AGAINST THE GRAIN
All sleek lines and defined edges, these angular watches break the round-timepiece mould in serious style.
AN ICON RETURNS
In 1904, Louis Cartier created one of the world’s first modern wristwatches for the aviator Alberto Santos Dumont, who needed an easy way to check the time while flying. The latest of many iterations of this design over the years, the new Santos de Cartier collection includes novelties such as this yellow gold and steel edition in a “medium” size (35.1mm by 35.1mm). Among the changes: The bezel is no longer a pure square, and has been extended at the top and bottom so it “flows” into the bracelet; the watch is thinner; and the 1847 MC automatic movement now boasts anti-magnetic properties.
EQUESTRIAN ELEGANCE
Jaeger-LeCoultre’s most popular model, the Reverso, continues to stand in a class of its own with its unique swivelling case, which was originally designed so polo players could flip the dial side over to protect it during a game. The latest versions, such as the Reverso Tribute Small Seconds shown here, now come with leather straps crafted by Argentinean bootmaker and polo- crowd favourite Casa Fagliano. This 45.6mm by 27.4mm steel timepiece is manual-winding and features a seconds subdial.
EARN YOUR STRIPES
The Tag Heuer Monaco has several claims to fame, including being the first square waterproof automatic chronograph when it was launched in 1969. Two years later, its popularity was cemented when Steve McQueen wore it in the 1971 film LeMans, where he drove a Porsche 917 featuring the blue and orange racing stripes of Gulf Oil. Measuring 39mm by 39mm and powered by the automatic Calibre 11, the steel Monaco Gulf Special Edition 50th Anniversary is the latest addition to a small number of Gulf editions by Tag Heuer.
LATIN FLAIR
Available in rectangular, tonneau or cushion form, the Patek Philippe Gondolo has a quirky origin story: In the early 20th century, special- order timepieces were made for watch collectors’ clubs started by the Brazilian retailer Gondolo & Labouriau. Today, the Art Deco influences of those timepieces continue to echo in designs such as the Gondolo Ref. 5124G in white gold. This 43mm by 33.4mm timepiece is manually wound.
FINE VINTAGE
It’s right there in its name: The Glashutte Original Seventies Chronograph Panorama Date was designed with 1970s aesthetics in mind. Thanks to features like its old television-like steel case, which measures 40mm by 40mm, its appearance has plenty of retro appeal. But there is nothing old-fashioned about its engine. The automatic watch is powered by the integrated chronograph movement, Calibre 37- 02, which was designed to be hardy, streamlined and compact.
URBAN INSPIRATION
Showing that it’s not just about minimalist ceramic timepieces, Rado has been creating interesting novelties inspired by its own archives. The Traditional 1965 XL is an update of a watch that was inspired by the Manhattan skyline and introduced in, as the new model’s name suggests, 1965. The resolutely angular PVD- coated titanium case measures 44mm in length and 44mm in breadth (including the lugs) and houses an automatic movement.
TIME TO ROVE
Whether vertically or horizontally oriented, the rectangular case is a signature of Hautlence. One of the brand’s latest creations is the HL Vagabonde 02, which is housed in a black DLC- coated titanium case measuring 39mm by 46mm. The automatic watch features an unusual take on the wandering-hours display, and shows time by means of a rotating minute disc surrounded by three openwork hour discs.