Incremental Advances

Recycle your old timepieces for new by Jaeger-LeCoulture, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Richard Mille, and Vacheron

So many varied moments occur in our lives that we often don’t acknowledge. Imagine if the 20 minutes before lunch felt like the last 20 seconds of the game, full of highs and lows, that you watched with so much intensity the night before. Could living richer, more rewarding lives come down to capturing a fraction more of our passing time?

JEAGER-LECOULTURE | POLARIS GEOGRAPHIC WT

A new World Timer being sold exclusively at JLC boutiques touts itself as being ideal for both “travelers” and “men of action.” Inspired by the legendary 1968 Memovax Polaris model, the watch has a 42 mm case but with shorter lugs and a thinner profile, making it ideal for active pursuits. The world time function contains 24-time zones along with a day night disk that uses black-and-white coloring, along with a sun and crescent moon, to indicate the proper time of day. There are also demarcations used to indicate daylight savings time. A unique shade of blue is used at the center of the watch face, which gently fades to black as it radiates out and provides a real depth to the look of the piece.

Starting at $13,600
jaeger-lecoultre.com


PATEK PHILIPPE | AQUANAUT CHRONOGRAPH

In typical Patek Philippe fashion, the latest improvement to the Aquanaut line has been carefully designed to maintain aesthetic simplicity. By adding a fly back complication to the movement, the Aquanaut Chronograph did not require a second hand dial, thus eliminating the need for a traditional three-dial display. Orange accent markers, along with a rolling orange seconds hand, provide a splash of color to one of the most understated watches available on the market today.  Equipped with a standard black rubber strap that matches the distinct texture of the watch’s face, the designers decided to throw in a bright orange band to match the colored accents of the Chronograph. Now that might attract a little attention.

Starting at $43,770
patek.com


RICHARD MILLE | RM 67-02 ALEXANDER ZVEREY

The latest creation from the watchmaker is designed to be worn during any type of sporting endeavor. The 67-02 is currently being live tested by professional skiers, Formula One drivers, and, by this example, professional tennis players. Each version embodies the national colors of the respective athlete, with this piece accented in red with a red seamless comfort strap. The carbon composite case and titanium rotor complete the technical look of the open work dial, which is a hallmark of Richard Mille. This latest in-house designed movement reveals the growing prowess of the engineering capabilities of the watchmaker. One will surely stand out at the gym with this watch but stand little fear of compromising one’s six-figure ­investment.

Starting at $131,500
richardmille.com


ROLEX | COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA

Few would argue that the legendary Rolex Cosmograph Daytona model is highly coveted year after year. For 2018 Rolex has amplified this piece by taking its everose colored example with black face and adding 56 diamonds to the lugs and case, 36 colored sapphires to the bezel, and 11 matching sapphires to the hour markers. The result is a colorful array of artistic expression which still contains the precision timekeeping of a Swiss chronometer. This piece is certain to define exclusivity in the future and be a topic of conversation wherever it is worn.

Starting at $120,000
rolex.com


VACHERON CONSTANTIN | OVERSEAS CHRONOGRAPH

VC’s Overseas Chronograph, with interchangeable straps, provides the utmost in versatility. A stainless-steel case with a satin black face and contrasting white dials measures a respectable 42.5 mm across the face. The watch is large enough to be visible on one’s wrist but is not limiting. The traditional chronograph is both sporty yet understated enough for the boardroom when paired with a black alligator strap. Switch to the rubber strap with folding clasp to easily time laps in the pool or a morning run. A metal band is included to round out the adaptability.

Starting at $30,200
vacheron-constantin.com