LIST: 6 watches that signify success
Andrew McUtchenEditor’s Note: The Weekly Review recently asked me to give them a list of six watches that “show you’re a success in life”. For the record, I don’t think a luxury watch necessarily tells the world you’re successful. Obama’s Jorg Gray Secret Service Watch (the 6500 chrono, worth in the realm of $300USD) that was gifted to him for his 46th birthday with a personal engraving, on the other hand… Who wouldn’t wear that with as much pride as a Rolex President? But that interpretation of success – or price point – wasn’t quite what the magazine had in mind, so I came up with a bit of a mixed bag of icons, power-watches and less-expected choices.
OMEGA – Seamaster 300 Master Co-Axial
It’s the Omega dive watch du jour, thanks to its Bond connection and vintage inspired colour scheme it can be worn with anything. And by that I really do mean anything. The Spectre limited edition came standard on a striped black and grey NATO strap and fits as well with a tuxedo as it does swimming trunks. Whereas the two-tone Sedna gold and steel version steps up the luxe. It is the watch for every mission, be that on land, sea or boardroom. $7975
ROLEX – Day-Date ‘President’
What do you get for the leader in your life – male, female, young, old – that has everything? Are you kidding? You get them a Rolex Day-Date, or ‘The President’s watch’ as it’s been known ever since American Presidents such as Lyndon B. Johnson made it their timekeeper of choice. Chances are, those to the power born, either have one, or one picked out. It’s the ultimate wrist symbol of success, and with an ever-increasing array of style icons wearing it including Justin Timberlake on his recent hit ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling!’ it’s by no means had its day. $47,550
AUDEMARS PIGUET – Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
No watch wins more influential people over, in my opinion, than the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. With its octagonal shape case (and those unmistakable exposed screws), it’s the face that’s launched a thousand watch imitators. Its proportions are millimetre perfect in all sizes – it runs from a 36mm version to the ‘Jumbo’ 41mm – and, while not being common, it’s iconic enough to appeal to watch lovers as well as those with just a keen eye for quality. In terms of the message this watch sends, the Royal Oak quietly confirms that rumours of your going up in the world are well founded. $86,000
IWC – Portugieser
On the style front, the Portugieser is more sensitive, artistic gent than alpha male despite its almost imposing size. The design of the watch is based on twin pillars of heft and authenticity as, unlike many modern watches, it’s always been huge for the simple reason that the watch that inspired it housed a pocket watch movement and was used by mariners. Manly stuff indeed. You could also sub in the IWC Big Pilot as the new range has plenty of dressy variations in precious metals perfect for suit duty. $17,800
CARTIER – Santos
Louis Cartier created the Santos watch in 1904, sealing his friendship with the aviator of the same name, who you might have noted in the Opening Ceremony of Rio 2016, ‘flying’ out of the stadium. A close up of his wrist, if it were historically accurate would have shown the rounded angles and exposed screws of a model that has true claim to icon status. Cartier marked the centenary of the watch with a blacked out steel model with a scratch-resistant ADLC coating and automatic 1847 MC Manufacture movement. $10,700
LONGINES – Master Collection Moon Phase
While the ‘classic’ look is often imitated, there’s nothing quite like the real thing, and few brands do timeless better than Longines. This model has it all. Alligator strap, gold case and the trusty Longines calibre L678, which you can see through the sapphire crystal caseback. This watch packs a serious functional punch too, with chronograph, complete calendar and moon-phase complications. $12,775