The Watches of Our Dreams

Mark Toulson, Head of Watch Buying

At the moment there are lots of blue dialled watches on the market, and it’s great for me as I love blue. I’ve realised though that I don’t own a blue watch. I usually say that choice is the enemy of decision making but amongst the many blues out there, the recently launched Club Sport Neomatik is a real frontrunner. I love Nomos for their subtle quirkiness and excellent value for money and for a shade over £3,000 you get the novelty of their ingenious swing system escapement, 1,000ft of water resistance in a 42mm steel case and of course the aforementioned blue dial. With its bold, white Superluminova hands and markers providing a contrast to the deep blue dial, its one cool looking and feature packed watch.

Finally, a choice that may surprise those who know me. I’m far from “flash” so on the surface my choice of an 18ct yellow gold Day-Date with a green ombre diamond set dial may seem a little “out there”. It really isn’t though. Yellow gold is a classic precious metal and one I feel is due for a resurgence in popularity in 2022. The green dial? Well, Rolex have long associated themselves with that colour, and the light to dark ombre effect is just wonderful to behold. Diamonds? OK, they are a big statement, but they are the hour markers so have a function at least! The whole combination of the green dial, polished and satin finished yellow gold just works for me and above all else it’s a Rolex Day-Date and that is of course just magical.

Faye Soteri, Senior Watch Buyer - International

I’ve always been a fan of Zenith and watched it over the years, I think it’s fair to say it’s been the underdog in the line-up of the luxury Swiss watch industry but its credibility over the El Primero movement has firmly given the brand its position amongst its peers. This sleeping giant has just been waiting for the right time to really impact upon the industry and watch enthusiasts. And now is that time, it’s a brand with heritage and legacy, I’ve always loved authenticity and Zenith have maintained this and its loyalty to the movement which they are known for. I’m also a fan of vintage watches so the Chronometer Revival El Primero A3817 is winner for me. It speaks to all the strengths of the brand as it reaches into its archives introducing this model to a new generation.

Lisa Broun, Senior Watch Buyer

The trend of larger watches for ladies is on the rise and when Breitling first introduced the Ladies Chronomat, it went straight to the top of my wish list. The Chronomat was originally introduced by Ernest Schneider to meet the needs of the renowned Italian Frecce Tricolori Jet team that needed a chronograph for its pilots. Schneider did not want to offer an adaptation of an existing model and instead designed a bold piece to perfectly suit the Italian pilots’ desires. At the time, thin quartz movements were all the rage, so Breitling’s introduction of this bold mechanical timepiece was a huge statement from the brand – and it paved the way for the iconic Breitling spirit we all know and love today.

Fast forward to 2020 and Breitling introduced the 32mm and 36mm lines of the Chronomat that were dedicated to women, reminding us of Ernest Schneider’s original inspiration of a bold timepiece that was not an adaptation of an existing model. A new squad was introduced alongside the Chronomat models that highlighted three leading ladies in their own industry who are known for their fierce, boundary pushing nature.

Keeping design elements of the original but taking on several aesthetic and technical evolutions, my favourite timepiece in this collection must be this stainless steel automatic 36mm. It offers the perfect balance between a robust and technically innovative timepiece, yet with an elegant and androgynous design.

I love the simplistic colourway, and the added touch of the diamonds above the indices enhances the versatility of this timepiece. Subtle hints throughout this watch offer a mixed metal approach, without it overwhelming the entire piece, which for me is the perfect touch of understated femininity. Equipped with Breitling’s Calibre 10, there is no compromise when it comes to the movement. I love that this watch represents Breitling’s philosophy and is perfect for the modern-day woman who is looking for a striking statement piece. A luxurious and bold piece that is ideal for every pursuit, there is no doubt that a Breitling Chronomat is next on my wishlist.

Discover the Watch of Your Dreams here at Goldsmiths.