Today, we’re reminded of the value of permanence. Here are five collectable timepieces that will stand the test of time, last generations, and only appreciate in value. By Mitrajit Bhattacharya
1. PATRIMONY BLUE
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
The watch features an unprecedented ‘majestic blue’ colour for Patrimony. In a classic manual-winding hour-minute reference to a retrograde day-date model, purity meets manufacture style elegance. This hallmark of Patrimony is reflected in a slender 6.8 mm case. Despite the constraints and aesthetic tensions of this distinctive design, the watch is endowed with a 40-hour power reserve. The sunburst finish lends a shimmer to the subtle midnight blue of the dial.
2. DEFY EL PRIMERO 21
ZENITH
The legendary El Primero high-frequency chronograph celebrated half a century of avant-garde design and precision in 2019. As a part of the anniversary set, consisting three chronographs with emblematic tricolour counters, the Defy El Primero 21 features hours and minutes in the centre, small seconds at 9 o’clock and 1/100th of a second chronograph.
3. ROYAL OAK SELFWINDING CHRONOGRAPH 38 MM
AUDEMARS PIGUET
At 38 mm, this new size for the Royal Oak Selfwinding Chronograph launched in 2019 appeals to both the genders, particularly women. Reducing the diameter of the case has called for a complete redesign of the ‘Grande Tapisserie’ patterned dial to reinforce both readability and aesthetics. The 18-karat pink gold model comes with a white dial and pink gold-toned counters or with silver-toned dial and counters. Water resistant to 50 metres.
4. ZEITWERK DATE
A. LANGE & SÖHNE
Last year, on its 10th anniversary, Lange’s first mechanical wristwatch with a precisely jumping digital display was endowed with a new manufacture calibre featuring a remarkable extra function. The glass ring date of the ZEITWERK DATE shows the current date in red. The new ZEITWERK DATE comes in a 44.2 mm white-gold case with a grey dial.
5. BALANCIER CONTEMPORAIN
GREUBEL FORSEY
In creating the Balancier Contemporain, a white-gold 33-piece limited edition, Greubel Forsey provided a compact showcase for its exclusive balance-wheel system. It offers a new movement within the compact 39.6 mm-diameter, 12.21 mm-thick case. An original and engaging display of three-dimensional architecture, this timepiece suits all wrists.
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