Editor’s letter

July 2014 / Issue 161

They say you can tell a lot about someone from the kind of watch they wear. And I’m inclined to agree. If, for example, someone’s tempted to don an enormous gold monstrosity with enough jewels to give Kanye West sleepless nights, there’s a good chance that person’s not going to be my cup of tea.

On the other hand, if a watch has a classic look (leather strap, round face, etc) and a clever design, then its owner is most definitely speaking my language.

And now, even though the category is still finding its feet, the arrival of the smartwatch has made one’s choice of wristwear more revealing than ever before.

Are you a fitness nut? Then you might want to sport a Samsung Gear Fit (p79). Want something that looks classy (for a smartwatch) and plays nice with a wide range of handsets? Then slap on a Pebble Steel (p76). And if you’re just after something that shows your complete lack of taste, well, you’ll be picking up the hideous Martian Passport (p74). For me, it’s the approaching arrival of the Moto 360 that’s most exciting. If Motorola’s smartwatch is half as cool as it looks then Apple’s highly anticipated entry (whether smartwatch or fitness band p38) had better be something very special.

No matter what kind of timepiece you’re after, we’ve got you well and truly covered. On p39 you’ll find a collection of the most weird and wonderful watches on the planet. It features everything from affordable eccentricities to status symbols that cost more than your house. This month’s Supertest (p71) rounds up five smartwatches and sees them battle it out. And if you’re after something a little larger, then check out the smart cuff on p17.

There is more to life than watches, though, so this month also finds us investigating the safety of modern aviation in the wake of Malaysian Flight MH370’s tragic disappearance. Drive puts us behind the wheel of the stunning (and stunningly light) Alfa Romeo 4C. And we find the right camera for you from p51.

Enjoy the issue.