Gone are the days when a watch was used only to keep time. Today, it?s as much about style and status. In our monthly series on consumer products, we bring to you a collection of some of these timeless beauties. Compiled by Anirudh Vohra
Rs 25,000-Rs 85,000
Tissot T0356171603100
Tissot watches are affordable, high-specification timepieces. Keeping up to its heritage, this beautifully-crafted Tissot comes with a silver dial within a stainless-steel case on a brown leather strap. It is water resistant up to 330 ft (100 m), which makes it suitable for snorkelling as well as swimming. We wouldn?t advise diving, though.
All yours for R26,900
Tissot T0484172705706
Tissot has been making Swiss watches since 1853 and the expertise shows in this watch. With water resistance of up to 330 ft (100 m), a chronograph display and a black rubber strap, this is an ideal outdoor watch. Take it with you for swimming, cycling or trekking.
All yours for: R37,500
Longines L47084722
Don?t let the simplicity fool you, for it costs a fortune. This is an elegant and simple-looking Swiss watch with a white dial and a metal bracelet. This piece is for people who like to keep it simple and stylish, making it a perfect gift for the festive season.
All yours for: R83,000
Rado R30927713
Promoted by Hrithik Roshan, Rado has been a style statement for quite some time. This jewel comes with a durable sapphire crystal, which protects the watch from scratches. With a case diameter of
38 mm in a stainless steel body and water resistance of up to 99 ft (30 m), this watch can withstand rain and splashes of water while giving your hands the extra oomph.
All yours for: R72,300
Rado R22531723
A slice of heaven (as the salesman pitches it)
with a black dial and 12 diamonds placed in a stainless steel case and bracelet covered
with a scratch-resistant sapphire covering,
this watch is not a machine, but a piece of jewellery for your wrist.
All yours for: R56,800
Rs 85,000-Rs 3,00,000
Omega 12310356002001
The brand preferred by
Mr Bond offers a model that features a silver dial with a date window at the 3 o?clock position and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The bezel, with its engraved Roman numerals, mounted on a 35mm stainless steel case, and presented on a stainless steel bracelet, will surely bring out the secret agent in you.
All yours for: R1,44,200
Breitling E7936210
How about the watch that decorates the dashboard of a Bentley? Cast in a titanium case with a titanium bracelet and a unidirectional titanium bezel, this piece is equipped with luminous hands. Along with a perpetual digital display, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and water resistance of up to 330 ft,
this thing will make
you feel like a Bentley (if that?s possible).
All yours for: R2,89,080
Tag Heuer WAP1111BAO831
Don’t have abs like Shah Rukh Khan? Worry not, for you can have a watch like his. From the Aquaracer range of Tag Heuer, this watch comes with a steel frame, crystal Zafiris cover and a stainless steel bracelet. With a silver dial and luminous indicators, a date display and water resistance up to 300m, this will give you a superstar feel.
All yours for: R99,000
Omega 32630405006001
The legendary Speedmaster series is an impressive representation of the brand?s adventurous pioneering spirit. This model features a grey dial with yellow accents, covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and graced by a date window, a small seconds sub-dial, 30-minute recorder and 12-hour recorder; and each of the black sub-dials have a textured ?Clous de Paris? pattern.
All yours for: R2,50,800
Rado R32525172
This Rado is made in a black high-tech ceramic case and bracelet with a fixed black ceramic bezel. A black dial and luminous hands with stick hour markers ornate this timekeeper. The minute markers around the outer rim and date display between the
4 and 5 o?clock positions make this watch stand out.
All yours for: R2,77,000
Above Rs 3,00,000
Chopard Porsche 919 Edition
To celebrate Porsche?s return to Le Mans, Chopard unveils a special Porsche 919 limited edition based on the Superfast Chrono bodywork. Its dial echoes various details of the Porsche 919 Hybrid, which will compete in the LMP1 Endurance World Championship. Stamped with the 919 logo at the 9 o?clock position, the watch is the official timing partner for Porsche.
Price on request
Graham 2CCAUB02A
The new Chronofighter Oversize?also known as the Black Sahara or Wildlife?is a tough, rugged watch that will be at home in the toughest conditions due to the design and materials used in its construction. It will be equally at home anywhere you care to take it. It is an imposing watch with a black dial and muted colours used for the numerals?exuding an aura of masculinity. It has been developed to survive in today?s toughest environments.
All yours for: R4,01,200
Rolex Daytona 116599
Yes, how can you miss out this gem when you talk watches. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watches come with a 40mm 18K white gold case set with 48 diamonds and another 36 setting the bezel. They have screw-down push buttons, pave diamond dials and a blue strap with 18K white gold deployable fliplock clasps.
All yours for: R66,17,400
Rolex Yatch Master 2
A stainless steel case, a stainless steel and 18k rose-gold bracelet and a 90-degree rotatable bezel give this Rolex its striking features. A white dial with
black-tone hands and index hour markers and the minute markers around the outer rim make this watch not only casual, but also a bit too hot to handle.
All yours for: R15,94,800
Hublot Big Bang Steel Pave
This model comes with
a 44 mm stainless steel case, a black dial, stainless steel set with
114 diamonds of 1.78 ct bezel, and a stainless
steel bracelet with integrated buckle. Royalty at its best.
Price on request