LIST: 7 watches to check out at Melbourne Watch Week

Felix Scholz

For the second year running, Breguet, Blancpain, Jaquet Droz and Glashütte Original — The Swatch Group’s top-tier brands — are showcasing their latest and greatest at Melbourne retailer Monards Crown boutique. 

Melbourne Watch Week, as it’s called, is running from June 20 to 30 (slightly longer than a week, but who’s counting). It’s a great opportunity to get up close and (somewhat) personal with these pretty special pieces. Yesterday I was filming some watches and I took the chance to have a look around at these standout pieces, and these are my seven picks. 

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Barakuda 

Blancpain’s Fifty Fathoms releases are always strong, and inevitably popular. Amidst all the more modern interepretations (and the awesome Air Command), we were taken by this delicious (and limited) vintage reissue. It’s inspired by a watch made for Barakuda — a German diving equipment company (hence the name). This explains the retro dial design, and indeed the smaller 40mm case.  RRP $17,650 AUD

Glashütte Original SeaQ

From one German-inspired dive watch to another. The surprising Glashütte Original SeaQ. Glashütte Original is not a brand known for their dive watches, even though they played a part in their history (the inspiration for this piece is a 1969 model). It’s a lovely looking heritage-inspired piece, which I suspect will draw some new eyes to the German brand. RRP from $13,000 AUD

Jaquet Droz Grande Seconde Dual Time 

One of the standout Jaquet Droz releases is this handsome two timer — the Grande Seconde Dual Time. With a newly designed world map and a refined aesthetic, this is a first-class travel watch. The rose gold model with a grand feu enamel dial is our pick. RRP $35,800 AUD

Breguet Classique 5177

Another outstanding enamel dial came from Breguet, their new Classique 5177 is offered in white, yellow or red gold with a rich navy blue enamel dial that really is something special. I defy you to try this watch on, and not fall in love. RRP $30,400 AUD

Blancpain Villeret Extra Flat 6605

If you’re in the market for a slender dress watch (and properly thin at 7.4mm) then this handsome and timeless Blancpain is a solid offering. And, in steel on leather it’s a solid price too. RRP $12,700 AUD

Glashütte Original Sixties Annual Edition

Last year, Glashütte Original’s Sixties Annual Edition was a critically well-received green model, and this time around the brand has kicked things up a notch with this bold orange number. Perhaps too bold for some, but if I were you I’d reserve judgement until I saw it IRL. RRP $9650 AUD

Breguet Marine Dame 9518

It may (or may not) surprise you to learn that my favourite watch from Breguet’s 2019 collection (and I reckon one of my favourite 2019 releases thus far) is this petite women’s Marine. The reason is all in the dial. That hand-guilloché finish in a wave pattern is good enough on its own, but put it on natural mother of pearl and you’ve got a very special piece indeed. RRP $44,800 AUD

So, if you’re looking to see some top-notch timepieces in the next week, head down to Melbourne Watch Week at Monards.