NOT SAFE FOR WORK

These are watches that will definitely make a statement – of the wrong kind – especially when worn in the boardroom.

Best known for its avantgarde styling and a preference for using 21st-century materials, Richard Mi l l e ’ s ( richardmille.com) watches might typically be referred to as sexy in the colloquial rather than the literal way. But when he launched his RM 69 Erotic Tourbillon, it was definitely the latter interpretation of sexy he had in mind. Designed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi, the 505-part movement displays, on the dial, three revolving rollers. Press a button and an ‘erotic’ phrase - one of 216 possible combinations - is generated, with each roller forming one part of the phrase.

Richard Mille’s horologist Theodore Diehl says: “There are suggestions to be kissed in certain places, but I’ll leave it to your imagination as to where. The real excitement here is perhaps the fact that you don’t know what this watch is going to say next.”

While erotic watches may form a small niche within an already rarefied market, there are enough around, and often from some of the most respected and traditional of makers. Take, for instance, a Blancpain Carrousel Repetition Minutes unique piece - on one side a