The confluence of engineering and Summer 2016 is upon us. Schedules are less rigid and the season reminds us to take time to create balance in our lives. Watchmakers know that our time is best spent out of the boardroom and away from the office, which provides them plenty of incentive to create relaxed, activity-inspired creations. Whether playing golf or tennis, flying a plane, or hiking in our National Parks, these seven examples personify the perfect melding of exemplary engineering and functional styling.
“BR-X1 RS 16” By Bell & Ross
Famous for their aeronautical-inspired timepieces resembling flight instruments, the brand has finally partnered up with a Formula One team inspiring this latest creation. As the new partner of Renault Sport, a grey carbon fiber case is detailed in the Renault team color of bright yellow, which also outlines the rubber and carbon fiber band. A skeletonized, blacked-out chronograph movement presents a subtle showcase for a stunning, 56-jewel movement. The contrasting white hands and accents visually stand out on the piece which is water resistant to 100 meters. Only 250 pieces are being produced but the watch is certain to make a scene anywhere it appears.
Pricing upon request
Feldmar Watch Company, Los Angeles
“Chelsea FC” by Hublot
The clean, refined, and uncomplicated look of this piece belies the Chelsea fans rejoice, because 200 lucky ones will be able to proudly wear their team on their wrist. Hublot, the master of Athletic partnerships, has teamed up to release a very limited number of Chelsea blue automatic chronographs. The sleek profile of the timepiece maintains a very clean look with large beveled pushers surrounding the winding crown. A Chelsea lion proudly sits at the 12 o’clock position on the dial which is encased in brushed stainless steel. A small date window perfectly balances the face of the watch, which maintains visual symmetry with six evenly spaced surgical screws sealing the case.
$11,500
Hublot, Beverly Hills
“Master Compressor Chronograph Ceramic” by Jaeger-LeCoultre
JLC continues to release some of the most technologically advanced sport pieces in the industry. Their latest chronograph is framed in by a massive 46 mm ceramic case. As an industry leader in precision movement making, this chronograph movement may be one of the finest in watchmaking. This example boasts more than 300 pieces with two winding barrels and 45 jewels. The watch’s ceramic case allows it to have unique coloring, mixing charcoal gray with opaline blue. Several strap options give the wearer plenty of flexibility, but the watch will certainly be noticed in every setting.
$13,900
Polacheck’s Jewelers, Calabasas
“Tonda Metrographe Steel Abyss” by Parmigiani
Known as a brand that combines subtle, understated styling with some of the highest levels of finishing, Parmigiani has once again produced a masterpiece. It appears that each angle of the watch case and movement has been beveled and highly polished, softening every line on the watch. The three chronograph instruments have been varied in both shape and color, creating less uniformity on the dial, and a subtle reminder of the understated design genius of the brand. The blue Hermés leather band can be switched out for a smooth metal bracelet, allowing the watch to transition into any setting. An automatic in-house movement contains 351 parts which all appear to have undergone hours of painstaking refinement.
$11,900
David Orgell Beverly Hills
“RM 38 Tourbillon” by Richard Mille
The RM 38 melds cutting-edge styling with genuine technical genius. Weighing less than three coins, the watch is constructed out of several space age alloys that provide incredible density with virtually no weight. The tourbillon movement is designed to withstand the extreme speeds and shockwaves generated by the impact of a golf swing. A skeletonized design allows for a full view of one of watchmaking’s most complicated movements. Several additional features, such as a fast rotating bezel and free spring balance, are unseen to the consumer but greatly enhance the accuracy and reliable timekeeping of the watch.
$790,000
Richard Mille, Beverly Hills
“Carrera Heuer 01″ by Tag Heuer
This 45 mm standout looks as good at the gym as it does on the trail in Malibu. A blue rubber strap is seamlessly integrated into four highly polished stainless steel lugs surrounding the black titanium case. The skeletonized automatic movement reveals a technical marvel with a red column wheel and rapid date correction function. Tag Heuer’s connection to auto racing dates back decades and their racing heritage is palpable when you see this watch. The red second hand is the clear focal point of the piece but the use of titanium, rubber, and steel promotes the feeling of a race car on the wrist.
Pricing upon request
Westime Beverly Hills
“Overseas Chronograph and Date” by Vacheron Constantin
This watch has you covered all day with three different quick change straps to suit any occasion. Each piece comes standard with a full stainless steel bracelet, a navy blue alligator strap with black nubuck lining, and a blue rubber strap when you need to perspire. The 263-piece movement is housed in a sensible 42.5 mm wide case that is 13.7 mm thick. A 22 karat gold oscillating weight is visible through the transparent sapphire caseback reminding you that you are wearing one of the finest watchmakers in the world. A navy blue sunburst dial provides just enough uniqueness to stand out at those summer garden parties.
$19,900
Vacheron Constantin, Beverly Hills
