Time, Trends

5 starter watches to kick off a brand new year in 2020

 
5 starter watches to kick off a brand new year in 2020

Sporty new you

Weight loss is one of the most common resolutions, but it also ironically has the lowest success rates – the resolution might be unrealistic or not specific enough, combined with the lack of the drive to succeed.

A better resolution would be to take up a new sport that is truly enjoyable, and dropping some pounds will come naturally. For extra motivation, pick up a sports watch as an accompaniment. The Omega Seamaster Diver 300m ticks several boxes for a modern sports watch.

Despite its hulking presence on the wrist with a 43.5mm case diameter, the black ceramic and titanium case keeps it lightweight and provide it with unrivalled hardiness. The watch is further protected with a scratchproof sapphire crystal and Omega’s robust shock- and magnetic-resistant automatic Co-Axial Calibre 8806.

Paired with a rubber strap and with water resistance of 300m, the Seamaster Diver can be taken for leisurely swims or brought into the shower after a good workout.

 

Get organised

Mess and chaos rank high on the list of productivity killers, so starting the year on a tidy note is a critical aspect to improve efficiency. Aim to organise and clear chaotic zones that are within control, such as a messy office desk, overflowing e-mail inbox or even cluttered mobile phone application pages.

While on the topic of clean slates, picking up a watch with a clean and organised dial can serve as a reminder to stay tidy every time one checks the time. The Montblanc Star Legacy Full Calendar is an elegant expression of an organised dial paired with classic watchmaking codes.

The execution of the watch dial is masterful as the key elements of the full calendar are arranged harmoniously – demarcated by negative spaces. The calendar’s layout allows one to read all the necessary information at a glance, with the day and month indicated in the apertures while the date is highlighted by the red crescent hand.

The choice of Roman numerals is a classic touch suitable for both casual and formal occasions.

 

Family ties

As the debate and search for work-life balance ramble on, it is important not to neglect your loved ones. The key to making the most out of our precious remaining free time is to spend quality time – undivided attention – with our family.

Patek Philippe exemplifies the importance of family ties with its iconic slogan launched in 1996. Recognised as the very essence of the Swiss watchmaker with its pure lines, the curves of the svelte 39mm watch case of the Calatrava Ref. 5227G- 010 is executed in white gold – an understated choice.

Powered by the automatic Calibre 324 S C, the hand-engraved movement can be viewed through an officer case back hidden by invisible hinges that Patek Philippe so cleverly devised. The highly elegant watch is further highlighted with a rich black lacquered dial adorned with white gold hour markers.

Be prepared to bequeath the Calatrava to your offspring because it was made for generations after all.

 

Better planning

As clichéd as the age-old adage “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail” goes, planning is the key to meeting one’s objectives with ease and promptness – a well-thought-out plan armed with contingencies minimise the risk of failures.

A key element to a successful plan is exacting timeliness, and the Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Open is the right watch for it. The legendary El Primero movement is the world’s first fully-integrated high-frequency, self-winding chronograph calibre developed by Zenith in 1969.

The Chronomaster Open is able to attain high levels of precision and timekeeping accuracy thanks to the high operating frequency of the calibre, operating at 36,000vph or 5Hz. It is also COSC-certified to guarantee an accuracy within -4 to +6 seconds of variation per day.

The partially openworked watch dial is executed in Zenith’s iconic style, which allows viewers to marvel at the beating heart of the El Primero movement.

 

Inner beauty

Living life to the fullest does not necessarily mean endlessly chasing big goals, it is also about enjoying the little things in life that contribute to a happier and fuller life.

The TAG Heuer Monaco 50th Anniversary celebrates the watchmaker’s storied history and achievements in motor racing while displaying the intricate beauties of watchmaking. The monochromatic 39mm charcoal coloured dial is punctuated with red chronograph seconds and counter hands.

Great attention to details such as the discreet sunray brushing on the dial and the faceted, mirror-polished applied black-gold indexes ensure the minute elements will not go unnoticed.

The unconventional execution and positioning of the crown and pushers stay true to the OG pieces that have distinguished the Monaco over the past 50 years, while being powered by the world’s first automatic-winding chronograph movement – the hallowed TAG Heuer Automatic Calibre 11.

 

 

This story first appeared in the December/January ’20 issue of Men’s Folio Malaysia.