LIST: Zach’s 3 favourite watches of 2020

Zach Blass

This year was strange, to put it mildly. The pandemic was ever-present, lurking over our shoulder, keeping us locked in our homes and generally limiting our contact with the rest of the world. Fortunately, for those of us into watches, the new releases have continued to flow with manufacturers adapting their release strategies to meet the year’s peculiar demands. Here are my three favourite watches of 2020.

Kurono “Mori” One-Year Anniversary Limited Edition

In my opinion, Kurono watches have the best ratio of affordability to artistry. Lucky buyers get world-class dials and hands in a classic 37mm case profile that’s beautifully polished all around (besides its brushed caseback). The Mori One-Year Anniversary Limited Edition has a rich emerald green dial that I have yet to even begin to tire of and looks far more expensive than it really is. For under $2000 USD, Kurono manages to provide consumers with completely distinct and original designs from Hajime Asaoka – who, under his own name, creates bespoke watches priced at tens of thousands of dollars.

With Kurono, he still manages to bring the same level of attention to detail, blending both bespoke and affordable elements to the watch. The Miyota movement within mitigates costs, but still provides wearers with a reliable engine to power the gorgeous externals. Anytime I want a burst of colour on my wrist, this is the watch I wear. And let the record show I believe this watch should have won the GPHG award it was nominated for.

DOXA SUB 300 Carbon Aqua Lung US Divers

What I love about this watch is that DOXA, known for making carbon copies of their beloved vintage divers, have now made a carbon-cased version of the amazing SUB 300 diver. Carbon is an intriguing material, being both robust and light – offering similar benefits of titanium. But where it really stands out is its ability to add colour and texture both in the body of the watch and also its dial. It gives off the versatile black aesthetic anyone can pull off, while adding elements of depth and intrigue you can’t find in a standard matte or gloss dial.

The watch is also my kind of size, being a professional 42mm diver with an extremely wearable 45mm lug-to-lug measurement thanks to its iconic flying saucer-like profile. Add in a supple rubber strap that rivals some of the best in the biz, with a neat dive extension clasp and we have a true winner for 2020.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Watch

The watch that took home the grand prize at the GPHG, the Piaget Ultimate Concept, is also my favourite creation. Sadly, I don’t ever see myself buying this watch, considering it costs around $400,000 USD, but if I win the lottery, you can bet I am going to snag one of these mechanical marvels. Piaget has not only created a revolutionary watch-movement hybrid that results in a 2mm profile, but also a new bespoke buying process that allows fortunate buyers to customise it in more than 10,000 configurations. Considering the hefty price tag, it is a nice touch that Piaget will allow buyers to not only have their Ultimate Concept but their ultimate configuration as well.