There is a common consensus across the board that certain watches like your OMEGA Speedmaster, TAG Heuer Monaco or Rolex Submariner is incomparable when it comes to their iconic status. These legendary pieces garner a certain level of awe and inspiration that not many watches can compare or even come close. We, however, are not talking about those watches today.
Today we’ll focus on those watches that are currently getting their time in the sun. These modern classic watches have the potential to stay relevant in the future and therefore deserve a place in your collection and on your wrist.
Longines HydroConquest
The HydroConquest collection from Longines is a true sport watch with references to the world of diving. The collection has long been one of its most popular and characteristic watches. We have chosen the chromatic duo available in blue, grey, black and green versions for this list. The new models feature a streamlined design with a bezel featuring a ceramic insert in the same colour as the dial. Further adding a touch of elegance is the two-tone variations in steel and rose PVD or steel and yellow PVD.
With bold style and colour combinations, the new HydroConquest line is reminiscent of the world of water sports. It fits the criteria for anyone looking to invest in a sporty timepiece that will stand the test of time in its design and classical aesthetic. Additional features include water resistance to 300 metres, a unidirectional rotating bezel, a screw-down crown and caseback, an automatic L88.5 movement and rubber straps in different colours.
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Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black
When a watch becomes a piece of art, we can guarantee its place in the history of the world of watchmaking. This is what the recently released Hublot Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black piece is all about. Developed in collaboration with Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami, Hublot pushes the boundaries of creation and brings us an instant classic.
Crafted in a 45mm satin-finished and polished black ceramic case, the timepiece takes inspiration from Murakami’s iconic smiling flower in three-dimensional that sits in the centre of the black dial. But it isn’t just an ordinary flower. Hublot and Murakami have come together to create an ingenious ball-bearing system that allows the flower’s petals to turn. Adding more drama to an already unique piece is the use of black diamonds on the petals and face of the flower. The 200-piece limited edition watch is powered by the manufacture UNICO calibre, offering a 72-hour power reserve.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Control Chronograph Calendar
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Master Control Collection has been around for some time. Its classical appeal and simple aesthetics have reflected the Maison’s commitment to creating traditional timepieces that have stood through time. But when Jaeger-LeCoultre relaunched the Master Control Collection in 2020 with a stylistic 21st-century flair, all bets were off. The new releases were specially designed for the urban sophisticate. It gave the entire collection a modern twist with a new case design and the introduction of a new pink gold alloy: Le Grand Rose Gold.
Additionally, the collection also paid tribute to the technological innovation of the earlier models. It ensured comprehensively revised and updated movements with increased power reserve for all the new models.
Our favourite among the lot is the Master Control Chronograph Calendar, available in a 40mm Le Grand Rose Gold case. This edition features a newly developed Calibre 759 that combines a chronograph function with a triple calendar display and a moon phase. These functions are showcased in a balanced layout making it easier for the wearer to take in information from the dial. The 30-minute chronograph counter at 3 o’clock is balanced by the running seconds subdial at 9 o’clock, while the day and month windows in the top part of the dial are balanced by the moon-phase and date indicator at 6 o’clock.
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Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar
After seven world records, it’s no surprise that the Bvlgari Octo Finissimo is a part of this list of our favourite modern classic timepieces. The Octo Finissimo range is an emblem of Bvlagri’s transformation from a highly regarded jewellery brand to one of the world’s most innovative watchmaking Maison. With this collection, the brand has carved a niche for itself in the art of ultra-thin watchmaking.
The winner of the prestigious ‘Aiguille d’Or’ at GPHG 2021, the Octo Finissimo Perpetual Calendar is the slimmest perpetual calendar watch in the market. It is only 5.80mm thick overall and houses the BVL 305 calibre that is only 2.75mm thick. The watch comes in the signature titanium case and a first for the brand platinum case.
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Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture
The first Highlife timepiece from Frederique Constant came into existence in 1999. Since then, the collection has embodied the values of the Swiss watch brand. In 2020, the Maison brought back the Highlife collection to the forefront. It marked the brand’s official entry into the world of luxury sports watch category with an accessible price point. These factors have made the collection an instant success, especially among young watch collectors who are looking to get their hands on a high-quality timepiece without actually breaking the bank.
The new exclusive blue-grey variation of the Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture collection symbolises chromatic harmony inspired by the seas, skies and space. The 41mm stainless steel case is available in a deep blue-grey dial that reminds the fleeting moment between dusk and dawn. Strapped to an integrated bracelet, the new version of the Frederique Constant Highlife Perpetual Calendar Manufacture is a timepiece worthy of being passed down to future generations.
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Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
A bold newcomer to Blancpain’s flagship Fifty Fathoms collection is the Bathyscaphe in titanium. Keeping in tune with its legacy of developing sporty-chic style timepieces, Blancpain’s new Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is a marvel. The diver’s watch also pays tribute to the exceptional properties of the underwater craft designed by Auguste Piccard to explore the abyss. This new titanium piece is the first of its kind developed by the brand, marking its dedication to evolving its classic timepiece, giving the new versions more value.
The 43mm case structure of the Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe is water-resistant to 300 metres. The watch has an anthracite grey dial with traditional Bathyscaphe luminescent baton-shaped hands and geometric hour markers. They are powered by the in-house Calibre 1315, the automatic movement clocks in a power reserve of 5 days. This new model comes fitted with a NATO or anthracite sailcloth strap or a grade 23 satin-finished titanium bracelet.
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Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer
Making exploration fun again is the new generation of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer. At 36mm, the new Explorer returns to the size of the original model that was first launched in 1963. This new generation timepiece takes cues from its earlier edition and brings together unique aspects to the current timepiece.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer comes in a yellow Rolesor version – an exclusive combination of Oystersteel and Yellow Gold – set with a lacquered black dial with index hour markers and emblematic 3, 6, and 9 numerals. Further enhancing its explorative quality is the Chromalight display that emits a solid blue glow via the hour markers and hands. Powered by the Calibre 3230, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer comes attached to an Oyster bracelet with a Rolex-designed and -patented Oysterlock folding safety clasp.
For more information, visit here.