickets, see britishwatchmakers.com/british-watchmakers- day
BRITISH MADE
Hot sellers Jonny Garrett, founder of British brand William Wood Watches named his company after his late grandfather, who spent 25 years as a fi refi ghter and was decorated for his bravery. It’s this link that makes the latest William Wood watches so special. The Fire watch has been designed with a unique layered flaming dial, stainless steel bezel with orange markers and glow in the dark case back, while the Extinguisher watch boasts a pearlescent white dial reminiscent of extinguisher foam and a stainless-steel bezel with silver markers. The crown on each watch is made from a 100-year-old melted down British brass firefighter’s helmet and the straps made from upcycled fire hose, and each watch comes in a genuine Italian leather, fire hose inspired travel roll, that holds up to three watches. Both watches retail at £995 (williamwood watches.com)