EDITOR’S PICK: 6 months on, and does Felix still stand by his top 10 watches of 2017?
Felix ScholzEditor’s note: Late last year I hung out with Andrew and some strangely undrunk drinks on a hot rooftop bar and rolled through my favourite watches of 2017. Six months and two watch fairs have passed since then, and do I still stand by my picks? Well, scroll down and find out. Legend has it those Coronas are still there …
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Master Chronometer
Timeless style and a seriously impressive movement ensured the Aqua Terra won over the pragmatic side of my heart. My only dilemma is — which version?
Do I still rate it? Heck yes I do! I’m leaning more towards the bracelet version these days, as well as the grey dial with light blue seconds hand.
Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic
I’ve loved this watch from the first time I saw it. Impressive engineering and avant-garde style makes for an irresistible combination for me.
Do I still rate it? The OG version is pretty amazing, but I think I love the new gold and rhodium-plated steel versions even more. So I guess I rate it more?
Apple Watch Series 3
Shock! Horror! Apple Watch! Not only am I continually impressed by how well Apple does luxury in their consumer products, the prospect of freeing myself from the tyranny of my iPhone is seriously compelling.
Do I still rate it? Yes … and no. Since filming, I’ve tried the watch out IRL, and while it does everything it says on the tin, I’m not quite ready for phoneless freedom.
Cartier Drive de Cartier Extra-Flat
I was really impressed by the Cartier Drive when it first came out, and even more impressed by this slimmed-down, simplified take on the model. Cartier at its purist.
Do I still rate it? Yes and yes. But now, after having seen the steel, I’ve changed my tune and think gold is the way to go.
Ulysse Nardin Marine Regatta
Yacht timers aren’t typically my thing, but the user-friendliness and masculine good looks of Ulysse Nardin was enough for the Marine Regatta to make the list.
Do I still rate it? I was kind of hoping for some line extensions on this at SIHH 2018; perhaps that incredible movement in a more conventional case. Having said that, this is still one of my all-time favourite Regatta Timers.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire Rainbow
Fun fact: I like stones. Or, more to the point, I appreciate the skills involved in selecting and setting precious stones. It’s an art form just as demanding as any other in high horology’s remit, and this crystalline Hublot shows us just how good it can look.
Do I still rate it? Ummmm, yes. Probably even more; my love for this watch grows greater every day. Though the smoky sapphire rainbow version is probably even better.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Steel
The Black Bay Steel hit me like a tonne of finely engineered Swiss bricks, completely reframing how I thought about Tudor’s heritage hit. I’ll have one on the fabric strap please.
Do I still rate it? Yep. But next year can we get a steel bezel Black Bay GMT version? PLEASE.
Oris Big Crown ProPilot Worldtimer
Classic pilot style, GMT-functionality and a bezel that’s the heart of the party. There’s a whole lot to like about this fun little Oris.
Do I still rate it? Yeah, even with that gear lash and large size, you can’t deny the ingenuity-to-value ratio of this big fella.
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time
This watch is … All. About. That. Dial. Blue, brown or icy — they’re all good! Good clean fun, and a smart play from Seiko.
Do I still rate it? I’m wearing one right now. ‘Nuff said.
Rolex Yacht-Master 40 With Gem-Set Bezel
And, finally. Rolex. It’s far from the most buzziest Rolex of 2017, but this bedazzled version of the Yacht-Master 40 on Oysterflex is, to pinch a word from the dial, superlative.
Do I still rate it? Unsurprisingly, I really do. Probably even more than the new, sparkling Daytona.