Make it count

Take your pick from these stylish timekeepers

Rolex Day-date 40

The movement inside might be a modern confection, but the complication behind it is anything but. In 1956, Rolex’s Daydate became the first watch to show the day and date in full. Configure it any way you fancy (I would take it in white gold, with a black dial), but all are powered by Rolex’s highly accurate and ultra-reliable Calibre 3255. £28,850 (www. rolex.com)

Chopard L.U.C XP

The latest addition to Chopard’s achingly suave XP collection comes in 40mm of slimline stainless steel and set on a strap made of 100% British merino wool, with an alligator lining. The vertical satin-brushed blue dial, with its rose-gold gilded Arabic numerals, is perfection. £7,110 (www.chopard.com)

Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Regulator Ref 5235/50R

Centuries ago, clockmakers created regulator clocks with isolated minute hands so they could track accuracy more easily. The aesthetic lives on here in Patek’s exquisite rose-gold wristwatch, which also features an annual-calendar function that will only need adjusting once a year, on March 1. £38,950 (www.patek.com)

Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph

Hublot’s first love is the Big Bang, but it’s the louche and rather more recondite Classic Fusion line that will appeal to more mannerly types. At 42mm, its titanium case is modest and lightweight, if not svelte. Inside, it’s an automatic chronograph that might come in handy for timing those minutes until you simply have to leave. £7,190 (www.hublot.com)

Bremont Argonaut

Bremont’s Armed Forces Collection isn’t standard issue for the boys on the frontline, nor, mercifully, is it exclusive to those in service of Her Majesty. The Argonaut, with its naval sensibilities, is a robust number, complete with an attention-grabbing orange minute hand, a chronometercertified movement and a rotating inner bezel all designed to compel punctuality. £2,795 (www.bremont.com)